TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!

 

[elle woods]

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😭

haha... I got to the AC last year for SPARK and devastatingly didn't do as well as I could have... I really wasn't expecting to be rejected first hurdle this year. Let's both do our best for other firms and next year!! I love CC too much but I'll have to find that spark with other firms now I guess lol /j

 

[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.

 

[Prudentia]

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 😥

PFO = Please F*** Off
VI = Video Interview

 

[Singh241]

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

Thank you very much!

 

[Prudentia]

thank you for sharing your experience! I completely agree with you in my head - I keep telling myself that things that are meant for you will come to you ...but my heart just stubbornly refuses to get over it haha. I will continue applying to other firms ofc, but it's just hard because I know I won't be able to feel the same way towards another firm (which is stupid I really don't understand why I'm so attached to CC haha).

I'm just really worried this will mean for my other applications - if I spent so long on my CC application, perfecting it, what will this mean for applications which I wrote up in like a day lol? I am praying that I will get at least something this year, but I genuinely don't have much faith in myself anymore (rejections can get brutal!)

I really appreciate your wise words so much, thank you again! I will reflect on them! I think I just need to have a good cry and get over this and move onto the next thing on my to-do list!

Every firm is different. I wouldn’t worry too much about what the CC PFO means for your other applications. I spent 30 mins on the application for my current role at a major bank and attended the interview hungover. I still got the job on my first attempt. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by when if you’re not “perfect”.

 

[elle woods]

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 ^

I just saw this haha

I wish they went with this 2nd year that has apparently written a mediocre application smh (CC PFO too). Let's both keep trying? If I don't get a TC offer this year I will for sure be reapplying again. It'll be my 3rd time next year lol. Don't give up though, I've heard that it took some current trainees 4-6 years of applying to CC to get in.

Praying that that will happen for us! Best of luck!

 

[Trophy]

Haha that is true. It’s because they are the easiest to manipulate

Yh. It’s so obvious on vac schemes too. One associate said on a scheme I was on he didn’t want to give their vac schemer work as they’re only 19/20 and it’s summer😐

In 3/4 years you see them leaving after their TC going into another industry whereas there are 3rd years and graduates who have dedicated years to the process of getting a TC. To be slapped with a visa restrictions, annual leave limitations and time consuming tests that mean nothing if you didn’t go to the right university or school.

My two pence for this fine afternoon. Thanks CC for fuelling me with rage 👹

 

[Trophy]

I just saw this haha

I wish they went with this 2nd year that has apparently written a mediocre application smh (CC PFO too). Let's both keep trying? If I don't get a TC offer this year I will for sure be reapplying again. It'll be my 3rd time next year lol. Don't give up though, I've heard that it took some current trainees 4-6 years of applying to CC to get in.

Praying that that will happen for us! Best of luck!

The statement doesn’t apply to you then as your application was too good to be mediocre 😂

We got this 🙌

 

[WeGotThis!]

Ah I just wish I was a nepo baby with Partner-level connections at this point. It's so tiring to keep proving yourself constantly

I second this honestly, it's frustrating to see those rejections come in. And I know so many people who haven't done half the things that I have on my CV progress and end up with Paralegal roles and TC.

 

[applicant3000]

Feeling awful for everyone who has received a CC PFO. Somehow I have gotten through to CC VI, which is amazing since its the only magic circle firm from which I haven't been rejected after the test/cover letter. If anyone has any advice on it (especially tips from graduate recruitment), I would really appreciate your thoughts!

 

[yk1906]

Yh. It’s so obvious on vac schemes too. One associate said on a scheme I was on he didn’t want to give their vac schemer work as they’re only 19/20 and it’s summer😐

In 3/4 years you see them leaving after their TC going into another industry whereas there are 3rd years and graduates who have dedicated years to the process of getting a TC. To be slapped with a visa restrictions, annual leave limitations and time consuming tests that mean nothing if you didn’t go to the right university or school.

My two pence for this fine afternoon. Thanks CC for fuelling me with rage 👹

Didn’t even want CC that hard, but not getting a VI made me smoke cigarettes today after quitting some time ago 😂 And all of this after CC office in one of the European jurisdictions rejecting me for an internship because of not having a national qualification of that country and telling me to apply to the London office with my “exceptional” resume