TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amgrad]

Hey I also got rejected from Gowling but wondered how you found out your score?

Check your feedback report and count towards the coloured bar/dot

 

[Amgrad]

AOS PFO, finally! After being hold for 2 weeks... 🫠 I guess that they have filled the space post AC

 

[DavidJC]

I just realised that I never got a confirmation email for completing Freshfields Stage 2 either, hope it doesn't mean anything bad :/

 

[switchingup]

I didn’t receive confirmation from freshfields for stage 2 completion. Should I be worried?

I don’t think so. I’ve seen lots of variation between firms on sending confirmation emails. Doesn’t seem to be any correlation

 

[nicoledm]

Just got some feedback for an interview I did and my strongest strength was my commercial awareness (which I thought was my worst) and my biggest area for improvement is that I sounded too rehearsed, which is funny because I didn’t actually prepare any answers for that interview I think that’s just the way I talk.
Basically I thought my weakest area was my strongest and that my strongest area the weakest
Does anyone have any tips for sounding less rehearsed ? I didn’t prepare any answers or memorise anything just did the normal research (although for things like why commercial law it is the same answer every time so I may have inadvertently memorised this) My feedback also said I engaged thoughtfully and was professional throughout so I think it’s just my delivery that needs work? although i’m not too sure
Already been rejected for this role this is just some feedback to help

 

[Freshcutgrass]

Just got some feedback for an interview I did and my strongest strength was my commercial awareness (which I thought was my worst) and my biggest area for improvement is that I sounded too rehearsed, which is funny because I didn’t actually prepare any answers for that interview I think that’s just the way I talk
Basically I thought my weakest area was my strongest and that my strongest area the weakest
Does anyone have any tips for sounding less rehearsed ? I didn’t prepare any answers or memorise anything just did the normal research (although for things like why commercial law it is the same answer every time so I may have inadvertently memorised this)
Already been rejected for this role this is just some feedback to help

That is quite strange honestly. My only possible advice is maybe try to seem enthusiastic as you’re talking. I always try to smile and pause while I’m speaking at “natural points”. Coming across as excited to be there always goes a long way in my opinion. Sorry I can’t offer anything more helpful, it would easier to give you advice if you were rehearsing your responses.

 

[nicoledm]

That is quite strange honestly. My only possible advice is maybe try to seem enthusiastic as you’re talking. I always try to smile and pause while I’m speaking at “natural points”. Coming across as excited to be there always goes a long way in my opinion. Sorry I can’t offer anything more helpful, it would easier to give you advice if you were rehearsing your responses.

Haha it’s okay, that’s good advice though thank you! My guess is because I was quite nervous I was a bit monotonous, I also think I may inadvertently memorised the why commerical law answer because my motivations remain the same and it’s the same question that comes up in every application/interview so maybe that’s why it came across rehearsed

 

[Prudentia]

Just got some feedback for an interview I did and my strongest strength was my commercial awareness (which I thought was my worst) and my biggest area for improvement is that I sounded too rehearsed, which is funny because I didn’t actually prepare any answers for that interview I think that’s just the way I talk.
Basically I thought my weakest area was my strongest and that my strongest area the weakest
Does anyone have any tips for sounding less rehearsed ? I didn’t prepare any answers or memorise anything just did the normal research (although for things like why commercial law it is the same answer every time so I may have inadvertently memorised this) My feedback also said I engaged thoughtfully and was professional throughout so I think it’s just my delivery that needs work? although i’m not too sure
Already been rejected for this role this is just some feedback to help

Treat an interview like a conversation, not an interview. This will not only allow you to relax, it will also mean your answers come across as more natural/likeable. Ultimately, if you get to interview stage they believe you can do the job on paper. Your personality can do a lot of heavy lifting for you here, so make sure that comes through.

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

My CMS VI cut out midway through my interview, and I cannot go back on as it would cap my second response. So I have emailed them about resetting the VI, will this be feasible?

 

[Vakil]

Treat an interview like a conversation, not an interview. This will not only allow you to relax, it will also mean your answers come across as more natural/likeable. Ultimately, if you get to interview stage they believe you can do the job on paper. Your personality can do a lot of heavy lifting for you here, so make sure that comes through.

Great advice.

 

[Laur2cj]

DM me if anyone has any insight into the CMS VI please? Also does anyone know how much prep time you get?

 

[p2bv]

My CMS VI cut out midway through my interview, and I cannot go back on as it would cap my second response. So I have emailed them about resetting the VI, will this be feasible?

I don’t have any knowledge about CMS specifically but I had the same issue on a different firms VI and they reset it for me

 

[xMontmorency]

Just got some feedback for an interview I did and my strongest strength was my commercial awareness (which I thought was my worst) and my biggest area for improvement is that I sounded too rehearsed, which is funny because I didn’t actually prepare any answers for that interview I think that’s just the way I talk.
Basically I thought my weakest area was my strongest and that my strongest area the weakest
Does anyone have any tips for sounding less rehearsed ? I didn’t prepare any answers or memorise anything just did the normal research (although for things like why commercial law it is the same answer every time so I may have inadvertently memorised this) My feedback also said I engaged thoughtfully and was professional throughout so I think it’s just my delivery that needs work? although i’m not too sure
Already been rejected for this role this is just some feedback to help

I second @Prudentia's answer.

The best interviews I have had were the ones where I didn't feel like I was being interviewed, and was just chatting with the interviewer. Best way to get that flow going is a mix of practice, genuine enthusiasm and acting.

I remember one interview where the senior associate had to read a situational judgment scenario and ask me for my approach. I knew the scenario already because I had spoken to a future trainee who spilled the beans. I acted slightly confused, asked a few clarification questions, and then gave my prepped response.

I've done the same with a number of competency questions that I had already prepped - just say "that's an interesting question" or "I've never thought of it like that before", pause a couple seconds, then give a nice structured response. It's impressive because it makes the interviewer think you're able to organise your thoughts on the go, and they know that anyone can answer competency questions if given enough time to prepare.

The only ones for which I think sounding rehearsed is beneficial are questions about the firm you're interviewing for and a question such as "tell me about a recent commercial news story that drew your attention". In those situations it's good to show the interviewer that you prepared ahead.

Also, at the end of the day, you need a bit of luck to get an interviewer in a good mood who you vibe with. Nothing you can control there - except never interviewing on Monday!

 

[Rads]

To everyone who got Slaughter’s holding email (cause I did not), was it for law or non-law?

My portal says application under consideration still

 

[tcla02]

besides supporting the team what really is the role of the trainee in a law firm? @Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

 

[switchingup]

To everyone who got Slaughter’s holding email (cause I did not), was it for law or non-law?

My portal says application under consideration still

Non-law for me. Mine says the same

 

[elle woods]

Non-law for me. Mine says the same

I am so confused. I tried checking for the status of my application but apparently I don't have an account??? I just registered for one now with the email in which I received my confirmation email (for applying) in early December. Did I apply with a guest account or something? How do I see my application LMAO

Did SandM accidentally delete my account instead when they tried to send me a PFO hence why I haven't heard back and why I have no account anymore?😂

Edit: ok nvm I think it was a glitch, I just somehow logged back into the old account and have no clue where the new account has gone 😭

 

[switchingup]

I am so confused. I tried checking for the status of my application but apparently I don't have an account??? I just registered for one now with the email in which I received my confirmation email (for applying) in early December. Did I apply with a guest account or something? How do I see my application LMAO

Did SandM accidentally delete my account instead when they tried to send me a PFO hence why I haven't heard back and why I have no account anymore?😂

Edit: ok nvm I think it was a glitch, I just somehow logged back into the old account and have no clue where the new account has gone 😭

That is strange! Tbh their application system is a little glitchy. I often have to click login twice before it lets me in. Glad you got in eventually, even if the new account has disappeared into the ether lol 😭

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

besides supporting the team what really is the role of the trainee in a law firm? @Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

Great question! Beyond "supporting the team", the role of a trainee is really about learning by doing while adding value in small but meaningful ways. When I was researching for my applications and vacation schemes last year, and from my notes post-VS, I noted the following:

• Drafting and reviewing documents: this could include first drafts of ancillary documents, or drafting letters or emails to clients.
• Conducting research: a lot of a trainees role will involving conducting legal or commercial research, and summarising the findings clearly for the team (which is why a lot of written tasks use this format)
• Managing elements of transactions or other logistics: this might involve document management, checklists, and tracking conditions or deadlines. During my placement year, I noted that a lot of the disputes trainees were in charge of ensuring that no court deadlines were missed!
• Reviewing and organising large volumes of material: this could be in relation to due diligence or disclosure documents.
• Communicating with clients, internal teams, and external solicitors: for example, requesting documents from the other side or updating clients on the matter. This will usually involve a level of supervision, such as sending a draft to supervisors first
• Attending calls and meetings: taking notes and following up on any action points discussed in the meeting. During my vacation schemes, I had the opportunity to attend a few client meetings, and it was almost always trainees taking the meeting notes!

Ultimately, trainees aren't expected to have all the answers, but they are expected to be curious, proactive, and willing to approach every task as a learning opportunity. The role is about demonstrating that you can develop into an associate who can be trusted with responsibility, which is why the tasks trainees are given often increase in complexity and are completed with less supervision as their experience grows.

I hope that helps!

 

[Rads]

That is strange! Tbh their application system is a little glitchy. I often have to click login twice before it lets me in. Glad you got in eventually, even if the new account has disappeared into the ether lol 😭

I have not gotten a holding mail, would you say that means anything?