TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bridget1130]

Has everyone had their Irwin Mitchell Insight Day yet? How did we find it? Feels like ages since mine but we will probably not hear back until like half five on the 29th lol

 

[amb303]

Did anyone have their KN WE today? Was it tough? I’m scared

 

[TheHamlet4]

Was Reed Smith test invite automatic or not? Can I be happy?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Interviews are definitely my downfall. I know this and I've had coaching, mock sessions, listened to feedback and still keep getting rejected.

I am neurodivergent (ADHD) and am beginning to wonder if it is a little more to do with this. I can ramble a lot, struggle to remember things on the spot etc. I've done a lot of work on this, lots of practice for interviews etc. It's something I've only recently been diagnosed with though and so I'm still navigating what it all means. If anyone else also has ADHD and is willing to share techniques that have helped them or accomodations they've been able to ask for I would be really appreciative.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Was Reed Smith test invite automatic or not? Can I be happy?

Not automatic - be happy!

 

[Hmm123]

Is anyone still waiting for Reed Smith’s test for DTC following the application? I applied nearly 2 weeks ago it seems most people on here seem to be getting it within a week. Is anyone in the same boat as me?

 

[nfe00001]

If someone has attended an assessment centre at foot Anstey in previous cycles or attended a spring vac scheme with them this cycle, please could you pm me, I’d be super grateful and would be very happy to share insights regarding other firms!

Did you get invited to AC? Still haven’t heard back so guess I got rejected.

 

[Bread]

Interviews are definitely my downfall. I know this and I've had coaching, mock sessions, listened to feedback and still keep getting rejected.

I am neurodivergent (ADHD) and am beginning to wonder if it is a little more to do with this. I can ramble a lot, struggle to remember things on the spot etc. I've done a lot of work on this, lots of practice for interviews etc. It's something I've only recently been diagnosed with though and so I'm still navigating what it all means. If anyone else also has ADHD and is willing to share techniques that have helped them or accomodations they've been able to ask for I would be really appreciative.

Honestly, the best advice I ever received was to take a sip of water before answering so that I could gather my thoughts. I think it has helped a lot. Also, as soon as I catch myself rambling, I just finish my sentence and basically tie it back to the original question.

 

[singingcanary46]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or anyone else that is aware,
Do you know if Reed Smith individually benchmarks pillars in the Amberjack?
For reference my grit was 3/9 but overall 25/36 the rest were all above 6 and my VI I thought was alright.

As someone who got through to AC stage for Reed Smith for the vac scheme at least, I got 3/9 for one pillar. And while I don't know exactly how it works, I was told in a virtual event with they kind of separately assess the VI, and they have a different weighting for VI and test. So a good test can offset a bad VI, and vice versa.

 

[sbbusybee]

So far from this forum it seems people invited to the VI/TI submitted their applications around the deadline, please correct me if I am wrong!

I submitted my app 24 April and completed the SJT 25 April. I got to the final interview for the spring VS last year so really hoping they are sending VIs in batches…

 

[HMajesty]

Hi, hearing a lot about how the W&C VI is quite difficult. I applied on the deadline but haven’t heard back yet, but in the meantime, can those who gave it/ advanced to the next stage give any insight or advice into the VI and how to best prep for it? Did it contain any curveball questions?