TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[wooliewoo]

Joining the CC PFO club 😍 I feel quite upset tbh, especially because I thought my app was quite good and I really like CC. After reading this thread, I honestly don't know what they're looking for. Makes me slightly nervous for my other apps!! To those who got the VI, well done, you should be proud of yourself!! And to those who also got a PFO, keep your head up, this is just part of the process

 

[Lawlife5]

Didn’t even want CC that hard, but not getting a VI made me smoke cigarettes today after quitting some time ago 😂 And all of this after CC office in one of the European jurisdictions rejecting me for an internship because of not having a national qualification of that country and telling me to apply to the London office with my “exceptional” resume

Haha I am so glad I quit before starting this process otherwise I would be going through pack a day atm😂😂😂😂

 

[yk1906]

Also, while we're still at it, what helps me in dealing with rejections is the fact that I compete with literal Oxbridge graduates.

 

[legallybrunnette]

CMS PFO almost immediately after submitting. I submitted on an evening, and got rejected the next morning. I was wondering if they have already filled the position because this has never happened to me before and I have not seen anything massively wrong with my app. Unless they review them insanely quickly - i don't event know at this point. Open to opinions on this!

 

[elle woods]

Also, while we're still at it, what helps me in dealing with rejections is the fact that I compete with literal Oxbridge graduates.

As an Oxbridge student, I feel like I'm faced with more pressure to do well because of not only the competitiveness here but also people's expectations sigh.

Honestly, I think you are just as capable, if not more capable than I am - I have full faith in you Best of luck with the rest of your apps! Not sure how you feel about CC, but if you'll be reapplying to them again next year like I will be, good luck on that too!

 

[yk1906]

As an Oxbridge student, I feel like I'm faced with more pressure to do well because of not only the competitiveness here but also people's expectations sigh.

Honestly, I think you are just as capable, if not more capable than I am - I have full faith in you Best of luck with the rest of your apps! Not sure how you feel about CC, but if you'll be reapplying to them again next year like I will be, good luck on that too!

Thank you!! Well, I believe with Oxbridge + determination, you will eventually and for sure get wherever you want, no doubt For instance, I personally know a couple of BCL and Mjur international students with foreign undergraduate degrees who got 2+ DTC offers a couple of years back. Good luck to you, too!

 

[choicefox212]

As an Oxbridge student, I feel like I'm faced with more pressure to do well because of not only the competitiveness here but also people's expectations sigh.

Honestly, I think you are just as capable, if not more capable than I am - I have full faith in you Best of luck with the rest of your apps! Not sure how you feel about CC, but if you'll be reapplying to them again next year like I will be, good luck on that too!

I feel this way too - not only have most of my contemporaries got shiny TCs, but everyone else expects more from me (absolutely wrongly lmao, some of us peaked at 17)

 

[Scottishlion]

I applied to 12 vac schemes/dtcs. Is that enough or shall I try for more? I have work experience in banking and finance but no legal experience and am doing the pgdl now. What are my chances?

 

[Suii]

Anyone still waiting for CC post app?

 

[M123]

Anyone else dreading A&O’s outcome emails tomorrow?

 

[elle woods]

I feel this way too - not only have most of my contemporaries got shiny TCs, but everyone else expects more from me (absolutely wrongly lmao, some of us peaked at 17)

haha so real. I fear that was my peak too 😂 Genuinely, I'm just worried about my future - at the end of the day, others can think all they want about me (as humiliating as it is), but my main worry is whether I can even survive after graduation haha

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Anyone else dreading A&O’s outcome emails tomorrow?

Is it not a guaranteed PFO tho? Like they already gave out their AC slots to people on Monday

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

It’s scenario-based and motivational. But very chill tbh

do you know how many questions there were in the Irwin Mitchell video interview?

 

[yk1906]

do you know how many questions there were in the Irwin Mitchell video interview?

I don't remember... Between 5-7 if I'm not mistaken

 

[M123]

Is it not a guaranteed PFO tho? Like they already gave out their AC slots to people on Monday

yeah pretty much😭

 

[Sharkfin]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

 

[ghost08]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

 

[elle woods]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

I'm also a bit confused because they're supposed to be doing AC outcomes for the summer vac this week at the same time - but I don't think anyone has heard back yet. Wow but kudos to them, they have a lot of reviewing to do and decisions to make 😭

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Could anyone confirm what Freshfields' Stage 1 Online Test involves?

 

[elle woods]

Could anyone confirm what Freshfields' Stage 1 Online Test involves?

it's basically like what's on their Preparation Plus site. it's SJT and critical thinking exercises.
I'm pretty sure then in Stage 2 there will be VIs and other elements.

Hope that helps!