TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laur2cj]

DM me if anyone has any insight into the CMS VI please? Also does anyone know how much prep time you get?

 

[p2bv]

My CMS VI cut out midway through my interview, and I cannot go back on as it would cap my second response. So I have emailed them about resetting the VI, will this be feasible?

I don’t have any knowledge about CMS specifically but I had the same issue on a different firms VI and they reset it for me

 

[xMontmorency]

Just got some feedback for an interview I did and my strongest strength was my commercial awareness (which I thought was my worst) and my biggest area for improvement is that I sounded too rehearsed, which is funny because I didn’t actually prepare any answers for that interview I think that’s just the way I talk.
Basically I thought my weakest area was my strongest and that my strongest area the weakest
Does anyone have any tips for sounding less rehearsed ? I didn’t prepare any answers or memorise anything just did the normal research (although for things like why commercial law it is the same answer every time so I may have inadvertently memorised this) My feedback also said I engaged thoughtfully and was professional throughout so I think it’s just my delivery that needs work? although i’m not too sure
Already been rejected for this role this is just some feedback to help

I second @Prudentia's answer.

The best interviews I have had were the ones where I didn't feel like I was being interviewed, and was just chatting with the interviewer. Best way to get that flow going is a mix of practice, genuine enthusiasm and acting.

I remember one interview where the senior associate had to read a situational judgment scenario and ask me for my approach. I knew the scenario already because I had spoken to a future trainee who spilled the beans. I acted slightly confused, asked a few clarification questions, and then gave my prepped response.

I've done the same with a number of competency questions that I had already prepped - just say "that's an interesting question" or "I've never thought of it like that before", pause a couple seconds, then give a nice structured response. It's impressive because it makes the interviewer think you're able to organise your thoughts on the go, and they know that anyone can answer competency questions if given enough time to prepare.

The only ones for which I think sounding rehearsed is beneficial are questions about the firm you're interviewing for and a question such as "tell me about a recent commercial news story that drew your attention". In those situations it's good to show the interviewer that you prepared ahead.

Also, at the end of the day, you need a bit of luck to get an interviewer in a good mood who you vibe with. Nothing you can control there - except never interviewing on Monday!

 

[Rads]

To everyone who got Slaughter’s holding email (cause I did not), was it for law or non-law?

My portal says application under consideration still

 

[tcla02]

besides supporting the team what really is the role of the trainee in a law firm? @Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

 

[switchingup]

To everyone who got Slaughter’s holding email (cause I did not), was it for law or non-law?

My portal says application under consideration still

Non-law for me. Mine says the same

 

[switchingup]

I am so confused. I tried checking for the status of my application but apparently I don't have an account??? I just registered for one now with the email in which I received my confirmation email (for applying) in early December. Did I apply with a guest account or something? How do I see my application LMAO

Did SandM accidentally delete my account instead when they tried to send me a PFO hence why I haven't heard back and why I have no account anymore?

Edit: ok nvm I think it was a glitch, I just somehow logged back into the old account and have no clue where the new account has gone

That is strange! Tbh their application system is a little glitchy. I often have to click login twice before it lets me in. Glad you got in eventually, even if the new account has disappeared into the ether lol

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

besides supporting the team what really is the role of the trainee in a law firm? @Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

Great question! Beyond "supporting the team", the role of a trainee is really about learning by doing while adding value in small but meaningful ways. When I was researching for my applications and vacation schemes last year, and from my notes post-VS, I noted the following:

• Drafting and reviewing documents: this could include first drafts of ancillary documents, or drafting letters or emails to clients.
• Conducting research: a lot of a trainees role will involving conducting legal or commercial research, and summarising the findings clearly for the team (which is why a lot of written tasks use this format)
• Managing elements of transactions or other logistics: this might involve document management, checklists, and tracking conditions or deadlines. During my placement year, I noted that a lot of the disputes trainees were in charge of ensuring that no court deadlines were missed!
• Reviewing and organising large volumes of material: this could be in relation to due diligence or disclosure documents.
• Communicating with clients, internal teams, and external solicitors: for example, requesting documents from the other side or updating clients on the matter. This will usually involve a level of supervision, such as sending a draft to supervisors first
• Attending calls and meetings: taking notes and following up on any action points discussed in the meeting. During my vacation schemes, I had the opportunity to attend a few client meetings, and it was almost always trainees taking the meeting notes!

Ultimately, trainees aren't expected to have all the answers, but they are expected to be curious, proactive, and willing to approach every task as a learning opportunity. The role is about demonstrating that you can develop into an associate who can be trusted with responsibility, which is why the tasks trainees are given often increase in complexity and are completed with less supervision as their experience grows.

I hope that helps!

 

[Rads]

That is strange! Tbh their application system is a little glitchy. I often have to click login twice before it lets me in. Glad you got in eventually, even if the new account has disappeared into the ether lol

I have not gotten a holding mail, would you say that means anything?

 

[Amgrad]

I am so confused. I tried checking for the status of my application but apparently I don't have an account??? I just registered for one now with the email in which I received my confirmation email (for applying) in early December. Did I apply with a guest account or something? How do I see my application LMAO

Did SandM accidentally delete my account instead when they tried to send me a PFO hence why I haven't heard back and why I have no account anymore?

Edit: ok nvm I think it was a glitch, I just somehow logged back into the old account and have no clue where the new account has gone

Why there are more people like tooth fairy here who nvm themselves, glad it wasn't bald. Lol

 

[ashwright]

Quick question - if you've been offered a TC by a firm but are still awaiting a response from another (competitor?) firm, would you email the latter to inquire when they're planning to get back to you? I'm thinking of notifying the latter that I've been offered a TC but am still interested in them (if they would have me!)

(copying in @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock & I welcome advice from anyone else too )

 

[zonnonomo]

Quick question - if you've been offered a TC by a firm but are still awaiting a response from another (competitor?) firm, would you email the latter to inquire when they're planning to get back to you? I'm thinking of notifying the latter that I've been offered a TC but am still interested in them (if they would have me!)

(copying in @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock & I welcome advice from anyone else too )

congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Quick question - if you've been offered a TC by a firm but are still awaiting a response from another (competitor?) firm, would you email the latter to inquire when they're planning to get back to you? I'm thinking of notifying the latter that I've been offered a TC but am still interested in them (if they would have me!)

(copying in @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock & I welcome advice from anyone else too )

Hi!

First of all, congratulations on your TC offer!! I was in a similar situation last cycle, so thought I'd share how I approached it.

I would politely email the graduate recruitment team of the firm that you are still waiting to hear from, and just explain that you have received a TC offer but still remain interested in them and wondered if they had any update on when you can expect to hear back - this is completely normal, and can sometimes speed up decisions (though not always). I did the same after receiving my TC offer, and the other firm were able to get back to me a day or so later. Even if they aren't able to get back to you immediately, they may be able to provide you with a rough timeframe in which you can expect to hear back, which is always useful!

Sometimes they might ask who the TC offer is with (as I was asked this), but this is usually just so they can see who they are competing with in relation to talent. If you have a deadline for accepting the TC offer, I would just mention this in the email as it might be useful for the firm you are waiting to hear from to be aware of this.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with your decision!

 

[Trophy]

Quick question - if you've been offered a TC by a firm but are still awaiting a response from another (competitor?) firm, would you email the latter to inquire when they're planning to get back to you? I'm thinking of notifying the latter that I've been offered a TC but am still interested in them (if they would have me!)

(copying in @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock & I welcome advice from anyone else too )

Well done on A&OS TC

 

[Slickoo202]

DM me if anybody has insights into CMS VI, thank you!!

 

[switchingup]

I have not gotten a holding mail, would you say that means anything?

I can’t say for sure, but I’d just take no news as good news for now!

 

[ashwright]

Hi!

First of all, congratulations on your TC offer!! I was in a similar situation last cycle, so thought I'd share how I approached it.

I would politely email the graduate recruitment team of the firm that you are still waiting to hear from, and just explain that you have received a TC offer but still remain interested in them and wondered if they had any update on when you can expect to hear back - this is completely normal, and can sometimes speed up decisions (though not always). I did the same after receiving my TC offer, and the other firm were able to get back to me a day or so later. Even if they aren't able to get back to you immediately, they may be able to provide you with a rough timeframe in which you can expect to hear back, which is always useful!

Sometimes they might ask who the TC offer is with (as I was asked this), but this is usually just so they can see who they are competing with in relation to talent. If you have a deadline for accepting the TC offer, I would just mention this in the email as it might be useful for the firm you are waiting to hear from to be aware of this.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with your decision!

thank you so much, Abbie!! Your message definitely helps a lot - mentioning the timeframe also sounds like a very good idea! I have a bit of a silly follow-up question: letting them know wouldn’t make me more likely to be rejected, right?

It is probably an illogical worry, but I just wanted to check

 

[xMontmorency]

thank you so much, Abbie!! Your message definitely helps a lot - mentioning the timeframe also sounds like a very good idea! I have a bit of a silly follow-up question: letting them know wouldn’t make me more likely to be rejected, right?

It is probably an illogical worry, but I just wanted to check

the exact opposite

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

thank you so much, Abbie!! Your message definitely helps a lot - mentioning the timeframe also sounds like a very good idea! I have a bit of a silly follow-up question: letting them know wouldn’t make me more likely to be rejected, right?

It is probably an illogical worry, but I just wanted to check

No worries at all, glad to hear it helped!

Not a silly follow-up at all, and I can totally understand why you're worried (as I was the same and had to ask my mentor haha!). As long as your email is polite and doesn't seem like you are demanding an instant reply, it won't make you more likely to be rejected at all. As others have mentioned, if anything, it likely would have the opposite effect as you'll be viewed as a more competitive candidate

 

[Prudentia]

Do people apply to firms they’re lukewarm/ambivalent about? I started an application for a US firm but decided not to continue as I just couldn’t bring myself to show any passion for the firm. My list of firms I want to apply to is really, really small as a result. I wonder if I’m scuppering my chances by being so selective.