TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ashwright]

Hello! I am, thank you - I hope you are too!

I believe that most city law firms will request a breakdown of individual modules as part of their application. However, it's unlikely that a few lower module grades will determine whether your application progresses. In most cases, firms focus on your overall degree classification rather than expecting all grades to be 2:1 or above!

I am very happy to hear that! I am having a lovely Saturday too, thank you! (pleasantly surprised by the sun!)

That's really reassuring, thank you so much. I had a couple of poor grades in my first year (albeit under mitigating circumstances), so I was just wondering the extent to which that might diminish better results in the subsequent years (+ graduating with a first?)

Thank you, I really appreciate your reassurance! It really does mean a lot

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am very happy to hear that! I am having a lovely Saturday too, thank you! (pleasantly surprised by the sun!)

That's really reassuring, thank you so much. I had a couple of poor grades in my first year (albeit under mitigating circumstances), so I was just wondering the extent to which that might diminish better results in the subsequent years (+ graduating with a first?)

Thank you, I really appreciate your reassurance! It really does mean a lot

No worries at all!!

I wouldn't worry too much about them (easier said than done, I know!). If you have mitigating circumstances and they are first year grades, firms are likely to be very understanding of this, especially if you have gone on to achieve really strong results

 

[berocca567]

Anyone heard from Slaughters?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys! Hope you're all having a lovely Saturday!

Out of curiosity, are there any firms that don't require you to state a module breakdown? For example, do any firms get you to only input your overall classification, but not your grades for each module?

Thank you!

Hey hey,

I had actually just made a post about this, quoted below.

Hope it helps Xx

Thanks for your question. I totally get the concerns around mitigating circumstances, and I’m so sorry about your loss. I also lost my dad just before the application season opened, so I can relate to the pressures of balancing personal life struggles with university.

The first thing is that overall, you still have a 2:1 in your degree, which is very good, and on a basic level, you directly meet the criteria most law firms look for anyway. Often, law firms will look at this overall grade and not specific module grades, though I have heard of a couple of firms that do look at individual grades. Regardless, this should not put you down because (1) I know of many people who have gotten some 50s in individual modules but still secured training contracts at very prestigious firms, and (2) the mitigating circumstances section allows you to disclose the bereavement.

Next, your other achievements and extracurriculars heavily tip the scale away from grades, and I’m sure you know by now that law firms care about more than just grades. You have to ensure that the other parts of your candidacy are strong, and this starts with even the basic concept of writing good applications. Are your motivations clear and backed up by specific examples? Have you accurately shown your journey? Are you directly answering the application questions? Are you using clear language, because overly convoluted wording can put recruiters off?

By incorporating all of this, you are in a very strong position to succeed, despite those individual module grades, as you still have a 2:1 overall.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys! Hope you're all having a lovely Saturday!

Out of curiosity, are there any firms that don't require you to state a module breakdown? For example, do any firms get you to only input your overall classification, but not your grades for each module?

Thank you!

Also, just to add to my previous response, even if they do not ask for individual module breakdowns at application stage, they will still need your transcript down the line, in which case those grades will still be included regardless. This is why you should not worry too much if you have at least a 2:1 overall - as that is the benchmark degree classification for most law firms anyway.

 

[berocca567]

Does anyone have any advice on mental health during these cycles?

It may be too early to say this, But I am already stressed out by this application cycle. I've managed to hand in a few, but I hate handing them in, because it's then out of my control. I'm very scared by what'll happen after this cycle, because I'm a graduate and I don’t have anything to do no. If nothing happens this year, should I be finding a different career path?

 

[yk1906]

Does anyone have any advice on mental health during these cycles?

It may be too early to say this, But I am already stressed out by this application cycle. I've managed to hand in a few, but I hate handing them in, because it's then out of my control. I'm very scared by what'll happen after this cycle, because I'm a graduate and I don’t have anything to do no. If nothing happens this year, should I be finding a different career path?

I'm also applying to finance and consulting jobs in the UK AND Europe... Basically just everywhere. I'm just trusting my destiny atp lol. Stay strong!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anybody else applied for Gibson Dunn's Direct TC? Not sure how different the assessment process and timeline are from the summer vacation schemes.

The firm recruits mainly from vacation schemes, as shown by this excerpt from the GR brochure - " Vacation schemes are a key part of the recruitment process at Gibson Dunn, and we aim to recruit our future trainees primarily from the schemes. To date, around 90% of our trainees have been recruited from our previous summer vacation schemes. We therefore strongly encourage you to apply for a summer vacation scheme place in the first instance. We recruit and review our applications on a rolling basis."

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if Brown Rudnick's application is rolling or non-rolling?

It is unclear from their website. In such cases, I usually ensure to submit as soon as I reasonably can. You could also send the recruitment team an email to confirm this, if you want to plan out your time strategically.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Does anyone have any advice on mental health during these cycles?

It may be too early to say this, But I am already stressed out by this application cycle. I've managed to hand in a few, but I hate handing them in, because it's then out of my control. I'm very scared by what'll happen after this cycle, because I'm a graduate and I don’t have anything to do no. If nothing happens this year, should I be finding a different career path?

Hey,

I’m so sorry to hear that. Well done for submitting applications so far- and it’s only September/beginning of the cycle! You’re already ahead of the game.

I always say one thing to myself- the outcome doesn’t change whether I stress or not. All you can do is your best so have faith in yourself and remember to look after yourself- you come first. If you’re not in a good space then you won’t be able to achieve your dreams.

I would not give up! I’m in my early 30s (ancient compared to everyone on here, I know!) and I always think “omg I’m going to be 35 in 5 years time” but then I remember that I will be 35 one day (fingers crossed) regardless, so I might as well be 35 AND a lawyer.

It’s such a tough journey but if it is your true passion, then hang in there and keep trying- you’re bound to get there. Also remember that non legal experience is just as essential as legal experience- 50% or so of lawyers come from non legal backgrounds! So don’t be disheartened if you don’t manage to secure anything this cycle (I’m sure you will tbh!)

Plan out your applications, apply strategically to firms you genuinely want to apply to, but also remember to enjoy the things (even if it’s a slice of cake from your favourite bakery) in life that bring you joy

 

[berocca567]

Hey,

I’m so sorry to hear that. Well done for submitting applications so far- and it’s only September/beginning of the cycle! You’re already ahead of the game.

I always say one thing to myself- the outcome doesn’t change whether I stress or not. All you can do is your best so have faith in yourself and remember to look after yourself- you come first. If you’re not in a good space then you won’t be able to achieve your dreams.

I would not give up! I’m in my early 30s (ancient compared to everyone on here, I know!) and I always think “omg I’m going to be 35 in 5 years time” but then I remember that I will be 35 one day (fingers crossed) regardless, so I might as well be 35 AND a lawyer.

It’s such a tough journey but if it is your true passion, then hang in there and keep trying- you’re bound to get there. Also remember that non legal experience is just as essential as legal experience- 50% or so of lawyers come from non legal backgrounds! So don’t be disheartened if you don’t manage to secure anything this cycle (I’m sure you will tbh!)

Plan out your applications, apply strategically to firms you genuinely want to apply to, but also remember to enjoy the things (even if it’s a slice of cake from your favourite bakery) in life that bring you joy

Thank you so much for your kind words - that's very reassuring. I know I'm getting too worked up!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice on mental health during these cycles?

It may be too early to say this, But I am already stressed out by this application cycle. I've managed to hand in a few, but I hate handing them in, because it's then out of my control. I'm very scared by what'll happen after this cycle, because I'm a graduate and I don’t have anything to do no. If nothing happens this year, should I be finding a different career path?

Hey, I completely understand how you're feeling - these cycles can be really stressful, especially when everything feels out of your control. It's totally normal to feel anxious after submitting applications, and handing them in doesn't mean you've failed or succeed - it just means you've done the part that is in your control, and that alone is an achievement.

One thing that might help is remembering that the average age of qualification in law is 30. Most law graduates won't leave university with a training contract, and there are many opportunities to gain experience and build your skills. Taking time to grow, both professionally and personally, allows you to find the right fit for you! Even if this cycle doesn't go to plan, it doesn't close doors in law. Some of the best trainees / lawyers that I know worked as paralegals or legal assistants before securing their training contracts, and I can only hope to be half the lawyer they are!

In the meantime, I would focus on small things that you can control - taking breaks, keeping a routine, doing something you enjoy, and checking in with friends and peers who are going through the same process. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You're already putting in the effort, and that counts for a lot. This is such a competitive process, and I'd strongly encourage you to reach out (whether to someone you trust or a professional) if the stress is overwhelming.

You have got this! Every application you make moves you one step closer to your training contract, and you're improving as you go along (even if it sometimes doesn't feel like it!).

 

[babylawyer2000]

Hi,
Would you guys still recommend applying to Clifford Chance's TC if I have been rejected twice post written application and rejected after my SPARK interview? I don't know if it would be still worth it lol

 

[Andrei Radu]

Would you guys still recommend applying to Clifford Chance's TC if I have been rejected twice post written application and rejected after my SPARK interview? I don't know if it would be still worth it lol

I have no information regarding Clifford Chance being a more difficult firm to reapply to than others, so I would say it's worth a shot: I know of candidates at other top firms being rejected even 4 times straight before finally succeeding.

That said, since you have been rejected twice I would assume you need to substantially chance your approach to your answers to increase your chances of progressing. If there is one thing recruiters hate (and which almost always leads to an instant rejection) is a person replying with more or less the same answers as before.

 

[ZNadeem]

Does anyone have any advice on mental health during these cycles?

It may be too early to say this, But I am already stressed out by this application cycle. I've managed to hand in a few, but I hate handing them in, because it's then out of my control. I'm very scared by what'll happen after this cycle, because I'm a graduate and I don’t have anything to do no. If nothing happens this year, should I be finding a different career path?

Hi! I completely understand how you’re feeling—my third year of uni was also my first application cycle, and it was incredibly stressful because of all the uncertainty and the feeling that so much was out of my control. It’s very normal to feel anxious about submitting applications, as once you hit send, there’s nothing more you can do except wait.

One thing that really helped me was strategy and planning. Creating a detailed day-to-day schedule gave me a sense of control and structure. For example, I mapped out which applications I would complete each week, blocked out time for WG/SJT practice, video interview practice, and commercial awareness. Breaking things down into manageable steps prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and ensures you’re consistently making progress.

Focus on phase one of the cycle (now until December), as this is where all/most applications are submitted. During this time, prioritise completing your target number of applications, practicing tests, and VI technique. Don’t worry about what happens afterward—at this stage, the most productive thing you can do is prepare thoroughly and submit strong applications.

It’s also important to apply to a reasonable number of firms—I’d say 10–15 is a good range. This maximises your chances while still allowing you to dedicate enough time and energy to each application so it’s high quality.

Finally, take care of your mental health. Schedule breaks, do things you enjoy, and avoid comparing yourself to peers on social media, as this can heighten stress. Remember that rejection or delays aren’t a reflection of your ability—they’re just part of the process. Focus on what’s in your control, and celebrate small wins along the way. This approach helped me stay motivated and resilient, even in a tough cycle.

 

[flower1]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

Hi!

Whilst I can't say with 100% certainty, I don't believe that time is factored in when taking the test. I took the test a few years ago for Clifford Chance, and I focused on accuracy rather than speed - I think it's always best to take your time (within the limit) and make sure you're confident in your answers, rather than rushing through it. If you wanted to double check, it might be worth emailing the early careers team and they should be able to confirm for you.

In terms of hearing back, when I applied for CC, I received the WGT invite on February 9th 2023 (which feels so long ago now ) and received an email stating that I passed it on February 10th 2023. Whilst this may have changed since then, I would say that you're likely to hear back pretty quickly!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hello, for the Watson Glaser Test (Clifford Chance specifically), is it only the number of questions you get right that determines your percentile, or is time also factored in when determining the percentile - so, if I finish quicker (of course, with correct answers), will this increase my percentile score? If time doesn't matter, can I take for as long as I want, without it affecting my final score?

Also, for anyone who's done CC's Watson Glaser Test, after how long did you hear if you passed or not?

Thank you

Hi! I highly doubt time is taken into account for your percentile score. The Watson Glaser is designed to test accuracy under timed conditions, so the key factor is simply how many answers you get correct. The timer already restricts you, so there’s no additional benefit to finishing quicker than others—it’s not like the faster you complete it, the higher your score. What really matters is balancing accuracy with pace so that you don’t run out of time.

 

[flower1]

Hello, what is Clifford Chance's video interview process like - how long do we have to practice each question before starting, how long do we answer each question, and how many questions are there, is it motivational, competency? I tried finding it out on their website, but couldn't see anything specific.
Thank you

 

[p2bv]

I did a vacation scheme at a firm, then got rejected from a training contract, is it acceptable/worth it to apply again for a direct training contract a year or so later?