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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi, the Freshfields test definitely includes a VI (it says so on their preparation hub). Since the test is untimed, I was wondering whether it is advisable to take a break between completing the test and sitting the VI? I have a lot of work to get through in addition to the test, and tend to find it overwhelming to sit the VI on the same say as completing the test. Is it allowed to not start the VI section until the next day?
I did it last year and it was timed. 40 Questions in 30 mins.
The Freshfields test doesn't contain a VI at stage 1!
How long after applying did you receive the test invite if you dont mind me asking!
Question for anyone applying/who has applied to Clifford Chance's TC - can you only apply via their website? I thought that they used to use Vantage, but I can't seem to direct myself to the Vantage portal
Edit - also just to double check, can we still get our WG scores from the previous cycle to roll over? I remember that you could last year, but can't seem to find anything about it on their website now
Edit - also just to double check, can we still get our WG scores from the previous cycle to roll over? I remember that you could last year, but can't seem to find anything about it on their website now
Hello!
I've just had a look, and I also cannot seem to get to their application through the Vantage portal - it seems that the only way to apply this year is through their website (but if anyone finds an alternative way, please do share!).
If the website doesn't confirm whether the WG scores roll over from the previous cycle, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check. When I applied a couple cycles ago, it sent you an automatic email after submitting your application that stated - "I am pleased to confirm that as you previously completed and passed the test within the last two recruitment cycles with us, you do not need to do the test again this year".
It might be easier to confirm their stance in advance if you don't want to wait until after submitting your application
Best of luck with your application!!
Hello, what do these questions mean on Clifford Chance application form.
Please calculate your average university module grade percentage and specify below.
If you've graduated, please specify what grade you graduated with.
Both of these want a number (not like 1st, 2:1 etc) - would the number be the same for both? I've graduated so I know the number to put for the second question, but I thought both questions are asking for the same thing?
Thank you
Please calculate your average university module grade percentage and specify below.
If you've graduated, please specify what grade you graduated with.
Both of these want a number (not like 1st, 2:1 etc) - would the number be the same for both? I've graduated so I know the number to put for the second question, but I thought both questions are asking for the same thing?
Thank you
Hey!
They're similar questions, but not exactly the same (depending on how your university works out your overall degree classification). The first is your average across all modules you've taken, while the second is your final degree percentage (which might exclude first-year marks if they didn't count).
As you've graduated, you can just enter your final percentage for the second, and for the first, you could use your overall average including all years. If these are the same, that is perfectly fine too!
Hello, I've submitted the form - I left those two blank, but provided my overall grade classification and all the individual module grade results. The form submitted through, and I didn't see an asterisk next to the questions (assuming it's optional). Would this be a problem?Hey!
They're similar questions, but not exactly the same (depending on how your university works out your overall degree classification). The first is your average across all modules you've taken, while the second is your final degree percentage (which might exclude first-year marks if they didn't count).
As you've graduated, you can just enter your final percentage for the second, and for the first, you could use your overall average including all years. If these are the same, that is perfectly fine too!
Thank you
Hi!
If there wasn't an asterisk next to the questions, I would assume it's completely fine to submit it the way that you did! If the information was specifically needed, I'm sure they would have been required questions on the form
Hi everyone!
We just wanted to post a quick reminder about what can and can’t be shared on TCLA. We really appreciate how much everyone contributes - your insights help make the legal profession more accessible, and it’s great to see you all supporting others on their journey.
At the same time, we want to ensure we strike the right balance between sharing useful information and maintaining the integrity of firms’ recruitment processes.
You are welcome to share:
Please do not share:
We also kindly ask that members also do not request this type of restricted information from others. Equally, if someone asks for information about a specific law firm, please don’t feel you need to respond. This is completely your choice.
We know everyone here wants to help others succeed, and thank you for continuing to do that while keeping the process fair for all applicants!
You can read our full community rules and guidelines here: TCLA Forum Terms and Rules
We just wanted to post a quick reminder about what can and can’t be shared on TCLA. We really appreciate how much everyone contributes - your insights help make the legal profession more accessible, and it’s great to see you all supporting others on their journey.
At the same time, we want to ensure we strike the right balance between sharing useful information and maintaining the integrity of firms’ recruitment processes.
You are welcome to share:- The structure of an interview or assessment;
- Examples of interview questions;
- General themes from case studies, written exercises, or assessments;
- Your positive or negative experiences of the process; and
- Advice on how to prepare for interviews and assessments
Please do not share:- Video interview questions; or
- Specific assessment content, such as exact case study scenarios, group tasks, or written exercise details
We also kindly ask that members also do not request this type of restricted information from others. Equally, if someone asks for information about a specific law firm, please don’t feel you need to respond. This is completely your choice.
We know everyone here wants to help others succeed, and thank you for continuing to do that while keeping the process fair for all applicants!
You can read our full community rules and guidelines here: TCLA Forum Terms and Rules
Hi, does anyone have any tips for the Freshfields' online assessment for their direct TC? Is it more like the Watson Glaser, or more scenario-based about a trainee’s day-to-day work?
If you go to their preparation portal - https://freshfields.preparationplus.com/ - that's the best indication of what the online assessment is like.
Thank you so much!! You’re the best, Abbie!!Hello!
I've just had a look, and I also cannot seem to get to their application through the Vantage portal - it seems that the only way to apply this year is through their website (but if anyone finds an alternative way, please do share!).
If the website doesn't confirm whether the WG scores roll over from the previous cycle, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check. When I applied a couple cycles ago, it sent you an automatic email after submitting your application that stated - "I am pleased to confirm that as you previously completed and passed the test within the last two recruitment cycles with us, you do not need to do the test again this year".
It might be easier to confirm their stance in advance if you don't want to wait until after submitting your application
Best of luck with your application!!
I managed to find out the answer on their FAQ - they do continue to allow you to carry over your WG for 2 cycles
Thank you
Hey @Jaysen do you know roughly how long it takes to hear back from a last stage partner interview for a direct training contract? I did the interview on Friday last week. And there were only a handful of candidates who made it to the final partner stage and all have been interviewed. Surely it’s a case of just calling who made it or not 
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