TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[MeWantTCPlz]

PFO from CMS post-WG… Sweating waiting to see if I passed DLA WG

 

[uraijom]

if i still haven't heard from DLA piper after passing the WG a month ago, should i assume pfo?

 

[Trophy]

Doubt a top law firm was 'too lazy.' More likely scenario is that there were better suited candidates for the role.

did you make a new account just to comment this 🥲

 

[tom-sawyer]

Damn I hope not bcs I just submitted and there's no clear indication of when I'll be getting sent the test lol

I submitted on the 6th and still haven't received the test. Have you?

 

[lolololol]

does Hogan Lovells hace a wg in there app process

 

[manifestingthetc]

Anyone heard back from CMS dubai post WG?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, I submitted a last minute application to Arnold&Porter and realised that in a small section of the application explaining my use of AI (so not the main questions or work experience) I wrote the wrong firm name😭. How bad is this for me? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hello!

I'd try not to panic - one small slip-up like that isn't always fatal, especially if it was in a minor section and the rest of your application is strong and tailored to Arnold & Porter. The graduate recruitment team may be willing to overlook a single mistake if everything else in your application shows genuine interest and effort.

That said, it can depend on the firm and how strict they are about attention to detail. Some may shrug it off, and some may factor it in - but there's definitely still a chance you'll be fine, so it's not automatically game over!

 

[The Boy]

Just got an invitation to Wilkie’s written analytical exercise 🙌🙂‍↕. Any advice/insights would be appreciated!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Random question, but can someone give Insights into the common softwares used by the global law firms for case management an etc etc?

I would like ti familiarise myself with them before any AC.

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

A lot of firms will use similar types of software, but the exact ones are likely to differ from firm to firm. The ones that I have encountered as a paralegal and during vacation schemes were:

• iManage (document management)
• NetDocuments (document management)
• HighQ (document management)
• Clio (time recording and billing)
• Intapp (time recording and billing)

Whilst I can only speak from my experiences, iManage is the one I have seen most often! You don't need to master them now, but having a basic understanding of what they're used for can show commercial awareness and an interest in legal tech.

Good luck with the prep!

 

[Bbhu19]

Any tips or insights on Mayer brown
@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[stilltrying]

I think it might be a waitlist. If you do not mind me asking, when did you apply?

applied on the 4th

 

[LRR23]

Does anyone have insights on CMS VI - can provide insights into Mayer Brown VI and CC WG

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For the Reed Smith application, is it advisable to enter work experience in prose?

@Abbie Whitlock would love your insight on this well.

Hello!

I have quoted a post below that Rik posted in the Reed Smith AMA thread - hopefully it's useful! Prose or bullet points is absolutely fine - it's more about the substance of what you write, and the key skills and traits that you discuss. I hope that helps!

I would always advise bullet points. With work experience the detail is important, not the style. So focus on the skills gained and tangible "facts". Rather than too many opinions and superfluous adjectives

 

[ACHat8r]

Passed HSF Kramer benchmark test today. Completed the test yesterday and submitted app on deadline day. Got balanced approach in technical expertise, excellent in personal leadership and moderate fit for the rest. Hope this helps others

 

[Trophy]

Just got an invitation to Wilkie’s written analytical exercise 🙌🙂‍↕. Any advice/insights would be appreciated!!

Apparently it’s next year Jan/feb and quite time pressured but I’ve never done it before.

Congrats!

 

[Zaraa.x]

I also got the rejection. I don’t think it was our application it think they were too lazy to progress anymore people. I did an audit and tax internship this summer and one of their main focuses is tax. I’ve passed initial app review, WG and VI every year I’ve applied.

Plenty of other firms out there keep your heads up.

Honestly - it’s okay to feel annoyed about getting rejections its part of the process but labelling a firm as ‘lazy’ due to a rejection isn’t well spirited. Plus tax isn’t CMS’s main focus well in London anyway, it’s the France office that mainly focuses on tax.

However, like you said keep your head up! 🫡

 

[whywhy88]

Those who have progressed to DLA Piper TI - how long after receiving the email about your application being considered for the next stage post-WG did you get your invite? Been a week for me (which I am aware isn't that long) but as I applied close to the deadline I am not too hopeful about progressing.

 

[Ferran_]

Anyone heard from Links, HSF Slaughters or Fieldfisher?

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone know when Mishcon is aiming to get back to people for Spring?

 

[elle woods]

Anyone heard from Links, HSF Slaughters or Fieldfisher?

I want to know too please 😂 getting anxious from refreshing my inbox constantly during working hours haha