TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Aimee :)]

Feeling the same, so I'm getting some comfort food and hopefully bouncing back in the next few hours cos these other apps aren't gonna write themselves

bit demoralised after skadden pfo and now doubting my app writing skills generally :/

Hey guys, sorry about the bad news I completely understand how disappointing it is to spend ages on application after application and not get the outcome you were hoping for.

I think it can be helpful to take a bit of time to relax and reflect. Maybe read back over your applications and see if there’s anything you could improve. That said, sometimes there genuinely isn’t anything to improve. Remember there are hundreds of people applying for a small number of places, so try not to put the entire burden on yourself.

Law firms are incredibly picky, and each one has its own personality in a way, but the right firm will say yes eventually.

Please don’t doubt yourself, but if you are unsure about your writing, I’d really recommend having someone look over your answers or checking out resources on structuring responses (e.g. the STAR method).

Best of luck to you!

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Hey

I would say the best piece of advice for VI's generally is to speak clearly, and not to speak too fast. Graduate recruitment knows you will be nervous, and that is ok! I would say the best VI's are delivered in a composed, and thought through manner. In terms of CMS specifically, I would say their scale and sheer number of offices are worth mentioning, but make sure you substantiate this with the numbers!

Here is a link to what CMS have put out, it will be helpful for you to take a look over!

Hints & tips · CMS Emerging Talent

cmsemergingtalent.com

I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to reply to this message!

Thank you!! This is very helpful

 

[1136PX0]

Has anyone heard anything from McDermott?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

man guys, I thought I was doing so much better this week in terms of posting less.. just checked leaderboards and yep there i am

 

[Deleted member 29181]

Has anyone heard back from A&O after their direct TC AC? Sincerely, impatient haha

 

[Deleted member 29181]

From what I've heard, the last AC was on Monday, so I doubt they'll get back this week, much less today lol

At the very soonest it may be Friday, but I would assume it will be early next week.
That's based off how long they took to get back to us for the vac ACs - best of luck!

Thank you so much!

 

[p2bv]

VI for CMS (finally haha)

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

the wait for freshfields is killing me

This week has been so bad for rejections that I can’t even imagine a world where Frehsfields give me an AC my brain can’t even comprehend the idea of good news

 

[radssss]

Anyone heard back from fieldfisher?

 

[SemperParatus]

Anyone heard back from fieldfisher?

No, this is the only one I’m genuinely so disappointed in, I applied 16th November and still no news, haven’t got an online assessment invite, I exceed the entry requirements and there is nothing on my application form to stop me progressing, gutting mate

 

[choicefox212]

Need some advice re tutoring…

Are any of these admissions tutors legit? Would love someone to look over my applications and do some interview practice, but I’m wary of being scammed.

Also, any I’ve seen seem to specialise in corporate/commercial, and I am only looking at private client firms (small-medium).

Thanks in advance!

 

[shadowboxer909]

man guys, I thought I was doing so much better this week in terms of posting less.. just checked leaderboards and yep there i am

You're literally the most prolific poster here lol. I see your name in every other comment - it's very impressive to be honest.

 

[Rads]

Any non-law candidate heard from Slaughter and May recently?

 

[TCLAAAA]

Has anyone heard anything from McDermott?

too early for them, I would say probably end of Jan- Feb

 

[yk1906]

Anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell?

 

[Kate.m]

Does anyone know whether the Hill Dickinson question is asking for which 'team' we would be interested in e.g. business services, health or marine group. Or is it asking which 'team' meaning seat e.g. real estate, family, commercial disputes. I'm a bit confused by the wording and originally I was drafting an answer for the business services group but then I started to question whether it was actually answering the question:


As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups.

Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why? ( 250 words)

 

[BM99]

Starting to think we won't hear back from Freshfields this week lol

 

[HMajesty]

Hi, looking for some genuine advice here as I’m considering whether to continue applying or not. I’m an international applicant (based out of the UK) and so far, have received 8 rejections in TCs. This is my second cycle and in the earlier one, I only made it to one AC with a firm which had a dedicated intake program for applicants from my country. I have mitigating circumstances (conflict in my home country leading to the passing of a distant relative) due to which I couldn’t secure the minimum requirements for a lot of UK firms. The circumstances also impacted me enough to take a gap, due to which I only entered Uni 4 years after high school. I feel the lack of good A Levels, coupled with the gap and me being an international applicant, practically eliminate me from getting a TC. I’m scared, exhausted and dejected, because I’ve done extremely well in university (graduating first class with distinction) and interned with several Band 1 firms in my country across both transactions and contentious practice areas. From attending events to gaining work experience to maintaining first class grades, both in Uni and before my A Levels, I feel like nothing matters and I won’t get a TC. I’m asking for insight whether to even continue applying or not, since I’m not sure any firm will even look past the four year gap and low A Levels atp.

 

[Deleted member 29181]

Hi, looking for some genuine advice here as I’m considering whether to continue applying or not. I’m an international applicant (based out of the UK) and so far, have received 8 rejections in TCs. This is my second cycle and in the earlier one, I only made it to one AC with a firm which had a dedicated intake program for applicants from my country. I have mitigating circumstances (conflict in my home country leading to the passing of a distant relative) due to which I couldn’t secure the minimum requirements for a lot of UK firms. The circumstances also impacted me enough to take a gap, due to which I only entered Uni 4 years after high school. I feel the lack of good A Levels, coupled with the gap and me being an international applicant, practically eliminate me from getting a TC. I’m scared, exhausted and dejected, because I’ve done extremely well in university (graduating first class with distinction) and interned with several Band 1 firms in my country across both transactions and contentious practice areas. From attending events to gaining work experience to maintaining first class grades, both in Uni and before my A Levels, I feel like nothing matters and I won’t get a TC. I’m asking for insight whether to even continue applying or not, since I’m not sure any firm will even look past the four year gap and low A Levels atp.

Hi, I'm not an expert but I would be really surprised if a four-year gap due to personal circumstances would matter. I don't think this is the kind of thing firms care about to be honest with you. People take several gap years before starting university for various reasons. As for your A-levels, I would just focus on the many, many firms that don't have A-level requirements. Your university grades are the most important thing anyway. I don't think you should give up applying at all, I think you have a strong grade profile from university and lots of experience. Perhaps focus on your application strategy/quality of your written applications. That's what made the difference for me to help me start getting past the first stages for law firms. Best of luck.

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Starting to think we won't hear back from Freshfields this week lol

AC offers didn't go out until mid-end of Jan in the last application cycle. PFOs have already been going out post stage 2 though.....