TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BM99]

CC VI

 

[Deleted member 41929]

Bird & Bird PFO after a VI — but fortunately received the CC VI immediately afterwards.

 

[Singh241]

Joining the club of CC PFO!! WOHOOO

 

[Singh241]

Anyone who has taken the FF Stage 1 test could provide some insight please?

 

[Prudentia]

Joining the club of CC PFO!! WOHOOO

We have tea, biscuits and plenty of tissues for the tears!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

guys... PFO from CC

 

[Ronaldo04]

Hey guys, this has probably been asked already, but does anybody have any idea as to whether A&O will send any more AC invites for TCs? From what I've seen, they only sent on Monday this week, so probably unlikely they will send more?

 

[yk1906]

Hey guys, this has probably been asked already, but does anybody have any idea as to whether A&O will send any more AC invites for TCs? From what I've seen, they only sent on Monday this week, so probably unlikely they will send more?

Nobody knows

 

[Deleted member 43292]

i actually need a big cry rn but I'm in the middle of doing Freshfield's stage 1 OT lol... maybe I shouldn't have checked my emails while doing the test LMAO

 

[Trophy]

guys... PFO from CC - I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the first ones to be rejected this year lol.
I'm actually devastated...I love the firm so much and worked super hard on my application...I'm not sure why I couldn't make it past application review.
I have committed to applying to them continuously every year until I get them but maybe it's just not the way to go...
I'll have to try and up my game next year - I got trainees to look over my application and everything this year, so I'm not too sure what went wrong (I will conduct a deep analysis and reflection though).

They probably rejected us as they knew we’d be too competitive and too many firms would want us so they gave up keeping us at the first hurdle

 

[Prudentia]

guys... PFO from CC - I'm pretty sure I'm probably one of the first ones to be rejected this year lol.
I'm actually devastated...I love the firm so much and worked super hard on my application...I'm not sure why I couldn't make it past application review.
I have committed to applying to them continuously every year until I get them but maybe it's just not the way to go...
I'll have to try and up my game next year - I got trainees to look over my application and everything this year, so I'm not too sure what went wrong (I will conduct a deep analysis and reflection though).

Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).

 

[bells123]

Anyone who has taken the FF Stage 1 test could provide some insight please?

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

Jess very kindly indicated to me that it was a mixture of WG-style questions and also SJT-style like they have on Prep Plus

 

[yk1906]

Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).

I'm also thinking you could qualify with another firm and move to your dream one afterwards.

 

[Prudentia]

I'm also thinking you could qualify with another firm and move to your dream one afterwards.

Exactly. This is also another way in. You don’t actually have to train at your dream firm.

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

We have tea, biscuits and plenty of tissues for the tears!

Hey!! can I ask what PFO, VI is short for??? are there any other terms like this cause i'm stalking forums rn after being rejected by bird & bird for their vac scheme

 

[ashwright]

i actually need a big cry rn but I'm in the middle of doing Freshfield's stage 1 OT lol... maybe I shouldn't have checked my emails while doing the test LMAO

Firstly, try to take some deep breaths. From what I recall, FF is an untimed test. If that sounds right, perhaps take a few minutes away from your laptop. Maybe open a window, make some tea, and text a loved one. Listen to your favourite song & have a dance, or listen to some Radio 3 to chill.
When you're ready, remember that this FF test is an opportunity that you are ready to seize. You can do this!

 

[hanz123]

Honest question but how do you get invited to an AC at Shoosmiths, third time applying to the firm

 

[sunshine101]

Should I expect a CMS PFO, if I did my WG on the 23rd November and have heard nothing back regarding the VI?

 

[Amgrad]

CC VI

Congrats! Would you mind to share your profile and statistics? so everybody here get to know the secret sauce..

 

[Prudentia]

ahhhh I will - but for some weird reason CC just has a special place in my heart so it just hurts that extra bit more... I guess it's time to look to other firms though

I completely get that. But I’ll give you a little story. I always wanted to work in the Civil Service from when I was really young. I applied for the Fast Stream and got rejected. I was made redundant from my role a few years ago and interviewed 10 times within the space of 2 weeks and ended up with 9 offers. Two of the offers were from the Civil Service. I ended up turning the Civil Service down, despite wanting to work there from when I was in school, for my current job that’s a way better fit.

Sometimes something not working out for you means it’s actually worked out for you. I understand that CC is your dream firm now, and that might be the case in the future. But there are plenty of law firms out there that will really value what you have to offer as well.