TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flamingocelot]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock, I have a Farrer AC coming up and understand you vac-schemed with them in a previous cycle. I was wondering if you could shed light on what to expect in the group activities, and the level of commercial awareness needed in such a task? Confused as to whether it is solely testing our personable/collaborative skills or our knowledge also.

 

[rs_2002!]

Does anyone know what the Hogan Lovells TC Online Immersive Assessment consists of? From my research I think its SJT, Watson Glaser/Cognitive Reasoning and Proof-Reading all in one assessment, but wanted to double check with anyone who did it to avoid any surprises.

 

[flamingocelot]

Usually I try to stay positive but I think 4 post AC PFOs are getting to me. I have never felt so low and my confidence has never plummeted this bad before.

I already had imposter syndrome but this just exacerbates it. I think I'm going to take some time off and just throw myself into my studies as much as possible given how much studying I've lost doing applications. All my friends are getting the schemes, I am super happy and proud of them but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me and that everything was a fluke.

I hope that if anyone else out there is feeling the same way, just know you're not alone! but it really is tough and every time I think about it I feel like crying haha. Hang in there guys <3

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.

 

[cooked2000]

Anyone know PW timeline so far with summer vac scheme applicants ?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Usually I try to stay positive but I think 4 post AC PFOs are getting to me. I have never felt so low and my confidence has never plummeted this bad before.

I already had imposter syndrome but this just exacerbates it. I think I'm going to take some time off and just throw myself into my studies as much as possible given how much studying I've lost doing applications. All my friends are getting the schemes, I am super happy and proud of them but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me and that everything was a fluke.

I hope that if anyone else out there is feeling the same way, just know you're not alone! but it really is tough and every time I think about it I feel like crying haha. Hang in there guys <3

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!

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Any idea whether V&E, Covington, or Cleary are going to have any more AC's for summer?

V&E has sent out AC's?

 

[lawyersum]

Usually I try to stay positive but I think 4 post AC PFOs are getting to me. I have never felt so low and my confidence has never plummeted this bad before.

I already had imposter syndrome but this just exacerbates it. I think I'm going to take some time off and just throw myself into my studies as much as possible given how much studying I've lost doing applications. All my friends are getting the schemes, I am super happy and proud of them but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me and that everything was a fluke.

I hope that if anyone else out there is feeling the same way, just know you're not alone! but it really is tough and every time I think about it I feel like crying haha. Hang in there guys <3

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

 

[TCGrad1642]

Does anyone know what the Hogan Lovells TC Online Immersive Assessment consists of? From my research I think its SJT, Watson Glaser/Cognitive Reasoning and Proof-Reading all in one assessment, but wanted to double check with anyone who did it to avoid any surprises.

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

 

[Bbhu19]

Usually I try to stay positive but I think 4 post AC PFOs are getting to me. I have never felt so low and my confidence has never plummeted this bad before.

I already had imposter syndrome but this just exacerbates it. I think I'm going to take some time off and just throw myself into my studies as much as possible given how much studying I've lost doing applications. All my friends are getting the schemes, I am super happy and proud of them but I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me and that everything was a fluke.

I hope that if anyone else out there is feeling the same way, just know you're not alone! but it really is tough and every time I think about it I feel like crying haha. Hang in there guys <3

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.

 

[nicoledm]

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

 

[bangarangbass39]

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi I just wanted to reach out and ask if anyone had any insights for Trowers Hamlins, Ashfords, Barcan Kirby, Macfarlanes, Baker McKenzie, weightmans or CMS?

Also how should we approach the questions for CMS graduate solicitor apprenticeship? @Abbie Whitlock

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)

I'll address how I'd approach each one below!

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.

Challenge Question

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)

I would make sure to address the learning point, as this is often the part of the question that they are looking for!

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.

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

 

[SamiyaJ]

Mishcon PFO post SJT fantastic news xx

 

[ahahamwahaha]

spoke too soon... Mishcon PFO just came through

 

[qwerty!]

Thank you, I feel the same way. It just frustrates me to not know what exactly am I missing haha, I really wish I could sit in on a friend's assessment centre to see what they do differently But I think I have an idea, so definitely will be spending my summer preparing again


I'm so sorry :< I totally understand how you feel. True haha... I think being at a uni where everyone knows everyone else's business is also a substantial factor... everyone is getting schemes and it just feels like I'm a failure in comparison haha, and news travels fast haha


Thank you... I'm on the verge of tears reading this HAHA - I truly appreciate it! I think I just need to work harder to show them what I can bring. currently listening to sad songs IS NOT helping either haha

best of luck everyone! wishing all the best for you guys! seeing you happy makes me happy so go out there and achieve your dreams!

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

 

[Sharkfin]

2hrs of typing to a dumber version of chatgpt just to be filtered and PFO'd by an SJT, cheers Mischon

 

[Dannie]

Mishcon PFO post SJT fantastic news xx

I'm so sorry. what a silly testing method -was this spring?

 

[Isobel.liddle]

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

 

[qwerty!]

spoke too soon... Mishcon PFO just came through

me too about time

 

[PinkZebra67]

Mishcon pfo I know it’s overrrr