TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Pola123]

CMS VI haha. I guess I won’t drown into sadness for a few days. Anyone have any experience with CMS VI format?

 

[nlntc]

congrats all!! when did you guys do your WG and for which office did you apply to?

London and 25/10

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I have booked a TC call with you for tomorrow. Are we allowed to send over an application to discuss?

I can’t review the application (this would be better suited for the application review service) but I can talk about broader themes of the application.

 

[NJS]

Just met CMS at the legal cheek fair just a few points to mention.

- non-rolling but they view applications as they come in and progress applicants to the Watson Glaser if they are successful at application stage/meet the eligibility criteria.
- timeframe from submission to Watson Glaser invite is a week.
- if you pass the Watson Glaser you can be placed into two different pools - 1) if you exceed the pass mark then you are automatically progressed to video interview. 2) if your score is decent but not considered as a ‘strong pass’ then you’ll be placed in a holding pool and your score will be compared with the wider pool when the bench mark has been established.
- Watson Glaser test score and Application is viewed holistically before progressing to the video interview.

So it’s basically rolling lol

 

[HarmonyN]

CMS VI Invite
Can't believe I've finally passed their WG

 

[Zaraa.x]

So it’s basically rolling lol

Nah because they don’t give out TC offers before the deadline, they only progress people through the recruitment process. Grad Rec only review as applications come in to manage the workload.

Recruiting on a rolling basis is when firms give out TC offers before the deadline - like Slaughter and May.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

So it’s basically rolling lol

exactly what I thought. How can it be non rolling. They’re progressing applicants to the 3rd stage of their application process 2 weeks before the deadline.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Nah because they don’t give out TC offers before the deadline, they only progress people through the recruitment process. Grad Rec only review as applications come in to manage the workload.

Recruiting on a rolling basis is when firms give out TC offers before the deadline - like Slaughter and May.

I see your point now. However I’d still class that as rolling or semi rolling. Realistically you hear back with an invite or rejection before the deadline. It’s like Willkie who progress but do not offer. Gives you peace knowing you won’t have to wait months for an outcome.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Still no rejection or WG sent by CMS post application. I’ve no idea what they’re doing with my application.

 

[gazdgazd11]

CMS VI!! If anyone has any tips it would be great, I can help with Bird & Bird and Mishcon from last year

Congrats! How long did it take them to send the Watson glaser test after submitting your app? I’ve just applied for the tc

 

[aspiringsolicitor121]

Hi, I received the CMS VI today! Does anyone have the questions from the VI from last year and would be kind enough to share them for prep? Please and thank you so much!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I had a question. How selfish is too selfish.
I reply to messages on this forum and provide insight on my progress with firms as a guidance for others who have applied. It’s only fair as I enjoy seeing when others post news. But I wondered where do we draw the line of tips/help. I have no problem providing video interview questions to a firm I have been rejected by, I wouldn’t see the person asking me as ‘competition’ as I would be out of the running. However, I constantly get messages about a firm I am currently in the process for asking for video interview/ interview questions. How is that fair. As for tips for video interviews etc what tips are you looking for. It’s a video interview. I have had people reach out and I’ve given tips such as The type of questions the video interview are based on such as competency or motivational but I believe this makes no difference to the prep you should’ve already been doing if you’re serious about the firm and law in general as many of these answers are reusable.

Offering advice about prep time and how many questions are very acceptable but then again this is all provided before you commence the video interview. Getting a training contract is a competitive process I don’t understand why anyone would think someone would give them an advantage by providing the answer to a video interview for a firm they are waiting to hear back from also.

My two pence based on my observations recently.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

I think it’s down to your discretion really. If someone asks you something and you ignore it because you don’t think it’s fair, they aren’t going to know you ignored it and they were probably just trying their luck anyway. A closed mouth never gets fed and the worst anyone can say is no… Or make a post about it after you just asked them a question. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

My post wasn’t indirecting any single person but the people who fit the description of what I was speaking about.

 

[Tcvspfo]

I think it’s down to your discretion really. If someone asks you something and you ignore it because you don’t think it’s fair, they aren’t going to know you ignored it and they were probably just trying their luck anyway. A closed mouth never gets fed and the worst anyone can say is no… Or make a post about it after you just asked them a question. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

No but the person was saying about helping people and some not appreciating and as someone similar I can relate to it is unfair and selfish sometimes from some people on the forum. As someone who has received multiple messages from people who do not want to post in the forum or who do not know me or never reacted to my posts on the forum and messaging about DLA and PWC VI asking for which questions they will be asked. I feel it is unfair and and rude from people like that.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

🤗🤗🤗 I was just trying to be lighthearted about things. I get what both of you are saying. I just think it makes sense to just use your prerogative and ignore questions that you don’t feel comfortable answering, for whatever reason. However, this forum is for gaining useful insight and that’s what people are trying to get. I think you should try not to take things personally because it just makes this whole experience more stressful than it already is.

I think your comment was a weird way of invalidating my original post. Gaining useful insight is acceptable constantly bothering people for video interview questions is not. If I’m constantly being messaged about this I thought it was key to bring to the forum because ignoring simply isn’t enough. I’ve had 4 people message me privately agreeing with my post with people badgering them for answers.

Good night.

 

[lookingforaTC]

Anyone know if CMS are rolling or not as have seen mixed feelings about this online.

CMS confirmed by e-mail to me on 8 Nov that they are non-rolling.

 

[legal18]

Ah just sent off my first VS application of the cycle...

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

A quick reminder to maintain a constructive and respectful atmosphere in our discussions. Let’s focus on providing insightful feedback and avoid personal comments to ensure a positive, supportive environment. Thank you!

 

[Amma Usman]

Ah just sent off my first VS application of the cycle...

Well done on sending off your first application @legal18 ! Goodluck with the cycle. We’re rooting for you all..! 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

 

[Audric_T]

I had a question. How selfish is too selfish.
I reply to messages on this forum and provide insight on my progress with firms as a guidance for others who have applied. It’s only fair as I enjoy seeing when others post news. But I wondered where do we draw the line of tips/help. I have no problem providing video interview questions to a firm I have been rejected by, I wouldn’t see the person asking me as ‘competition’ as I would be out of the running. However, I constantly get messages about a firm I am currently in the process for asking for video interview/ interview questions. How is that fair. As for tips for video interviews etc what tips are you looking for. It’s a video interview. I have had people reach out and I’ve given tips such as The type of questions the video interview are based on such as competency or motivational but I believe this makes no difference to the prep you should’ve already been doing if you’re serious about the firm and law in general as many of these answers are reusable.

Offering advice about prep time and how many questions are very acceptable but then again this is all provided before you commence the video interview. Getting a training contract is a competitive process I don’t understand why anyone would think someone would give them an advantage by providing the answer to a video interview for a firm they are waiting to hear back from also.

My two pence based on my observations recently.

I don't know, I see both sides of the argument - I have had numerous messages asking for support and answers and I have answered each one honestly and to the best of my knowledge - I have gained a lot of help from this platform and feel I should pass along that help. I don't see my fellow forum members as competition - at the end of the day we all have a common goal - get a training contract - we have to apply, put in effort to our application, do a series of assessments and then put up with lack of communication from certain firms - PFOs and no feedback in certain instances - we aren't competitors, those that push on are survivors.

I have an A/C with a firm that I would love to work with - I have spent every moment not working or with family - researching the company, brushing up on my commercial knowledge and asking questions - I have reached out to current trainees at the firm who have provided me with guidance and insight, answers to their various stages and obviously I'm not going to copy as it is disingenuous but it doesn't make the process any less competitive - Hell the firm I have a A/C have actually said reach out to trainees, future lawyers, partners and associates directly.

I see your point but a lot of firms have collaboration and teamwork as a key value - if you are unwilling to help here, whats it going to be like in your A/C or when you get a TC and need to help others - Just my two cents but as a professional with a decade of experience - helping doesn't harm your chances - if they copy your answers then they won't get anyway to be honest. If they get an advantage so what? if you have done the VI - then their outcome has no impact on your application. If you have done the A/C and provide guidance or answers or insight - haven't you already done it?

Anyways long story short, thank you everyone that has helped me, it is appreciated to those who have asked I have also returned the favour - I apologies if I have delayed responses I am also working and looking after family - this platform is amazing.