TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Anyone heard back from Freshfield's London-Asia yet?

 

[Rads]

Has Freshfields given out all ACs for their DTC? Or are more incoming?

 

[nonliquetagain]

Does anyone know if Curtis and McDermott are recruiting direct TCs this year? Both seem to have woefully outdated websites...

 

[CD20]

Hi everyone! I am reaching out to my fellow neurodivergents (or anyone really!). I would love if anyone could share their experiences with me or give me any tips. I have just received a rejection after completing an AC. I feel deflated and hopeless. I wonder if there is space for people like me at law firms. I’ve talked to my mentor who said that a lot of the tasks they get you to do at assessment centre aren’t a realistic depiction of being a lawyer, but it’s hard to still not feel like there is no chance for me. I am dyslexic and this really affected me during my AC. During the group exercise, I didn’t speak as much as everyone else because dyslexia impacts my processing speed. Whenever I had a point to make, the other person would have already made it because they can think a lot quicker than me and that 0.5 seconds really makes a difference. I also struggle to form my thoughts quickly so whenever people were talking, I was trying to decode what they were saying and then think about what I could say, but again, people beat me to the punch.

I normally get 25% extra time for my writing exercises, which means 15 minutes more. Those 15 minutes feel futile when I’m doing the task. I struggle to order my thoughts and understand everything even with those extra 15 minutes. This causes me to write very basic responses to the tasks. For reference, normally I am a good writer and get good grades, but in situations like these I really struggle because these are not things I would have been revising for a year or so like you would do for exams. The tasks can often be unpredictable.

Does anyone have any advice to offer? I am feeling so hopeless right now

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

Hi everyone! I am reaching out to my fellow neurodivergents (or anyone really!). I would love if anyone could share their experiences with me or give me any tips. I have just received a rejection after completing an AC. I feel deflated and hopeless. I wonder if there is space for people like me at law firms. I’ve talked to my mentor who said that a lot of the tasks they get you to do at assessment centre aren’t a realistic depiction of being a lawyer, but it’s hard to still not feel like there is no chance for me. I am dyslexic and this really affected me during my AC. During the group exercise, I didn’t speak as much as everyone else because dyslexia impacts my processing speed. Whenever I had a point to make, the other person would have already made it because they can think a lot quicker than me and that 0.5 seconds really makes a difference. I also struggle to form my thoughts quickly so whenever people were talking, I was trying to decode what they were saying and then think about what I could say, but again, people beat me to the punch.

I normally get 25% extra time for my writing exercises, which means 15 minutes more. Those 15 minutes feel futile when I’m doing the task. I struggle to order my thoughts and understand everything even with those extra 15 minutes. This causes me to write very basic responses to the tasks. For reference, normally I am a good writer and get good grades, but in situations like these I really struggle because these are not things I would have been revising for a year or so like you would do for exams. The tasks can often be unpredictable.

Does anyone have any advice to offer? I am feeling so hopeless right now

This is terribly relatable.
I myself totally understand this feeling. In group tasks I always feel left behind or that others were given extra information as to why they were able to jump right into it so fast.

Group tasks - when you start it just day to your group “hey it takes me a little longer to process information so can we slow it down a bit” this shows that you have made the team aware of the adjustments you need at the first point, you are paying attention but also processing and it also directs in your group how they handle this. If they are supportive and bring you into the discussions that works well on their part but also your part as your given a stage to speak. If they’re dismissive and do not include you OR move on too fast GR will pick up on this and it will not be inclusive that can be a detriment other performance. 9/10 others in the group will understand and will be supportive I’ve experienced this before and ask those in my group task got the VS and we were praised at hope inclusive we were. Also GR gave is 10 mins extra prep so that I could get up to speed with the others.

I do agree that written tasks can be a time crunch. I have good grades but I’ve failed an AC before due to how stringent the time was for the written task. I don’t have much advice on this as I’m still battling this area myself. I did Willkie WE a few days ago and I was given extra time and I used it all even though they said it wouldn’t be necessary to use it all given the task. Just having 10 minutes after I’ve done the task to check that I’ve followed the instructions correctly read all the instructions and not missed out any information was soo helpful. I’d recommend asking for 30% if you can those extra minutes will make a difference.

Lastly, keep your head up. Do not let your dyslexia define you. You made it to AC that’s far better than me this cycle😭 keep on pushing and don’t think about not completing the task it is important to have a positive mindset.

 

[rohing99]

anyone heard back following cms london ac yet?

 

[DeborahTCA]

Does anyone know if CRS is done sending VIs?

 

[Fsayers]

anyone heard back following cms london ac yet?

Not yet

 

[rohing99]

Not yet

it is supposedly this week i believe..

 

[Maddy]

Does Withers provide sponsorship for their TC?

 

[CD20]

This is terribly relatable.
I myself totally understand this feeling. In group tasks I always feel left behind or that others were given extra information as to why they were able to jump right into it so fast.

Group tasks - when you start it just day to your group “hey it takes me a little longer to process information so can we slow it down a bit” this shows that you have made the team aware of the adjustments you need at the first point, you are paying attention but also processing and it also directs in your group how they handle this. If they are supportive and bring you into the discussions that works well on their part but also your part as your given a stage to speak. If they’re dismissive and do not include you OR move on too fast GR will pick up on this and it will not be inclusive that can be a detriment other performance. 9/10 others in the group will understand and will be supportive I’ve experienced this before and ask those in my group task got the VS and we were praised at hope inclusive we were. Also GR gave is 10 mins extra prep so that I could get up to speed with the others.

I do agree that written tasks can be a time crunch. I have good grades but I’ve failed an AC before due to how stringent the time was for the written task. I don’t have much advice on this as I’m still battling this area myself. I did Willkie WE a few days ago and I was given extra time and I used it all even though they said it wouldn’t be necessary to use it all given the task. Just having 10 minutes after I’ve done the task to check that I’ve followed the instructions correctly read all the instructions and not missed out any information was soo helpful. I’d recommend asking for 30% if you can those extra minutes will make a difference.

Lastly, keep your head up. Do not let your dyslexia define you. You made it to AC that’s far better than me this cycle😭 keep on pushing and don’t think about not completing the task it is important to have a positive mindset.

Thank you so much for the advice. I will definitely implement this in group tasks. I’ve never thought to do that. Wishing you the best of luck with your applications! Rooting for you❤️

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Does anyone know if CRS is done sending VIs?

Oh I thought they were yet to send VIs for DTC. If you mean VS, it's a wrong thread

 

[nicoledm]

When writing a cover letter on a firm, how should you spilt it across why commercial law, why this firm and why you?

 

[GV]

Anyone waiting for Irwin Mitchell. They have replied to my email and said we should hear back in “next few weeks 😊”

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Is this London DTC?

Linklaters AC!

Asking because in case you put in the wrong thread.

 

[p8]

Is this London DTC?

Asking because in case you put in the wrong thread.

omg no my bad its VS

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

When writing a cover letter on a firm, how should you spilt it across why commercial law, why this firm and why you?

@nicoledm unless a specific limit hasn't been specified, I would aim to fit the cover letter on one side of A4 or up to 850-900 words. The length is important as is dictates where your focus should be.

Given the above, I would suggest the following:

1. Brief introduction to you, your current role/graduate status, and what you're applying for.
2. Explain your motivation for commercial law in around 5 sentences, and link to an experience or situation that confirmed this.
3. Explain your reasons for the firm in particular (2-3 points) across one big paragraph or two 5 sentence paragraphs, and again, link this to your experiences/skills
4. Focus on what it is about you that would make you a good Trainee/Solicitor, leverage experience, academics, extra-curriculars where you can.

Although each cover letter is unique, I find that strong ones somehow have a way of linking back to themselves throughout, and utilise the chance to sell themselves.. Try doing that here through your links to experiences.

 

[Bread]

This is terribly relatable.
I myself totally understand this feeling. In group tasks I always feel left behind or that others were given extra information as to why they were able to jump right into it so fast.

Group tasks - when you start it just day to your group “hey it takes me a little longer to process information so can we slow it down a bit” this shows that you have made the team aware of the adjustments you need at the first point, you are paying attention but also processing and it also directs in your group how they handle this. If they are supportive and bring you into the discussions that works well on their part but also your part as your given a stage to speak. If they’re dismissive and do not include you OR move on too fast GR will pick up on this and it will not be inclusive that can be a detriment other performance. 9/10 others in the group will understand and will be supportive I’ve experienced this before and ask those in my group task got the VS and we were praised at hope inclusive we were. Also GR gave is 10 mins extra prep so that I could get up to speed with the others.

I do agree that written tasks can be a time crunch. I have good grades but I’ve failed an AC before due to how stringent the time was for the written task. I don’t have much advice on this as I’m still battling this area myself. I did Willkie WE a few days ago and I was given extra time and I used it all even though they said it wouldn’t be necessary to use it all given the task. Just having 10 minutes after I’ve done the task to check that I’ve followed the instructions correctly read all the instructions and not missed out any information was soo helpful. I’d recommend asking for 30% if you can those extra minutes will make a difference.

Lastly, keep your head up. Do not let your dyslexia define you. You made it to AC that’s far better than me this cycle😭 keep on pushing and don’t think about not completing the task it is important to have a positive mindset.

Replying to this bc I always wonder how this will be perceived.

I want to apply for an AHDH assessment, but I do wonder how firms in a field where concentration, time management, and the ability to process information quickly would feel about a candidate who discloses a disability that affects all those abilities?

Ofc there’s medication that can help, but in basically wondering about how likely recruitment is to be prejudiced in you guys’ experience!

 

[DeborahTCA]

Oh I thought they were yet to send VIs for DTC. If you mean VS, it's a wrong thread

Oh alright, thank you, thought they had started sending for DTC

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

Replying to this bc I always wonder how this will be perceived.

I want to apply for an AHDH assessment, but I do wonder how firms in a field where concentration, time management, and the ability to process information quickly would feel about a candidate who discloses a disability that affects all those abilities?

Ofc there’s medication that can help, but in basically wondering about how likely recruitment is to be prejudiced

I’ll message you privately!