TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I'm in a bind as to how I should list a particular A-level grade. In my country, only 5 subjects are taken into account for percentage calculation, but we can take additional subjects if we want to. I registered for an additional subject, but ended up not writing the final exam. However, it still shows up on my transcript as an 'F' grade in line with the exam policy. It has never been considered a valid grade in my country, which only considers the 5 subjects taken. I am unsure whether to detail it as a separate grade or just mention it in mitigating circumstances. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

Hey!

I would include it for transparency, particularly if it appears on your transcript, as omitting it could raise unnecessary questions or raise suspicion. I'd just make sure to give the right context in the mitigating circumstances section - you can briefly explain that it was an additional subject beyond the core five that count towards your final percentage, and that the "F" arises from not sitting the final exam (+ the F is in line with exam policy), rather than reflecting your academic ability.

As long as you make it clear why it is included in your transcript, I can't imagine it will raise any further questions for firms

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey, I hope you're well! Thank you for your advice on these forums - they're really helpful!

For competency questions in an interview, is it fine to use the same examples but frame them differently depending on the question? I know it'd be best to have different examples for different questions, but I'm not sure I have enough experiences for a 35-40 min competency interview

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too! I'm glad to hear that it is helpful

This is a great question, and I totally get what you mean as it does sometimes feel like you need to have an endless supply of different experiences.

However, I'd say it is absolutely fine to use the same example more than once in a competency interview, as long as you are genuinely answering the question being asked each time. The interviewers won't be marking how many different experiences you have, and they'll instead be looking at the skills and behaviours that you are able to demonstrate through your examples. Therefore, one strong experience can often cover multiple competencies if you frame it well and use different situations.

The key is to make sure that you shift the emphasis depending on the question. For example, the same experience could highlight teamwork in one answer, but focus on problem-solving or leadership in another. What matters is that you are not just repeating the same story word-for-word, but tailoring what you bring out of it and the reflections you make.

It is still a good idea to have a small bank of examples (even just 3-5) that you know really well and can adapt to different competency questions. But I wouldn't worry too much about not having "enough" experiences - most candidates will reuse examples to some extent, particularly if you are still a student or haven't experienced a wide range of job roles yet. As long as you are clear, reflecting, and directly answering the question, you'll answer the question well!

 

[ababababba]

Is anyone looking to apply to K&L Gates for the DTC? While Legal cheek says it’s currently open I can’t seem to find an option to apply on the website?

 

[lolololol]

king and spalding pfo

 

[Kenomy]

king and spalding pfo

Same here, expected it after knowing ppl got invited to the AC on Friday

 

[pomegranate]

Thank you so much for letting me know!

Out of interest, are you now doing the TC / future trainee for them, or did you decide not to take it?

I eventually decided not to take it due to another offer. That being said, this was an incredibly difficult decision and the TC at GLD sounded amazing!

 

[roo4]

Has anyone heard from Howard Kennedy?

 

[MZJxLadha]

freeths grad legal job pfo

 

[blueblueblue420]

Assuming PFO for Withers, just did SJT for KN today and felt it was pretty similar to Withers. Now worried I've messed up. I thought I'd been doing well on practice tests but feeling pretty down rn. Any tips for improving at SJTs?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

king and spalding pfo

Same

 

[Partcore22]

Bevan Brittan VI DTC

 

[gayathri28]

Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie DTC?

 

[rs_2002!]

Hogan Lovells PFO

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hogan Lovells PFO

Is this for DTC?

 

[rs_2002!]

Is this for DTC?

Yes

 

[sadboi]

Yes

Sorry to hear that man, very unfortunate to hear

 

[soph107048]

Hey @Jaysen ! i messaged you with a question privately and would be very grateful if you could check that out at your convenience

 

[AS24]

Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie DTC?

I fear that they won't be offering many ACs for the DCT candidates!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

I fear that they won't be offering many ACs for the DCT candidates!

Oh no, what makes you say that?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Yes

Sorry to hear that