TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[TCComingSoon]

Anyone still waiting for CC post app?

 

[M123]

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

 

[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)

 

[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