TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, does anyone know if we can include the virtual job experiences in the work experience section of CC's new application form, or if we should only mention them in our answers or in the part of the form where we are asked if we have done any of them? And what about any open days with CC that we attended? Thank you

Hello!

Historically, it has been acceptable to include virtual work experiences in the work experience section of Clifford Chance's application form (in addition to open days that you have attended). I would assume that this is still the case if it allows you to enter as many work experience entries as you'd like, so you could still include them there if you'd wish!

However, if you have already mentioned these virtual programmes or open days in other sections of the application form (and you don't think there is any additional information or insights that you would add in the work experience entry), I'd say it's fine to leave them out of the section

 

[sjm251102]

Hey - does anyone have any advice on the Latham VI for the SVS?

I normally don't mind VIs, however I have heard that it's not a typical VI and they give you a case situation instead of skill based. Thank you!!

 

[hanz123]

How would someone approach this question: Describe the personal event or experience that, more than anything else, made you realise your desire to work in a law firm (800 characters)*

 

[Andrei Radu]

How would someone approach this question: Describe the personal event or experience that, more than anything else, made you realise your desire to work in a law firm (800 characters)*

I think the key aspect of this question is to identify what was the single most important experience that sparked/confirmed your interest in law and then provide a lot of detail as to the context of the experience and how it has shaped your thinking. As such, I would go for the following structure:

1. State the nature of the experience in a short, introductory sentence;
2. Go through the experience using a STAR structure - i.e. explain the context of how the experience came to be, what your role was, what actions you had to take and what results did they have;
3. Explain why this experience made you attracted to commercial law. For a more detailed and comprehensive answer, you could also explain how this influenced your thinking vis a vis why you prefer commercial law over other career paths you could have pursued, rather than just elaborating why you have "an interest" in the profession.

 

[Naskimovski]

Hi everyone!

I’ve just progressed to the second stage of the Freshfields training contract application. This round is a job simulation assessment, which is new to me. From what I understand, it includes at least one written trainee-style task and a few video interview questions (similar to HireVue & Cappfinity).

If anyone has experience with job simulation assessments,not just at Freshfields, but also at firms like Hogan Lovells, Macfarlanes, or others, I’d be really grateful for any insights, tips, or examples of what to expect.

Happy to return the favour by sharing what I know about CMS, A&O, Baker McKenzie, Latham, Weil, Reed Smith, NRF VI, and I’ve attended open days at Weil, Baker McKenzie, and Latham as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone heard back from HL following their initial app?

 

[silonthesofa]

Has anyone heard back from HL following their initial app?

I'm also waiting. Sent off my application on the 13th of October and just got the "we'll be in touch soon" email. No automatic test invite yet.

 

[GV]

Has anyone applied for Deloitte Training Contract and heard back regarding AC?

 

[yk1906]

Is Kirkland rolling?

 

[p2bv]

Has anyone applied for Deloitte Training Contract and heard back regarding AC?

No I just got my results from the last test and an email saying they’ll be in touch within three weeks (one week ago)

 

[JaysFudd]

Anyone heard from Slaughter post AC

 

[whywhy88]

Freshfields stage 2 invite! Did the first test a month ago so was expecting a PFO haha. If anyone has any insights they’d be happy to share I’d be incredibly grateful!

 

[yk1906]

Any PFOs from Slaughters? I submitted my app a loooong time ago and received nothing.

 

[Sophia L]

Hi I just made it to freshfields stage 2. If anyone has done it yet is it more motivational style questions or competency questions? Also how much time does it give you to prepare. thanks

 

[M_m]

Hi I just made it to freshfields stage 2. If anyone has done it yet is it more motivational style questions or competency questions? Also how much time does it give you to prepare. thanks

Congratulations! When did you submit the stage 1 test?

 

[DarrenB]

Congratulations! When did you submit the stage 1 test?

In the Freshfields preparation portal, there is a sample question on writing an email to your supervisor introducing yourself and what you want to learn at Freshfields. If something similar has come in the stage 1 assessment, is it recommended to prepare as if you answer a question on an application form?

 

[Sophia L]

Congratulations! When did you submit the stage 1 test?

Thank you. I did the test on the 1st of November

 

[Sophia L]

For the freshfields stage 2 test if I had additional time in the first one do I need to re request this or is it automatically applied?

 

[Hamlindigo Blue]

did anyone not receive a confirmation email after completing the Freshfields stage 2 assessment? not got mine and quite worried

 

[livelaughlawve]

For the freshfields stage 2 test if I had additional time in the first one do I need to re request this or is it automatically applied?

If you got it in the first one, it is automatic here