TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Prudentia]

Hi everyone,
May be controversial but I’m just looking for some thoughts.
I was very fortunately offered a TC in a good firm that I really like (firm 1) this Summer. I accepted but haven’t done anything with them yet as it commences 2027. Recently I have started a full time Paralegal role whilst I wait. Whilst I know I am in a very fortunate position and have worked very hard for my TC, there is one firm that I consider to be “the one that got away”. (Firm 2) The practice areas between the firms are mostly similar but Firm 2 offers some very specific stuff that firm 1 does not, and I keep overthinking about stumping my career growth into something quite a bit different with Firm 1. therefore I am wondering if I should apply again to firm 2 this year. It would be the same year entry and same city so I wouldn’t lose anything, but I am just not sure. Plus I am working full time now. Any advice welcome please.

Congratulations on the TC offer!

Personally, I would just apply to firm 2 this round. You’re in a strong position and you’ve got nothing to lose (which can actually make your application stronger). Worst case scenario is you don’t get an offer for firm 2 but you still have an offer for firm 1. If you do get an offer from firm 2 and would prefer that, you can always tell firm 1 “thanks, but no thanks”. I’m sure law firms are used to trainees changing their minds. Good luck!

 

[livelaughlawve]

In my CC confirmation email they said that they would send me the next steps within 3 working days, but it has been 2 weeks. anyone else had this?

 

[lawyergal101]

In my CC confirmation email they said that they would send me the next steps within 3 working days, but it has been 2 weeks. anyone else had this?

I emailed them and they said they’d be sending the WG in early November.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi everyone,
May be controversial but I’m just looking for some thoughts.
I was very fortunately offered a TC in a good firm that I really like (firm 1) this Summer. I accepted but haven’t done anything with them yet as it commences 2027. Recently I have started a full time Paralegal role whilst I wait. Whilst I know I am in a very fortunate position and have worked very hard for my TC, there is one firm that I consider to be “the one that got away”. (Firm 2) The practice areas between the firms are mostly similar but Firm 2 offers some very specific stuff that firm 1 does not, and I keep overthinking about stumping my career growth into something quite a bit different with Firm 1. therefore I am wondering if I should apply again to firm 2 this year. It would be the same year entry and same city so I wouldn’t lose anything, but I am just not sure. Plus I am working full time now. Any advice welcome please.

Purely on the practical side, from what I know there should not be any consequences to reneging on your TC if you do so before you begin your SQE year. The only real downside to reneging is the risk that it will have burnt some bridges with people from firm 1 - i.e. I think it may be difficult to go back to work there early in your career should you wish to do so. As for the upside, I think you should analyse the potential benefit holistically, looking at the reputation of the firm, the quality of the matters and of practitioners you will get exposure to, the availability of the seats you are interested in, its training, culture, etc.

An important factor to keep in mind when you assess these benefits is to consider how this will impact your day to day life at the firm and your learning and development, rather than just comparing firms vis a vis which would be the better one to stay at for the entirety of your career. This is because post-qualification, in a good market it is not difficult to make a lateral move, should you still wish to go to firm 2.

All this is to say, there is no right or wrong decision here - you should just weigh these factors and choose what seems best. You may also want to consider that you do not need to make up your mind about this right now. In theory, you could apply and go on a VS with firm 2, get a "feel" of the firm and see what day-to-day life is like there, and decide whether on the whole it is better change your TC after that.

 

[sunshine101]

Anyone heard back regarding the HSF Kramer Digital Open Day?

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone received the online assessment for HL after your initial application? I thought it was an automatic test but it’s been 3 weeks since I applied

 

[silonthesofa]

I emailed them, they said they will process winter vacation scheme first. If you applied for their summer vacation scheme they will send it later

So is that to say that the HL first assessment is automatic, but they still have to manually click or process something to send it? I applied for a direct TC a couple of weeks ago now, so I'm sure it's low on their priority to get through, but just for me to understand.

 

[Sharkfin]

Hi everyone! Just did the A&O assessment and not sure what to make of my feedback. Would anyone be willing to share theirs? Feel free to PM!

Hi quick question, was there unlimited VI prep time?

 

[lawyergal101]

Hi quick question, was there unlimited VI prep time?

It was!

 

[Hopefully2025]

If we applied to CMS or Slaughters at the start of the month and haven't heard back, is it safe to assume a PFO? Especially since a decent number of people have received interviews and WGs.

 

[Bread]

If we applied to CMS or Slaughters at the start of the month and haven't heard back, is it safe to assume a PFO? Especially since a decent number of people have received interviews and WGs.

Not sure about CMS, but ik people who last year had interviews with SM in late November

 

[Amgrad]

Hi I am planning to submit my TC app

Regarding academic referee, can we undisclose the phone number and just provide email instead? It seems like a compulsory.
I hope they just accept a corporate email as phone number is a privacy.

 

[p2bv]

If we applied to CMS or Slaughters at the start of the month and haven't heard back, is it safe to assume a PFO? Especially since a decent number of people have received interviews and WGs.

CMS are non-rolling and said on social media only some locations are sending Watson glasers etc this early

 

[Maddy]

Anyone yet to complete w&c sjt?

 

[yk1906]

Applied to Freshfields on Oct 17th, yet to receive a test invite... I am 99% confident I meet the requirements. Should I worry? Is anyone in the same situation?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If we applied to CMS or Slaughters at the start of the month and haven't heard back, is it safe to assume a PFO? Especially since a decent number of people have received interviews and WGs.

Hello!

I wouldn't assume that just because you haven't heard back it's a rejection - no news can often be good news! Firms usually have quite complicated timelines for sending out interviews and test invites, and they tend to do it in batches. Try not to overthink it too much (easier said than done, I know!) - focus on what you can control, stay positive, and trust that you'll hear back soon!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi I am planning to submit my TC app

Regarding academic referee, can we undisclose the phone number and just provide email instead? It seems like a compulsory.
I hope they just accept a corporate email as phone number is a privacy.

Hey!

I had a similar query in the past - it's generally acceptable to list only your referee's email, especially if it's their official work address. If the form requires a phone number, I would check with the graduate recruitment team or enter a more general phone number for the academic institution (if possible). The main thing is that they have a valid email to verify your reference

 

[lwy]

I’ve applied to Clifford Chance’s London Direct Training Contract and received an email through Vantage that says only ‘TEST’ but no content at all. May I know if anyone is encountering a similar issue?

 

[TCchaser]

I’ve applied to Clifford Chance’s London Direct Training Contract and received an email through Vantage that says only ‘TEST’ but no content at all. May I know if anyone is encountering a similar issue?

I received it too and I haven't applied to CC this cycle - may be a system issue

 

[yk1906]

Applied to Freshfields on Oct 17th, yet to receive a test invite... I am 99% confident I meet the requirements. Should I worry? Is anyone in the same situation?

Just received it!