TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[iklawapps]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock I'm SO sorry for the millionth question about RS VIs, but I saw in all of the firm's videos, they talk about having examples for things even if not asked, and I'm wondering for scenario questions (like how would you respond if ...), would you suggest explaining our thought processes in that scenario exactly and then tagging an example in the end, or would it be better to spend the whole two mins on an analogous example and explain our thought processes through that. I'm just curious cause the time is so short

Sorry for the question and thank you so much for all of your help < 3

 

[RJ Ruban]

Hello!

Congratulations on being invited to the assessment!! I have quoted a post below which contains some general advice I have given on the Reed Smith test, so hopefully it's a useful starting point.

Best of luck with the assessment!

Thank you so much!!
If I can ask is there a specific structure that ReedSmith is looking for when it comes to the VI?

 

[anon78365222111]

If someone doesn’t mind can they point to some really strong points about why CMS for a potential VI answer. I’ve never applied to them and just did it this year and got the VI so don’t know much other than their band 1 for mid market work and their global structure and potential for US merger

 

[RJ Ruban]

CMS VI! Does anyone have any insights please? Im happy to share insights from Freshfields, Hogan, Reed Smith, Pinsents etc.

Hey! When did you apply for CMS? I haven’t heard anything back after my WG

 

[Amgrad]

OMG Weil VI takes age to upload! Anyone had the same problem? I am trying to reload twice, but it's not working my deadline is tomorrow, not sure whether they can extend if I had technical issues.

 

[user9809]

Finally passed the Clifford Chance Watson Glaser 😭😭😭

 

[TortillaTC]

Has anyone heard about the Gibson virtual open day in December? I wanna wait with submitting my vac scheme app but if they already sent invites to the open day, I might as well submit it soon

 

[BobThebIlly]

Just sat the WG for CC -- I am so drained loll

 

[mg42guy32]

Failed a WG for the first time ever with CC, any tips for making sure I smah the next ones I do? (always more to learn evidently haha)

 

[Dannie]

Hey is anyone else struggling to see what the word limits are for Links work experience? It says 250 overall but is that for the achievements and job description section together or for each?

 

[shadowkiller]

Has anyone heard about the Gibson virtual open day in December? I wanna wait with submitting my vac scheme app but if they already sent invites to the open day, I might as well submit it soon

Hey I got the invite on Friday. Good luck with your appln!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

CC is so rude with their WG rejection email. Lol, no need to put it in all caps wth

 

[Mikeross750]

@Abbie Whitlock I was wondering how you would approach the following question for Osborne Clarke?

- What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your examples can be taken from any activities or experiences you have participated in and don't have to be focussed solely on the legal sector (Max 500 words)

I have spoken with the early careers team and they said to follow something along the lines of skill-evidence-link, but I am unsure on whether I should choose four or five skills to talk about. Thank you in advance!

 

[tithi]

Hello!

I'd say its absolutely fine to include Forage programmes on your CV - especially early on when you might not have a long list of commercial experience yet. If the firm has specifically asked for them, I'd definitely include them to show initiative and genuine engagement with the profession.

In terms of listing virtual open days and events on your CV, it might be easier to put these in a separate sort of "events" section, or group them all under one heading in the work experience section.

You can definitely list Forage programmes and events in your work experience section, particularly if you can share particular insights that you gained. However, as above, you might find it helpful to group some of them together if you are struggling to write a lot about them.

As for verification, law firms generally don't "check" Forage experiences as far as I am aware, but you should always be ready to talk about what you learned and the tasks that you completed. As long as you are honest, you'll be absolutely fine

Thankyou very much for the guidance.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Is there a video interview stage for CC if they like your application? I thought it would be an assessment centre...

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Does anyone know if the Freshfields stage 2 online assessment is timed? Ik that the video interview is but not sure about the job simulation part? Please reply ASAP as I'm aiming to do this tonight!

 

[johnsmith]

@Abbie Whitlock I was wondering how you would approach the following question for Osborne Clarke?

- What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your examples can be taken from any activities or experiences you have participated in and don't have to be focussed solely on the legal sector (Max 500 words)

I have spoken with the early careers team and they said to follow something along the lines of skill-evidence-link, but I am unsure on whether I should choose four or five skills to talk about. Thank you in advance!

I think I went with three so I could explain them really well rather than trying to cover too much and too thinly - 500 words is quite a bit of word count though.

 

[yk1906]

Does anyone know if the Freshfields stage 2 online assessment is timed? Ik that the video interview is but not sure about the job simulation part? Please reply ASAP as I'm aiming to do this tonight!

it's not. only vi

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock I'm SO sorry for the millionth question about RS VIs, but I saw in all of the firm's videos, they talk about having examples for things even if not asked, and I'm wondering for scenario questions (like how would you respond if ...), would you suggest explaining our thought processes in that scenario exactly and then tagging an example in the end, or would it be better to spend the whole two mins on an analogous example and explain our thought processes through that. I'm just curious cause the time is so short

Sorry for the question and thank you so much for all of your help < 3

Hello!

No need to apologise at all - more than happy to help! It's a great question, and definitely something that a lot of people wonder about.

In a two-minute scenario answer for VI, my approach to the structure would be:

1. Briefly explain your thought process and what you would do in the situation - I'd aim to show that you understand the firm's expectations and what Reed Smith looks for in potential trainees, and talk through each stage of your thought process. They might not necessarily be assessing a "right" or "wrong" answer to the situation, and likely will focus on how you approach the scenario.
2. Add a short real life example if you have one - I'd aim for this to be just 20-30 seconds at the end, as it shouldn't necessarily take up the bulk of your answer. Include an example that demonstrates you've handled something similar before and can apply the same approach in real life.

Going all-in on an example can potentially work, but the risk is that you might not make it clear how you would specifically respond to the scenario being asked. Starting with your reasoning ensures you directly answer the question, and the example acts as evidence that you've done it before (and backs up your claims!).

I hope that helps - best of luck with the online assessment!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you so much!!
If I can ask is there a specific structure that ReedSmith is looking for when it comes to the VI?

No problem at all!

I'm not aware of a single strict structure that Reed Smith expects, but the key is to ensure that your answer fully addresses the question and is supported with specific examples. For example, an approach I usually took for most motivational interview questions was:

1. Directly address the question (e.g. "The reason I am applying for Reed Smith is...")
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the firm
3. Link the firm to your own motivations (i.e. why the above matters to you)
4. Use one or two relevant examples from your past experiences to back this up
5. End with a confident closing line

You should still tailor this structure (or a similar one) to each specific question. As long as your response engages with the question in sufficient depth and provides clear evidence for your points, the exact structure can be adapted to whatever feels most appropriate