TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

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.

Hi @ashwright I have personally experienced this as well and progressed to an AC with V&E after a video interview I thought I had completely fumbled. I got cut off at the end, said I would speak through multiple points when starting my answer that I subsequently never got to, and just generally was a lot more nervous and less articulate than I assumed one would need to be progressed to the next stage. As such, I was sure I would not progress. This is also a phenomenon I have observed many times with other people, and I think it results from two things:

1. Candidates often underestimate how difficult VIs feel for other people as well, and as such presume that they are uniquely overanxious and unable to seem calm and composed in front of the camera. In fact, in my experience the substantial majority of people find the experience to be a nerve-racking one. Thus, you seeming terrified when answering will not single you out as much as you may be tempted to think.
2. Recruiters prioritise other qualities more than apparent confidence, as they are well-aware that this is an ability that comes with time and that is not necessarily best tested by the VI format, which is thought by many to be uniquely awkward. If you can show you have the right substantive kinds of ideas and motivations when answering questions, and if you can express your points in a reasonably clear and structured manner, many recruiters will be willing to overlook the fact that you seem a bit anxious and nervous.

 

[Andrei Radu]

hello does anyone know how much time Slaughter and May takes? And if an application submitted this week has any chance to getting considered?

Hi @Rads Slaughter and May has never had a reputation for caring a lot about how early an application was submitted. If anything, the firm is know to look for a particular type of academics-focused applicants and to often depart from common recruitment practices when targeting them. As such, if the firm sees you as having a desirable candidate profile with a strong written application, I doubt they would not seriously consider your application you simply because you have not submitted your application earlier. As for your second question about the firm's recruitment timeline, in my experience they normally start making AC invitations around late December and host ACs in late January-early February.