TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

I guess if you haven't been invited to FF AC by now, it's a guaranteed PFO? 😢

 

[WeGotThis!]

Hi @WeGotThis! first of all I wanted to mention I am not convinced testing commercial awareness is the main purpose of this question. Generally, a healthy starting point is that you should interpret a question on an application form by giving it the most natural/literal reading. Since the firm has not chosen to limit the scope of the question to laws related to commercial matters, I would not assume you should limit the scope of what you could discuss in this way either. I also certainly do not think you should be only seeking a legislative change proposal that you can connect to the firm's clients - only draw such links if they are indeed clear and direct consequences from something you would have wanted to discuss even if it were not for this connection.

I think it is quite unlikely the main point here is to assess your knowledge of the firm, its clients, or the recent business news; instead, I think what the firm truly wants to see with this question is whether you can write a compelling and well-reasoned argumentative piece despite the tight word limit. As you may have expected by this point, my answer to your question as to what you should seek to include is that there are no right or wrong answers. There are many different causes you could advocate for - to list but a few that come to my mind: provide access to free/decrease costs of higher education, increase aid for humanitarian causes, change the current planning and development legislation to increase the supply of residential housing, make structural changes to the tax system to ease the burden on middle class taxpayer and increase it on the ultra-wealthy, provide for tighter limits on government borrowing to reduce the burden of repayment interest on the Budget, increase awareness of and promote general public investment in securities, etc.

As for your structure, I think once again different approached can work, and what is optimal will certainly be influenced by the topic you choose. Nonetheless, some key things I would advise you to address are the following:

1. A short introductory sentence expressing the core point of the legislative change you will advocate for.
2. A brief description of how the new law would actually work (ie you should elaborate a bit on what you mean if you express your desired change in broad terms such as "a fairer tax system").
3. Present the arguments in favour of this change; here, besides arguing that the change in legislation would have net positive effects, you should also seek to explain why exactly you consider these benefits to be so important that you would choose to change the law in this particular way and not another way which could also be beneficial (thus, you could look to demonstrate pervasive benefits that positively impact many aspects of life).
4. Address any major counterarguments or objections: you want to show awareness of the other sides' points and an ability to provide a thorough analysis. As such, seek to explain and respond to at least one major objection to your points (eg if you argue to tax the ultra-wealthy more, you should consider addressing the argument that they may simply move to a different country with a friendlier tax regime, taking their wealth and business with them).

Thank you very much! This was really helpful. Do you reckon I can talk about a trend? I was thinking about the recent UK Listing Rules or the move towards assessing ESG in M&A transactions, something along these lines. I am still researching, but would love to get your insights too.

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[sal44]

Hi all. I was on the forum last application round, used my university email but now I’ve graduated I can’t access my old account.

I’ve received Freshfields AC does anyone have advice, appreciate any tips you can provide.

Congratulations! When did you complete stage 2? Also if you don’t mind, which dates are ACs being held? Best of luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're well. I was wondering if you could help me with this question.


I'm applying to Arnold & Porter for their DTC, and I'm slightly confused on how to approach this question: "What motivates you? Please support this with an example of where you demonstrated your drive and motivation." Can I state multiple motivations with different examples, or should I state multiple motivations with one single example for each?

Thanks in advance

Hi!

For a question such as this one, it's usually most effective to choose one or two key motivations and then support them with a strong and detailed example that clearly demonstrates your drive.

The aim is to show depth rather than listing lots of motivations without evidence. If you feel you have multiple motivations, you can mention them briefly, but it's best to focus the example around one main motivation and show tangible actions or results - what you did, why you did it and what the outcome was. A concise STAR-style structure could work well to help demonstrate where you demonstrated your drive and motivation.

For example:

• State what motivates you (e.g. problem-solving, responsibility, working under pressure, learning new skills, making an impact, etc.)
• Give a strong example that illustrates your motivation in action (structuring it using a STAR-style structure)
• Link it back to why that makes you suited to the role of a trainee solicitor / Arnold & Porter

Quality over quantity tends to leave a stronger impression - I would try to prioritise reflection and depth over listing multiple examples. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi!

For a question such as this one, it's usually most effective to choose one or two key motivations and then support them with a strong and detailed example that clearly demonstrates your drive.

The aim is to show depth rather than listing lots of motivations without evidence. If you feel you have multiple motivations, you can mention them briefly, but it's best to focus the example around one main motivation and show tangible actions or results - what you did, why you did it and what the outcome was. A concise STAR-style structure could work well to help demonstrate where you demonstrated your drive and motivation.

For example:

• State what motivates you (e.g. problem-solving, responsibility, working under pressure, learning new skills, making an impact, etc.)
• Give a strong example that illustrates your motivation in action (structuring it using a STAR-style structure)
• Link it back to why that makes you suited to the role of a trainee solicitor / Arnold & Porter

Quality over quantity tends to leave a stronger impression - I would try to prioritise reflection and depth over listing multiple examples. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

Thank you so much Abbie, this makes perfect sense

 

[jin]

hello for those who have received slaughter and may DTC interview, will they provide any travel expense support for students outside the UK? i read in the past they provide fully subsidized travel costs, but elsewhere I read that they only support up to a certain amount

 

[Lawlife5]

I guess if you haven't been invited to FF AC by now, it's a guaranteed PFO? 😢

no one has even got any invite yet...

 

[yk1906]

no one has even got any invite yet...

Check the thread above my message. There is a person who received an invite for DTC AC

By FF I mean Freshfields

 

[Tyler2203]

Hoping and praying Freshfields are releasing ACs in batches now 😢

 

[anon78365222111]

Check the thread above my message. There is a person who received an invite for DTC AC

By FF I mean Freshfields

There’s only been one on the forum they invite so many people to AC’s wouldn’t be so quick to think that

 

[yk1906]

There’s only been one on the forum they invite so many people to AC’s wouldn’t be so quick to think that

I hope you're right... I'm just being too pessimistic today, don't mind me

 

[elle woods]

I hope you're right... I'm just being too pessimistic today, don't mind me

I've heard they hold some in December and then the last few in January, so you may still have a chance!

 

[yk1906]

I've heard they hold some in December and then the last few in January, so you may still have a chance!

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

 

[testing123]

Does this mean that if youve not yet heard back from freshfields after stage 1 its basically a rejection? am new to this, so not sure how the firms operate. i did the stage 1 exam a few days ago.

 

[Amgrad]

hello for those who have received slaughter and may DTC interview, will they provide any travel expense support for students outside the UK? i read in the past they provide fully subsidized travel costs, but elsewhere I read that they only support up to a certain amount

I think there's max cap on it. Usually £150, maybe those who said full subsidized were traveling domestically, so the whole cost is covered. If you're abroad outside of Europe in particular, it just barely cover maybe just a quarter or third of your economy flight.

When did you apply and got invited, btw?

 

[Icantstopeatingfood]

Congratulations! When did you complete stage 2? Also if you don’t mind, which dates are ACs being held? Best of luck!

I was invited today. Completed it mid November.

People are assuming rejections so I won’t say the dates. Stop letting this process drive you crazy. It’s tough but it should not consume your life. Stay positive and optimistic.

 

[Winter]

I was invited today. Completed it mid November.

People are assuming rejections so I won’t say the dates. Stop letting this process drive you crazy. It’s tough but it should not consume your life. Stay positive and optimistic.

Congrats! Would appreciate any transparency though atleast in consideration for others. Just think it’s convenient to gatekeep dates, whiles also wanting advice on AC. Best of luck tho!!

 

[Trophy]

Congrats! Would appreciate any transparency though atleast in consideration for others. Just think it’s convenient to gatekeep dates, whiles also wanting advice on AC. Best of luck tho!!

So They’re not allowed to ask for advice if they don’t share the AC dates? That’s unfair.

People share what they’re comfortable with if they don’t want to they don’t have to Just wait like the rest us to find out if we’re successful or not.

Also what’s up with these snidey good luck messages at the end this is the second one I’ve seen.

 

[Winter]

So They’re not allowed to ask for advice if they don’t share the AC dates? That’s unfair.

People share what they’re comfortable with if they don’t want to they don’t have to Just wait like the rest us to find out if we’re successful or not.

Also what’s up with these snidey good luck messages at the end this is the second one I’ve seen.

Let’s not talk about Snidey Mr. bullying Chris Brown for having the same account. I was being genuine and hoping for transparency, as we all here help eachother out, keep eachother posted on updates, but I can understand if they don’t wanna share certain details. This process is extremely tough, I mean every word when I say goodluck.

 

[Trophy]

Let’s not talk about Snidey Mr bullying Chris Brown. I was being genuine and hoping for transparency, as we all here help eachother out, keep eachother posted on updates, but I can understand if they don’t wanna share certain details. This process is extremely tough, I mean every word when I say goodluck.

Bully? Explain please 😄 There’s no one on the forum called Chris brown anymore.