TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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)

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

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

 

[Deleted member 43292]

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!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Heya, does anyone know the VI format for Freshfields stage 2?

 

[plshireme]

Does anyone know roughly when we can expect BCLP to open their applications for a Manchester vac scheme/TC?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

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!

Thanks! They have the Critical Reasoning, VI and Role in Action but do not specify which is for which stage so I was confused. So is the critical thinking exercise timed while the SJT untimed?

 

[Trophy]

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)

It’s doable. There’s not necessarily 1 AC per a day. I’ve been to firms that hold 2/3 AC groups in a day 6-8 people across 5 days easily 30-40 people at the minimum for the week. They’d only need slots for interviews, written tasks can be done in a big room. But this is just my experience across the ACs I’ve been to.

A&O are notorious for sending invites in one go I’ve already removed them from my list as I know it’s a rejection they just for some reason like to torture you.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yes basically! don't worry I was confused too. The SJT tiles are untimed but then the critical thinking and the last exercise (which is kinda like a SJT but is really short) are timed. I think it's relatively a fun test to take in comparison to ones with VIs in them haha (stage 2), so don't fret!

That's great to hear! Really relieved my stress haha

 

[Scottishlion]

When will Freshfields or Latham ACs be out.

 

[AngelB]

It’s doable. There’s not necessarily 1 AC per a day. I’ve been to firms that hold 2/3 AC groups in a day 6-8 people across 5 days easily 30-40 people at the minimum for the week. They’d only need slots for interviews, written tasks can be done in a big room. But this is just my experience across the ACs I’ve been to.

A&O are notorious for sending invites in one go I’ve already removed them from my list as I know it’s a rejection they just for some reason like to torture you.

For the summer scheme, they held 2 AC’s per day over 2 weeks.

 

[Amgrad]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

 

[A2000L]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

I suspect loads of people were sending them emails asking why they got rejected. Ngl I think I did everything they asked for in the feedback email but still got rejected...

 

[Prudentia]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

I've just read this. The feedback was generic. It's entirely possible that many candidates did everything they asked for and still got rejected. They like to make out like recruitment is an objective metric when a lot of it comes down to personal opinion and vibes. They also can't interview every strong candidate. You can do everything right and still not get selected, which is why it's important not to see rejections as referendums on your suitability. Of course it's important to refine and improve, but even strong candidates get rejected.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Haha they need to stop toying with my heart jkjk I was so excited to wake up to an email from them LOL

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

For anyone who applied to CMS, how long post CMS Application did you get the WGT?

I received mine 2 days later. Yet to hear anything since though.

 

[Trophy]

I received mine 2 days later. Yet to hear anything since though.

I applied on the deadline 30/11 and not heard anything.

 

[lawstudent2]

I applied on the deadline 30/11 and not heard anything.

same, I applied on the 29/11 and haven't heard anything

 

[mcqueens]

For anyone who applied to CMS, how long post CMS Application did you get the WGT?

I applied the day of the deadline and received the link yesterday

 

[yk1906]

Any Freshfields AC invites for DTC?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you so, so, so much Andrei!!! I am so grateful for the reassurance on both fronts, as well as the guidance on how to best focus my energies. I will make sure not to get too caught up in the technical stuff & will try to focus more on the core ideas you mentioned.

The list of 5 points is exactly what I need; I'll make sure to focus on those things. If there's any further resources you recommend, such as any M&A knowledge resources, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you so much!

No worries, glad I could help! For M&A resources, I would recommend the following:

1. TCLA's free introductory M&A guide written by @Jaysen
2. TCLA's M&A course
3. TCLA's M&A Bootcamp (a series of 5 lectures going in depth into everything that goes in an M&A deal)
4. Amma's list of M&A terms explained
5. Chambers Associate introduction to M&A
6. Chambers Student M&A Guide