TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlife5]

CC PFO

You can’t write this. 3 forge courses and an open day. Why push candidates to do your time consuming courses if it means nothing. I’ve applied 3 years in a row and rejected every year. My application was strong my work experience is more than strong enough with multiple vac schemes and a banking graduate scheme.

But they’ll go with the 2nd year student thats written a mediocre application and never worked a day in their life. Silly really.

I stand by what I said ^

Haha so true. It’s because they are the easiest to manipulate

 

[elle woods]

CC PFO

You can’t write this. 3 forge courses and an open day. Why push candidates to do your time consuming courses if it means nothing. I’ve applied 3 years in a row and rejected every year. My application was strong my work experience is more than strong enough with multiple vac schemes and a banking graduate scheme.

But they’ll go with the 2nd year student thats written a mediocre application and never worked a day in their life. Silly really.

I stand by what I said ^

I just saw this haha

I wish they went with this 2nd year that has apparently written a mediocre application smh (CC PFO too). Let's both keep trying? If I don't get a TC offer this year I will for sure be reapplying again. It'll be my 3rd time next year lol. Don't give up though, I've heard that it took some current trainees 4-6 years of applying to CC to get in.

Praying that that will happen for us! Best of luck!

 

[Trophy]

Haha that is true. It’s because they are the easiest to manipulate

Yh. It’s so obvious on vac schemes too. One associate said on a scheme I was on he didn’t want to give their vac schemer work as they’re only 19/20 and it’s summer😐

In 3/4 years you see them leaving after their TC going into another industry whereas there are 3rd years and graduates who have dedicated years to the process of getting a TC. To be slapped with a visa restrictions, annual leave limitations and time consuming tests that mean nothing if you didn’t go to the right university or school.

My two pence for this fine afternoon. Thanks CC for fuelling me with rage 👹

 

[Trophy]

I just saw this haha

I wish they went with this 2nd year that has apparently written a mediocre application smh (CC PFO too). Let's both keep trying? If I don't get a TC offer this year I will for sure be reapplying again. It'll be my 3rd time next year lol. Don't give up though, I've heard that it took some current trainees 4-6 years of applying to CC to get in.

Praying that that will happen for us! Best of luck!

The statement doesn’t apply to you then as your application was too good to be mediocre 😂

We got this 🙌

 

[WeGotThis!]

Ah I just wish I was a nepo baby with Partner-level connections at this point. It's so tiring to keep proving yourself constantly

I second this honestly, it's frustrating to see those rejections come in. And I know so many people who haven't done half the things that I have on my CV progress and end up with Paralegal roles and TC.

 

[applicant3000]

Feeling awful for everyone who has received a CC PFO. Somehow I have gotten through to CC VI, which is amazing since its the only magic circle firm from which I haven't been rejected after the test/cover letter. If anyone has any advice on it (especially tips from graduate recruitment), I would really appreciate your thoughts!

 

[yk1906]

Yh. It’s so obvious on vac schemes too. One associate said on a scheme I was on he didn’t want to give their vac schemer work as they’re only 19/20 and it’s summer😐

In 3/4 years you see them leaving after their TC going into another industry whereas there are 3rd years and graduates who have dedicated years to the process of getting a TC. To be slapped with a visa restrictions, annual leave limitations and time consuming tests that mean nothing if you didn’t go to the right university or school.

My two pence for this fine afternoon. Thanks CC for fuelling me with rage 👹

Didn’t even want CC that hard, but not getting a VI made me smoke cigarettes today after quitting some time ago 😂 And all of this after CC office in one of the European jurisdictions rejecting me for an internship because of not having a national qualification of that country and telling me to apply to the London office with my “exceptional” resume

 

[wooliewoo]

Joining the CC PFO club 😍 I feel quite upset tbh, especially because I thought my app was quite good and I really like CC. After reading this thread, I honestly don't know what they're looking for. Makes me slightly nervous for my other apps!! To those who got the VI, well done, you should be proud of yourself!! And to those who also got a PFO, keep your head up, this is just part of the process

 

[Lawlife5]

Didn’t even want CC that hard, but not getting a VI made me smoke cigarettes today after quitting some time ago 😂 And all of this after CC office in one of the European jurisdictions rejecting me for an internship because of not having a national qualification of that country and telling me to apply to the London office with my “exceptional” resume

Haha I am so glad I quit before starting this process otherwise I would be going through pack a day atm😂😂😂😂

 

[yk1906]

Also, while we're still at it, what helps me in dealing with rejections is the fact that I compete with literal Oxbridge graduates.