TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Vdfrz20]

As a fellow international candidate, my best advice is to connect yourself to London commercial law as much as you can. Attend insight events, open days, law fairs, mentoring schemes etc. because you’ll need to answer the “why commercial solicitor” question on almost every application and that should be tailored to working in the UK specifically. The firms I’ve succeeded with so far (SC, US and other top global) asked about this without exception.

Also, you’re not eligible for vac schemes (maybe with the exception of Reed Smith if I’m not mistaken), so you’re essentially restricted to direct TCs with top firms that sponsor foreigners - this is an insanely competitive process. You’ll need PERFECT and tailored applications with plenty of legal experience, even with firms that do hire 50% from the direct route like Stephenson Harwood or MCs. Start working on applications way ahead of the deadline. Your academics look good, it helps if you got any awards or distinctions at uni. And you could always do an LLM in the UK to help your case, but I personally think that only Oxbridge or perhaps LSE would make a significant difference, besides getting a UK visa of course.

Overall it’s doable and once you pass the first application stage, it’s all about how good you are and not your non-UK academics or need for visa sponsorship. Practise all kinds of tests and case studies that could come up in advance, and I’d start prepping for interviews every day - nothing more annoying that when you finally get an interview invite and in the midst of applications you forgot to prepare.

hey! I am also an international candidate - would you mind sharing what firms were you successful with?

 

[abeni]

Anyone did the online blended assessment for Pinsent Masons? How was it? Tips for case study , video interview and sjt?

 

[aspiringlawyer2028]

Anyone heard back from slaughters after interviews last week?

 

[Prudentia]

WG test from Clifford Chance received. Sunday is the deadline. I'm actually really enjoying all the practice tests and I've asked ChatGPT to make practice questions that are even harder than the actual test. Can anyone who has done the real thing provide any insight into the difficulty?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

WG test from Clifford Chance received. Sunday is the deadline. I'm actually really enjoying all the practice tests and I've asked ChatGPT to make practice questions that are even harder than the actual test. Can anyone who has done the real thing provide any insight into the difficulty?

I found CC wg relatively simple compared to others. Best of luck!

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

WG test from Clifford Chance received. Sunday is the deadline. I'm actually really enjoying all the practice tests and I've asked ChatGPT to make practice questions that are even harder than the actual test. Can anyone who has done the real thing provide any insight into the difficulty?

That’s quite innovative! Do you mind sharing what prompt you put into ChatGPT for this?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I found CC wg relatively simple compared to others. Best of luck!

How long after taking the CC WG do they inform you whether you passed or failed? Only took the test yesterday but just want an idea. Not got any expectations as I am really bad at the WG. ​

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

How long after taking the CC WG do they inform you whether you passed or failed? Only took the test yesterday but just want an idea. Not got any expectations as I am really bad at the WG. ​

I got an email about 2 minutes after taking the test saying I passed

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I got an email about 2 minutes after taking the test saying I passed

Guess that means I failed the WG. Not surprising though to be honest.​

 

[enyildiz]

Guys hi! Could someone please help me figure out what 1st and 2:1 correspond to on the 4/4 GPA scale. Universities seem to have differing requirements depending on which country the degree was received from (ie Oxford requires a 3.6 from Turkey for 1st while LSE requires a 3.5 and QMUL requires a 3.3), so I’m not sure what to write on my TC applications.

For reference, I earned my LLB degree in Turkey with a 3.48 and my LLM degree in the United States with a 3.46.

 

[Prudentia]

I found CC wg relatively simple compared to others. Best of luck!

Thank you so much!

 

[Prudentia]

That’s quite innovative! Do you mind sharing what prompt you put into ChatGPT for this?

Of course!

I input the following:

“I am studying for the Watson Glaser test as part of my application to [insert law firm]. Please give me practice questions on each of the five sections of the test and make them difficult. Give me one question at a time, but do not tell me the answer until after I have attempted the question. Ensure you explain the logic and reasoning behind each answer.”

Once you’ve prompted it once and done a few practice questions it can then help you put together a study plan to address your weak points. I’ve found GPT’s explanations of the technique to be really helpful and my scores have massively improved.

 

[Prudentia]

Guess that means I failed the WG. Not surprising though to be honest.​

They say they’ll let you know within 5 working days. I don’t think CC have a set pass mark, either. Your percentile depends on how well other people do.

 

[p2bv]

Deloitte AC!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

CMS PFO post-app

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Of course!

I input the following:

“I am studying for the Watson Glaser test as part of my application to [insert law firm]. Please give me practice questions on each of the five sections of the test and make them difficult. Give me one question at a time, but do not tell me the answer until after I have attempted the question. Ensure you explain the logic and reasoning behind each answer.”

Once you’ve prompted it once and done a few practice questions it can then help you put together a study plan to address your weak points. I’ve found GPT’s explanations of the technique to be really helpful and my scores have massively improved.

Thank you so much!

 

[manifestingthetc]

Travers PFO lol

 

[Kad28]

Same. I thought i wrote a great application as well

 

[yk1906]

Travers PFO lol

Same. First PFO of the season for me

 

[shadowboxer909]

Same. I thought i wrote a great application as well

I'm expecting mine in a little while.

With assessment centres in December, they've probably done interviewing the candidates they need.