TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

How did everyone find the Kennedys VI?

I think because it was so simple, it’s going to be so much more competitive to make it to the ac

 

[nicoledm]

I think because it was so simple, it’s going to be so much more competitive to make it to the ac

How long did you have to prep for each question

 

[radssss]

How long did you have to prep for each question

30 secs. But u get 2 chances to record in total.

 

[tryingmybestlol]

Hi everyone!
I know this is a thread for applications but I cant find anything anywhere else and this thread is very active so hoping someone can help!

I have secured a TC in London with the SQE commencing this September. I do not live in London so will need to relocate.
My question is, how are people affording this and does anyone have any advice of where in London I will actually be able to afford to live? 😭

Firm pays a £13k grant and I can apply for post graduate student finance. But I will have no family help and I am really worried about being able to afford rent more than anything else.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

CC Assessment Centre coming up later this month and im soooo nervous as it is my first ever AC and its for a direct TC so any advice would be appreciated and if anyones attended a CC AC before (successful or unsuccessful) id really appreciate any insight!!

Does anyone have any insights for Clifford Chance Assessment Centre?

hey! if someone wants to create a joint PM thread I'm happy to share my insights from my AC last year!
Joint PM thread because I don't really want to be repeating myself more than once lol

 

[BM99]

hey! if someone wants to create a joint PM thread I'm happy to share my insights from my AC last year!
Joint PM thread because I don't really want to be repeating myself more than once lol

Thank you! Just opened: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/clifford-chance-ac-discussion.10101/

 

[M123]

AG's critical thinking test was so hard

Did it follow the True/False/Cannot Say format?

 

[hanz123]

Did it follow the True/False/Cannot Say format?

one element was that yeah

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Hi guys, for a firm like Perkins where the cover letter length is not specified, would two pages be alright? Especially since they’re asking two separate questions

I did one and a half pages but at a Zero Gravity event it was said that up to two pages is fine

 

[xMontmorency]

Hi everyone!
I know this is a thread for applications but I cant find anything anywhere else and this thread is very active so hoping someone can help!

I have secured a TC in London with the SQE commencing this September. I do not live in London so will need to relocate.
My question is, how are people affording this and does anyone have any advice of where in London I will actually be able to afford to live? 😭

Firm pays a £13k grant and I can apply for post graduate student finance. But I will have no family help and I am really worried about being able to afford rent more than anything else.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Depending on where you are, 13k just about covers your rent (maybe even with utilities). Find a flat outside of central but with tube connections. Ideally rent with 1-3 other people - the more roommates the more you spread the cost.

In terms of areas to search, I'd recommend:
- Either end of the northern line (tooting, morden, high barnet, woodside park, colindale)
- Elephant & Castle / Bermondsey
- Angel / Islington
- The west end of the central and elizabeth lines (ealing, ruislip, hounslow)
- Stratford

Obviously depends on budget and vibe tho ofc. I might try to avoid North East London and places like Lewisham, Peckam and Whitechapel.

Defo apply for whatever finance you can get. Might be worth asking your firm if they offer interest-free loans for SQE students (some do). If you have a job rn try saving up as much as you can.

Get a part time job while studying. Waitressing, bartending, paralegaling, retail, anything. If you have experience, try walking in and handing your CV to one of the bars and restaurants around soho, covent garden, camden, brixton or the City - they are often hiring and pay quite well.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Hi everyone!
I know this is a thread for applications but I cant find anything anywhere else and this thread is very active so hoping someone can help!

I have secured a TC in London with the SQE commencing this September. I do not live in London so will need to relocate.
My question is, how are people affording this and does anyone have any advice of where in London I will actually be able to afford to live? 😭

Firm pays a £13k grant and I can apply for post graduate student finance. But I will have no family help and I am really worried about being able to afford rent more than anything else.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

One option might be student accom at least while you do the sqe? I know the unite students in farringdon is around 800 pcm bills included - isn't exactly nice but its budget friendly. There are also lots of facebook groups (eg gals who rent) which are a good place to join/set up a flat share.

 

[M123]

Does anyone have any insights to the Addleshaw Goddard critical thinking test? Is it just a mini watson glaser?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Does anyone have any insights to the Addleshaw Goddard critical thinking test? Is it just a mini watson glaser?

I am not sure what you meant by mini, if it's by the number of questions, yes it's short only 24 Questions compared to other WG like Links or CC, but don't get me wrong, the difficulty level is different compared to those. G'luck mate!

 

[M123]

I am not sure what you meant by mini, if it's by the number of questions, yes it's short only 24 Questions compared to other WG like Links or CC, but don't get me wrong, the difficulty level is different compared to those. G'luck mate!

Oh ok! I thought it only tested certain sections of the WG hence why I used the term mini. Thank you for replying!

 

[T. Rainee]

Oh ok! I thought it only tested certain sections of the WG hence why I used the term mini. Thank you for replying!

They are slightly different to typical Watson Glaser. I'd recommend doing the practice tests before, they give you a good idea of what to expect!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Hi everyone!
I know this is a thread for applications but I cant find anything anywhere else and this thread is very active so hoping someone can help!

I have secured a TC in London with the SQE commencing this September. I do not live in London so will need to relocate.
My question is, how are people affording this and does anyone have any advice of where in London I will actually be able to afford to live? 😭

Firm pays a £13k grant and I can apply for post graduate student finance. But I will have no family help and I am really worried about being able to afford rent more than anything else.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Hello!

I would suggest having a look at LHA hostels in London. They do single rooms, double, triple and 6 sharing, which are affordable. You can also save costs by going for the self-catered option which allows you to cook for yourself. The catered hostels are almost £150/week higher. All the hostels are located in Zone 1, with excellent transport options too.

 

[Izzy2026]

Hi everyone!

With several firms preparing to open applications for direct training contracts, we are launching this dedicated thread for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to direct training contract applications. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms. As ever, the strength of this forum lies in its thoughtfulness and collegiality. Please continue to share your insights generously and to engage with each other constructively.

Finally, last year’s thread can be found here: TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024–25. Later this month, I will post a consolidated list of firms with their respective deadlines to assist those planning their approach for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone the very best as the new cycle begins.

Ram

Hi, I hope you can give some advice about it. If a firm recruits trainees through both the vacation scheme and the direct training route, is it better to apply to the vacation scheme rather than apply directly to the training contract? Which offers a better probability of getting a training contract from your experience?

 

[M123]

They are slightly different to typical Watson Glaser. I'd recommend doing the practice tests before, they give you a good idea of what to expect!

Thank you! 🫶 Do you know where to access other practice tests except the one in the email?

 

[T. Rainee]

Thank you! 🫶 Do you know where to access other practice tests except the one in the email?

I just did the practice ones on the portal provided! Good luck when you get round to it!

 

[consultioconsultius]

I’ve got the Goodwin VI coming up, so if anybody is happy to share any insight on that one, even just the general vibe or focus, I’d really appreciate it.