TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[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”.

 

[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

 

[wooliewoo]

Joining the CC PFO club 😍 I feel quite upset tbh, especially because I thought my app was quite good and I really like CC. After reading this thread, I honestly don't know what they're looking for. Makes me slightly nervous for my other apps!! To those who got the VI, well done, you should be proud of yourself!! And to those who also got a PFO, keep your head up, this is just part of the process

 

[Lawlife5]

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

Haha I am so glad I quit before starting this process otherwise I would be going through pack a day atm😂😂😂😂

 

[yk1906]

Also, while we're still at it, what helps me in dealing with rejections is the fact that I compete with literal Oxbridge graduates.

 

[legallybrunnette]

CMS PFO almost immediately after submitting. I submitted on an evening, and got rejected the next morning. I was wondering if they have already filled the position because this has never happened to me before and I have not seen anything massively wrong with my app. Unless they review them insanely quickly - i don't event know at this point. Open to opinions on this!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Also, while we're still at it, what helps me in dealing with rejections is the fact that I compete with literal Oxbridge graduates.

Honestly, I think you are more capable than I am - I have full faith in you Best of luck with the rest of your apps!

 

[yk1906]

As an Oxbridge student, I feel like I'm faced with more pressure to do well because of not only the competitiveness here but also people's expectations sigh.

Honestly, I think you are just as capable, if not more capable than I am - I have full faith in you Best of luck with the rest of your apps! Not sure how you feel about CC, but if you'll be reapplying to them again next year like I will be, good luck on that too!

Thank you!! Well, I believe with Oxbridge + determination, you will eventually and for sure get wherever you want, no doubt For instance, I personally know a couple of BCL and Mjur international students with foreign undergraduate degrees who got 2+ DTC offers a couple of years back. Good luck to you, too!