TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[BreadandButter]

10 applications made

Reed Smith SJT + VI
Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
CMS VI
Linklaters
HSF Test

Wondering if I should do freshfields? I missed Slaughter and May, A&O and Clifford Chance. I’m not sure what others firms to look at. I would like to stick to US.

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

 

[BreadandButter]

I applied to Macfarlanes in Oct for the Spring vac, should I assume PFO cos other ppl have heard today regarding the AC!

no one can tell you what to assume. paitence is important.

 

[bubblebobaprincess]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

Well done! Watson Glaser tips?

 

[xxx]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

Hi! Just wondering when did you get the HSF AC? Is it for spring or summer? ☺️

 

[tcla02]

I have made 23 applications this vac scheme cycle in my 2nd year of uni. should I stop now and focus on the final coursework that's due soon??

 

[andrewk]

They really like applicants that make sure everyone in their group is heard, so if someone is a little quieter, ask them their thoughts

Don’t be nervous to ask for some time (a quick break) to discuss with your teams if the negotiation seems to be ramping up

Make sure to be one of the people keeping an eye on time and loudly stating this; “5 minutes left…”

Ensure that you come to an agreement/settlement THAT is the most important thing than your group being the “winner”

Good luck!

That's very helpful, thanks so much!!

 

[dmg13]

has anyone heard from Reed Smith who applied close to deadline

Yes. Just got an invite to their SJT and VI today at 18:26 15/1/25. For reference I submitted my app on 5/1/25.

 

[NCTC2025]

They have probably only just began sending AC’s out to people. 🙂

The deadline was 3rd of January and they’re also non-rolling. 🫡

It’s too early to assume PFO imo.

Agreed! They might have randomly divided the applications between their team to review instead of doing it in chronological order. Its not over til you get the rejection email!

 

[Chill_solicitor]

Does anyone have any advice on how to structure this question?

‘Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business.’

 

[aspiringcitylawyer]

I applied to Macfarlanes in Oct for the Spring vac, should I assume PFO cos other ppl have heard today regarding the AC!

Do you remember if there was an option to choose whether you wanted Spring or Summer Vac? Because when I applied, it was just 'Vacation Scheme 2025' with no option to choose the scheme I wanted

 

[Rhohia]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

Hey when did you do Reed smith vi?

 

[xxx]

Do you remember if there was an option to choose whether you wanted Spring or Summer Vac? Because when I applied, it was just 'Vacation Scheme 2025' with no option to choose the scheme I wanted

Same- my app is for ‘vacation scheme 2025’ and I don’t really remember picking but on their website it says they run 3 schemes and I think you selected your preference when applying.

I assume they selected Spring (I think I selected summer 2 but I genuinely can’t remember the application form)

Vacation scheme - Macfarlanes

www.macfarlanes.com

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

reed smith PFO. yippee

 

[suhana]

has hsf given out any summer ac invites?

 

[mariistm]

Can I ask for any tips for the CMS VI?

I would say to practice answering 2-part questions in one minute as it goes quick. Research CMS and why it’s a future facing firm. There is a mix of questions so also practice motivational questions. There will also be a scenario question. Hope this helps.

 

[lawstudent2]

Rejected by CMS.

Got Reed Smith AC and HSF AC.

Applied to Macfarlanes but I forgot, it; received an AC today.

11 applications, 4 AC's and 1 rejection.

is HSF for spring or summer?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

They have probably only just began sending AC’s out to people. 🙂

The deadline was 3rd of January and they’re also non-rolling. 🫡

It’s too early to assume PFO imo.

Thank you!

 

[member7830]

how much of the word count are people using for travers smith? is 800/300/300 too little?

 

[via1511]

Hey guys, anyone who did the Mills and Reeve online assessment, what were your feedback results I.e how many good traits to weak ones did you get?

I got an AC invite today and was curious.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

how much of the word count are people using for travers smith? is 800/300/300 too little?

Totally fine! Personally, I think it’s better to be more concise