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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Thank you very much! this is super helpful!Hi!
Written exercises can definitely feel difficult because of the amount of information and the time pressure, but firms are usually much more interested in your reasoning and communication than whether you know the law perfectly - especially if they have said no prior regulatory law experience is required.
One thing that really helped me was to resist the urge to start typing immediately. I'd spend the first 10-15 minutes properly reading through the materials you have been given and working out:
I also found that ensuring I had a clear structure was really important and helped improve my performance overall. Even using simple headings and incorporating bullet points (if appropriate) can make your answer feel much clearer and more organised. When approaching the exercise, I'd usually think in terms of:
- What the client is actually asking
- The main risks/issues
- What your overall recommendation is likely to be
I'd also try to stay practical and client-focused, rather than drifting into an overly academic style. A lot of people fall into the trap of trying to sound very "legal", but firms will often prefer concise and commercially sensible advice.
- Relevant facts/background
- Key issues
- Analysis
- Practical recommendations/next steps
Additionally, if they provide source materials, the answer is usually in there somewhere and you generally are not expected to have any outside legal knowledge. Therefore, they're testing how well you can digest information, prioritise conflicting points, and communicate these under time pressure.
I haven't done KN's written exercise personally, but from the description you have provided, it sounds like they are intentionally making it accessible to those without any background knowledge in the area. I'd focus much more on clarity and logical reasoning, rather than trying to demonstrate technical regulatory law knowledge. I'd also make sure that you leave at least 5-10 minutes at the end to proofread, as under timed conditions it is very easy to miss small errors or forget to answer a part of the task.
I've also written a few previous posts on written exercises more generally - I have quoted those below in case they are useful as well.
Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!!
White & Case VI invite!! WoHooo
Congrats! When did you apply and when did you finish the online assessment?
I’m pleased to announce my 27th PFO of the cycle so far: Mayer Brown PFO post app, SJT and VI.
Also expecting that K&S is a PFO post AC so that’s gna be the 28th PFO lmao. Oh well it’s fine.
Also expecting that K&S is a PFO post AC so that’s gna be the 28th PFO lmao. Oh well it’s fine.
Well done man. Many PFOs to come and one big win following after.
Thank you both. I applied on Sunday, did SJT yesterday.
My strengths were Collaboration, Personal Responsibility, and Adaptability. My area of development is Credibility.
Yeah, same. Although didn’t sting like Baker since I knew my VI was bad.
On an another note, I appreciate your resilience - it’s so easy to getting discouraged and lose motivation upon seeing that rejection email. You got this
Here are my notes:
I haven’t either and I’m like …
Sorry what does PFO mean I’m new to these forumsNO PFOS UNTIL EMAIL RECEIVED
our unique way of saying rejection (please f offSorry what does PFO mean I’m new to these forums
)
I guess I'm PFO on KN as my video thing was crappy.
They did say
> We will be in touch with all candidates regarding the outcome of their video presentation by the end of next week.
I guess my PFO will come Friday
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