TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

Willkie Written Exercise 🤗

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Hogan Lovells PFO. Was expected at this point though

 

[silonthesofa]

Hogan Lovells PFO. Was expected at this point though

Sorry to hear. For what programme and at what stage?

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone else get a "thank you for completing the interview" email from Mischon even though they haven't?

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Sorry to hear. For what programme and at what stage?

WVS and after the initial assessment. Have seen people receiving the 2nd assessment so was expecting this sooner or later!

 

[Sharkfin]

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

Makes sense, did they get back to you about when you'll receive it?

 

[johnsmith]

I still haven’t even received the test even though i emailed a few days ago so it seems like there might be teething issues w the new platform

I was going to say I've not received the test yet - I think at the OD they did mention if you'd applied already for the VS that they would send them out whereas new applicants would be automatically receiving it.

 

[berocca567]

Has anyone else had their PW interview? I felt mine went terribly

 

[Jennifer2003]

Did anybody do the Bird and Bird virtual open day? I applied for their STEM one and the deadline is tomorrow. I was wondering if anybody who was successful with the trainee solicitor open day heard before the deadline or if all invites were sent out day of/after?

 

[mg42guy32]

It really threw me off haha - I was definitely very nervous and didn’t answer as well as I wanted to but we’ll see how it goes I guess!

Fingers crossed we did well enough anyway haha!

 

[Trophy]

Has anyone else had their PW interview? I felt mine went terribly

I’m sure it was not as bad as you thought, treat yourself and leave it in the past until you hear back 💪

Regardless of the outcome you should be proud of yourself for making it soo far in the application process it shows your hard work and research was valued by the firm🙌

 

[msclm]

Has anyone else had their PW interview? I felt mine went terribly

Hi I had mine and had to reflect a lot on it. When I thought about all the challenging questions they asked me, I honestly took it as them making sure I knew what type of environment PW is and how heavy heavy it is at PE. I genuinely think the interview is the way it is because PW is a very particular place to work. I don’t think they have any sort of intention of catching us out.

 

[whywhy88]

HL pfo post initial test (for WVS). Really starting to hate this move to SJT style assessments. Losing hope now

 

[msclm]

HL pfo post initial test (for WVS). Really starting to hate this move to SJT style assessments. Losing hope now

Focus on firms that don’t use them!

 

[silonthesofa]

HL pfo post initial test (for WVS). Really starting to hate this move to SJT style assessments. Losing hope now

Did you receive a feedback report after the test? I share your disdain for the shift to SJT...

 

[Goingtogetatc]

Hi, how would you approach this question:
1. What impact do you want to make at CMS?
Word Count (Max 200 words):
Thanks.

 

[c.t.tc]

Have any Simmons AC invites gone out to anyone who did the test from the 24th onwards?

 

[noahsmiit01]

HL pfo post initial test (for WVS). Really starting to hate this move to SJT style assessments. Losing hope now

Spending so much time on those 2 stages... before they even read your application, so then getting rejected is so retarded. Hence, US firms are better at this, as most of them review your application personally and, only then, if successful, invite you to the next stage nvm about doing 2 tests for HL that contained SJT + WG + VI, and then a document-scanning exercise. It's not even a magic firm, either. Feels like way too much.

 

[safari3]

Hi, how would you approach this question:
1. What impact do you want to make at CMS?
Word Count (Max 200 words):
Thanks.

This has already been asked in the forum a couple of times so I would recommend you search 'CMS' to see previous responses. Ultimately, a good approach is to use the Q to demonstrate your knowledge of the firm. Talk about any area of the firm that you can link to your own skills and experience and then talk about how you would continue to develop this (and subsequently make an impact) as a trainee at CMS.

 

[whywhy88]

Did you receive a feedback report after the test? I share your disdain for the shift to SJT...

Yeah but I forgot to save it so have no idea what my strengths and weaknesses were 🙃