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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

For anyone who’s done the CMS VI, can you pause in between questions or does it automatically go through to the next ?
You manually press “next question” so you can have as long as a break as you like. Your camera stays on the whole time though and I’m not sure if that footage between questions is also reviewed/ monitored.
 
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I make notes and bullet points and hopefully cover them while remembering the actual content for each point etc.

For me, the most challenging VI questions I've had were actually when they were softballs rather than curveballs, which I wasn't expecting, thereby becoming curveballs in themselves instead. Also why I said I think I botched my Weil VI cos with hindsight I feel that I didn't do the first question (which is 2-parter on motivations) very well cos I expected a much more challenging and impersonal question

I think the worst part is sometimes being told that they don't want rehearsed/memorised answers but sometimes you do so many VIs that you essentially end up memorising answers and looking "robotic". Totally agree on your point about human interaction being much easier than staring down a timer too
What gets me is that most if not all GR could not go through the same process but they go on about not being too rehearsed. They acknowledge it's an awkward process but could neverrr!!! Same goes for all these tests 🫢🥴
 
What gets me is that most if not all GR could not go through the same process but they go on about not being too rehearsed. They acknowledge it's an awkward process but could neverrr!!! Same goes for all these tests 🫢🥴
I did an AC where I asked GR have you done the tests before for fun and she said no she’s not sure how she’d do. She said she’d probably fail the Watson glaser and said hats off to those who apply to loads of firms and do a bunch of tests.

So yeah no they don’t do the tests they should have to do them before taking on the role imo haha.
 
Anyone else get a "thank you for completing the interview" email from Mischon even though they haven't?
I dont wanna add more concern to the Mishcon situ but I 100% know I got this confirmation message before completing the test - icl this really isnt painting Mishcon in the best light... 2hr sjt + VI for it to be all but pointless..

Edit* Chat Based Interview
 
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Are there international applicants with work experience completely outside the UK who have made it through the US firms’ processes?
Speaking from personal experience and my surroundings (LLB and most work experience done in multiple EU countries, LLM in London) , it seems that American firms actually like more “obscure” profiles.

I have mostly progressed with global/US firms rather than magic circle/silver circle etc. A friend of mine (same spiel as myself) ended up getting into A&O through Shearman Steling before the merger 2 years ago, and another friend made it with Debevoise.

What I imagine is that American firms establish themselves in London to expand to Europe more broadly , so having more “European” profiles doesn’t hurt.

Not sure what your profile is and where you have your work experience, but regarding European profiles I think there’s an angle that can be sold. If you’re from anywhere else, I think the most important is to try and leverage whatever you have with the firms that connect well with whatever work experience you have ie geographical reach of the firm and languages etc.
 
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I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.
 
I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.
I would talk about Australia’s social media ban and the UK making deepfakes illegal within this
 
I am currently working on this application question: Please argue whether you are for or against stricter regulation of social media? (Max 300 words)

* I am thinking of arguing for as there is a lot of content about celebrities and influencers produced by AI
* There is a lot of fake photos made through AI tools

Guys any suggestions or structure in how to approach this question will be helpful.
I think Andrei and someone else has answered another person's question about approaching this app question before, I have them saved cos I'm planning to apply to SPB too, hopefully it helps.

 
It would be about a week after doing it but can be a lot quicker!
Thank you!

It's kinda sad tho coz I had made a really solid application!

I think the firms should ask people to do the test first and then send the application forms selectively, best for both the candidates and the GR Team😔
 

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