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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Thought that it’s a pfo from Kingsley napley as people already got invites earlier in the day - I just got the invite a minute ago so anyone waiting, don’t lose hope! 
Edit - the test isn’t automatic right?
Edit - the test isn’t automatic right?
I have a vac scheme with them in June and they said that acs for dtc will be in June so I guess it’ll take a bit longer to hear back from them!
I received a TC offer from them last year as an undergraduate so not necessary as long as you have experiences to discuss in STAR situations and can evidence why you want to be in the Civil Service law specifically!
Hey!
I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
This is a really common issue, so you definitely aren't alone - I'm also someone who hates an awkward silence, so this used to be my worst fear!
One thing I'd add to what has already been said in this thread (+ I agree with signposting to the interviewers that you are taking a moment to think) is that if you are really stuck, it is usually much better to acknowledge that and talk through your thought process, rather than sitting in silence. Interviewers aren't necessarily expecting perfect answers to absolutely everything, and they are often much more interested in how you think and approach questions.
Therefore, instead of a long pause, you could say something along the lines of: "That is a tricky question - my initial thought is..." or "I'm not entirely sure, but I'd approach it by considering...". This shows that you can stay composed under pressure but still engage with the question, even when you are unsure.
I've always found that talking it through will actually help you get to a strong answer anyway, and sometimes interviewers will give you follow-up questions or hints so that you can elaborate further. Even if you don't land on a perfect conclusion, demonstrating a clear and logical approach is far more valuable than saying nothing for too long.
I hope that helps!!
Hey!
This is definitely something you can flag, and I think it is very unlikely to hurt your chances.
Firms sometimes have spaces open up in earlier cohorts for a variety of reasons, so it can actually be useful for them to know that there are candidates who are available to start sooner. Even if they can't accommodate an earlier start date, you wouldn't be disadvantaging yourself by letting them know.
I would just keep it straightforward and explain that your circumstances have changed since applying which means you are available to start a year earlier, while also reaffirming that you are still happy with the original start date you applied for if an earlier start isn't possible.
I don't think there us any real downside to sharing this information, and it may even work in your favour if any earlier spaces become available
Thought that it’s a pfo from Kingsley napley as people already got invites earlier in the day - I just got the invite a minute ago so anyone waiting, don’t lose hope!
Edit - the test isn’t automatic right?
I don’t think the test is automatic, otherwise surely they’d have just sent them out on Tuesday when they initially said they would!
Does anyone have insight on Harbottle's AC? Think they've only organised AC for 1 to 2 years..
I have an AC coming up and the presentation topic is maximising human and AI interactions to enhance client-facing roles - does anyone have any useful resources for researching this outside of the usual?
Does anyone know what the structure of King & Spalding assesment process is?
On LCN it says:
The email says:
• A 45-minute interview with 2 Partners/Counsel (including a 5-minute presentation & Q&A...)
Has K&S connected the two rounds into one, or are we supposed to do the same presentation twice, or maybe those are two separate presentations?
Thanks!
On LCN it says:
- half day assessment centre at our London office (includes an interview with two partners/counsel from our interview panel, a written exercise and a negotiation exercise); and
- partner panel interview where you will present on a commercial topic of choice, this will be followed by a short Q&A to learn more about you and the topic of choice.
The email says:
• A 45-minute interview with 2 Partners/Counsel (including a 5-minute presentation & Q&A...)
Has K&S connected the two rounds into one, or are we supposed to do the same presentation twice, or maybe those are two separate presentations?
Thanks!
Thank you so much for letting me know!
Out of interest, are you now doing the TC / future trainee for them, or did you decide not to take it?
Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to do well in a group negotiation exercise? I have one for an AC soon. Also, how much is a DTC AC different from a VS AC? This is gna be my very first DTC AC so I’m kinda bricking it. Any advice here would be great, esp for how to prepare.
Hey!
That sounds like a super interesting presentation topic! If I was approaching this presentation, I'd probably try to land on a viewpoint that discusses the tension between efficiency and trust with the use of AI - i.e. that clients expect firms to use AI to deliver faster and more cost-effective services, but at the same time they can be wary of how it is being used.
Therefore, if you haven't already, I'd definitely look at a couple of academic articles on things such as Google Scholar. This could perhaps spark a few original ideas that you might not have thought about from sources such as the FT.
Best of luck with the AC and presentation!
Hey!Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to do well in a group negotiation exercise? I have one for an AC soon. Also, how much is a DTC AC different from a VS AC? This is gna be my very first DTC AC so I’m kinda bricking it. Any advice here would be great, esp for how to prepare.
Congratulations on the AC invite!!
Totally normal to feel nervous for your first DTC AC, but in my experience, they are relatively similar to VS AC's (so you are unlikely to be totally blindsided). I have made a few previous posts about group negotiation exercises and the difference between DTC and VS ACs, so I have quoted those below.
Generally speaking, the main differences between the two is that: a) there are usually additional tasks that you'll have to complete (to cover more competencies and skills), and b) there is usually a higher benchmark that you need to meet. The format itself is often very similar, such as interviews, case studies, and group exercise, it is just the standard expected in your answers and delivery that is higher.
I would also just make sure that your common motivational questions are clear, structured, and convincing - things such as "why law" and "why this firm". This is because they won't be able to assess you across the vacation scheme and see that you are clearly interested in the work, so it is important to make sure that this comes across strongly in any interviews or tasks at the AC.
If you have made it to a DTC AC, you are already doing a lot right!! It is just about refining and sharpening what you already have
Wishing you the best of luck!!
Hello!
Huge congratulations on getting an invite to the Macfarlanes AC - that's a fantastic achievement!!
It sounds like you've already got a good handle on the competency interview, which is great! For the group negotiation, I'd recommend practicing staying calm and structured under pressure - try to balance contributing your ideas confidently while also showing that you can listen, build on others' points, and bring the group towards a practical consensus. Sometimes they are mainly assessing how you work well with others in the team, so I would focus on remaining professional at all times and working with the rest of your group. One thing that always used to help me was to summarise what had already been agreed at points throughout the negotiation - this shows that you are ensuring everyone is on the same page, and that you have been listening!
For the written exercise, it's usually about clear and logical communication under time pressure. If you can, I'd have a go at practising summarising complex information into concise recommendations - think about structuring your writing and being clear on what your rationale is. Structure was always really vital for me - it might be beneficial for you to have a read on the formatting of various types of documents (e.g. report, memo, client email, client letter, etc) to have an idea of what they will be expecting. Additionally, reading a few business case summaries can help you get into that concise and professional writing style.
For the case study interview, I would try to practice analysing unfamiliar information quickly. It might be worth reading through all of the documents first, and then going back to look at the fine details and identify the issues / opportunities. I would try and use a set framework to help you structure your thinking out loud - for example, what's the problem, what information do you have, what do you need, and what's your recommendation? You may be challenged on your thoughts, and remember to try and stay calm - show your thought process, and be open to changing your mind if they introduce a point you hadn't thought of.
Finally, I would also give yourself some time to do some more research into the firm. I know that it can feel like no amount of research will be enough, but I would try and bring your own perspective to discussions and show how you are a great fit for the firm!
Good luck! You've got plenty of time to prepare, and it sounds like you're approaching it in exactly the right way. I'm sure you'll smash it
Hey!
Whilst I haven't completed a negotiation exercise at an AC before, I did complete one when I competed in BIUCAC and during my vacation scheme at Travers Smith, so I'm happy to share how I prepared for these!
I remember finding negotiation exercises really intimidating, but they feel slightly easier and less nerve-wracking once you are actually in it. The key thing to remember is that negotiations are much more about how you approach the discussion, rather than 'winning' or forcing the best deal. You should be looking to display traits such as collaboration, commercial awareness, and clear communication - definitely try to avoid things like aggression and stubbornness (which was slightly challenging for me as a naturally stubborn person haha).
It is difficult to prepare for a negotiation exercise in advance of an AC, as it will depend a lot on the fact pattern itself. In terms of preparation on the day, make sure that you know your brief inside out. It is important to be really clear on your client's priorities, and break the factors down into:
1. What is essential for your client
2. What you are willing to negotiate (i.e. there is some leeway)
3. Areas that you are willing to compromise
It helps to have a think in advance about any potential trade-offs, so that you are not just saying yes or no but can suggest alternatives or offers to the other side that move the discussion forward.
During the exercise itself, focus on listening just as much as speaking. I would try to ask questions, acknowledge the other side's points, and explain your reasoning calmly. A good negotiation should feel constructive rather than adversarial, so make sure to keep the tone professional and solution-focused. If any new information comes up that wasn't included in your facts, show that you can adapt rather than sticking rigidly to what you prepared in advance - this is why it is important to have some areas you are willing to negotiate and compromise on.
Additionally, if it is a team negotiation, I found it really helpful to summarise the points that had been agreed as we went along. This helped for time management, as you want to ensure that you aren't staying stuck on one point for too long. If the negotiation has been stuck for a while, it might make sense to suggest that you move on to the next issue, and come back to the earlier point towards at the end.
One thing that I picked up on after speaking to the assessors at the negotiations I have taken part in is the importance of being realistic with your demands. For example, if your client is aiming for £100,000 for a company, it makes sense to open slightly higher to leave room for negotiate, but you should avoid going wildly overboard (e.g. suggesting £1,000,000). An unrealistic opening position can undermine your credibility and make it harder to build a constructive dialogue. A sensible and well-reasoned starting point shows commercial awareness and helps keep the negotiation collaborative overall.
If you have time to practise, you could have a go at doing a mock negotiation with a friend - even just getting comfortable structuring your points and responding under a bit of pressure can be really helpful. I'd also recommend that you familiarise yourself with concepts such as warranties, indemnities, etc. before the AC (if you haven't already), as these are things that are likely to be negotiated.
Overall, as long as you stay calm and continually aim to work towards a solution with the other side, you will be doing exactly what the graduate recruitment team want to see - even if you don't end up with the 'best' deal.
Best of luck!!
Hey!
I have done both, and I would say that DTC AC's typically do have a higher benchmark as the firm isn't able to assess you over an extended period of time like a VS. This can sometimes mean that the standard of performance is higher, and I have found that they usually include additional tasks as well (to assess you across more competencies).
With a vacation scheme AC, as you mentioned, the firm knows that they'll have a couple of weeks to get to know you, so there is sometimes a bit more room for potential. They can see how you work in practice, how you take feedback, and how you develop over time. With a DTC AC, they don't have that follow-up period, so they are usually looking for things to come across more clearly on the day.
In practical terms, I found that this means your answers need to be more polished and well-formed. Your motivations should feel really clear and backed up with evidence (e.g. why commercial law, why this firm, why you), your competency examples should be a bit more developed and structured, and your commercial awareness should come across in a more practical and applied way - instead of just showing that you know what is going on, you need to be able to explain why it matters for clients or the firm. They aren't expecting lots of legal experience, but they are expecting you to show how your experiences have made you suited to the role of a trainee solicitor at this specific firm.
On the VS vs DTC point, I do think it is fair to say that firms can take slightly more of a "wait and see" approach with vac schemes, whereas with DTC they need to be a bit more confident upfront. However, I don't think that means that the bar is wildly different, and plenty of people who don't convert a VS AC go on to succeed at a DTC AC (myself included - and I don't think of myself as particularly confident in those sorts of assessments!).
If you have had a VS AC that didn't go your way, I always found that these were really valuable in shaping how I prepared for the next one. Things such as being more structured, more concise, and a bit more deliberate in how you link your answers back to the firm and its work are all little things that can make a huge difference. There is absolutely no reason why you would fail to convert a DTC AC just because you might not have converted a VS AC in the past - different firms have different benchmarks, and it might just be that you weren't the right fit at the time (+ you might be for this firm!).
I hope that offers an alternative perspective, but happy to chat about it further if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much!Hey!
That sounds like a super interesting presentation topic! If I was approaching this presentation, I'd probably try to land on a viewpoint that discusses the tension between efficiency and trust with the use of AI - i.e. that clients expect firms to use AI to deliver faster and more cost-effective services, but at the same time they can be wary of how it is being used.
Therefore, if you haven't already, I'd definitely look at a couple of academic articles on things such as Google Scholar. This could perhaps spark a few original ideas that you might not have thought about from sources such as the FT.
Best of luck with the AC and presentation!
That makes sense, thank you so much!!Hey!
This is definitely something you can flag, and I think it is very unlikely to hurt your chances.
Firms sometimes have spaces open up in earlier cohorts for a variety of reasons, so it can actually be useful for them to know that there are candidates who are available to start sooner. Even if they can't accommodate an earlier start date, you wouldn't be disadvantaging yourself by letting them know.
I would just keep it straightforward and explain that your circumstances have changed since applying which means you are available to start a year earlier, while also reaffirming that you are still happy with the original start date you applied for if an earlier start isn't possible.
I don't think there us any real downside to sharing this information, and it may even work in your favour if any earlier spaces become available
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