• Hey Guest, Have an interview coming up? We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week. Book here
  • Received a training contract offer? We're hiring. It's fully remote. Apply by 27 April 2026
  • TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

has ashurst said it would be coming back this week or next?
Nah I’m just guessing based on what I’ve seen on last cycles threads and app timelines.

Usually it seems they send WE end of Apr to early May, ACs mid to end of May and final ints are in June. Ofc this could vary slightly this year.

The 29 May date in the email they sent last week is the PFO day but they don’t say that lmao smh.

Kermit The Frog No GIF by Muppet Wiki
 
  • Like
Reactions: siilvert0ngue
Nah I’m just guessing based on what I’ve seen on last cycles threads and app timelines.

Usually it seems they send WE end of Apr to early May, ACs mid to end of May and final ints are in June. Ofc this could vary slightly this year.

The 29 May date in the email they sent last week is the PFO day but they don’t say that lmao smh.

Kermit The Frog No GIF by Muppet Wiki
I didn't get an email last week?
 
Does have anyone have any idea what to expect for the Irwin Mitchell insight day? It says a 30-40 minute interview but nothing more 🤷‍♀️ for their AC interview they told us it would be strength based. So should we assume that this one will be different?
 
@Abbie Whitlock

Hey, I hope you're well! Thank you for your advice on these forums - they're really helpful!

For competency questions in an interview, is it fine to use the same examples but frame them differently depending on the question? I know it'd be best to have different examples for different questions, but I'm not sure I have enough experiences for a 35-40 min competency interview 😅
 
  • ✅
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I'm in a bind as to how I should list a particular A-level grade. In my country, only 5 subjects are taken into account for percentage calculation, but we can take additional subjects if we want to. I registered for an additional subject, but ended up not writing the final exam. However, it still shows up on my transcript as an 'F' grade in line with the exam policy. It has never been considered a valid grade in my country, which only considers the 5 subjects taken. I am unsure whether to detail it as a separate grade or just mention it in mitigating circumstances. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!
Hey!

I would include it for transparency, particularly if it appears on your transcript, as omitting it could raise unnecessary questions or raise suspicion. I'd just make sure to give the right context in the mitigating circumstances section - you can briefly explain that it was an additional subject beyond the core five that count towards your final percentage, and that the "F" arises from not sitting the final exam (+ the F is in line with exam policy), rather than reflecting your academic ability.

As long as you make it clear why it is included in your transcript, I can't imagine it will raise any further questions for firms :)
 
@Abbie Whitlock

Hey, I hope you're well! Thank you for your advice on these forums - they're really helpful!

For competency questions in an interview, is it fine to use the same examples but frame them differently depending on the question? I know it'd be best to have different examples for different questions, but I'm not sure I have enough experiences for a 35-40 min competency interview 😅
Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too! I'm glad to hear that it is helpful :)

This is a great question, and I totally get what you mean as it does sometimes feel like you need to have an endless supply of different experiences.

However, I'd say it is absolutely fine to use the same example more than once in a competency interview, as long as you are genuinely answering the question being asked each time. The interviewers won't be marking how many different experiences you have, and they'll instead be looking at the skills and behaviours that you are able to demonstrate through your examples. Therefore, one strong experience can often cover multiple competencies if you frame it well and use different situations.

The key is to make sure that you shift the emphasis depending on the question. For example, the same experience could highlight teamwork in one answer, but focus on problem-solving or leadership in another. What matters is that you are not just repeating the same story word-for-word, but tailoring what you bring out of it and the reflections you make.

It is still a good idea to have a small bank of examples (even just 3-5) that you know really well and can adapt to different competency questions. But I wouldn't worry too much about not having "enough" experiences - most candidates will reuse examples to some extent, particularly if you are still a student or haven't experienced a wide range of job roles yet. As long as you are clear, reflecting, and directly answering the question, you'll answer the question well! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: TCchaser

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.