TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DennyCrane]

Were the stages automatic? or based on how well you did previously?

It read like it was a filter at WE stage (and possibly also at critical thinking test stage) but I don't know for sure. I think VI might have been automatic

 

[FutureVschemer]

Hi! Would really appreciate advice regarding how to present mitigating circumstances. Can anyone suggest how to present a one-off moment of anxiety/panic before an exam that impacted the grade leading me to retake that specific exam? I have never had to retake any other exam otherwise. Would this situation be looked down upon?

 

[DennyCrane]

Hi! Would really appreciate advice regarding how to present mitigating circumstances. Can anyone suggest how to present a one-off moment of anxiety/panic before an exam that impacted the grade leading me to retake that specific exam? I have never had to retake any other exam otherwise. Would this situation be looked down upon?

I personally wouldn't say that. It's not exactly aligned with an intensely pressurised and stressful profession. I think that section is for things like sudden death of a parent/hit by a bus and in traction scenarios.

 

[sal44]

I personally wouldn't say that. It's not exactly aligned with an intensely pressurised and stressful profession. I think that section is for things like sudden death of a parent/hit by a bus and in traction scenarios.

I would disagree, I’ve mentioned anxiety in the mitigating circumstances section before, and still progressed to AC/next stages - if it’s something that genuinely has impacted your academic performance, you can include it - I don’t think firms are necessarily allowed to link contextual information to whether you’re ’aligned’ with the profession (your application answers should be determining that). Also the examples you gave were slightly extreme, mitigating circumstances are more broad imo

 

[DennyCrane]

I would disagree, I’ve mentioned anxiety in the mitigating circumstances section before, and still progressed to AC/next stages - if it’s something that genuinely has impacted your academic performance, you can include it - I don’t think firms are necessarily allowed to link contextual information to whether you’re ’aligned’ with the profession (your application answers should be determining that). Also the examples you gave were slightly extreme, mitigating circumstances are more broad imo

well yes clearly I was being a little flippant but I still think its probably better to avoid. Im no expert though.

 

[hanz123]

Has anyone heard back from Brabners post app?

 

[katie2911]

Has anyone who has applied to CRS (cheltenham) received a holding email post VI?

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

I have checked this with a lawyer and they have said that this is correct. You don't need to do the PGDL, you simply need to pass SQE and then apply for NQ positions (as long as your QWE is signed off as valid).

Thank you for going the extra mile! This is extremely helpful

 

[Glee914]

Has anyone received an update from mischon de reya for the summer vacation?

 

[legallybrunnette]

Does anyone know what the word count for Fried Frank's app questions is? They only provide a word count for the cover letter.

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone have any tips/advice for Brabners assessment?

 

[nfe00001]

Does everyone get invited to shoosmith online assessment?

 

[hanz123]

Does everyone get invited to shoosmith online assessment?

yes

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Feeling really worried about Kennedys - it has been about five weeks now since my AC and have not heard back yet. I do understand though that they were conducting more ACs but just really hoping for a response soon and crossing my fingers that I get the TC offer from them!

 

[LauraPM]

CMS VI! Any insights would be much appreciated )

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! Would really appreciate advice regarding how to present mitigating circumstances. Can anyone suggest how to present a one-off moment of anxiety/panic before an exam that impacted the grade leading me to retake that specific exam? I have never had to retake any other exam otherwise. Would this situation be looked down upon?

Hey!

I wouldn't worry too much about this, as firms see mitigating circumstances similar to this quite often. The best approach is to keep it brief and factual - explain that you experienced a short episode of anxiety / panic before the exam, that it impacted your performance and led to a resit, and that it isn't reflective of your overall academic record. You can also mention your resit result (or other grades) to reinforce your ability, and show that this is a one-off incident.

As long as it is presented clearly and without over-detail, it shouldn't be looked down on at all

 

[Lawlilly]

May not be the place but anyone completed a VI for CMS grad sol apprenticeship? Do you know if it’s timed?

Also do CMS send out WG scores?

 

[LauraPM]

May not be the place but anyone completed a VI for CMS grad sol apprenticeship? Do you know if it’s timed?

Also do CMS send out WG scores?

congrats on the VI, I’m in the exact same predicament, please let me know if you find out anything about it

Regarding the WG, they don’t give out scores.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Just realised I never completed the mitigating circumstances portion on the Linklaters application - I completed it back in November so idk if its worth contacting grad rec about it

 

[summersun]

Just realised I never completed the mitigating circumstances portion on the Linklaters application - I completed it back in November so idk if its worth contacting grad rec about it

considering no one seems to have heard back I would say go for it.
In the worst case it's too late and won't change anything but you never know...