TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lamosophia41]

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?

 

[Lamosophia41]

Congratulations! When did you submit the stage 1 test?

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

 

[Lamosophia41]

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?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Congratulations! When did you submit the stage 1 test?

I submitted the stage 1 test 5th Nov (short waiting period as I had requested adjustments) and I received the stage 2 test today. Seems they have quite a fast turnaround time for them.​

 

[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

 

[lawyergal101]

Got an email from CC saying because I passed the WG in the last 2 years, I’m progressed to application review and don’t have to retake. But then received a WG invite straight after. Did anyone else get this? Is it worth emailing grad rec

 

[lolololol]

Got an email from CC saying because I passed the WG in the last 2 years, I’m progressed to application review and don’t have to retake. But then received a WG invite straight after. Did anyone else get this? Is it worth emailing grad rec

I had the same thing!

 

[TC seeker]

The Freshfields test doesn't contain a VI at stage 1!

The Freshfields test doesn't contain a VI at stage 1!

Do you know what's their 1st stage includes?only WG?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Got an email from CC saying because I passed the WG in the last 2 years, I’m progressed to application review and don’t have to retake. But then received a WG invite straight after. Did anyone else get this? Is it worth emailing grad rec

I think this is likely a system error in that they automatically send WG invites to all candidates, whether they are exempt or not. I also remember this being something that was happening to candidates in other years, so I would assume the firm is aware of it and will still assess you application as normal. That said, I would still advise you to shoot grad rec a quick email about it just to be sure.

 

[i really like clouds :)]

hi all! how long on average did you wait between ff test one and test two?

 

[Harvey Specter]

hi all! how long on average did you wait between ff test one and test two?

I submitted FF test one on Nov 5th and got stage two on Nov 10th, so 5 days between them. Think they send the tests in batches though so it could be more or less time for others.​

 

[WeGotThis!]

Does anyone know if Gowling WLG makes offers before Christmas or is it in the New Year?

 

[Hopefully2025]

Does anyone know if Gowling WLG makes offers before Christmas or is it in the New Year?

All in the new year. They send out video interview invites on 12th December (as per their application acknowledgement mail), after which they send AC invites in the new year. The ACs are held in January and February, so I don't anticipate any offers being sent out until mid January at the earliest.

 

[yk1906]

Any news from AO Shearman DTC?

 

[lawyergal101]

Any news from AO Shearman DTC?

Don't think we'll hear back until after the deadline on the 17th

 

[Legalgirl]

has anyone heard from travers smith after the deadline??

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those that did the A&O DTC, is the VI unlimited prep and also is it motivational or competency? Also, how many questions are there?