TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone has had experience doing two partner interviews at the same firm, is the expectation that we have different answers for motivational questions for the second interview? Thanks!

Hi!

I've been in situations in the past where I have had multiple interviews with the same firm and, in my experience, I wouldn't feel pressure to come up with completely different answers for the sake of it.

If they ask the same motivational questions again (e.g. "why commercial law?", "why us?", etc), I'd expect your core reasons to stay broadly consistent as these motivations shouldn't suddenly change between rounds. However, I would try to make the answer a bit more developed or tailored based on everything you have learned since the first interview.

For example, if you have attended an event, spoken to a trainee, or learnt something from the previous interview round, you can build those experiences into your answer and make it feel more informed and specific. Sometimes second interviews are less about hearing a brand new answer, and more about testing whether your motivations still hold up and that you can clearly show why you are motivated to work in law/at that firm.

I'd also be prepared for the conversation to potentially go deeper into your motivations - for example, partners may push on the "why?" behind your answers more than asking a completely new question.

Best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

Hey!

For case studies and written tasks, I found it was usually more effective not to read everything in detail straight away. I would normally start by looking at the questions first so that I knew exactly what I was trying to answer, and then go into the materials with that in mind.

Once I knew what the task was asking, I could do an initial skim of the documents to get a sense of where key information sat and then go back through more carefully, focusing only on what was relevant. When making notes, I would try to keep them really concise and organised by things like issue or question, rather than trying to summarise the entire document.

I definitely wouldn't try to go into the small details at first, as you might spend too much time understanding something that isn't particularly relevant. However, I'd definitely read through everything at least once so that you have all the information and can understand the wider context.

One thing I found particularly helpful was leaving myself enough time to actually produce the answer, rather than spending most of the time reading and planning. It is really easy to spend a lot of the exercise reading and note-taking, but often these tasks are testing things such as prioritisation and judgment as much as whether you have spotted every detail. Sometimes it is easy to put off actually writing the answer, in case you get it wrong, but I found it can help clear things up if I at least put my thoughts down on the page (even if you have to go back and edit it all later).

I hope that helps, and best of luck!!

Thanks Abbie, that's really helpful!

 

[Henrik]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone has had experience doing two partner interviews at the same firm, is the expectation that we have different answers for motivational questions for the second interview? Thanks!

When I had a Vac Scheme interview that included 2 separate interviews with partners, the general approach taken was different between the two.
eg. The first was with the training principal who focused more on commercial awareness and the second focused on CV, interests etc.

This will obviously differ alot based on the firm, but if I were in a situation where they ask the same question - just answer honestly and say the same thing if it is a big part of your experience/the truth!
I'd say it is more of a red flag if your 'why law' or 'why this firm' differs between interviews than if it repeats!

 

[choicefox212]

Did SH Grad Recruitment give any more information (ie timeline on hearing back)? I am waiting on booking a summer trip until I know if I have made the AC

Nope unfortunately :/

 

[choicefox212]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone has had experience doing two partner interviews at the same firm, is the expectation that we have different answers for motivational questions for the second interview? Thanks!

I had two interviews with two partners in each for the firm I have my TC with.

I was asked similar questions in each interview and gave the same answers really - you have to be honest with them; they aren’t testing you with the motivational ones! I’m sure one interview will be more competence / commercial awareness and the other might be more focussed on your motivation etc., so you shouldn’t have the problem of repetition anyway

 

[User22022002]

Has anyone heard from TS post interview?

 

[obsee]

Anyone know if Wiggin ended up sending out invites on Friday?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Anyone know if Wiggin ended up sending out invites on Friday?

what update have you heard from them?

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone got any insights for the farrer and co interview ?

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Hi everyone,
It’s time for my review of my vac scheme last week:

- Attended the famous London Legal Walk where I bumped into King Charles
- Said “Private Equity” at least 5 times in my final interview
- Met a tcla user, if you’re seeing this, I hope you’re well.

I also completed RS application questions yesterday, not post AC for Bakers!

Thanks to everyone for the unwavering support.

 

[LH4]

Has anyone heard from penningtons post app? Been almost 3 months lol

 

[Tomato]

Has anyone heard from penningtons post app? Been almost 3 months lol

When I applied in early 2024, they didn’t respond until March 2025….

 

[LH4]

When I applied in early 2024, they didn’t respond until March 2025….

NO WAY LOL

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Any news from S&C?

 

[Tomato]

Does anyone know when RS are holding ACs?

 

[TCchaser]

Has anyone heard from penningtons post app? Been almost 3 months lol

On their early careers page, it says:

'When will I get an update on the status of my application?

For summer vacation scheme programmes, you will receive an update on the status of your initial (vac scheme) application from March onwards.

For direct training contract applications, you may not receive an update on your application until August, as interviews take place on a rolling basis from May onwards.'

I'm assuming we'll have to wait for a bit!

 

[RachelZane]

Does anyone have any insights into Macfarlanes second stage assessment for DTC - I’d be more than happy to share insights into other firms if you lmk I’d REALLY appreciate it!!

 

[five491]

Does anyone know when CRS are gonna send out offers/rejections for TC

 

[soon-to-be trainee]

submitted my Reed Smith application questions just on time lol

 

[nicoledm]

made to final stage arnold and porter direct tc interview somehow thought i fucked it