TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[koolkid]

Congratulations!!! May I ask what office this is for, when you had the AC, and approximately how many places there were for the scheme/direct TC if HR told you?

Thank you sm! I did my AC end of Jan (22nd I think). There were 6 of us for the day and it lasted from 1:30pm to about 5:30pm. It consisted of competency interview, group exercise and written exercise.

They tried to call me a week later but I was out of the country so I didn’t receive it lol but they emailed to let me know I was successful and sent the offer letter. So I’ve come back from holiday to good news!

I’m doing the VS route so not too sure about the DTC.
They did say in a previous email that they had an “unprecedented number of applications this cycle” but I am not sure if that changes the amount of spaces they offer. Going off last years numbers for the VS I would guess around 20-35.

They did take the whole 7 days in which they said they’d get back to me (during which I almost lost hope) so I hope you hear back with good news soon!

 

[ABC234]

Any Morgan Lewis TI advice? Don't know what to expect (it's my first TI interview)

 

[LegalLigase]

for summer? congrats !

Yes, it is for summer! Thanks!!

 

[elle woods]

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

 

[Hopeful applicant]

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

 

[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.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

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.

 

[elle woods]

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.

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 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!

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

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

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!

 

[elle woods]

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.

Haha true, thank you - I think one challenge will be getting over this imposter syndrome when I know most ppl on the scheme have options elsewhere too whereas I was unable to get the same - I'm really thinking that the one offer I do have was a very very big fluke haha. But you're absolutely correct! I think I'll focus on getting better grades this year and then the scheme :> tysm for your advice!

 

[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