TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[bh.sa]

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!

 

[Apple]

Freshfields assessment invite, not sure if its automatic?

 

[Cynthia Tran]

Freshfields assessment invite, not sure if its automatic?

I emailed the graduate recruitment team and they told me that it was not automatic. I just received the link for the test today (I applied on 14th October).

 

[Harvey Specter]

Freshfields online test invite! Applied Oct 17th!​

 

[lolololol]

Does the first stage test for freshfields have a VI section? asking so i prepare for it.

 

[lelezb1]

Does the first stage test for freshfields have a VI section? asking so i prepare for it.

The first stage doesn’t.

 

[rjay]

Noticed that Slaughter and May's Written exercises seems a bit different from regular case study exercises, asides being conversant with the basics of M&A, is there anything one can do or read to be better prepared for it @Andrei Radu

 

[lawyergal101]

I got an invite to the Freshfields first stage test yesterday, and then this morning at 6am I received an email saying they’ve taken my reasonable adjustments into account and given me extra time - but I haven’t requested or mentioned any adjustments. Has anyone else had the same thing happen?

 

[bh.sa]

I got an invite to the Freshfields first stage test yesterday, and then this morning at 6am I received an email saying they’ve taken my reasonable adjustments into account and given me extra time - but I haven’t requested or mentioned any adjustments. Has anyone else had the same thing happen?

Yes I had too, but I don't think I got extra time for the test anyways. Maybe it's a system error

 

[lawyergal101]

Yes I had too, but I don't think I got extra time for the test anyways. Maybe it's a system error

Ahh okay thanks for letting me know. Do you think it's worth emailing grad rec or should I just take the test using the link in the original email?

 

[Trophy]

Does A&O test have a deadline?

 

[yk1906]

Those who got their tests for Freshfields earlier than yesterday -- did anyone get a VI or overall progress to the next stage?

 

[marcc]

Those who got their tests for Freshfields earlier than yesterday -- did anyone get a VI or overall progress to the next stage?

I completed stage 2 of the online assessment (the VI) on Monday. Wondering if anyone has potentially received any feedback for Stage 2?