TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

For a partner interview, if I’m asked questions that were already answered in my application (specifically for competencies) can I give the same answers or do I need new ones?

Hey!

You can use the same examples if they are the strongest ones for that particular question! Interviewers will often expect to hear about experiences mentioned in your application, as they want to hear you talk about them in more depth, understand your thought process, and ask follow-up questions.

However, if you have another equally strong example, it can sometimes be helpful to use that instead to demonstrate a broader range of experiences. I wouldn't feel like you have to come up with brand new examples though - it is much more important to give a well-structured answer and be able to discuss it confidently, rather than to avoid repeating yourself.

I would also make sure you know your application inside out, as partners may pick up on something you have written and ask you to expand on it. Best of luck!!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anyone heard from Devonshires?

 

[Xoxoyo]

I have completed a summer vacation scheme and have been placed on a reserve list for a TC. Is there any hope that I will be actually offered a TC? Has anyone been in this position before?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

sorry if i sound immature, but it’s rlly annoying when they get ppl to put in all the hard work to write their application questions (“strikingly real”) and do their online test Qs only to say they’ve filled it all up.

Does this happen frequently? Personally I’ve never experienced this. Im asking now because im thinking of not applying to K&L Gates, so I can save the energy for applying to those firm’s offices in Malaysia/Singapore

This happened with Eversheds last cycle! It was really frustrating.

 

[TCGrad1642]

Has anyone reached out to Stephenson Harwood? Unsure if it is worth emailing grad rec but I always get nervous that if I were to do so it would reflect poorly haha!

 

[tozziesss]

I have completed a summer vacation scheme and have been placed on a reserve list for a TC. Is there any hope that I will be actually offered a TC? Has anyone been in this position before?

That happened to me one year and unfortunately they couldn’t find me a space. Hopefully other people drop out and you get offered it. Best of luck

 

[Xoxoyo]

I have completed a summer vacation scheme and have been placed on a reserve list for a TC. Is there any hope that I will be actually offered a TC? Has anyone been in this position before?

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Do you have any insight here please?

 

[Deleted member 33582]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Do you have any insight here please?

Honestly it’s not really something that you can get answer on.
Depending on the firm, people may accept other offers. Ig it’s better to be in the reserve for a TC than VS, because people can only accept 1!

 

[lucky2]

Just got an email. They’ve said they’ve hired everyone from their summer scheme and will not be proceeding with DTC’s 🫩

This is awful! This happened last year too. Hate how much time people put into these apps for this to be the outcome. It’s unfair and unfortunate for everyone involved.

 

[lucky2]

sorry if i sound immature, but it’s rlly annoying when they get ppl to put in all the hard work to write their application questions (“strikingly real”) and do their online test Qs only to say they’ve filled it all up.

Does this happen frequently? Personally I’ve never experienced this. Im asking now because im thinking of not applying to K&L Gates, so I can save the energy for applying to those firm’s offices in Malaysia/Singapore

Not sure about other firms. But this is the consecutive year that RPC have done this. It’s always better to check with the law firm directly as I would hope they would be honest about it.

 

[CharlieandLola]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen i have a quick question… I’m supposed to start a vac scheme on Monday. However they haven’t sent the employment contract.
I accepted my offer earlier this month and have completed the conflicts process, although I was told that final clearance remained contingent on completion of the background check. I have not received any update confirming whether that has cleared, nor have I received my contract or details for Monday.

I have emailed the firm and am waiting for a response, but I am becoming concerned about whether something has been missed. Do you have any recommendations over what to do?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Do you have any insight here please?

Hi!

Unfortunately, I've never been in this situation before, so I don't have any particular insights! However, being placed on a reserve list is definitely different from being rejected, and I would take it as a positive sign.

It really varies by firm and by year, but firms do sometimes make offers from their reserve lists if candidates decline or defer their TC offers. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing the likelihood.

I would keep your options open and continue with other processes in the meantime, but hopefully you'll hear some positive news soon. Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen i have a quick question… I’m supposed to start a vac scheme on Monday. However they haven’t sent the employment contract.
I accepted my offer earlier this month and have completed the conflicts process, although I was told that final clearance remained contingent on completion of the background check. I have not received any update confirming whether that has cleared, nor have I received my contract or details for Monday.

I have emailed the firm and am waiting for a response, but I am becoming concerned about whether something has been missed. Do you have any recommendations over what to do?

Hey!

I would try not to panic just yet (although I appreciate that is easier said than done!). It is not uncommon for firms to send contracts or joining information quite close to the start date, particularly if they are still waiting for final checks to come through.

You have done the right thing by emailing them, and I'm not sure there's much more you can do right now. If you don't hear back by the end of the day tomorrow, I would give the graduate recruitment team a call (or send them another quick email if there is no phone number), just to double check with them. It is most likely just an administrative delay, rather than an indication that there's a problem.

Hopefully they'll get back to you soon, and best of luck for your vacation scheme next week!

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

Anyone done Devonshires assessment or know what to expect from it.

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hey everyone.

I have another question for @Abbie Whitlock and I apologise for the many questions I have had during this cycle, but you answering them, they all helped.

When the interviewer is telling you this is going to be a tough question but I may use any work/ life/ college example. “ Tell me about a time you have done something challenging you were proud of, but unfortunately you didn’t get the result you wanted. “ What are they trying to assess exactly?

I gave them a life example about how I moved at 16 to the UK without speaking English and had to improve, STAR and my actions were based on the Q “ faced a challenge” so all the actions I took to get over that challenge. For the result I just said unfortunately I didn’t get the result I wanted, but I was able to achieve a lot since then and I’m proud etc.. reflecting back on that- persistence and resilience goes a long way etc.. I’m really not sure what they’re trying to assess here? I did say I was disappointed I didn’t get the result I wanted, but yeah. Idk what they’re trying to assess and whether my answer was good. Just based my answer on how you have to have perseverance and keep trying.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock
I just wanted to ask how long can you wait before signing a TC offer...and if you hear back from one firm and the other has not responded after 2 weeks, should you reach out to get an answer? I ask because I don't want to be pushy but at the same time I don't know what the best action is. I have asked others in my VS cohort if they've heard back and they have said no (but they might not be able to say).

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Also HFW PFO

 

[shays]

HFW pfo after tens of hours on that application

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey!

I would try not to panic just yet (although I appreciate that is easier said than done!). It is not uncommon for firms to send contracts or joining information quite close to the start date, particularly if they are still waiting for final checks to come through.

You have done the right thing by emailing them, and I'm not sure there's much more you can do right now. If you don't hear back by the end of the day tomorrow, I would give the graduate recruitment team a call (or send them another quick email if there is no phone number), just to double check with them. It is most likely just an administrative delay, rather than an indication that there's a problem.

Hopefully they'll get back to you soon, and best of luck for your vacation scheme next week!

Thank you!!!

 

[cs3008]

HFW PFO!