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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

S7321

Star Member
Jan 3, 2025
27
56
Anyone else done the Reed Smith test and know how you need to score to pass through? My applied verbal and numerical intellect were 'excellent' and I scored strongly on 'creative force', but my other two pillars were more middling. Is this crucial, or do they look at your application holistically when deciding to put you through to the final stage?
 

xxx

Esteemed Member
  • Oct 26, 2024
    75
    77
    Has anyone who applied to CMS heard back after their initial application? I've heard that some have received tests already but I've only received a confirmation email with no mention of anything else - should I assume a PFO?
    If this is for the vac scheme then I would probably assume PFO as I've seen ppl being invited for VI too. Also, I don't think the test is automatic (from what I read on the forum) but check your spam just incase.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: LawfullyHopeful

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    854
    2,055
    Holding myself accountable again (Akin rejection).

    CC* ✅📝❌
    HSF ✅📝❌
    NRF ✅📝❌
    Weil ✅❌
    Akin ✅❌
    Sidley ✅❌
    Orrick
    Willkie ✅🎥❌
    Cooley
    Latham
    Milbank ✅
    Kirkland ✅
    Dechert ✅❌
    Skadden ✅❌
    Goodwin ✅
    Covington ✅❌
    Linklaters* ✅📝❌
    Paul, Weiss ✅
    Slaughters* ✅❌
    Fried Frank* ✅
    Gibson Dunn
    Macfarlanes* ✅📝
    White & Case
    Morgan Lewis
    Paul Hastings* ✅
    Hogan Lovells* ✅
    Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
    A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
    Vinson & Elkins
    Arnold & Porter
    Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
    King & Spalding* ✅
    Winston & Strawn
    Morrison Foerster
    Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

    Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

    I have done four Vac Schemes. Don’t really want to do more.

    *Training Contract applications

    TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.
     

    STEM Student

    Active Member
    Jan 8, 2025
    11
    15
    Hi Everyone,

    I’m a non-law student and this is my first application cycle. I am applying to - Baker McKenzie (submitted on the morning of the deadline day), NRF (submitted also on the Day of the deadline), Freshfields, white&case and lastly Osborne Clarke. I didn’t realise that Bakers, white&case and Osborne have rolling deadline. (Osborne review applications as they come but do not fill up interview or AC places until after the deadline). White&Case and Osborne Clarke have deadline on the 12/01 and 15/01 respectively.

    Have I messed up here and do I have any chance at all of progressing to the next stages?
     
    Last edited:
    • 🤝
    Reactions: The-PFO-Collector

    andrecsaa

    Valued Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    102
    80
    Holding myself accountable again (Akin rejection).

    CC* ✅📝❌
    HSF ✅📝❌
    NRF ✅📝❌
    Weil ✅❌
    Akin ✅❌
    Sidley ✅❌
    Orrick
    Willkie ✅🎥❌
    Cooley
    Latham
    Milbank ✅
    Kirkland ✅
    Dechert ✅❌
    Skadden ✅❌
    Goodwin ✅
    Covington ✅❌
    Linklaters* ✅📝❌
    Paul, Weiss ✅
    Slaughters* ✅❌
    Fried Frank* ✅
    Gibson Dunn
    Macfarlanes* ✅📝
    White & Case
    Morgan Lewis
    Paul Hastings* ✅
    Hogan Lovells* ✅
    Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
    A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
    Vinson & Elkins
    Arnold & Porter
    Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
    King & Spalding* ✅
    Winston & Strawn
    Morrison Foerster
    Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

    Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🎥 = video interview; ❌ = rejection.

    I have done four Vac Schemes. Don’t really want to do more.

    *Training Contract applications

    TC apps left to do: Stephenson Harwood; Sullivan & Cromwell.
    Keep going, you still have 19 applications pending review, plus these three TC apps. You will get one TC.

    Hopefully you will receive good news in the couple months.

    Good lucky with Stephenson Harwood. The TC begins in 2026 and they are rolling (though they "never make offers to fill all our places before the application deadline", according to the FAQ). It might be the one for you.
     

    STEM Student

    Active Member
    Jan 8, 2025
    11
    15
    Hi Everyone,

    I’m a non-law student and this is my first application cycle. I am applying to - Baker McKenzie (submitted on the morning of the deadline day), NRF (submitted also on the Day of the deadline), Freshfields, white&case and lastly Osborne Clarke. I didn’t realise that Bakers, white&case and Osborne have rolling deadline. (Osborne review applications as they come but do not fill up interview or AC places until after the deadline). White&Case and Osborne Clarke have deadline on the 12/01 and 15/01 respectively.

    Have I messed up here and do I have any chance at all of progressing to the next stages?
    someone please respond cause I’m honestly panicking a lot.
     

    STEM Student

    Active Member
    Jan 8, 2025
    11
    15
    You have a chance, there are many rolling firms I applied to last minute literally 2 mins before the deadline and was progressed (no formal legal work experience either).
    Thank you so much for responding. Makes me feel way better.

    Can I ask, since you‘ve mentioned how you have no formal legal work experience, In applications how did you answer the question of ‘Why Law’ without making it sound too generic.
     

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