TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[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?

 

[elle woods]

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?

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!

 

[elle woods]

Sorry to bring things back to CC PFO but I just had my friend who's a CONNECT ambassador look over my application and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it haha 😭 Maybe it's my grades or work experience then...? I really wish there was feedback because I really want to improve for next time! I guess the best course of action is to just improve everything then lol. Project Lock In it is.

 

[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.

 

[lawschool123]

I scored high on both the numerical and verbal parts of the AOS test, got similar traits in my previous app, and my VI answers were stronger than my past app (in my opinion). Got invited to the AC last cycle, but haven't heard back this time. They encouraged me to reapply this cycle. I know there are a lot of factors that go into getting an AC, but now I am sort of wondering whether there was any point in reapplying... I really thought I did my best this time