TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

guys... PFO from CC - I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the first ones to be rejected this year lol.
I'm actually devastated...I love the firm so much and worked super hard on my application...I'm not sure why I couldn't make it past application review.
I have committed to applying to them continuously every year until I get them but maybe it's just not the way to go...
I'll have to try and up my game next year - I got trainees to look over my application and everything this year, so I'm not too sure what went wrong (I will conduct a deep analysis and reflection though).

 

[Ronaldo04]

Hey guys, this has probably been asked already, but does anybody have any idea as to whether A&O will send any more AC invites for TCs? From what I've seen, they only sent on Monday this week, so probably unlikely they will send more?

 

[yk1906]

Hey guys, this has probably been asked already, but does anybody have any idea as to whether A&O will send any more AC invites for TCs? From what I've seen, they only sent on Monday this week, so probably unlikely they will send more?

Nobody knows

 

[elle woods]

i actually need a big cry rn but I'm in the middle of doing Freshfield's stage 1 OT lol... maybe I shouldn't have checked my emails while doing the test LMAO

 

[Trophy]

guys... PFO from CC - I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the first ones to be rejected this year lol.
I'm actually devastated...I love the firm so much and worked super hard on my application...I'm not sure why I couldn't make it past application review.
I have committed to applying to them continuously every year until I get them but maybe it's just not the way to go...
I'll have to try and up my game next year - I got trainees to look over my application and everything this year, so I'm not too sure what went wrong (I will conduct a deep analysis and reflection though).

They probably rejected us as they knew we’d be too competitive and too many firms would want us so they gave up keeping us at the first hurdle😭

 

[Prudentia]

guys... PFO from CC - I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the first ones to be rejected this year lol.
I'm actually devastated...I love the firm so much and worked super hard on my application...I'm not sure why I couldn't make it past application review.
I have committed to applying to them continuously every year until I get them but maybe it's just not the way to go...
I'll have to try and up my game next year - I got trainees to look over my application and everything this year, so I'm not too sure what went wrong (I will conduct a deep analysis and reflection though).

Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).

 

[bells123]

Anyone who has taken the FF Stage 1 test could provide some insight please?

Stage 1 test is a mix of both of those two.

Jess very kindly indicated to me that it was a mixture of WG-style questions and also SJT-style like they have on Prep Plus

 

[yk1906]

Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).

I'm also thinking you could qualify with another firm and move to your dream one afterwards.

 

[Prudentia]

I'm also thinking you could qualify with another firm and move to your dream one afterwards.

Exactly. This is also another way in. You don’t actually have to train at your dream firm.

 

[Mariam Beldishevski]

We have tea, biscuits and plenty of tissues for the tears! 😂

Hey!! can I ask what PFO, VI is short for??? are there any other terms like this cause i'm stalking forums rn after being rejected by bird & bird for their vac scheme 😥

 

[ashwright]

i actually need a big cry rn but I'm in the middle of doing Freshfield's stage 1 OT lol... maybe I shouldn't have checked my emails while doing the test LMAO

Firstly, try to take some deep breaths. From what I recall, FF is an untimed test. If that sounds right, perhaps take a few minutes away from your laptop. Maybe open a window, make some tea, and text a loved one. Listen to your favourite song & have a dance, or listen to some Radio 3 to chill.
When you're ready, remember that this FF test is an opportunity that you are ready to seize. You can do this!

 

[elle woods]

They probably rejected us as they knew we’d be too competitive and too many firms would want us so they gave up keeping us at the first hurdle😭

haha... I got to the AC last year for SPARK and devastatingly didn't do as well as I could have... I really wasn't expecting to be rejected first hurdle this year. Let's both do our best for other firms and next year!! I love CC too much but I'll have to find that spark with other firms now I guess lol /j

 

[elle woods]

Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).

ahhhh I will - but for some weird reason CC just has a special place in my heart so it just hurts that extra bit more... I guess it's time to look to other firms though

 

[hanz123]

Honest question but how do you get invited to an AC at Shoosmiths, third time applying to the firm 😂

 

[sunshine101]

Should I expect a CMS PFO, if I did my WG on the 23rd November and have heard nothing back regarding the VI?

 

[Amgrad]

CC VI

Congrats! Would you mind to share your profile and statistics? so everybody here get to know the secret sauce..

 

[Prudentia]

ahhhh I will - but for some weird reason CC just has a special place in my heart so it just hurts that extra bit more... I guess it's time to look to other firms though

I completely get that. But I’ll give you a little story. I always wanted to work in the Civil Service from when I was really young. I applied for the Fast Stream and got rejected. I was made redundant from my role a few years ago and interviewed 10 times within the space of 2 weeks and ended up with 9 offers. Two of the offers were from the Civil Service. I ended up turning the Civil Service down, despite wanting to work there from when I was in school, for my current job that’s a way better fit.

Sometimes something not working out for you means it’s actually worked out for you. I understand that CC is your dream firm now, and that might be the case in the future. But there are plenty of law firms out there that will really value what you have to offer as well.

 

[Prudentia]

Hey!! can I ask what PFO, VI is short for??? are there any other terms like this cause i'm stalking forums rn after being rejected by bird & bird for their vac scheme 😥

PFO = Please F*** Off
VI = Video Interview

 

[Singh241]

Jess very kindly indicated to me that it was a mixture of WG-style questions and also SJT-style like they have on Prep Plus

Thank you very much!

 

[elle woods]

I completely get that. But I’ll give you a little story. I always wanted to work in the Civil Service from when I was really young. I applied for the Fast Stream and got rejected. I was made redundant from my role a few years ago and interviewed 10 times within the space of 2 weeks and ended up with 9 offers. Two of the offers were from the Civil Service. I ended up turning the Civil Service down, despite wanting to work there from when I was in school, for my current job that’s a way better fit.

Sometimes something not working out for you means it’s actually worked out for you. I understand that CC is your dream firm now, and that might be the case in the future. But there are plenty of law firms out there that will really value what you have to offer as well.

thank you for sharing your experience! I completely agree with you in my head - I keep telling myself that things that are meant for you will come to you ...but my heart just stubbornly refuses to get over it haha. I will continue applying to other firms ofc, but it's just hard because I know I won't be able to feel the same way towards another firm (which is stupid I really don't understand why I'm so attached to CC haha).

I'm just really worried this will mean for my other applications - if I spent so long on my CC application, perfecting it, what will this mean for applications which I wrote up in like a day lol? I am praying that I will get at least something this year, but I genuinely don't have much faith in myself anymore (rejections can get brutal!)

I really appreciate your wise words so much, thank you again! I will reflect on them! I think I just need to have a good cry and get over this and move onto the next thing on my to-do list!