TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

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

I applied on the deadline 30/11 and not heard anything.

 

[lawstudent2]

I applied on the deadline 30/11 and not heard anything.

same, I applied on the 29/11 and haven't heard anything

 

[mcqueens]

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

I applied the day of the deadline and received the link yesterday

 

[rain2801]

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

So I applied for the Dubai TC. I'm a bit scared though since it's been a week and I haven't heard anything back yet.

 

[rain2801]

Hi, anyone who's taken FF Stage 1 test, any advice on the pattern and timing?

 

[yk1906]

Any Freshfields AC invites for DTC?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you so, so, so much Andrei!!! I am so grateful for the reassurance on both fronts, as well as the guidance on how to best focus my energies. I will make sure not to get too caught up in the technical stuff & will try to focus more on the core ideas you mentioned.

The list of 5 points is exactly what I need; I'll make sure to focus on those things. If there's any further resources you recommend, such as any M&A knowledge resources, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you so much!

No worries, glad I could help! For M&A resources, I would recommend the following:

1. TCLA's free introductory M&A guide written by @Jaysen
2. TCLA's M&A course
3. TCLA's M&A Bootcamp (a series of 5 lectures going in depth into everything that goes in an M&A deal)
4. Amma's list of M&A terms explained
5. Chambers Associate introduction to M&A
6. Chambers Student M&A Guide

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I don't remember... Between 5-7 if I'm not mistaken

5-7 video interview questions is crazy T-T

 

[yk1906]

5-7 video interview questions is crazy T-T

Especially for an automatic VI lol

 

[elle woods]

does anyone have any advice with regards to Freshfields stage 2? anything would be much appreciated!

 

[DavidJC]

Also joined the CC PFO club yesterday even though I felt it was one of my strongest applications I've ever submitted. I think I'm gonna give up on MC firms after this cycle.

I have some doubts about whether they're necessarily the best fit for me anyway and considering they regularly get 7-10k+ apps, make you jump through hoops and hurdles (yes, jump through hurdles, not over them) and can't provide more than generic "everyone already knows this if they've genuinely and seriously engaged with any TC app process for more than 30 mins" feedback, I think it's just becoming a waste of time that could be diverted to other firms.

On a strict % basis and seeing as I've heard CC have quietly reduced their trainee intakes to compensate for their post-COVID overhiring, they're probably the most competitive firm anyway in terms of % of participants actually getting a TC, it would also explain why the SPARK scheme operates the way it does now instead of the previous SPARK + Spring/Summer VSs.

Also looking forward to the incoming A&OS rejection at this point 🤣

 

[Laur2cj]

If anyone has any general insights into the Irwin Mitchell VI then please pm me! thanks

 

[Trophy]

5-7 video interview questions is crazy T-T

They don’t pay enough to be asking that many questions😭

 

[SemperParatus]

mate, I applied to Fieldfisher 19 days ago and still no test invite, this is looking like a straight pfo

 

[Irishman11]

mate, I applied to Fieldfisher 19 days ago and still no test invite, this is looking like a straight pf

They do it in batches, you probs won't get PFO'd until after the VI , unless you flunk the WG.