• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →
  • Office Hours with BCLP (Live Q&A)
    29 Oct 2025 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (UK) Hosted on TCLA TV
    Join Isabel Elsey, Legal Recruitment Manager at BCLP, for a live Q&A session. Get details on secondments, innovation, growth areas, and everything else you’ve wanted to ask about life at BCLP!

    📺 Join Event

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Sunshinepink

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Feb 1, 2023
    262
    232
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
     

    Atam!

    Star Member
    Mar 6, 2024
    42
    30
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
    This is so heartbreaking, i think you should take a break from applications. I am so sorry these application have been such a bad experience. Always remember you are good enough, these applications is just a numbers game. I'm sorry I dont have anything to offer but my condolences because I am currently going through the same thing. Please do take care of yourself and mental health, it is the most important thing love ❤️
     

    Meg_Thee_Applicant

    Star Member
  • Apr 1, 2025
    27
    26
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
    I’m so sorry :( I’ve got anxiety and didn’t start properly applying until this year which is 6 years after I finished uni. I’m 28 now but I knew back then I could not handle rejection very well. Do things on your terms, there’s nothing stopping you from taking a break and coming back to it, you’ve got this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Harvey Specter

    WeGotThis!

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
  • Jul 13, 2023
    213
    179
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
    I was in the same situation about two to three weeks ago, but I realised that I just need to keep pushing and we will succeed! The TC cycle is very competitive, but it isn't impossible. Just take the week off and do some self-care, have your favourite food today, and just relax today. That's what I did when I was feeling the same way, and it helped me a lot mentally.
     

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
    380
    736
    Just received a belated WDGAFO from Blake Morgan after six months.

    Thank you for your application for a Training Contract with Blake Morgan and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding.

    Having reviewed our needs and approach to selection for future intakes, we decided to only progress candidates to interview this year who expressed an interest in becoming a future Trainee within our Southampton office and we have now reached the quota of offers. Unfortunately, we will therefore not be progressing with your application on this occasion.
     

    sibs23

    Legendary Member
    Jan 15, 2021
    230
    476
    Just received a belated WDGAFO from Blake Morgan after six months.

    Thank you for your application for a Training Contract with Blake Morgan and please accept our apologies for the delay in responding.

    Having reviewed our needs and approach to selection for future intakes, we decided to only progress candidates to interview this year who expressed an interest in becoming a future Trainee within our Southampton office and we have now reached the quota of offers. Unfortunately, we will therefore not be progressing with your application on this occasion.
    That's crazy! I had the same response but this was back in May!
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,830
    8,986
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.

    I'm really sorry to hear this. if it would help to have a quick call to talk it through, please feel free to drop me an email at [email protected].
     

    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.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.