TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HMajesty]

I just hope I make it past the application stages for the firms I’ve applied to. It’s so fucking difficult to get a TC, it’s impossible not to lose hope in the process.

 

[nicoledm]

Any insights into Arnold and Porter interview?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

any insight as to how to go about this question: Please describe an achievement you are most proud of. What challenges did you face? i don’t really have any outstanding achievements other than one from high school so i am not sure how to go about it

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about having a huge or outstanding achievement - firms will usually care much more about how you talk about something than how objectively impressive it sounds.

A lot of good answers are often quite ordinary things that are explained really well. Therefore, I'd say the key part is choosing something where you can clearly explain:

1. What the situation was
2. What challenges you faced
3. What you specifically did
4. What you learned/gained from it (+ how this has impacted how you approach similar situations)

I wouldn't say it needs to be recent or legal-related, and a high school achievement is completely fine if it is the best example you have and you can reflect on it well. I always used to discuss my grade in a public speaking module at university as my 'greatest achievement', as I could reflect on it well and show why it mattered to me and my own development.

You could even use things such as balancing work with studies, leading a society or team project, caring responsibilities, or improving in a subject that you initially struggled with. What matters most is that you choose something that you are genuinely proud of, and can discuss how you approached the challenges.

For the "challenges" part, they are usually looking for resilience and self-awareness, rather than perfection. Therefore, don't be afraid to talk honestly about any difficulties or setbacks that you encountered, provided that you then focus on how you dealt with them.

Best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi, does anyone know if it is okay to mention that I am attracted to a firm because of a case in 2021 which stood out to me (amongst other reasons)? would this be looked down upon considering it is not recent? ty

Hey!

I think that this will be completely fine, as long as you can clearly explain why the case stood out to you and connect it to the firm's wider work or practice areas.

I think it would only become an issue if all of your commercial awareness or examples were quite outdated, but one example from 2021 is unlikely to be a problem at all (particularly if it was a significant case!)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey! I'm currently applying for reed smith's DTC which has a work experience section. may be overthinking it but I'm not too sure how to structure the content or what to emphasise most - would really appreciate any insights (esp from the TCLA trainee gods!!!). happy may everyone, the sun is coming out now!

Hi!

I definitely overthought the work experience section a lot too! I found that what worked best for me in the work experience section was to cover three main things:

• What the role actually was
• What my main responsibilities or tasks were
• The skills I developed from it, and how they could potentially translate to law

I think it is easy to fall into the trap of just listing tasks, so I found it helpful to focus on what I actually learned from each role (e.g. communication, attention to detail, working under pressure, client interaction, etc.) and then tie it back to the skills required in a legal context. I found this was the best way of showing my transferable skills from my non-legal (+ legal) work experiences.

I hope that assists - happy May to you too (+best of luck with your application)!!

 

[lolololol]

Hey!

I would try not to worry too much about having a huge or outstanding achievement - firms will usually care much more about how you talk about something than how objectively impressive it sounds.

A lot of good answers are often quite ordinary things that are explained really well. Therefore, I'd say the key part is choosing something where you can clearly explain:

1. What the situation was
2. What challenges you faced
3. What you specifically did
4. What you learned/gained from it (+ how this has impacted how you approach similar situations)

I wouldn't say it needs to be recent or legal-related, and a high school achievement is completely fine if it is the best example you have and you can reflect on it well. I always used to discuss my grade in a public speaking module at university as my 'greatest achievement', as I could reflect on it well and show why it mattered to me and my own development.

You could even use things such as balancing work with studies, leading a society or team project, caring responsibilities, or improving in a subject that you initially struggled with. What matters most is that you choose something that you are genuinely proud of, and can discuss how you approached the challenges.

For the "challenges" part, they are usually looking for resilience and self-awareness, rather than perfection. Therefore, don't be afraid to talk honestly about any difficulties or setbacks that you encountered, provided that you then focus on how you dealt with them.

Best of luck!!

thank you this is quite helpful!!

 

[AS24]

Hello team,

Does anyone know what kind of questions does the PwC VI include?

 

[TheHamlet4]

Hi!

I definitely overthought the work experience section a lot too! I found that what worked best for me in the work experience section was to cover three main things:

• What the role actually was
• What my main responsibilities or tasks were
• The skills I developed from it, and how they could potentially translate to law

I think it is easy to fall into the trap of just listing tasks, so I found it helpful to focus on what I actually learned from each role (e.g. communication, attention to detail, working under pressure, client interaction, etc.) and then tie it back to the skills required in a legal context. I found this was the best way of showing my transferable skills from my non-legal (+ legal) work experiences.

I hope that assists - happy May to you too (+best of luck with your application)!!

Hi, sorry for hijacking, to preface I'd like to say your responses are really helpful, so thank you for your time!

I was wondering how to frame a Pass at MSc? I completed Political Econ master's at LSE and went through a recurring health issue throughout the year. I've seen firms are looking for Distinction or Merit for PGDL so I reckon it might me something that hampers my chances going forward without a proper explanation, which makes me insecure while applying.

 

[Filia]

Has anyone heard from Hunters Law?

 

[shadowbaklava]

Hello team,

Does anyone know what kind of questions does the PwC VI include?

I did it last year. I remember there were both motivational and situational questions. It was pretty standard stuff for the most part.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, sorry for hijacking, to preface I'd like to say your responses are really helpful, so thank you for your time!

I was wondering how to frame a Pass at MSc? I completed Political Econ master's at LSE and went through a recurring health issue throughout the year. I've seen firms are looking for Distinction or Merit for PGDL so I reckon it might me something that hampers my chances going forward without a proper explanation, which makes me insecure while applying.

Hey!

No worries at all, and I'm glad to hear it!

If you had a recurring health issue throughout the year which caused your grades to dip, I'd just clearly explain that in the mitigating circumstances section of the application. Most (if not all) firms will genuinely take that into account when making decisions, and I really can't imagine it holding you back.

I totally get why you might feel insecure about it when applying, but I don't think there is any reason to be! Completing an MSc at LSE whilst dealing with ongoing health issues is a huge achievement, and firms often assess applications holistically rather than focusing on one classification in isolation.

Best of luck with your applications!!

 

[floral.tcla]

Hi!

I definitely overthought the work experience section a lot too! I found that what worked best for me in the work experience section was to cover three main things:

• What the role actually was
• What my main responsibilities or tasks were
• The skills I developed from it, and how they could potentially translate to law

I think it is easy to fall into the trap of just listing tasks, so I found it helpful to focus on what I actually learned from each role (e.g. communication, attention to detail, working under pressure, client interaction, etc.) and then tie it back to the skills required in a legal context. I found this was the best way of showing my transferable skills from my non-legal (+ legal) work experiences.

I hope that assists - happy May to you too (+best of luck with your application)!!

Thanks Abbie, that's so helpful and v sound! good point about considering non-legal work experiences too, sometimes that slips my mind. thanks and all the best with the TC, you'll do so well!!