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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Any advice for Macfarlanes VI simulation? It seems different, what should I expect?
Also - any advice for RPC SJT? Thank you so much in advance!!!
Also - any advice for RPC SJT? Thank you so much in advance!!!
Hey! Applied to Macfarlanes for their direct TC a few days ago but haven’t got a link to the first stage test. How long did it take to receive it?
I got mine the next day, then I got stage 2 (Job Sim VI) a few days after submitting and passing stage 1.
Hi!
Congratulations on the Farrer & Co final interview! I was invited back for the final TC interview after my vacation scheme at the firm last cycle, so I can share my experience!
Whilst I can't remember the exact timing of the interview, it wouldn't surprise me if it was around 2-hours in total for the entire assessment. This is because I believe it is split into an interview with the partners, as well as a research task in which you will present your findings to the partners.
Generally speaking, I found that the interview was very conversational and personality-driven compared to some other firms, but was overall similar to what you would expect for a final stage TC interview. They definitely seemed interested in whether they could genuinely see you fitting into the culture of the firm and interaction well with colleagues and clients (+ the culture at the firm was genuinely so great when I was on my VS!). So, while preparation is absolutely important, I would avoid sounding overly scripted or rehearsed and try to let your personality and interest shine through.
I'd also make sure that you are not simply reusing the exact same "commercial law" answers that you may have prepared for other firms. Whilst Farrer's does do commercial work, it is still heavily rooted in private client work and long-term client relationships, so they may be looking for slightly different motivations, values, and interpersonal qualities. If your answers sound too generic or corporate, there is a risk that they won't feel sufficiently tailored to the firm specifically, and I think the interviews/grad rec team are particularly looking at this.
I'd therefore particularly focus on:
- Having very clear and authentic answers to your core motivations (why commercial law, why Farrer's, why you personally suit the environment there)
- Being able to discuss your experiences in a reflective way, rather than just descriptively
- Practising staying calm when asked unexpected follow-up questions
- Making sure you can comfortably hold a conversation around commercial and legal topics, rather than giving "memorised" commercial awareness answers (+ I'd tailor your commercial awareness to the types of areas they work in, such as UHNW Individuals and Education, etc.)
One thing that helped me a lot when preparing for later-stage interviews was to record myself answering questions or doing mock interviews. It can feel uncomfortable (and I hate watching them back, haha!), but it is often the best way to spot things like rushing, over-explaining, sounding too rehearsed, or not answering the actual question directly enough.
I would also be prepared for questions where they are more interested in how you think rather than whether you immediately arrive at the "right" answer. If challenged or given new information, I'd talk through your reasoning out loud in a logical way and be open to adjusting your view. I think demonstrating good judgement, being comfortable with ambiguity, and engaging with alternative perspectives can often come across better than trying to defend your initial answer at all costs.
For the the research task specifically, I'd focus less on trying to reach the "perfect" answer and more on showing a structured approach. Work through the materials you are given methodically and keep coming back to the actual question or prompt rather than trying to include everything. When you are presenting it, I'd have a really clear structure (e.g. issue -> analysis -> conclusion/recommendation) so that you are not just talking continuously without any direction.
Best of luck - I really enjoyed my time at the firm, and I hope it goes brilliantly for you!
hello everyone
has anyone heard back from Travers DTC? (I applied the day of the deadline if that helps)
has anyone heard back from Travers DTC? (I applied the day of the deadline if that helps)
Hi!
Congratulations on the Farrer & Co final interview! I was invited back for the final TC interview after my vacation scheme at the firm last cycle, so I can share my experience!
Whilst I can't remember the exact timing of the interview, it wouldn't surprise me if it was around 2-hours in total for the entire assessment. This is because I believe it is split into an interview with the partners, as well as a research task in which you will present your findings to the partners.
Generally speaking, I found that the interview was very conversational and personality-driven compared to some other firms, but was overall similar to what you would expect for a final stage TC interview. They definitely seemed interested in whether they could genuinely see you fitting into the culture of the firm and interaction well with colleagues and clients (+ the culture at the firm was genuinely so great when I was on my VS!). So, while preparation is absolutely important, I would avoid sounding overly scripted or rehearsed and try to let your personality and interest shine through.
I'd also make sure that you are not simply reusing the exact same "commercial law" answers that you may have prepared for other firms. Whilst Farrer's does do commercial work, it is still heavily rooted in private client work and long-term client relationships, so they may be looking for slightly different motivations, values, and interpersonal qualities. If your answers sound too generic or corporate, there is a risk that they won't feel sufficiently tailored to the firm specifically, and I think the interviews/grad rec team are particularly looking at this.
I'd therefore particularly focus on:
- Having very clear and authentic answers to your core motivations (why commercial law, why Farrer's, why you personally suit the environment there)
- Being able to discuss your experiences in a reflective way, rather than just descriptively
- Practising staying calm when asked unexpected follow-up questions
- Making sure you can comfortably hold a conversation around commercial and legal topics, rather than giving "memorised" commercial awareness answers (+ I'd tailor your commercial awareness to the types of areas they work in, such as UHNW Individuals and Education, etc.)
One thing that helped me a lot when preparing for later-stage interviews was to record myself answering questions or doing mock interviews. It can feel uncomfortable (and I hate watching them back, haha!), but it is often the best way to spot things like rushing, over-explaining, sounding too rehearsed, or not answering the actual question directly enough.
I would also be prepared for questions where they are more interested in how you think rather than whether you immediately arrive at the "right" answer. If challenged or given new information, I'd talk through your reasoning out loud in a logical way and be open to adjusting your view. I think demonstrating good judgement, being comfortable with ambiguity, and engaging with alternative perspectives can often come across better than trying to defend your initial answer at all costs.
For the the research task specifically, I'd focus less on trying to reach the "perfect" answer and more on showing a structured approach. Work through the materials you are given methodically and keep coming back to the actual question or prompt rather than trying to include everything. When you are presenting it, I'd have a really clear structure (e.g. issue -> analysis -> conclusion/recommendation) so that you are not just talking continuously without any direction.
Best of luck - I really enjoyed my time at the firm, and I hope it goes brilliantly for you!
Thanks so much for your advice Abbie! Those timings make much more sense, I had been worried it was 2 hours after the research task had ended, but an overall length of 2 hours seems more sensible!
And as ever, those are some very helpful suggestions for preparations, thank you!
they’ve been conducting interviews all last week and this weekhello everyone
has anyone heard back from Travers DTC? (I applied the day of the deadline if that helps)
just wondering if nothing from Howard Kennedy means a pfo. From the email we received last Friday, it seems the firm will send out invites (not pfo) to successful candidates lol.
Have you checked your portal? Im wondering whether it would have updated on there
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