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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

tarastar

Active Member
Premium Member
Oct 15, 2024
18
4

Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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Hi! Could you guys provide some advice on how to tackle this question: What impact do you want to make at CMS? (200 words) @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
Hello!

That’s a great question - a good way to approach it is to think about the value you want to bring to CMS and the kind of growth or contribution you hope to have there long-term.

Your structure could potentially look like:

1. What draws you to CMS - e.g. sector focus, innovation, international scope, etc.

2. What you bring - your skills, background, mindset, or experiences that align with their work or values.

3. The impact you want to have - this could be delivering commercial value to clients, contributing to D&I or sustainability initiatives, or supporting cross-border collaboration.

I would try to be authentic but also specific, and make sure you are tailoring it to previous examples where you have demonstrated these skills or values.

I hope that helps!
 
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lawschool123

Active Member
May 17, 2024
17
12
Hi, the Freshfields test definitely includes a VI (it says so on their preparation hub). Since the test is untimed, I was wondering whether it is advisable to take a break between completing the test and sitting the VI? I have a lot of work to get through in addition to the test, and tend to find it overwhelming to sit the VI on the same say as completing the test. Is it allowed to not start the VI section until the next day?
 

applicant3000

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Premium Member
Feb 28, 2025
10
27
Hi, the Freshfields test definitely includes a VI (it says so on their preparation hub). Since the test is untimed, I was wondering whether it is advisable to take a break between completing the test and sitting the VI? I have a lot of work to get through in addition to the test, and tend to find it overwhelming to sit the VI on the same say as completing the test. Is it allowed to not start the VI section until the next day?
The Freshfields test doesn't contain a VI at stage 1!
 

ashwright

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  • Jul 10, 2023
    217
    431
    Question for anyone applying/who has applied to Clifford Chance's TC - can you only apply via their website? I thought that they used to use Vantage, but I can't seem to direct myself to the Vantage portal

    Edit - also just to double check, can we still get our WG scores from the previous cycle to roll over? I remember that you could last year, but can't seem to find anything about it on their website now
     
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    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
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    Sep 11, 2025
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    Question for anyone applying/who has applied to Clifford Chance's TC - can you only apply via their website? I thought that they used to use Vantage, but I can't seem to direct myself to the Vantage portal

    Edit - also just to double check, can we still get our WG scores from the previous cycle to roll over? I remember that you could last year, but can't seem to find anything about it on their website now
    Hello!

    I've just had a look, and I also cannot seem to get to their application through the Vantage portal - it seems that the only way to apply this year is through their website (but if anyone finds an alternative way, please do share!).

    If the website doesn't confirm whether the WG scores roll over from the previous cycle, it might be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check. When I applied a couple cycles ago, it sent you an automatic email after submitting your application that stated - "I am pleased to confirm that as you previously completed and passed the test within the last two recruitment cycles with us, you do not need to do the test again this year".

    It might be easier to confirm their stance in advance if you don't want to wait until after submitting your application :)

    Best of luck with your application!!
     
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    Reactions: ashwright

    flower1

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    Premium Member
    Sep 18, 2023
    33
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    Hello, what do these questions mean on Clifford Chance application form.

    Please calculate your average university module grade percentage and specify below.
    If you've graduated, please specify what grade you graduated with.

    Both of these want a number (not like 1st, 2:1 etc) - would the number be the same for both? I've graduated so I know the number to put for the second question, but I thought both questions are asking for the same thing?

    Thank you
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    256
    212
    Hello, what do these questions mean on Clifford Chance application form.

    Please calculate your average university module grade percentage and specify below.
    If you've graduated, please specify what grade you graduated with.

    Both of these want a number (not like 1st, 2:1 etc) - would the number be the same for both? I've graduated so I know the number to put for the second question, but I thought both questions are asking for the same thing?

    Thank you
    Hey!

    They're similar questions, but not exactly the same (depending on how your university works out your overall degree classification). The first is your average across all modules you've taken, while the second is your final degree percentage (which might exclude first-year marks if they didn't count).

    As you've graduated, you can just enter your final percentage for the second, and for the first, you could use your overall average including all years. If these are the same, that is perfectly fine too! :)
     

    flower1

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 18, 2023
    33
    15
    Hey!

    They're similar questions, but not exactly the same (depending on how your university works out your overall degree classification). The first is your average across all modules you've taken, while the second is your final degree percentage (which might exclude first-year marks if they didn't count).

    As you've graduated, you can just enter your final percentage for the second, and for the first, you could use your overall average including all years. If these are the same, that is perfectly fine too! :)
    Hello, I've submitted the form - I left those two blank, but provided my overall grade classification and all the individual module grade results. The form submitted through, and I didn't see an asterisk next to the questions (assuming it's optional). Would this be a problem?

    Thank you
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    256
    212
    Hello, I've submitted the form - I left those two blank, but provided my overall grade classification and all the individual module grade results. The form submitted through, and I didn't see an asterisk next to the questions (assuming it's optional). Would this be a problem?

    Thank you
    Hi!

    If there wasn't an asterisk next to the questions, I would assume it's completely fine to submit it the way that you did! If the information was specifically needed, I'm sure they would have been required questions on the form :)
     
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