TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Hanzeeb]

Do white & case require 2.1 across every module?

 

[futuretrainee10123]

I just straight up mark everything PFO as soon as I hear someone's got an offer/AC

Yeahh I haven’t heard back so treating it as a PFO

 

[DoNotRedeem]

I just did mine and ngl this was probs the worst TI I’ve done so far so I’m alr assuming a PFO.

Mine ended up lasting around 20 mins so it wasn’t too long like Akin’s or too short either but idk. ​

Sounds like it went a good amount of time , what do you think went wrong ? Mine went a similair time in length

 

[Applicant7874652]

if you're successful they usually get back to you on the day of your AC (i heard back a few hours after mine). i could be wrong though so please don't take my word for it!

I was told within two weeks so yeah idk

 

[Eriberrie]

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!

Thank you so much

 

[Eriberrie]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Do you have any insight as to how to go about structuring an answer to this question? It is only 150 words

‘At Weightmans, our three core values form the foundation of our culture and underpin all aspects of our work. These values are:



- Integrity

- Teamwork and respect

- Collaboration and innovation



Please select one of these values and discuss what it means to you personally ‘

Thank you so much in advance for any assistance!

 

[lawcool]

anyone have any rpc ac insights? :')

 

[legal18]

Forsters AC!!!!!!!!!

 

[pepsicola96]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, firms not reimbursing travel for ACs is crazyyyyy. I've got one later this week, and I literally don't wanna go anymore because I simply don't have £120 for a train to London, and once again I'm having to get a shift covered, which is -£100 in lost earnings. This stuff is too stressful.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Forsters AC!!!!!!!!!

Yayyyy congrats!!!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

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

aw elle im sorry to hear this. i think just try to keep things in perspective. u got invited to what like 5 ACs?? thats mad impressive and most ppl don’t get to say that!! you literally beat out like idk 95% of the competition? and then there are so many factors that play into final decisions - luck being one of the biggest ones. and then it could also js be a matter of how well they think ud fit in there. doesnt mean ur any less accomplished of a person. keep ur head and remember u have a vs in the bag that u worked so hard for and deserve

 

[anonymous31415]

Hi everyone! Does anyone know what the AG vac scheme to TC conversion rate is?

 

[EfficientBag123]

Bumping this also does anyone know for Baker McKenzie?

They don’t care you just need 2.1

 

[Donuttime]

Forsters AC!!!!!!!!!

Congrats! What day have they invited you for? Trying to see if they release in batches

 

[legal18]

Congrats! What day have they invited you for? Trying to see if they release in batches

The first day, so, most probably. There are four days.

 

[helenaskelton]

Just had Akin AC - not sure how commercial bit went! The partners were quite judgy and I got questions wrong. But the rest of it was fine. How holistic are these processes do you think?

 

[Deleted member 41929]

CC TC offer!

 

[ddalki]

As one door shuts another opens, love to see it!!

One day I'll stop fumbling my ACs!!! Wishing the best of luck to everyone!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

CC TC offer!

 

[flamingocelot]

CRS rejection post app