TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[p2bv]

cms pfo：（

Sorry to hear Was this post VI?

 

[TCLAAAA]

Sorry to hear Was this post VI?

post wgt

 

[bells123]

Does anyone know if the Freshfields test also needs to be submitted before the 1st Dec deadline? I’m still tweaking my application but may need to just submit it now if so!

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know if the Freshfields test also needs to be submitted before the 1st Dec deadline? I’m still tweaking my application but may need to just submit it now if so!

They no longer have the long form personal statement. The only substantial written part is the work experience section.

 

[bells123]

They no longer have the long form personal statement. The only substantial written part is the work experience section.

Ah, thank you, I appreciate that clarification! I had wondered this. I’m just editing my work experience answers so I’m satisfied with relevance and applicability but I’m probably being a bit too much of a perfectionist

 

[yk1906]

Any news from CC, Linklaters or AO Shearman?

 

[sunshine101]

Sorry to hear Was this post VI?

When did you do your WG test? Sorry to hear btw

 

[BM99]

Any news from CC, Linklaters or AO Shearman?

No…CC already stated in their automated email that you will hear back in the week commencing 8 Dec…and Links is non-rolling…

 

[Trophy]

Any news from CC, Linklaters or AO Shearman?

All non rolling and all have said when they’d get back to people. You gotta pay attention to the emails they send regarding their next steps…

 

[yk1906]

No…CC already stated in their automated email that you will hear back in the week commencing 8 Dec…and Links is non-rolling…

Right... I thought maybe Links would still give some updates but I guess we wait

 

[yk1906]

All non rolling and all have said when they’d get back to people. You gotta pay attention to the emails they send regarding their next steps…

Some non-rolling firms practice sending PFOs before a deadline. But thanks anyway, I forgot about that CC email

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone ever done a VI & sounded absolutely terrified but still got invited to the next stage? I've done some of those 'record-it-yourself' ones recently; for each one, I sound absolutely petrified.

Notwithstanding the quality of what I say, how important is how I actually say it? Any positive stories from similarly nervy interviewees would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Any news from CC, Linklaters or AO Shearman?

Someone mentioned on the VS thread that A&O Sherman will get back with outcome in the first/second week of December with ACs before Christmas.

They received this info about DTCs during the LC Virtual Fair

 

[Irishman11]

Travers PFO lol

For the TC?

 

[sunshine101]

cms pfo：（

When did you do your WG? Sorry to hear

 

[msclm]

Has anyone done the recruitment day for travers smith ?

 

[asplawyer100]

I am very surprised by how basic Irwin Mitchell’s application form & online assessment is. At no point do you even get a chance to tell them about your work experience or module grades / A levels. Are any other firms like this, and does anyone else think it’s strange that they have no regard for something as fundamental as your experience?

 

[hanz123]

Any advice for approaching/answering this question with a 500 word limit: Our vision is to be a Top 30 Law Firm which sees the possibility for our people and our clients. We have three core values that form the foundation of our culture and underpin all aspects of our work. One of these values is Collaboration and innovation. How do you think having Collaboration and innovation as a core value can continue to assist with our vision to be a Top 30 Law Firm?

 

[Irishman11]

Has anyone else still heard nothing from Travers? Strange they didn't PFO everyone at once

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice for approaching/answering this question with a 500 word limit: Our vision is to be a Top 30 Law Firm which sees the possibility for our people and our clients. We have three core values that form the foundation of our culture and underpin all aspects of our work. One of these values is Collaboration and innovation. How do you think having Collaboration and innovation as a core value can continue to assist with our vision to be a Top 30 Law Firm?

Hi!

You could approach this question by showing how the values directly support the firm's Top 30 vision. A starting structure could be:

1. Define the values: briefly explain what collaboration and innovation mean in a legal setting - things such as sharing expertise and finding smarter or more efficient ways to work, etc.
2. Show how collaboration strengthens performance: move on to discuss why law firms (and this firm particularly) view collaboration as a strength, and how it improves performance. I'd emphasise that working well across departments leads to better client outcomes, more joined-up advice, and the ability to take on more complex, high-value matters (which are all essential for a Top 30 firm!).
3. Explain why innovation matters: then discuss the opportunities and positives that having an innovative approach can bring. I'd highlight that innovative processes and technology improve efficiency, reduce costs, and help the firm stay ahead of competitors. You might also mentioned that it positions the firm as forward-thinking in a rapidly changing legal market.
4. Link to talent and culture: importantly, I'd also make sure to mention that a collaborative and innovative environment attracts and retains strong lawyers, which strengthens the firm's long-term growth as well (helping it work towards its Top 30 goal).
5. Conclude by tying it back to the vision: make sure that you make it clear that these values help the firm deliver a better service, differentiate itself from competitors in the market, and build the capabilities needed to reach Top 30 status. This should be the focus of your answer!

I hope that helps and gives you some ideas to have a think about - best of luck with the application!