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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

WeGotThis!

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 13, 2023
    322
    267
    I scored a low in numerical reasoning, high in verbal reasoning and good/excellent across other areas of the Amberjack for A&O. Is it going to be a direct rejection considering the low or is there a ray of hope?
     

    1stCycleApplicant

    Valued Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    112
    309
    I scored a low in numerical reasoning, high in verbal reasoning and good/excellent across other areas of the Amberjack for A&O. Is it going to be a direct rejection considering the low or is there a ray of hope?
    Definitely still hope I'd say. The rest of your scores are really good and they'll also look at your VI responses as well as grades and work experience. I doubt they'll auto-reject you based off of one tiny data point.
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: WeGotThis!

    PFO King

    Star Member
  • Feb 2, 2024
    31
    36
    are there any tips on video interviews? I feel like preparing for them the same way one would approach a written application is not going to cut it. even though 2 minutes seem like a good amount of time to put your points through and one should be concise. for questions like why x firm and what are skills you consider important for success, how do I approach this? if this was written application I would give three reasons for why x firm and then go onto answering qualities in a concise manner. with VI I am struggling to do the same, I'm running out of time and I also don't want to come off as rehearsed.
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    945
    1,065
    are there any tips on video interviews? I feel like preparing for them the same way one would approach a written application is not going to cut it. even though 2 minutes seem like a good amount of time to put your points through and one should be concise. for questions like why x firm and what are skills you consider important for success, how do I approach this? if this was written application I would give three reasons for why x firm and then go onto answering qualities in a concise manner. with VI I am struggling to do the same, I'm running out of time and I also don't want to come off as rehearsed.
    Hello!

    Video interviews definitely feel different from written applications, but the good news is that you don't need to overhaul everything - it's more about adapting your structure so it fits naturally into 1-2 minutes and doesn't sound scripted.

    For questions such as "Why X Firm", I would try choosing two strong and specific reasons instead of the three you might write in an application. Give a sentence or two on why each reason matters to you (with reference to your past experiences or future goals), and then end with a short line linking it back to your motivations. This keeps your answer natural and stops you from sounding overly rehearsed.

    For skills or qualities questions, you don't need to list everything. Pick one or two key qualities, give a very brief example, and connect it to why it matters in the role. This should be more than enough information for a VI question.

    The method that really helped me was preparing bullet-point prompts rather than full scripts. When I tried to memorise whole paragraphs, I sounded robotic and would lose my place or talk too quickly. With quick prompts in the form of bullet-points, you can stay structured but it still feels conversational. I also kept a small "example bank" in mind, and before completing the VI, wrote down my main experiences and discussed what skills were displayed in each. This meant that I wasn't scrambling to think of examples under pressure, and I could pick the experience that suited the question best.

    There are also a few resources on TCLA that are super useful and I would check out - you can find the video interview section of the TCLA Wiki here, and I would really recommend Andrei's post in particular!

    I hope that assists! :)
     

    Vdfrz

    Standard Member
    Sep 5, 2024
    9
    1
    Hey American grad here too, but non-law. I didn't apply to Freshfield London, but the 5-week London-Asia vac scheme. It has different application process, so I can't help.
    Hey! Who is eligible for it? From the website it seems like you need to study in china? Or am I tripping. Also, are you allowed to apply to both the trainee associate and the London Asia scheme?
     

    Vdfrz

    Standard Member
    Sep 5, 2024
    9
    1
    I submitted my application the day before the deadline, so Thursday 06/11.
    Hey! Just out of curiousity - would you mind sharing a bit about your background? Have you taken the SQE already? Are you non-law? I submitted on the day of the deadline too, and I think my app was pretty strong :( - still waiting to hear back!
     

    Vdfrz

    Standard Member
    Sep 5, 2024
    9
    1
    Hey everyone! Sorry the spam, but I'm really confused about FF’s process. There is a work experience section + grades and then you get sent out the invite? Do you get access to the entire test or is it divided or smth? Man I'm so confused, yet to submit my app -
     
    Reactions: Hamlindigo Blue

    Amgrad

    Legendary Member
    Oct 2, 2025
    344
    374
    Hey! Who is eligible for it? From the website it seems like you need to study in china? Or am I tripping. Also, are you allowed to apply to both the trainee associate and the London Asia scheme?
    No, in fact it says they will sponsor visa. You can check it on Q&A. Once you clicked the app, it will show you the priority for Mandarin, Korean or Bahasa Indonesia speakers. I'm assuming they welcome Thai and Vietnamese speakers too as we all emerging markets and not using English in daily basis. Also, typically they're not allowing multiple app in one cycle. You can clarify to them on the legal cheek law fair tonight.
     
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