TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[shays]

Thank you! Do you remember your scores for the Amberjack? I'm worried one of mine may be too low to meet their threshold

6-4-3-9, very wild, but i have always struggled with applied intellect part of the test, and then mid for numerical and verbal

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

RS said that the app questions will be considered alongside our test and video interview answers, so I think it will all be reviewed together. Not sure if there’s a threshold to get the app questions, but might be wrong!

 

[shays]

RS said that the app questions will be considered alongside our test and video interview answers, so I think it will all be reviewed together. Not sure if there’s a threshold to get the app questions, but might be wrong!

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

Yeah - only reason I say is because the email I received today stated that they will consider our application questions ‘alongside our video interview and test responses’. Which sounds like they are reviewing them in tandem!

 

[shays]

Yeah - only reason I say is because the email I received today stated that they will consider our application questions ‘alongside our video interview and test responses’. Which sounds like they are reviewing them in tandem!

Yeah same, but then their actual application process on vantage when you apply states this:
Application Process

Please note that we have changed our application process for this cycle, and do not have any initial application questions. The process is as follows:

1. Candidates submit an initial application form, detailing personal details, education and work experience.

2. Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

3. Successful candidates are invited to submit answers to application questions.

4. Applications are viewed holistically, with candidates education, test results and written submissions all taken into account.

5. Successful candidates are invited to an Assessment Centre.

really I'm just oscillating between being sceptical that I could actually manage to pass that cursed test and being happy that I finally managed to pass that cursed test lol

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

Yeah same, but then their actual application process on vantage when you apply states this:
Application Process

Please note that we have changed our application process for this cycle, and do not have any initial application questions. The process is as follows:

1. Candidates submit an initial application form, detailing personal details, education and work experience.

2. Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

3. Successful candidates are invited to submit answers to application questions.

4. Applications are viewed holistically, with candidates education, test results and written submissions all taken into account.

5. Successful candidates are invited to an Assessment Centre.

really I'm just oscillating between being sceptical that I could actually manage to pass that cursed test and being happy that I finally managed to pass that cursed test lol

Hoping that’s the case in all honesty!

 

[choicefox212]

Amberjack test invite from Stephenson Harwood, finally . Had kinda assumed it was a PFO given I applied in December and their applications closed two months ago, but I am very glad it wasn't!

 

[QuillandCounsel]

I had submitted my test and vi on a Thursday and then received the app questions the next day. So they must be super quick (RS)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Stephenson Harwood test invite! Sooo happy as I LOVE this firm! If anyone has any insights or tips I’d be really grateful and happy to trade with others such as W&C!

 

[TheHamlet4]

Just did the Reed Smith SJT and didn't do well on grit and creative force (a 1 in creative force???)… But apparently I got a perfect score in digital mindset and a 6 in applied intellect. So sick of these SJTs

did you hear back?

 

[shays]

for people who applied to HFW DTC how long did it take to hear back? either positively or negatively? thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

Hey!

Apologies, I'm not too familiar with their new process! I would perhaps send a brief email to the graduate recruitment team if you wanted some clarification, as they might be able to confirm this for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the cover letter to be kept at a single page or 1.5 pages can also work?

Hey!

Generally speaking, I think 1.5 pages is acceptable as long as it doesn't go above this, provided that it includes all of the necessary cover letter formalities/formatting

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hi everyone. I am applying for Travers Smith DTC. I keep encountering a system error, and I cannot proceed with the application. I changed browsers, but still the same error. I have also raised a query. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Does anyone know if the SH test is timed or not and if you get unlimited time to prepare for the VI questions or not?

 

[summersun]

Does anyone know if the SH test is timed or not and if you get unlimited time to prepare for the VI questions or not?

it was unlimited for the VS so probably will be the same for the DTC

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi all for Sullivan & Cromwell's cover letter, do we have to put in the firm's address?

 

[Z48]

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

Think there’s deffo a review process, I haven’t heard anything since SJT/VI and you completed yours after me!

 

[Zak991]

I was invited to the Reed Smith: Legal High Potential Assessment and Video Interview,

Any tips? Perhaps what questions came up especially with the video interview

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi abbie!

I have a final direct training contract interview coming up and was wondering if you have any advice? I know for a final interview after a vac scheme you’re meant to talk about your experience on the scheme but because i haven’t done a vac scheme i’m not sure how my answers are meant to differ from the previous interviews. Do you have any advice?

Hi!

Firstly, huge congratulations on making it to the final stage interview - that is an amazing achievement!

I'd say that from my experience with direct training contract interviews, it is usually focused on you as a person and your working style, your motivations for law and this firm specifically, and whether they can genuinely picture you as a trainee at the firm.

As someone who has done a DTC interview and post-VS interviews, I've found that the key difference is that for a DTC interview, you want to use your previous experiences (e.g. work, university, extracurriculars, open days or insight schemes, etc.) to demonstrate the qualities and motivations that they would usually assess during a scheme - things like commercial awareness, resilience, teamwork, communication, and how you approach challenges or feedback.

I also found it was important to show how your past experiences have ultimately led you to this firm, as this is the best way to show motivations (in addition to researching the firm). For example, I always discussed my vacation schemes and the bits I liked about them, and how that led me to the DTC firm as they offered similar things (+ also had other things I was keen to experience). This gives you tangible evidence to back up your points and shows that you have consciously made decisions that have resulted in you applying to this firm.

Generally speaking, I'd expect particularly probing questions around:

• Why this firm specifically, and why your past experiences have drawn you to it
• Your understanding of the trainee role and examples of when you have displayed relevant skills and traits
• Whether you'd be a good long-term fit for the firm/culture

As I've mentioned above, I'd definitely recommend making sure your motivations are backed up with actual evidence or examples. I think this can be particularly difficult for things like firm culture and working environment when you haven't experience the firm on a vacation scheme. However, even something as simple as speaking to trainees on Linkedin to get a better sense of what the culture is, or attending an open day with the firm, can really help - it shows you have taken the time to properly research the firm and reflect on why you'd personally be a good fit there.

At these final stages especially, I have found that interviewers were less interested in "perfect" answers and it is just as important to come across as thoughtful, personable, commercially aware, and someone they'd enjoy working with. Ultimately, things like being friendly and encouraging to the others at the assessment centre or those waiting to be interviewed can really go a long way, and I wouldn't underestimate these seemingly small elements when the margins between offers/rejections can be super tight in these assessments.

For things like competency questions, I'd recommend preparing a few strong examples that you can adapt flexibly depending on the specific trait you are asked about (i.e. prepare examples of a few skills/traits for each work experience that you have). This usually works a lot better than trying to memorise lots of scripted answers, as they might not fit to what is being asked and this could make you flustered (+ which has definitely happened to me before!).

The firm clearly think you are more than capable if you have been invited to the final stage assessment, so I'd try to see the final interview as more of a conversation (though still professional and assessed!) rather than another hurdle to survive. If you are really interested in the firm and genuinely want to work there, I'd try to convey that into your attitude and behaviour on the day - it really does make a huge difference!

Wishing you the best of luck - I hope it goes well for you!!