TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amgrad]

Hi All, I am a 2025 U.S. law school grad who recently relocated to the U.K. with plans to become a solicitor. I obtained the right to work this month and began my applications for direct training contracts. I received the Stage 1 Freshfields Online Assessment and as I understand, it does have a critical reasoning/mini-WG component.

Does anyone have any tips on preparing for the assessment as someone new to this process?

Hey American grad here too, but non-law. I didn't apply to Freshfield London, but the 5-week London-Asia vac scheme. It has different application process, so I can't help.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Silly question, but let's say you get a TC offer from firm A and firm B. You accept the firm A offer and reject firm B, telling firm B that you have rejected them because you accepted a TC elsewhere.

Then firm B asks you which firm's offer you accepted instead, so you tell them that you accepted an offer from firm A.

Why does firm B want to know where you went instead, and would firm B verify this with firm A?

Hello!

Not a silly question at all!

There could be a variety of reasons why the graduate recruitment team have asked, but it's most likely to see which firms they are losing talent to and who they are competing with in the market. For example, if they are constantly losing candidates to the same few firms, they may look at what those firms are doing and try to implement new opportunities to stand out

 

[whywhy88]

Should I expect PFO from Freshfields if I’ve not gotten a stage 2 invite after over 2 weeks?

Nope! Took over a month after I did stage 1 for me to receive stage 2. Don't give up hope!

 

[Superfrozone]

Does Clifford Chance send the WG automatically or..?

 

[yk1906]

Does Clifford Chance send the WG automatically or..?

Yes. Some people wait a day or two tho

 

[Irishman11]

Did you get an offer? 🙏

No. Not surprised though, I had never interviewed at an English law firm before so it was challenging.

 

[PFO King]

Hi, I just wanted to check if these two motivational questions are completely different, "why do you want to be a commercial lawyer" and "why do you you want to be a commercial lawyer at x firm". I am just confused as to how different these questions are? I understand that one has to be majorly about my personal experience and motivation and the other requires research into the firm as to why specifically at x firm but how much should I focus on the motivational aspect of being a commercial lawyer and how much should I focus on the firm itself? or is it that I should just focus on the firm and not mention why I want to be a lawyer . hope this makes sense

 

[kts17]

Guys can anyone confirm if we need to put every grade individually in the Gowling WLG application? It’s not clear to me.

 

[yk1906]

Guys can anyone confirm if we need to put every grade individually in the Gowling WLG application? It’s not clear to me.

Same... I understood we had to insert all of our GCSEs and A-levels, though?

 

[lolololol]

freshfields pfo post test 1

 

[Deek14]

Hi,
I was going to apply for the A&O Shearman training contract. The deadline is today at 5pm. However, I just read that they have mentioned on their website that the application form as well as the online experience i.e the SJT test, needs to be completed before the deadline.
Is there any point in applying right now? For those who have done this, do we automatically receive the online test and how long does it actually take to complete it?
Would be grateful if someone could let me know this as soon as possible!

 

[TCLA0322]

Hi,
I was going to apply for the A&O Shearman training contract. The deadline is today at 5pm. However, I just read that they have mentioned on their website that the application form as well as the online experience i.e the SJT test, needs to be completed before the deadline.
Is there any point in applying right now? For those who have done this, do we automatically receive the online test and how long does it actually take to complete it?
Would be grateful if someone could let me know this as soon as possible!

Hi, for reference, I received the test automatically, but the test took approximately one hour to do, the app form is very short, one hour also ( if you do have completed work experience with you to copy & paste), but I do suggest if you really want to apply, do it ASAP, to avoid any technical disruption.

 

[Deek14]

Hi, for reference, I received the test automatically, but the test took approximately one hour to do, the app form is very short, one hour also ( if you do have completed work experience with you to copy & paste), but I do suggest if you really want to apply, do it ASAP, to avoid any technical disruption.

Okay thank you so much! I will start filling the form. Does the online test have VI questions as well?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Okay thank you so much! I will start filling the form. Does the online test have VI questions as well?

Only 2 and you have unlimited preparation time for them

 

[BM99]

Has anyone received a pfo or interview invite from Slaughters recently

 

[Deek14]

Only 2 and you have unlimited preparation time for them

Thank you!
I have just submitted my application. Fingers crossed, I receive the test soon!

 

[Willgetatc]

Freshfields PFO, kinda expected it 🥲

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I just wanted to check if these two motivational questions are completely different, "why do you want to be a commercial lawyer" and "why do you you want to be a commercial lawyer at x firm". I am just confused as to how different these questions are? I understand that one has to be majorly about my personal experience and motivation and the other requires research into the firm as to why specifically at x firm but how much should I focus on the motivational aspect of being a commercial lawyer and how much should I focus on the firm itself? or is it that I should just focus on the firm and not mention why I want to be a lawyer . hope this makes sense

Hey!

They are different questions, but they should complement each other rather than repeat the same points.

"Why commercial law?" is mainly about your personal motivations - such as what aspects of the work appeal to you, what experiences shaped your interest, and what strengths you bring to that type of work. This could cover things like enjoying problem-solving, being interested in how businesses operate, or liking complex transactions. This question does not need to have firm-specific detail.

"Why commercial law at X firm?" shifts the focus of your answer to the firm specifically (i.e. its work, clients, culture, training style, international reach, etc.) and how those things match what you are looking for in your training and career. You can reference your motivations and connect them to what the firm offers, but the bulk of your answer should show that you have researched the firm and understand what makes it distinct - and why that makes it the right fit for you. Essentially: "Given my motivations and interests, this is the firm that fits"

A simple way to break it down could be:

1. First Question: why this career suits you
2. Second Question: why this firm is the right place for you to do it

The two answers should link, but they should focus on different parts

I hope that assists!

 

[patrickprice0]

For those that did the A&O DTC, is the VI unlimited prep and also is it motivational or competency? Also, how many questions are there?

Motivational, unlimited prep, 2 questions

 

[yk1906]

Has King & Spalding opened their apps?