TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donuttime]

Does anyone know if the Amberjack pillars have a benchmark? I got a 22 combined however I felt the VIs went well. Is there a chance?

Hey what firm was this for?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith Is it fair to assume that I’ve been rejected by Reed Smith, given that I completed the video interview in the first batch but haven’t been invited to an assessment centre for winter vacation scheme?

Hi!

I definitely wouldn't assume a rejection! As far as I'm aware, I don't believe many (if any!) assessment centre invites have been sent out yet, so I'd say that they are still making decisions post-VI. When I applied last cycle, there was around a month in between my online assessment and AC invite

 

[V2002]

Hi who should we address the Sullivan & Cromwell cover letter to ?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Hi everyone - I have a Latham Q. I was successful for their open day which fast tracks to the vac scheme (don't need to do SJT or VI again but still need to write written app). BUT one of the Qs for the vac scheme is exactly the same as the one I wrote for the open day (a question on extracurriculars, interests, etc...). Is it alright for me to reuse the same Q? I forgot to ask this with gradrec!

Btw, pretty sure the OD doesn't 'fast track' you as such, they rewatch the VI you submitted for the OD along with your VS application.

 

[TCLA0322]

Guys is there no option to apply for a spring/summer vac at Sullivn & Cromwell if you're a 3rd yr law student

Same question: as it stated as "We will accept applications for our 2026 spring and summer vacation schemes from penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, as well as those studying for postgraduate degrees,"

 

[BobThebIlly]

Is 75% competitive for CC’s WG😭😭

I scored 100% on arguments, 88% on assumptions but 62% in drawing conclusions

I need to sit the test tomorrow and I need desperate final advice for how to improve on drawing conclusions please!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Is 75% competitive for CC’s WG😭😭

I scored 100% on arguments, 88% on assumptions but 62% in drawing conclusions

I need to sit the test tomorrow and I need desperate final advice for how to improve on drawing conclusions please!

depends on your time tbh. but 75-80 is usually competitive especially with good time.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

What impact do you want to make at CMS? for anyone who has answered this question, and been progressed. how did you go about answering it?

 

[legal18]

what time is the deadline for Dentons?

tomorrow at noon x

 

[Lawlawland]

Any tips for Dentons online assessment?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What impact do you want to make at CMS? for anyone who has answered this question, and been progressed. how did you go about answering it?

Hey!

Whilst I haven't applied for CMS, I have quoted a post below that outlines how I would approach this question - hopefully it is a useful starting point! If you have any specific questions, just let me know

Hey!

That's a great question, and it can definitely feel open-ended! If I was approaching this question, I would think about it in two ways:

1. Personal Contribution - what unique strengths, experiences, or insights would you bring to the firm? For example, would you help foster collaboration, or do you bring in a global outlook?

2. Overall Impact - how does your contribution tie into CMS's wider goals and values? If the firm has a focus on innovation, you might discuss wanting to support the firm in delivering innovative solutions to clients.

It doesn't have to be something 'grand' - you could even focus on how you'd like to make a positive difference in your team or with clients, which shows self-awareness and motivation. I would make sure to link your answer back to both your personal qualities and CMS's culture.

Your answer could follow a structure such as:

1. Start with your motivation - why CMS? What about the firm has motivated you to apply there?

2. Discuss your strengths - highlight the qualities and skills that you gained from previous experiences that would allow you to make an impact.

3. Link this to the impact - show how these strengths translate into a positive contribution at CMS. This could be on a team level (e.g. supporting colleagues), on a client level (e.g. innovative thinking), or on a firm-wide level (e.g. championing diversity or sustainability).

4. Conclude - tie it back to the kind of professional you hope to become at CMS and the difference you'd like to make in the long run.

I hope that helps

 

[WiddyJ]

is the dentons test automatic?

 

[calebnash]

Hi there, I applied to BCLP last year. I did 500 words for each question, and progressed to the first-stage interview. However, writing 400-450 words per question should be sufficient.

Did you get first stage interview or later on?

 

[yk1906]

depends on your time tbh. but 75-80 is usually competitive especially with good time.

So even if they give 30 mins I should aim to end it earlier? I've never heard of it. Also I've been using all of the allocated time to double check

 

[Lawlawland]

People who applied to Travers on the last day, any VI invite or rejections?

I Am confused as someone people at in AC, some people are in VI stage, some are rejected... And then there's me, being benched and breadcrumbed, smh.

 

[msclm]

People who applied to Travers on the last day, any VI invite or rejections?

I Am confused as someone people at in AC, some people are in VI stage, some are rejected... And then there's me, being benched and breadcrumbed, smh.

I applied the last day (like 15 mins before closing) and I got invited to interview early this week. The next stage (the recruitment day) is in early December (2 days on the first week of dec/1 day second week). They also have a written assessment over a 2 week period. I’d imagine that all interviews will be finished this coming week.

 

[Andrei Radu]

It used to be the training principal in the past but I'm not sure who it is now, might be worth emailing Grad Rec. Chambers Student at least shows that the current recruitment partner is Aaron Ferner.

Maybe @Andrei Radu has some insights?

Hi @DavidJC while I do not have any insider knowledge about this topic, I am quite certain it is fine to either address it to the name of the recruitment partner (who I can confirm still is Aaron Ferner) or to the "Graduate Recruitment Team/Early Careers Team". Firms will generally not care much about the specifics of to whom exactly you addressed the letter, as long as there are no blatant inaccuracies or errors (e.g. addressing it to a prior recruitment partner who has now moved to a different firm).

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone know if Davis Polk requires a completed pgdl from someone who completed their law degree outside the UK?

I am not sure the firm has a well-defined and advertised policy on this matter - while I spent a lot of time interacting with the firm, I did not come across any information relating to this. As such, I think the best option would be to email the graduate recruitment team directly about this issue.

 

[hmevey]

How to answer this fieldfisher question: Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)- do i just talk about my self or do i talk about the firm?

 

[Andrei Radu]

A&OS assessment centre this coming Thursday, any insights from previous attendees?

Hi @AngelBaird I have listed bellow some TCLA resources on this:

• An article from 2018/2019 detailing a candidate's AC experience
• A thread from the current cycle discussing A&OC AC advice
• Four articles describing A&OC AC experiences from 2023, available on the Premium Database