TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice for a telephone interview? This will be my first one; I'm quite nervous and note sure what to expect. Do you have any recommendations @Abbie Whitlock ? Would appreciate any insight!

Hey!

Congratulations on the telephone interview invite!! It is completely normal to be nervous (+ I dislike phone calls at the best of times, so I'd be nervous too!), but I'd try to view it as an opportunity to show the firm why you are genuinely interested in them, demonstrate that you have done your research, and explain why you think you'd be a good fit based on what you've learned about the firm and its culture.

Whilst I haven't completed a telephone interview myself, I have written a few previous posts that outline my general advice on how I'd approach it - I have quoted them below!

Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!!

Hey!

Congratulations on being invited to the telephone interview stage!

Whilst I‘m not too sure on the specifics of Akin’s process, telephone interviews tend to focus on getting to know you and discussing your motivations for applying to the firm. If I was preparing for a telephone interview, I would focus on:

1. Motivational Questions

I would generally expect the classic three questions - why commercial law, why Akin, and why you. This can come in various forms, such as “why are you interested in our core practice areas” or “what makes you a good fit for Akin’s culture”. These approaches tend to blend a few of the motivational questions together, so I would just make sure that you address each aspect when answering the questions.

2. Competency Questions and Scenario Questions

I’d expect the common ones that are relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor - such as teamwork, resilience, handling pressure, solving problems, proactivity, etc. Using a clear structure such as STAR is ideal, as it ensures that you discuss each situation and competency in depth. I would always encourage you to read this guide by Andrei for competency questions

Scenario questions are quite similar to what would appear in an SJT, and could include things such as:

• ”What would you do if you had competing deadlines?”
• ”How would you handle a difficult colleague?”

They are not necessarily looking for a ‘right’ answer - they want to see your judgment, approach, and thought process. I’d make sure to talk them through each stage in your process, and outline what you’d take into consideration at each point.

3. Commercial Awareness

I would prepare for questions that follow the lines of “Tell us about a recent news story that interested you” or “Tell us about a recent news story that will impact the firm and our clients”. Make sure to research a few stories that you are able to understand well and that you are genuinely interested in, and explain:

1. The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
2. The commercial implications
3. How it might affect Akin’s clients or practice groups.

As it is a telephone interview, it will be slightly different than a normal interview in a few ways. I would make sure to keep your answers structured and concise, and speak with energy and genuine interest - this will help you build a rapport with the interviewer! You might also find it useful to clearly signpost your answers so that the interviewers are able to clearly follow along.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the interview!

Hey!

Congratulations on the TI invite! Whilst I wouldn't have any specific insights into Morgan Lewis' TI, I can offer some general tips on how you could approach this interview. Given the interview is only 20 minutes, I think preparation is less about covering lots of ground and more about having very clear and concise answers.

I would re-read your application carefully and be prepared to speak about anything that you mentioned on it, as questions are often taken directly from it. For example, in similar interviews, I have been asked about some of the academic modules that I studied or particular initiatives that I was a part of.

Additionally, I would create a mini-bank of competency examples that you can adapt to different questions, keeping the background / context of them structured and to the point. This could involve picking 2-3 main experiences from your work experience or academic background and highlighting what competencies you displayed.

I would make sure that you have a clear and specific answer to the more common interview questions - namely, "why Morgan Lewis", "why law" and "why you". Try to focus on a few genuine reasons, rather than trying to cover everything, and always make sure to back up your points with evidence.

As there is a time constraint, it will help to focus on clarity and structure - it might be the case that they are looking at how well you can communicate and prioritise under pressure rather than how much detail you give.

Best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! I was wondering if it would be possible to PM you with a question around interview technique? Thank you!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

Yes, completely fine to PM me

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Question, in the why the firm question in an itnerview, is it ok to literally say the exact same things i said in my application form?

Hi!

Yes, definitely - in fact, there should be consistency between your application form and interview answers. If you suddenly gave completely different reasons for applying to the firm, that would be probably be more concerning.

I would just avoid sounding too rehearsed or like you are reciting your application word-for-word. The interview is a great opportunity to develop the points that you have already made and show a bit more depth behind them. For example, instead of simply saying "I'm interested in the firm's international work", you can explain why that appeals to you, how it links to your experiences/interests, or mention something more specific that you've learned since applying (e.g. from speaking to trainees, attending events, or reading about recent matters or deals).

The conversational aspect is also really important too - interviewers are usually trying to understand your thought process and genuine motivations, rather than test whether you can memorise your application form. It is important to show why you'd be a good fit for the firm, based on your experiences and why you are motivated to work there, and try to convey this in a genuine and honest way.

The core reasons can absolutely stay the same, I'd just make sure that you are bringing them to life a little bit more in the conversation!