TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone done the FF WG on Monday and got the invite for 1st round ?

 

[cs3008]

Anything from WFW post VI and anything from BCLP post SJT online test?

 

[at1234]

anyone heard back from howard kennedy

 

[sqecompletedcandidate]

I submitted mine Monday last week and also haven’t heard. Has someone submitted their VI/Assessment for RS around those days and heard back?

This is reassuring at least… hopefully it’s just delay with the deadline closing

 

[lucy_p]

anyone heard back from howard kennedy

I did the VI last week but nothing since then

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

2 cycles, 12 ACs, 3 VSs, 1 DTC offer received this afternoon!!!!! I cannot believe it. Hang in there everyone. You never know when your opportunity is coming!!!

 

[summersun]

2 cycles, 12 ACs, 3 VSs, 1 DTC offer received this afternoon!!!!! I cannot believe it. Hang in there everyone. You never know when your opportunity is coming!!!

congratulations !!! So happy for you !!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

2 cycles, 12 ACs, 3 VSs, 1 DTC offer received this afternoon!!!!! I cannot believe it. Hang in there everyone. You never know when your opportunity is coming!!!

Huge congratulations, that is amazing news!!

I had a very similar journey myself (we could honestly be twins, haha!), so I know just how much perseverance sits behind a post like this. Thank you so much for sharing your good news - it is a great reminder to everyone still applying that their opportunity could be just around the corner!

I hope you take some time to celebrate well, as you have definitely earned it!

 

[bangarangbass39]

Does anyone have experience and insight in to the HMRC solicitor scheme presentation?

This can be for the apprenticeship or trainee scheme.

Please if anyone can help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am currently looking at Slaughter and May's TC applications; I saw on previous threads that people recommended literally putting 2 sentences in your cover letter:

("Dear X,
Please find attached my Curriculum Vitae for the Slaughter and May 2020 training contract.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss with you my application and suitability for the training contract.

Yours sincerely,....."

...and letting the CV stand by itself. However, the website states that you should explain why S&M in the Cover letter too. How should we navigate this? @Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

This is an interesting point, and from what I have seen on more recent posts/threads, the advice seems to have shifted towards including a substantive cover letter rather than just a brief note attaching your CV.

Given that Slaughter and May specifically state on their website that they want applicants to explain why they are applying to the firm, I'd personally err on the side of caution and write a cover letter addressing that point. Even if the CV is the main focus, a well-written cover letter gives you an opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest in the firm and show that you have followed the application instructions.

Personally, I'd say there is little downside to including a tailored cover letter without needing to, whereas omitting one when you should have submitted one could mean missing an opportunity to strengthen your application or stand out

 

[nicoledm]

Got offered a tc, but have to give my answer by Friday, and I’m currently on a vac scheme for a firm I prefer and we were told we’re not going to get to know until over a week after. I know I should ask for more time but if rejected, should I accept then renege ?

 

[Vee77]

Got offered a tc, but have to give my answer by Friday, and I’m currently on a vac scheme for a firm I prefer and we were told we’re not going to get to know until over a week after. I know I should ask for more time but if rejected, should I accept then renege ?

I’d love to be you haha! Congratulations

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey, I am currently prepping for a W&C AC which I have coming up and one of the tasks is a WE. I have never done a WE before and I am unsure of how to approach prepping for it. Any advice, tips or insight will be much appreciated.

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite - that is great news!!

I have previously made a few posts on how I would prepare for and approach written exercises, so I have quoted those below. I hope they are useful

Wishing you the best of luck!!

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

Of course, no problem at all!!

Since client emails are such a common format in written exercises, it's definitely worth getting comfortable with how to approach them! A few things that I kept in mind when preparing:

Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before you start writing, clarify who you are writing to (e.g. a client, supervisor, or a colleague) and what information they need from you. The tone, level of formality, and structure will vary depending on whether it's an internal email or an email to an external client.

For example, if you are emailing a client, you want to ensure that they are able to understand any legal principles that you are outlining in your email. As such, it's important to make sure you write it in layman's terms and don't just recite the information given in the materials. However, if you are emailing a supervisor, I would focus on highlighting the most important pieces of information as you are effectively trying to save them time in going through the materials themselves. I would always aim to write in a professional way, and frame it like you would an actual email - such as a subject line and a closing sentence.

Use a Clear and Logical Structure

The main thing that I changed when approaching written exercises was making sure that I had a clear and logical structure. A good client email should be easy to follow. A simple structure could look like:

1. Opening: A brief, polite greeting and context for why you're writing (and what you'll be discussing in the email). If you're emailing a supervisor, it might be useful to include a short summary of your findings at the top (i.e. an early conclusion), and then go into more detail below.
2. Main Body: Summarise the key points or advice clearly and concisely, using short paragraphs. It might be appropriate to use headings and subtitles, especially if there is a lot of information. The goal is to make sure that the client can follow along, and that it isn't just a massive wall of text that is difficult to read.
3. Closing: End with next steps, an offer of assistance, or a polite sign-off (e.g. "Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further"). These elements distinguish an email exercise from a general report or memo, and shows that you are following the brief exactly! If you are emailing a supervisor, I would try to show some proactivity in the closing parts - such as offering to write a first draft of a document or client email.

Keep your tone professional and approachable

I would aim for clear, confident language without being overly formal (but still professional). This can be tricky, but phrases such as "I'd recommend..." or "It may be helpful..." strike a nice balance. Avoid overly technical language or long-winded phrasing - simplicity often conveys professionalism! As stated above, I would definitely avoid legal jargon if you are writing to a client, unless you are certain that a client would understand it.

Also remember that tone can shift slightly depending on the client's relationship with the firm. If you are told this information, a longstanding client might suit a warmer tone, whilst a first-time contact may call for a more formal approach. However, if in doubt, I would always go for a more formal approach - especially in a professional context!

Be precise and client-focused

Remember the purpose for why you are actually writing to the client, and tailor your response to the client's actual issue. I would avoid copying large chunks of background information from the brief (as the client will already have this information!) - instead, demonstrate understanding of their issue by reframing the key points in your own words and applying them directly to the client's situation. Make sure to keep your advice practical - clients care more about what they should do next than about the legal theory behind it. You might find it useful to use signposting phrases such as "In summary..." or "Based on the information provided..." to make your reasoning easy to follow. If there are uncertainties, I would make sure to address them but be reassuring - e.g. "Further details would be needed to confirm this position, but at this stage...".

Check for clarity and tone at the end

Before your time runs out, take a moment to review your email. I always found it helpful to read it aloud (if possible) or follow along with my finger - this helps you catch sentences that are too long, unclear, or sound abrupt. Look for opportunities to simplify, and if a sentence takes more than one breath to read, it's probably too long! Make sure your sign-off fits the context (things such as "Kind regards" or "Best wishes" usually work best). The graduate recruitment team / assessors will be looking for professionalism in formatting and presentation - consistent spacing, clear paragraphing, and correct spelling and grammar will all make a strong impression.

As a practical tip to practice: You could start by taking short case studies and draft sample emails that summarise your advice in 200-300 words. This helps you get used to organising your thoughts quickly and writing in a professional, accessible way.

I hope that helps!

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[nicoledm]

I’d love to be you haha! Congratulations

itll be you soon!

 

[Vee77]

hi all is 6666 amberjack with high numerical and mid verbal for Reed Smith worth having hope?

 

[bristol rovers]

Got offered a tc, but have to give my answer by Friday, and I’m currently on a vac scheme for a firm I prefer and we were told we’re not going to get to know until over a week after. I know I should ask for more time but if rejected, should I accept then renege ?

Yes accept and you can simply always rescind later on

 

[sunshine101]

Has anyone received the written questions for Reed Smith. I completed the VI last week

 

[Gracejonesd]

I did the VI last week but nothing since then

Same here