• Hey Guest, Have an interview coming up? We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week. Book here
  • TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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!
 
  • 🏆
Reactions: Bread
Would appreciate honest advice. Is it impossible (or next to impossible) to get a TC at firms such as W&C, PW, HL, etc. as an international student based outside of the UK with mitigating circumstances (and not reaching the minimum A-level benchmark) for a lot of these firms? Because rn I keep applying without results and each rejection just makes me bleaker.
 
Would appreciate honest advice. Is it impossible (or next to impossible) to get a TC at firms such as W&C, PW, HL, etc. as an international student based outside of the UK with mitigating circumstances (and not reaching the minimum A-level benchmark) for a lot of these firms? Because rn I keep applying without results and each rejection just makes me bleaker.
Do you have mitigating circumstances for the A-levels?

The thing about these firms is that they are disgustingly competitive even if you are the best of the best. It’s next to impossible to get a TC anywhere these days.

However, if the mitigating circumstances are not for a-levels, and firms have an A-level requirement, you might be getting rejected at the automatic screening stage as you don’t meet the eligibility criteria
 
Hi there, I’ve received Stage 1 test invitation. And am wondering if it was purely SJT+WG test, or mixed with vi? They didn’t mention anything on the email so I’m very confused.
Anyone that has done Freshfields Stage 2 and could provide some insight please? I would very much appreciate it as this is my top choice of firm and since Stage 1 was SJT idk what to expect for stage 2. Are the questions strengths based or motivational for the VI?
 
On the last question of the Harbottle & Lewis application it asks you whether there is an additional information that is relevant to your experience @Abbie Whitlock is this mandatory - is it worth putting anything if you feel like you have covered most of your points?
Hey!

This is usually an optional question - it is typically a place to discuss mitigating circumstances, gaps in employment/study, or anything else that wasn't covered in the application. It's perfectly fine to leave this blank if you feel you have covered most of your points in your application (and I would definitely avoid including things for the sake of it) - I left this question blank in all of my applications! :)
 
Hi @Abbie Whitlock and others! I’m considering applying to a Silver Circle firm in the next months for their direct TC. I reached the AC stage 2 years ago but got rejected and didn’t reapply last year. Is it worth applying again or should I reach out to their grad rec first if they welcome applications from previous AC participants? Thank you
 
  • ✅
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.