TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTraineeLawyer]

This masterclass has Rosie Buckley (D's early careers manager). It covers ACs so might have what you need.

Also when did you complete your VI?

Thank you so much!! I completed my VI last Wednesday 8 April

 

[a114]

Anyone still not heard from PHB post AC?

Me nothing as well

 

[radssss]

Thought that it’s a pfo from Kingsley napley as people already got invites earlier in the day - I just got the invite a minute ago so anyone waiting, don’t lose hope!

Edit - the test isn’t automatic right?

 

[radssss]

Has anyone heard back from Foot Antsey?

I have a vac scheme with them in June and they said that acs for dtc will be in June so I guess it’ll take a bit longer to hear back from them!

 

[pomegranate]

Do you think the GLD scheme prefers career changers / previous paralegals over undergraduates. I am going to apply but I want to manage my expectations.

I received a TC offer from them last year as an undergraduate so not necessary as long as you have experiences to discuss in STAR situations and can evidence why you want to be in the Civil Service law specifically!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

I hope you're well!

In my previous interviews / ACs, when I didn't know how to answer a question, I tended to leave a big pause before delivering my answer, and this was something grad rec had told me in my feedback. Do you have any advice on how to combat this, and how to be able to deliver strong responses without leaving long, awkward pauses?

Thank you!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

This is a really common issue, so you definitely aren't alone - I'm also someone who hates an awkward silence, so this used to be my worst fear!

One thing I'd add to what has already been said in this thread (+ I agree with signposting to the interviewers that you are taking a moment to think) is that if you are really stuck, it is usually much better to acknowledge that and talk through your thought process, rather than sitting in silence. Interviewers aren't necessarily expecting perfect answers to absolutely everything, and they are often much more interested in how you think and approach questions.

Therefore, instead of a long pause, you could say something along the lines of: "That is a tricky question - my initial thought is..." or "I'm not entirely sure, but I'd approach it by considering...". This shows that you can stay composed under pressure but still engage with the question, even when you are unsure.

I've always found that talking it through will actually help you get to a strong answer anyway, and sometimes interviewers will give you follow-up questions or hints so that you can elaborate further. Even if you don't land on a perfect conclusion, demonstrating a clear and logical approach is far more valuable than saying nothing for too long.

I hope that helps!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! Does anyone know if it poses an issue to inform a firm that I would be available one year earlier to star a TC? For context, the firm had originally asked us in the application form to make it clear which year were we available but my situation was a bit different a few months back. Now I am wondering if it is too late or if it would hurt my chances for the actual year I am being considered in any way.

Hey!

This is definitely something you can flag, and I think it is very unlikely to hurt your chances.

Firms sometimes have spaces open up in earlier cohorts for a variety of reasons, so it can actually be useful for them to know that there are candidates who are available to start sooner. Even if they can't accommodate an earlier start date, you wouldn't be disadvantaging yourself by letting them know.

I would just keep it straightforward and explain that your circumstances have changed since applying which means you are available to start a year earlier, while also reaffirming that you are still happy with the original start date you applied for if an earlier start isn't possible.

I don't think there us any real downside to sharing this information, and it may even work in your favour if any earlier spaces become available