TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[W12345]

Hey has anyone done the CMS VI and would be willing to give any insight into it at all? I can help with Reed Smith, Weil, Willkie, Goodwin, Simmons, DLA VI + Hogan, Skadden, Pinsent, Macfarlanes, Akin Gump Goodwin and Fried Frank ACs

 

[noahsmiit01]

Does Freshfields stage 2 include vi questions, sjt, and wg? What's the point of giving the same tests as in stage 1? Why not just have vi questions only

 

[WeGotThis!]

I wanted some insights into one of CMS's training contract questions: What impact do you want to make at CMS?
Is this another way of saying 'Why CMS?' or is it asking something else? Any help will be helpful!

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

I wanted some insights into one of CMS's training contract questions: What impact do you want to make at CMS?
Is this another way of saying 'Why CMS?' or is it asking something else? Any help will be helpful!

Recommend searching CMS in the Forum search bar, this question has been asked and answered a few times since October now so you should find helpful replies - including a suggested structure.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Recommend searching CMS in the Forum search bar, this question has been asked and answered a few times since October now so you should find helpful replies - including a suggested structure.

Thank you very much! It's really helpful😄

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Anyone heard from a&o direct tc assesment centre?

 

[livelaughlawve]

I have seen it written (on here and other locations) that Dentons is rolling, but I have not seen anyone posting/asking/sharing about it...

 

[yk1906]

Anyone heard from a&o direct tc assesment centre?

You already did it?

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

You already did it?

Oh I wish 😩 no I haven’t but seeing as their ac is second week of December, I thought they’ll start sending out acs this week! We’re just early in the week but I’m too anxious!

 

[yk1906]

Oh I wish 😩 no I haven’t but seeing as their ac is second week of December, I thought they’ll start sending out acs this week! We’re just early in the week but I’m too anxious!

Ahhhh, no no, I actively monitor this thread, and I haven't seen any invites yet Hopefully, soon

 

[yk1906]

Does Irwin Mitchell automatic test have VI elements?

 

[bells123]

Starting to get nervous as not heard back from Travers Smith yet!🥴 submitted early morning on the deadline date - is anyone else in the same position?

 

[lawschool123]

Is it alright to ask a firm for an alternative AC interview date if it clashes with a Vacation Scheme?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Is it alright to ask a firm for an alternative AC interview date if it clashes with a Vacation Scheme?

Yes ofc. Regardless, if you don’t ask then you won’t be able to do the AC. So why not just ask?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it alright to ask a firm for an alternative AC interview date if it clashes with a Vacation Scheme?

Hey!

Yes, it is absolutely fine to ask! Law firms are used to candidates having interview and VS clashes (especially during recruitment season) as they know they operate across similar time periods. As long as you email promptly, explain the situation politely, and offer alternative dates or ask what might be available, it won't reflect badly on you.

You won't know if you don't ask, so it's always worth a try even if they aren't able to!

 

[shadowboxer909]

Starting to get nervous as not heard back from Travers Smith yet!🥴 submitted early morning on the deadline date - is anyone else in the same position?

I think that might be a rejection unfortunately then at this point.

I'm in a similar boat.

 

[bells123]

I think that might be a rejection unfortunately then at this point.

I'm in a similar boat.

I am fearing this however trying to hold out hope (however naively!) that they did say they’d respond to all applicants, even if it was a rejection. Although saying that, I have seen on this thread that they’d responded to applicants even before the deadline when they’ve said they don’t have a rolling cycle so who knows!

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

I think that might be a rejection unfortunately then at this point.

I'm in a similar boat.

I honestly put in so much work in the application so its really disappointing but at the same time we are able to apply for their vacation scheme in the same cycle so it might be worth it applying for that one? i know i will definitely be applying for it again because i really like the firm

 

[bells123]

I honestly put in so much work in the application so its really disappointing but at the same time we are able to apply for their vacation scheme in the same cycle so it might be worth it applying for that one? i know i will definitely be applying for it again because i really like the firm

Same, I spent weeks on the app too as I really love the firm but I work a full time corporate job (not within a law firm) already and just don’t have the ability to take that kind of leave for VC’s😭

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anyone heard from a&o direct tc assesment centre?

I read somewhere that they'll get back with an update in the w/c 8th December