TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SemperParatus]

I applied to Fieldfisher for their tc 18 days ago and I still haven't got through to their online assessment, is this a pfo? I applied 2 years back and I got it in like 10 days, just wondering how long it took for everyone to get their tests, thank you

 

[Rads]

Hello, for Links, can we email the early careers team for the WG report? If yes, how many days did you wait after completing WG before emailing them?

 

[bells123]

I completed Freshfields stage 1 10 days ago, if I haven't heard back is it a pfo

I’ve got fingers crossed for you! If you don’t mind me asking, are the questions more WG style or is just just like the FF based scenario questions they provide on Preparation Plus? Mainly wondering if they jump scare you with VIs also

 

[sunsoul]

Anyone that has done Freshfields Stage 2 and could provide some insight please? I would very much appreciate it as this is my top choice of firm and since Stage 1 was SJT idk what to expect for stage 2. Are the questions strengths based or motivational for the VI?

 

[yk1906]

Hello, for Links, can we email the early careers team for the WG report? If yes, how many days did you wait after completing WG before emailing them?

Yes! I did it a couple of weeks back, and I think it took them a day to send my results. Maybe now it might take them longer

 

[SemperParatus]

Anyone that has done Freshfields Stage 2 and could provide some insight please? I would very much appreciate it as this is my top choice of firm and since Stage 1 was SJT idk what to expect for stage 2. Are the questions strengths based or motivational for the VI?

many congrats rlly happy that you got to this stage, how long did it take for you to hear back between stage 1 & 2? I completed stage 1 10 days ago and nothing so far

 

[sunsoul]

many congrats rlly happy that you got to this stage, how long did it take for you to hear back between stage 1 & 2? I completed stage 1 10 days ago and nothing so far

it took very very long! don’t worry about it, they send it out in batches and it keeps getting busier so expect the intervals to be around 2-3 weeks.

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Hi, for Freshfields, long after submitting the application did you get the Stage I invite? Been two days, haven’t had an update yet. Worried it’s a PFO before it even began 😭

I applied for FF DTC on 21/11, received the Stage 1 test on 24/11, completed it on 29/11, and was told I passed/received the Stage 2 test today.

Hope this helps any timeline anxiety!

 

[Rads]

Yes! I did it a couple of weeks back, and I think it took them a day to send my results. Maybe now it might take them longer

Do you think it is better to just wait for the results now that they should be sending those out soon?

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Just received the test for Freshfields after 5 days of waiting - is the test all situational like the FF scenario based questions they provide on Preparation Plus or is it WG-style, or a mix etc?

Stage 1 test is a mix of both of those two.

 

[Rads]

Hello, do law firms care if you complete their Forage programme after you have submitted an application for them?

 

[yk1906]

Do you think it is better to just wait for the results now that they should be sending those out soon?

I would ask them for the results if you are curious about how high you scored.

 

[Amgrad]

CC PFO just now! Wow quicker than the anticipated date they stated on email after passing the WG exceptionally

 

[whywhy88]

CC pfo post passing WG. Gutted

P.s. please don't spam me with messages asking when I applied or what my application portal said etc. Sorry if that's harsh, but it's not really what I need right now. Thanks 🫶

 

[Maddy]

Does CC automatic test have any VI element also?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Does CC automatic test have any VI element also?

nope

 

[Tyler2203]

CC PFO after passing the Watson Glaser. Genuinely how do these firms choose?

I have a previous VS with another firm, direct banking and finance experience (which I tailored my app to and was firm specific for EVERYTHING), and a first class degree from RG (non-law). Am I just unlucky or is there something I’m missing?

It’s so unhelpful as they never provide any feedback whatsoever so it feels like a guessing game. Sorry for the rant, but to not even make it to VI at this point is so demoralising and it’s making me doubtful of my other applications.

 

[Amgrad]

Does CC automatic test have any VI element also?

What's this? If you pass the automated WG, there'd be VIs and it's not automatic as they screened your app, esp essays which accounted for decision.

 

[Prudentia]

Clifford Chance PFO too. I really enjoyed the WG test, but I’m not too upset I won’t be progressing. On to the next applications! Commiserations to everyone who also got a PFO and huge congratulations to those who progressed!

 

[Trophy]

CC PFO

You can’t write this. 3 forge courses and an open day. Why push candidates to do your time consuming courses if it means nothing. I’ve applied 3 years in a row and rejected every year. My application was strong my work experience is more than strong enough with multiple vac schemes and a banking graduate scheme.

But they’ll go with the 2nd year student thats written a mediocre application and never worked a day in their life. Silly really.

I stand by what I said ^