TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[Afuturetrainee]

I’m packing for my vacation and suddenly remembered that in my Gibson application I never addressed it to the grad rec and didn’t even sign off with ‘Yours faithfully.’ A whole week later.
My brain really chose violence today.

You don’t have to

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Any tips for Dentons online assessment?

Hiya!
Can I ask when you applied?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hello!

You should focus mainly on yourself in that question. Fieldfisher is asking for a summary of what you've achieved so far and what makes you stand out - things such as academic achievements, scholarships, work experience, open days, insight schemes, volunteering, leadership roles, and extra-curriculars.

You don't need to talk about the firm directly (and I would definitely avoid turning it into a "why Fieldfisher" answer, as that does not directly answer the question), but you can subtly and briefly link your experiences to the skills and qualities that the firm looks for. That way, you're still showing why you're background is relevant without turning the answer into a cover letter.

This question is an opportunity for Fieldfisher to get to know you through the type of initiatives and activities that you have voluntarily participated in - therefore, I would make it about you, but perhaps write it in a way that subtly shows how your experiences make you a good fit for Fieldfisher.

I hope that helps!

 

[tithi]

Hello Everyone!

As an international student from India, I don’t have extensive commercial work experience. Most of my internships have been in dispute resolution, with one exception. For my CV, is it advisable to include Forage virtual experience programmes? Slaughter and May specifically asks applicants to list these, along with virtual insight days and similar activities.

More generally, should I include virtual open days, events, and Forage certificates in my CV and in the work experience section?

Additionally, do law firms actually verify Forage experiences?

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

why are BCLPs questions 500 words each? do they really want us to write close to 500 words? might sound a silly question just wondering if anyone has done their application if they did 500 for each

Anyone who reached TI or wg for DLA would love your approach on how you approached question 1 and how much you went into the firm's work or values.

hey !! i js had my ti last week

so if i remember q1 correctly it was the thing about a personal experience that motivated you to pursue a career in commercial law + how it’s furthered your professional ambitiond or something.

i guess i took more of a “story telling” approach. so i started off with my first ever memory of wanting to become a lawyer/why I wanted to become a lawyer. I only spoke about that briefly though because I used it so i could show how a specific experience at university shifted my motivations to become a barrister to becoming a commercial solicitor.

I made sure to show that I align with the firm’s heavy focus on identifying as a BUSINESS law firm specifically.

hope that helps x

 

[Wompycapy]

White & Case WVS PFO post app & test. Idk if it was down to the app, the test or both.​

Do you mind sharing what you got on your test report?

 

[Dannie]

If you pass the WG and it says your app will be reviewed, could it be that they still don't review it bc you didn't meet their internal threshold?

 

[Dannie]

What is the CC threshold for WG?

 

[addy2004]

Hello!

I would structure a strong 300-word answer to Ashurst's question by following a clear framework that shows: (1) you understand the firm, (2) you understand the sector, and (3) you can analyse future opportunities. A good structure could follow something along the lines of:

1. Opening (40-50 words)

Start by briefly stating the sector you've chosen (e.g. energy transition, digital economy, real estate, etc.). Show that you understand Ashurst's strategic focus and global position in the sector - this can involve discussing deals, published insights, or public statements from the firm.

2. Context of the sector (80-100 words)

Move on to explain what key facts or market trends are creating opportunities in that sector. For example:

• Regulatory reform
• Technological disruption
• The global push toward net zero
• Increased private capital deployment
• Geopolitical risk and supply chain restructuring

You can support these points with news articles and current market insights, statistics, or trends - although there is no need to go into huge detail on the specifics!

3. The biggest opportunity (100-120 words)

Identify one major opportunity and go into more detail on it - for example, digital assets regulation or demand for sustainable infrastructure funding.

Whichever opportunity you choose, explain why this is a priority, who the clients are, what problems they need solving, and how the opportunity is likely to evolve over time commercially and legally.

4. How Ashurst is positioned (40-60 words)

Finish your answer by linking the opportunity to Ashurst's specific strengths - for example:

• Cross-border capabilities
• Strong regulatory advisory practice
• Financing and project development experience

To wrap up your answer, end with a confident line that shows how the firm can capitalise on this shift!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Thank you so so much, that is really helpful!

 

[Harold Gunderson]

Anyone know how long you get for preparation time and how long to answer for CMS VI?