TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HMajesty]

I just hope I make it past the application stages for the firms I’ve applied to. It’s so fucking difficult to get a TC, it’s impossible not to lose hope in the process.

 

[nicoledm]

Any insights into Arnold and Porter interview?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

any insight as to how to go about this question: Please describe an achievement you are most proud of. What challenges did you face? i don’t really have any outstanding achievements other than one from high school so i am not sure how to go about it

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about having a huge or outstanding achievement - firms will usually care much more about how you talk about something than how objectively impressive it sounds.

A lot of good answers are often quite ordinary things that are explained really well. Therefore, I'd say the key part is choosing something where you can clearly explain:

1. What the situation was
2. What challenges you faced
3. What you specifically did
4. What you learned/gained from it (+ how this has impacted how you approach similar situations)

I wouldn't say it needs to be recent or legal-related, and a high school achievement is completely fine if it is the best example you have and you can reflect on it well. I always used to discuss my grade in a public speaking module at university as my 'greatest achievement', as I could reflect on it well and show why it mattered to me and my own development.

You could even use things such as balancing work with studies, leading a society or team project, caring responsibilities, or improving in a subject that you initially struggled with. What matters most is that you choose something that you are genuinely proud of, and can discuss how you approached the challenges.

For the "challenges" part, they are usually looking for resilience and self-awareness, rather than perfection. Therefore, don't be afraid to talk honestly about any difficulties or setbacks that you encountered, provided that you then focus on how you dealt with them.

Best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi, does anyone know if it is okay to mention that I am attracted to a firm because of a case in 2021 which stood out to me (amongst other reasons)? would this be looked down upon considering it is not recent? ty

Hey!

I think that this will be completely fine, as long as you can clearly explain why the case stood out to you and connect it to the firm's wider work or practice areas.

I think it would only become an issue if all of your commercial awareness or examples were quite outdated, but one example from 2021 is unlikely to be a problem at all (particularly if it was a significant case!)