Really sorry to hear this, and I do relate. Although I am, of course, extremely happy for all my friends with offers, it is really hard not to wonder to myself what it is they have that I don't. I think that is normal and just the nature of how competitive the process is. Wishing you the best of luck and hope your good news is coming.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I’m the same. I got rejected post ac from my dream firm, and just felt so sad as I was so close. But realistically, they’re just a small little set back and every rejection is one step closer to getting a yes. All we need is one yes!
Realistically, if we have to wait until the next cycle, then it’s only August so it’s not that long. We can take time out to rejuvenate and hit the ground running for the next time!
Sending you the biggest virtual hug. You are enough and by the sounds of your posts on the forum, you're a very upbeat, talented and funny young woman who corporate law would be lucky to have! Hang in there
Yes, exactly this. Takes a little while but very similar to pretty much all of the other cappfinity assessments i’ve done. Interestingly, some of the proof reading texts I’d been presented with before at an AC for another firm
Ngl this is where you sideline your pfos and focus on being as prepared as you can possibly be for the VS that you do have, and remember getting a single AC means your one of like 50 chosen out of a couple thousand doing that 5 times is genuinely an insane achievement in itself.
Hi guys I have an interview coming up, just read over my application form and I’ve realised that the form auto generated and I forgot to update it to include my third year modules (ive now graduated) how do i approach this in the interview ? kicking myself for not realising this earlier
don't waste time. Email them now explaining what happened and what the next steps on their end will be. All the best
Hey!
From what I can see, the questions for CMS' Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship are:
- Why do you want to join CMS as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, and how does this route support your long term goals? (Max 200 words)
- Describe a challenge you faced. How did you deal with it, and what did you learn from the experience? (Max 200 words)
- Tell us about a time you used AI or technology to improve a process or fix an issue. What did you do, and what was the outcome? (Max 200 words)
Why CMS + why the apprenticeship route
I would split this into two parts:
- Why CMS: show that you have researched the firm properly (i.e. their sector strengths, international reach, the types of clients they work with, innovation / AI, training culture, etc.). Make sure to keep it specific to the firm and show how that specifically suits you based on your past experiences and future goals.
- Why the apprenticeship route: explain why you are choosing to apply for the apprenticeship route, rather than the traditional TC. This could be combining study with practice or early responsibility - just make sure to link it to yourself, and to your goal of qualifying at a firm like CMS.
I would use a light STAR-style structure, but keep the focus on:
- The challenge - not just the task itself
- How you personally responded and the steps you took to address the challenge
- What you learned as a result of the experience (you could highlight skills / behaviours that CMS cares about specifically)
AI / Technology Question
They won't be expecting a super technical answer, but want to see that you have an understanding of AI and technology and how it can be utilised in a responsible way. I would:
- Briefly explain the problem
- Outline what technology or AI tool you used (even basic AI tools can work well!)
- Discuss the impact that using the technology or AI had - this could be time saved, improved accuracy, etc.
- Conclude with what it shows about your overall mindset and approach to technology - for example, that you aim to be innovative and adaptable and want to utilise technology to assist you where you can.
Mishcon PFO post SJT fantastic news xx
spoke too soon... Mishcon PFO just came through
hey! i completely understand what you mean - i really wasn't sure if commercial law was for me and the few apps/ACs i did i was rejected from and it felt really crappy because everyone around me was getting schemes! my uni was also collegiate so news spread like wildfire and it was hard to stay positive. i ended up just focusing on my grades by the end and having done that, i actually think i'm in a better position this cycle!
so hang in there! i've graduated now and stuff is finally working itself out (🤞). firms will be lucky to have you and i've come to learn a lot of the time, these applications are genuinely luck of the draw and you still have so much time. wishing you the best and i'm sure you will smash the vac scheme you have x
2hrs of typing to a dumber version of chatgpt just to be filtered and PFO'd by an SJT, cheers Mischon 👍👍👍
Mishcon PFO - and an apology for slow reply and saying they can’t give specific feedback (really wanted this VS) on to waiting for more radio silence
me too😭😭😭😭 about time
Mishcon pfo I know it’s overrrr
Hey!
Congratulations on being invited to the Farrer AC, that is fantastic news!
The group activity in my assessment centre involved being split into teams and you receive a scenario that you will discuss (almost in a debate-like setting). On the firms' website, an example scenario they have outlined is: "Should everyone be able to enjoy protection from media intrusion into their private life, or are there categories of individuals / circumstances where one’s reasonable expectation of privacy must fall away?"
Your team will be assigned either "for" or "against" this question, and you have 20 minutes to prepare your argument (without Google) before debating for 20 minutes with another team. The aim is reach a joint decision!
Therefore, I would say that the level of commercial awareness required is relatively low, and you are assessed more on how you engage with your team to form your argument and how you then relay this during the discussion portion. Whilst my topic was not the one listed above, it was very accessible and something that you would have an understanding of from day-to-day life. The firm has also listed on their website what candidates will be assessed on as:
- General early impressions - engaged in the process, good understanding of the task
- People management - demonstrates ability to bring others into the discussion rather than just taking charge
- Oral communication - able to explain and express ideas clearly and concisely
- Contribution - added to the quality of the discussion whether helping to reinforce, clarify or broaden views and issues (looking more for content quality of the contribution rather than speaking a lot)
- Teamwork - demonstrated respect for others' views and opinions, healthy contribution rather than combative competition; able to listen to others
Based on the above, I would focus on making sure that you construct a clear argument and try to display the above traits when interacting with others. What worked well for my team (in which 3 out of 4 of us received a VS offer!) was identifying one point within the topic that we felt confident discussing and each taking the lead on that. This meant we could each share our strongest arguments, but also add additional thoughts and build on each other's points where relevant. This approach allowed us to demonstrate our thinking clearly, whilst also showing that we could listen, collaborate, and support the team's overall contributions.
I hope that assists - wishing you the best of luck with the AC!
Mischon’s PFO. It doesn’t make sense for someone with a lower sjt score to get invited over someone with a higher sjt score.
Now I know that it’s just luck when it comes to TCs
Now I know that it’s just luck when it comes to TCs
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