TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[M123]

Is it not a guaranteed PFO tho? Like they already gave out their AC slots to people on Monday

yeah pretty much😭

 

[Sharkfin]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

 

[ghost08]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

 

[elle woods]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

I'm also a bit confused because they're supposed to be doing AC outcomes for the summer vac this week at the same time - but I don't think anyone has heard back yet. Wow but kudos to them, they have a lot of reviewing to do and decisions to make 😭

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Could anyone confirm what Freshfields' Stage 1 Online Test involves?

 

[elle woods]

Could anyone confirm what Freshfields' Stage 1 Online Test involves?

it's basically like what's on their Preparation Plus site. it's SJT and critical thinking exercises.
I'm pretty sure then in Stage 2 there will be VIs and other elements.

Hope that helps!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Heya, does anyone know the VI format for Freshfields stage 2?

 

[plshireme]

Does anyone know roughly when we can expect BCLP to open their applications for a Manchester vac scheme/TC?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

it's basically like what's on their Preparation Plus site. it's SJT and critical thinking exercises.
I'm pretty sure then in Stage 2 there will be VIs and other elements.

Hope that helps!

Thanks! They have the Critical Reasoning, VI and Role in Action but do not specify which is for which stage so I was confused. So is the critical thinking exercise timed while the SJT untimed?

 

[elle woods]

Thanks! They have the Critical Reasoning, VI and Role in Action but do not specify which is for which stage so I was confused. So is the critical thinking exercise timed while the SJT untimed?

Yes basically! don't worry I was confused too. The SJT tiles are untimed but then the critical thinking and the last exercise (which is kinda like a SJT but is really short) are timed. I think it's relatively a fun test to take in comparison to ones with VIs in them haha (stage 2), so don't fret!

 

[Trophy]

Might be major copium but surely they cant do all direct TC ACs for both 27 + 28 intakes in 4 days? (going off what someone mentioned about AC slots being between 8-11th)

It’s doable. There’s not necessarily 1 AC per a day. I’ve been to firms that hold 2/3 AC groups in a day 6-8 people across 5 days easily 30-40 people at the minimum for the week. They’d only need slots for interviews, written tasks can be done in a big room. But this is just my experience across the ACs I’ve been to.

A&O are notorious for sending invites in one go I’ve already removed them from my list as I know it’s a rejection they just for some reason like to torture you.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yes basically! don't worry I was confused too. The SJT tiles are untimed but then the critical thinking and the last exercise (which is kinda like a SJT but is really short) are timed. I think it's relatively a fun test to take in comparison to ones with VIs in them haha (stage 2), so don't fret!

That's great to hear! Really relieved my stress haha

 

[Scottishlion]

When will Freshfields or Latham ACs be out.

 

[AngelB]

It’s doable. There’s not necessarily 1 AC per a day. I’ve been to firms that hold 2/3 AC groups in a day 6-8 people across 5 days easily 30-40 people at the minimum for the week. They’d only need slots for interviews, written tasks can be done in a big room. But this is just my experience across the ACs I’ve been to.

A&O are notorious for sending invites in one go I’ve already removed them from my list as I know it’s a rejection they just for some reason like to torture you.

For the summer scheme, they held 2 AC’s per day over 2 weeks.

 

[Amgrad]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

 

[RSC2001]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

I suspect loads of people were sending them emails asking why they got rejected. Ngl I think I did everything they asked for in the feedback email but still got rejected...

 

[Prudentia]

CC just sent me another email with feedback

I've just read this. The feedback was generic. It's entirely possible that many candidates did everything they asked for and still got rejected. They like to make out like recruitment is an objective metric when a lot of it comes down to personal opinion and vibes. They also can't interview every strong candidate. You can do everything right and still not get selected, which is why it's important not to see rejections as referendums on your suitability. Of course it's important to refine and improve, but even strong candidates get rejected.

 

[elle woods]

Haha they need to stop toying with my heart jkjk☹️ I was so excited to wake up to an email from them LOL

 

[rain2801]

For anyone who applied to CMS, how long post CMS Application did you get the WGT?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

For anyone who applied to CMS, how long post CMS Application did you get the WGT?

I received mine 2 days later. Yet to hear anything since though.