Yes I think this is the case too. Heard of a few people receive calls today with an offer so I know it’s a PFO for me. Oh well, next cycle we go! Thank you
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hello!Hi Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith @Abbie Whitlock I have an upcoming insight day/final stage interview for a direct training contract- this is the last stage of it and I'd love some advice/insight for what you think I should be doing if that's okay!
The insight day is all day, has a lot of different talks ill be attending such as a trainee talk, networking lunch, sessions from different legal teams, all in which I can ask questions.
For the final stage interview, it doesnt say anything much at all. All it says is that its 30-45 mins and to think of the role of a trainee solicitor at that firm, and do research on the firm for preparation.
I have done the AC there and had an interview already, so I have no idea what to expect from this
Do you think the sessions throughout the day are assessed? Also for the interview, what sorts of questions should I be preparing? 'Role of a trainee solicitor'- what questions could they be asking? I also dont know if this stage is a cutting stage where they are still removing people at this stage, or everyone who gets invited to this last part of the process they believe can do the job and will offer them a TC as long as they like them!
Thank you and hope this is okay!
Congratulations on being invited to the final stage interview!!
For the insight day, I would assume that everything is at least informally assessed (even if it doesn't state that you will be formally assessed on it). Even if there is no set marking, it is likely that people will notice how engaged, curious, and personable you are, which will likely contribute to their final decision-making. This doesn't mean that you need to be overly intense (+ I would definitely avoid this) - I'd just make sure that you are switched on, ask lots of thoughtful questions, and show a genuine interest in the firm and its people. The networking lunch and trainee talk are a really good opportunity to show that you would be a good fit for the firm, and that you'd be a great person to work with.
In terms of questions to ask during the day, I would just make sure to go beyond the obvious (i.e. what you might find on their website) and ask anything you are genuinely curious about. For example:
- Ask trainees about their actual day-to-day work and what surprised them the most
- Ask teams about recent matters or trends that is affecting their practice area or clients
- Show commercial awareness and research by linking questions to things that the firm has been involved in
When they say "think about the role of a trainee solicitor", they are often referring to things like:
- What do trainees actually do? (i.e. not just "assist partners")
- The skills that make a good trainee (e.g. attention to detail, teamwork, managing deadlines, communication, etc.)
- How you would handle responsibility, constructive feedback, a busy workload, etc.
As it is the final stage, I would make sure that you have clear answers for the motivational questions as they likely want you to go into more depth. I would try to refer to specific practice areas, clients, or the culture of the firm, and always try to find a way to link it back to yourself, your working style, and your past experiences.
Again, it's tricky to know whether this is a cutting stage, so I'd focus on showing that you would be someone that they can picture as a colleague. Often, once you get to these final stages, they already think you can do the job - it is more about being a good cultural fit.
I would treat the whole day as one long interview, but don't lose your personality in the process! Things like being engaged and easy to talk to really go a long way, and make you memorable!
Wishing you the very best of luck - you've got this!!
Gonna sound a little bit like a broken record - and apologies for the cross post with the other forum for reach - but has anyone heard anything from Bristows yet? Given last week's update that we should know by tomorrow the outcome of final interviews, I'm assuming calls with offers will be done today or tomorrow morning at the latest with rejections to follow by email tomorrow afternoon (though I could be wrong obviously). So it'd be good to know if anyone has started to hear back yet. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this I really really appreciate it! Have a great dayHello!
Congratulations on being invited to the final stage interview!!
For the insight day, I would assume that everything is at least informally assessed (even if it doesn't state that you will be formally assessed on it). Even if there is no set marking, it is likely that people will notice how engaged, curious, and personable you are, which will likely contribute to their final decision-making. This doesn't mean that you need to be overly intense (+ I would definitely avoid this) - I'd just make sure that you are switched on, ask lots of thoughtful questions, and show a genuine interest in the firm and its people. The networking lunch and trainee talk are a really good opportunity to show that you would be a good fit for the firm, and that you'd be a great person to work with.
In terms of questions to ask during the day, I would just make sure to go beyond the obvious (i.e. what you might find on their website) and ask anything you are genuinely curious about. For example:
For the final interview, it is difficult to say what they'll be asking, but I'd say it is likely to be more about confirming your motivations for the firm, your understanding of the trainee role, and ensuring that you are a good cultural fit.
- Ask trainees about their actual day-to-day work and what surprised them the most
- Ask teams about recent matters or trends that is affecting their practice area or clients
- Show commercial awareness and research by linking questions to things that the firm has been involved in
When they say "think about the role of a trainee solicitor", they are often referring to things like:
Therefore, whilst I wouldn't be able to predict the exact questions that could come up, it might be questions such as "what do you think makes a good trainee at our firm?", "what challenges do you think trainees face?", or "why do you think you would succeed here specifically?". You might also get a more scenario-style question or strengths-based question too (i.e. dealing with competing deadlines or unclear instructions).
- What do trainees actually do? (i.e. not just "assist partners")
- The skills that make a good trainee (e.g. attention to detail, teamwork, managing deadlines, communication, etc.)
- How you would handle responsibility, constructive feedback, a busy workload, etc.
As it is the final stage, I would make sure that you have clear answers for the motivational questions as they likely want you to go into more depth. I would try to refer to specific practice areas, clients, or the culture of the firm, and always try to find a way to link it back to yourself, your working style, and your past experiences.
Again, it's tricky to know whether this is a cutting stage, so I'd focus on showing that you would be someone that they can picture as a colleague. Often, once you get to these final stages, they already think you can do the job - it is more about being a good cultural fit.
I would treat the whole day as one long interview, but don't lose your personality in the process! Things like being engaged and easy to talk to really go a long way, and make you memorable!
Wishing you the very best of luck - you've got this!!
Haven't heard anything yet! Recent holding email says the latest we'll hear back is May 29th but that's likely the PFO date. Should hear back next week if successful.
Any news on SH, PMC, Mayer Brown and Bates Wells?
I wonder how KN grades their SJT, as the video pitch invites go out the day after the test is due... Am applying this year too and just noticed--good luck to both of us anyway!
Did you get the email earlier outlining the timeline for KN process? Is it just a formality they're sending to everyone, or does it mean we've been successful in the SJT?
I think they send it to everyone that pass the written application stage. I’ve also received it
Has anyone heard from SH or Bakers post app or are they both still hibernating until 2030…
No ...and I wonder why...
Nothing from either....the wait continues
I got it before I submitted the SJT so it definitely doesn't mean anything and has just been sent to those who progressed to SJT (ie not rejected immediately post app)
The reality is that most of the law firms only use DTCs to fill gaps not filled by their VS. A VS is just an extended interview opportunity for the firm, they're not doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. If they get enough quality candidates via VS there won't be many places left available for DTC applicants and we all pile in the applications for DTCs since they remain open for longer so you might as well give it a shot. They're probably swamped.
Any tips on how to approach the cover letter section for Fried Frank’s TC app? I am not used to writing cover letters for TCs and feel like I approach them wrong in general!
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