TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[bh.sa]

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.

 

[LegalLigase]

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

What questions do they ask for the VI?

 

[Superfrozone]

Travers Smith DTC 1st stage interview invite. Would love any advice if possible

 

[yasmars]

Travers Smith DTC 1st stage interview invite. Would love any advice if possible

I thought TS are not rolling ?

 

[Superfrozone]

I thought TS are not rolling ?

That’s what I thought until I got a call asking for my availability.

 

[Amgrad]

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

Well, I just emailed my programme advisor, she does not allow the general phone number of the institution. Instead, she asked me to wait another 7 days to get any recommendations.

Then, I directly reached out to another professor of my college who I still remember and know me when I topped in my class as some have already retired or no longer work there.

Also, I emailed the grad rec team to let me fill it blank (esp the phone number) and will follow up in the later stage since the deadline is tomorrow, so it's impossible to catch up from my PA. I saw All-hires allows candidate to add some notes on their application, so maybe I could attach my referee there.

Wdyt? Still don't get any responses from my professor or grad team. I didn't expect that some firms will ask recommendation in early stage of application. If you remember, how many of them? So, I can mark it to be prepared in case I'm applying.

 

[yasmars]

That’s what I thought until I got a call asking for my availability.

You probably are a very strong candidate for them to invite you prior to the deadline closing

 

[p2bv]

Travers Smith DTC 1st stage interview invite. Would love any advice if possible

Received an invite today as well! Was very surprised haha

 

[TCLA0322]

pfo from slaughter and may😿

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

pfo from slaughter and may😿

So sorry about that 😢. Sending a virtual hug. Just out of curiosity, when did you apply?

 

[TCLA0322]

So sorry about that 😢. Sending a virtual hug. Just out of curiosity, when did you apply?

5th Sept

 

[milawalton]

Hey, does the Freshfields Direct TC test for stage 1 have a virtual interview?

 

[milawalton]

Does anyone know how many vacation scheme students Dechert takes per intake?

 

[Andrei Radu]

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

Hi @rjay back when I did Slaughters' written exercise it did not seem very different to me in terms of the question it asked or its general format. If I were to note the two main points that stood out a bit to me, they had more to do with the way Slaughters assessed our work rather than the exercise itself. Thus, the firm seemed to care more about the following:

1. The intellectual merits of your arguments: while some firms seemed to be mostly interested in whether you could cover all the basics and present a decent argument under time-pressure, Slaughters seemed to care more about how good your advocacy was;
2. Spelling, grammar, and writing style: while most firms once again seemed to only look for a good structure and with a clear style of writing, being willing to overlook the occasional typo or spelling error, Slaughters seemed to mark down candidates more for such mistakes.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Well, I just emailed my programme advisor, she does not allow the general phone number of the institution. Instead, she asked me to wait another 7 days to get any recommendations.

Then, I directly reached out to another professor of my college who I still remember and know me when I topped in my class as some have already retired or no longer work there.

Also, I emailed the grad rec team to let me fill it blank (esp the phone number) and will follow up in the later stage since the deadline is tomorrow, so it's impossible to catch up from my PA. I saw All-hires allows candidate to add some notes on their application, so maybe I could attach my referee there.

Wdyt? Still don't get any responses from my professor or grad team. I didn't expect that some firms will ask recommendation in early stage of application. If you remember, how many of them? So, I can mark it to be prepared in case I'm applying.

Hello!

As the deadline is so soon, I would perhaps add the referee into the notes section of your application and let the graduate recruitment team know the reasoning for this. I can’t imagine that they will be asking for references early on in the process (due to the logistical difficulties in doing so), and my referees were only ever contacted after I received the VS offer.

Try not to panic too much - as long as you explain to graduate recruitment and provide the referee information somewhere in your application, I’m sure it’ll work out