TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flower1]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

Hi!

Whilst I can't say with 100% certainty, I don't believe that time is factored in when taking the test. I took the test a few years ago for Clifford Chance, and I focused on accuracy rather than speed - I think it's always best to take your time (within the limit) and make sure you're confident in your answers, rather than rushing through it. If you wanted to double check, it might be worth emailing the early careers team and they should be able to confirm for you.

In terms of hearing back, when I applied for CC, I received the WGT invite on February 9th 2023 (which feels so long ago now 🥲) and received an email stating that I passed it on February 10th 2023. Whilst this may have changed since then, I would say that you're likely to hear back pretty quickly!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

Hi! I highly doubt time is taken into account for your percentile score. The Watson Glaser is designed to test accuracy under timed conditions, so the key factor is simply how many answers you get correct. The timer already restricts you, so there’s no additional benefit to finishing quicker than others—it’s not like the faster you complete it, the higher your score. What really matters is balancing accuracy with pace so that you don’t run out of time.

 

[flower1]

Hello, what is Clifford Chance's video interview process like - how long do we have to practice each question before starting, how long do we answer each question, and how many questions are there, is it motivational, competency? I tried finding it out on their website, but couldn't see anything specific.
Thank you

 

[p2bv]

I did a vacation scheme at a firm, then got rejected from a training contract, is it acceptable/worth it to apply again for a direct training contract a year or so later?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I did a vacation scheme at a firm, then got rejected from a training contract, is it acceptable/worth it to apply again for a direct training contract a year or so later?

Hello!

Yes, it's definitely fine to apply again! Not converting a vacation scheme isn't always the end of the road, and plenty of people have reapplied later and been successful. When I failed to convert my spring vacation scheme last cycle, they encouraged me to reapply for the direct route next year if I was interested - so firms usually aren't against it!

The important thing will be to show how you have taken on the feedback you received post-VS, and developed since the scheme (e.g. extra experience, better awareness of your motivations, commercial awareness).

If it's a firm you genuinely want, it's worth another go - just make sure your new application shows growth, rather than repeating what you did before

 

[summersun]

Hello!

Yes, it's definitely fine to apply again! Not converting a vacation scheme isn't always the end of the road, and plenty of people have reapplied later and been successful. When I failed to convert my spring vacation scheme last cycle, they encouraged me to reapply for the direct route next year if I was interested - so firms usually aren't against it!

The important thing will be to show how you have taken on the feedback you received post-VS, and developed since the scheme (e.g. extra experience, better awareness of your motivations, commercial awareness).

If it's a firm you genuinely want, it's worth another go - just make sure your new application shows growth, rather than repeating what you did before

Hi
I am in a similar situation and the firm did mention the possibility of reapplying.
I was wondering if you had any advice on how to demonstrate that we took their feedback into consideration? Because between August and October/November, not much will have happened.
Also do you have any advice on mentionning their vacation scheme done last summer in their application form for this year?

 

[ashwright]

Hey hey,

I had actually just made a post about this, quoted below.

Hope it helps Xx

thank you so much, Amma!! i really appreciate your kindness + reassurance a lot.
just want to remind you - you are an absolutely incredible person and you are so incredibly inspiring & strong. sending much love to you.
hope you have a lovely weekend, tc ❤️

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi
I am in a similar situation and the firm did mention the possibility of reapplying.
I was wondering if you had any advice on how to demonstrate that we took their feedback into consideration? Because between August and October/November, not much will have happened.
Also do you have any advice on mentionning their vacation scheme done last summer in their application form for this year?

Hi! Just to add some insight, you can definitely bring your vacation scheme experience into your application this year. It works especially well in a “Why this firm?” answer because you now have first-hand exposure to the firm’s culture, work, and people. You can use this to show depth in your motivation — for example, by pointing to specific tasks you worked on, the way teams collaborated, or unique insights you gained into their practice areas. These concrete observations are much more persuasive than generic research, and they also demonstrate that your interest in the firm is based on real experience.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi
I am in a similar situation and the firm did mention the possibility of reapplying.
I was wondering if you had any advice on how to demonstrate that we took their feedback into consideration? Because between August and October/November, not much will have happened.
Also do you have any advice on mentionning their vacation scheme done last summer in their application form for this year?

Hello!

I totally get what you mean - the timeframe between feedback and the next application round can feel super short. You don't necessarily need huge new experiences to show growth, and what helps is demonstrating that you've reflected on the feedback and taken practical steps to address it.

For example, some common feedback areas that you might encounter could be:

• Motivations - I'd take the time to reflect on your vacation scheme and the parts that really stood out to you, and use those to frame your motivations for this application. It's all about showing tailored motivations based on your previous experiences, both at the firm and in other roles. Linking these and your future career aspirations should show your clear motivations and why that firm is the best fit for you.
• Commercial Awareness - this is a tricky one, and I know it can be difficult to display growth in this in such a short period of time. This was a major one for me, and to improve, I started listening to various podcasts (mainly the FT News Briefing) and competed in BIUCAC. Whilst it may not be possible for you to get involved in a commercial awareness competition before submitting your application, I'd still look into them as they're a great way of improving your commercial awareness and it'll be immensely helpful for later application stages (e.g. interviews and assessment centres) and will show that you have taken steps to address the weakness.
• Written Tasks - again, this is one where it might be difficult to demonstrate an improvement in earlier stages, such as the application form. However, if you can complete a few practice exercises online, this will be great exposure to then start scoring higher in assessment centres and on vacation schemes. I'm happy to go into more detail about how to tackle written exercises if that would be useful!
• Group Exercises / Negotiations - I'd reflect on your contributions and consider how you come across in a team, e.g. contributing ideas, listening actively, and making sure you add value without dominating. Even just showing you've reflected on your style and tried to improve goes a long way!

In terms of showing that you've taken all of this into consideration, some will come more naturally than others (e.g. motivations and commercial awareness). For the others, this could be discussed in an interview (i.e. "Tell us about a time when you received constructive feedback" or "Tell us about a weakness") by highlighting that you reflected on the feedback that they gave. This shows that you really took the previous feedback on board and made an effort to improve.

Also, in relation to mentioning the vacation scheme, I agree with @ZNadeem - definitely bring in your previous experience with the firm when writing your application, and at later stages!

I hope that all makes sense, and answers your question!

 

[summersun]

Hi! Just to add some insight, you can definitely bring your vacation scheme experience into your application this year. It works especially well in a “Why this firm?” answer because you now have first-hand exposure to the firm’s culture, work, and people. You can use this to show depth in your motivation — for example, by pointing to specific tasks you worked on, the way teams collaborated, or unique insights you gained into their practice areas. These concrete observations are much more persuasive than generic research, and they also demonstrate that your interest in the firm is based on real experience.

Thank you very much that helps a lot !!

 

[summersun]

Hello!

I totally get what you mean - the timeframe between feedback and the next application round can feel super short. You don't necessarily need huge new experiences to show growth, and what helps is demonstrating that you've reflected on the feedback and taken practical steps to address it.

For example, some common feedback areas that you might encounter could be:

• Motivations - I'd take the time to reflect on your vacation scheme and the parts that really stood out to you, and use those to frame your motivations for this application. It's all about showing tailored motivations based on your previous experiences, both at the firm and in other roles. Linking these and your future career aspirations should show your clear motivations and why that firm is the best fit for you.
• Commercial Awareness - this is a tricky one, and I know it can be difficult to display growth in this in such a short period of time. This was a major one for me, and to improve, I started listening to various podcasts (mainly the FT News Briefing) and competed in BIUCAC. Whilst it may not be possible for you to get involved in a commercial awareness competition before submitting your application, I'd still look into them as they're a great way of improving your commercial awareness and it'll be immensely helpful for later application stages (e.g. interviews and assessment centres) and will show that you have taken steps to address the weakness.
• Written Tasks - again, this is one where it might be difficult to demonstrate an improvement in earlier stages, such as the application form. However, if you can complete a few practice exercises online, this will be great exposure to then start scoring higher in assessment centres and on vacation schemes. I'm happy to go into more detail about how to tackle written exercises if that would be useful!
• Group Exercises / Negotiations - I'd reflect on your contributions and consider how you come across in a team, e.g. contributing ideas, listening actively, and making sure you add value without dominating. Even just showing you've reflected on your style and tried to improve goes a long way!

In terms of showing that you've taken all of this into consideration, some will come more naturally than others (e.g. motivations and commercial awareness). For the others, this could be discussed in an interview (i.e. "Tell us about a time when you received constructive feedback" or "Tell us about a weakness") by highlighting that you reflected on the feedback that they gave. This shows that you really took the previous feedback on board and made an effort to improve.

Also, in relation to mentioning the vacation scheme, I agree with @ZNadeem - definitely bring in your previous experience with the firm when writing your application, and at later stages!

I hope that all makes sense, and answers your question!

Thank you very muchh ! This is very detailed and I will definitely aim to apply your advice !

 

[sadboi]

Does anyone know when Hogan Lovells send out their WG assessments? Asking because I applied for the Direct TC commencing in 2028 a while back and I haven't heard anything from them since regarding the WG test.

Bit odd since they were quite quick to issue the WG test after I applied for the WVS last year

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know when Hogan Lovells send out their WG assessments? Asking because I applied for the Direct TC commencing in 2028 a while back and I haven't heard anything from them since regarding the WG test.

Bit odd since they were quite quick to issue the WG test after I applied for the WVS last year

Hey!

Unfortunately, I don't think there's a set timeframe for when they send out the WG assessments. From what I understand, most firms usually need to check applicants meet the eligibility criteria before releasing the test, so it may be that they haven't had a moment to check this yet (especially if they are busy with WVS applications).

If it's been a few weeks and you're concerned, it could be worth dropping the graduate recruitment team a quick email to double-check when you can expect to receive it.

 

[Bhavana]

Does anyone know when Hogan Lovells send out their WG assessments? Asking because I applied for the Direct TC commencing in 2028 a while back and I haven't heard anything from them since regarding the WG test.

Bit odd since they were quite quick to issue the WG test after I applied for the WVS last year

Hi! I'm a campus ambassador for HL so I thought I'd share what they said about their recruitment process, as they've changed it recently.

The first stage will be your online application and a critical reasoning assessment. After these are screened, if they want to progress you to the second stage, you'll be invited to a job simulation assessment. If you've passed the simulation, then you'll receive an invite to AC. I believe they send out assessments in batches, so it may be the case that you have to wait for a bit, especially because the process is still new. If you are concerned, then you can always email grad rec!

 

[flower1]

Hello, can I mention Clifford Chance's Forage work as a separate entry for Clifford Chance's TC application in the work experience section, or this is not preferred? Also, if there's unlimited entries to talk about work experience, how many should we write? - I was thinking 4?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, can I mention Clifford Chance's Forage work as a separate entry for Clifford Chance's TC application in the work experience section, or this is not preferred? Also, if there's unlimited entries to talk about work experience, how many should we write? - I was thinking 4?

Thank you

Hey!

Yes, you can definitely mention the Clifford Chance Forage programme as a separate entry - just make sure you frame it as a virtual experience so it's clear it's not the same as in-person work. I referenced completing one of their Forage programmes as a separate entry in the work experience section for their application, and this didn't seem to cause any issues!

As for the number of entries, there isn't really a "perfect" amount. If the system allows for unlimited entries, I would focus on entering any of your experiences that you feel are relevant and / or substantial. Four sounds like a good amount, as long as each one adds something different and helps build your overall candidate profile!

 

[berocca567]

How does the Freshfields training contract application work?? I thought there was a personal statement. But I only see space for work experience.

 

[yk1906]

How does the Freshfields training contract application work?? I thought there was a personal statement. But I only see space for work experience.

Great question... Also, do you think they want us to use bullet points or to explain each skill we got from a placement, or something else...?

 

[Andrei Radu]

How does the Freshfields training contract application work?? I thought there was a personal statement. But I only see space for work experience.

Freshfields seems to have changed its recruitment system this year by removing their personal statement requirement. I assume that as a result of this, the other criteria the firm looks at (experiences in CV, grades, performance in online tests) to be weighed more heavily than before in the decision-making process.

While somewhat surprising, this also comes in the context of the firm undergoing a more general rebrand as it aims to leave the "Magic Circle" label behind and be classified alongside top US firms in the newly formed so-called "Global Elite". Over in the US, recruitment definitely is a lot more simplified than in the UK, with no lengthy review of written answers or video interview performances. As such, it may be that the more seamless and simplified application track is a reflection of this change in its brand image and philosophy (remember that last year Freshfields also simplified its name by dropping the "Bruckhaus Derringer" from it).