TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[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 - Presiding Partner]

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.

 

[JaysFudd]

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?

 

[TCchaser]

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?

 

[Deek14]

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

Hey, when did you do your Stage 1?

 

[TCchaser]

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?

I just took the test without emailing, you can email them and let them know though!

 

[marcc]

Hey, when did you do your Stage 1?

Applied 5th Oct, did the test on the 10th.

 

[hmevey]

With this question in the fieldfisher application, should i proritise my paralegal work experience and insight days or things that genuinely interest me and hobbies? I know they include 'everything else that interests you' but im not sure what to include here:

Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

With this question in the fieldfisher application, should i proritise my paralegal work experience and insight days or things that genuinely interest me and hobbies? I know they include 'everything else that interests you' but im not sure what to include here:

Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)

Hi!

I’d include a mix of both! Definitely mention your paralegal experience and any insight days since they show commitment and understanding of the profession, but I would avoid discussing only legal stuff. Many law firms value well-rounded candidates, including Fieldfisher, so adding a few personal interests or extracurriculars that genuinely matter to you will help show personality and balance.

I would maybe start with the legal experiences (and what you gained from them), and then finish with a few hobbies or things that make you stand out. It doesn’t have to be super formal - they just want to get an idea of who you are beyond your CV!

 

[silonthesofa]

Has anyone who applied for the Hogan Lovells direct TC gotten the first stage assessment invite yet? Granted, I only submitted the application a few weeks ago, but since the 1st stage is meant to be automatic, I'm curious.