TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Legaluser_332]

Hey is anyone able to give some insight into what a virtual assessment centre would look like? All I’ve been told by the firm so far is that it will include a group exercise and interview.

This is my first cycle of applications and full disclosure I feel very lost.

 

[Chriss]

Anyone have any insights on Howard Kennedy VI?

 

[DiploSha361]

Gah applied to W&C on the final day and haven't heard back. PFO inbound.

 

[sbbusybee]

Gah applied to W&C on the final day and haven't heard back. PFO inbound.

Haha I applied on 24th April and haven’t heard back

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Anyone has any insight/ advice on the W&C VI and how to best approach it?

Anyone?

 

[nicoledm]

have two final direct tc panel interviews on the same day …

 

[fc.c92]

I'm sure this has been asked a few times but am I able to close the tab after completing the first part of the Reed Smith online test, and log back in later for the VI?

 

[floral.tcla]

no like genuinely what did w&c even go off, when giving VIs selectively?? grades?? automatic filtering? genuinely so confused

 

[bristol rovers]

no like genuinely what did w&c even go off, when giving VIs selectively?? grades?? automatic filtering? genuinely so confused

There was no written app?

 

[sbbusybee]

no like genuinely what did w&c even go off, when giving VIs selectively?? grades?? automatic filtering? genuinely so confused

Not sure, I made it to the final interview for a VS last year and I think my application/experience was much weaker than this year (not as many grades, I also now have a year plus of legal experience in a commercial area).

I took longer than I should have on the SJT as I did it whilst sick, and from reading this forum I approached the deal question a lot more pragmatically than suggested on here (incorporating why W&C which I touched on elsewhere in my app, etc), but who knows .

 

[siilvert0ngue]

no like genuinely what did w&c even go off, when giving VIs selectively?? grades?? automatic filtering? genuinely so confused

It was definitely scores from the SJT+WG and the question on the deal in the application. My application quality is always the same but my WG+SJT has always tanked me; I feel like I did better this time and hence managed to get the VI.

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Does anyone have any advice for a telephone interview? This will be my first one; I'm quite nervous and note sure what to expect. Do you have any recommendations @Abbie Whitlock ? Would appreciate any insight!

 

[natz]

hey pals - has anyone who applied for non-law dtc at slaugthers been successful this application round?(/know of anyone who has been?)

 

[Zak991]

Hi, I've submitted application a bit late for Reed Smith, was busy with exams,

I was wondering if anyone has gotten a test invite in the last couple days or is that perhaps it?

 

[username10341034]

Hi, I've submitted application a bit late for Reed Smith, was busy with exams,

I was wondering if anyone has gotten a test invite in the last couple days or is that perhaps it?

Yes I submitted mine yesterday at 11am and got the invite for the test at 3pm

 

[user7377]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! I was wondering if it would be possible to PM you with a question around interview technique? Thank you!

 

[Chriss]

Question, in the why the firm question in an itnerview, is it ok to literally say the exact same things i said in my application form?

 

[bristol rovers]

Question, in the why the firm question in an itnerview, is it ok to literally say the exact same things i said in my application form?

Yes. Tho you’d probably wanna expand on it.

 

[username10341034]

How did people find the Reed smith VI?

 

[sqecompletedcandidate]

Hi, I've submitted application a bit late for Reed Smith, was busy with exams,

I was wondering if anyone has gotten a test invite in the last couple days or is that perhaps it?

I submitted mine yesterday at 6:30pm and got an invite today at 5:20pm