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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

For a competency interview, what's a good weakness or area for improvement to mention? Any help would be really appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

What would you say your biggest weakness is?

You want to answer honestly here, as long as it's not something that would be a red flag to the role of a lawyer e.g. 'I struggle to write'!

The best answers always come from a genuine place. They just sometimes need dressing up for the interview.
 
Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I completely get this feeling, and I always used to find case study interviews quite challenging as I wasn't sure on the level of technical knowledge required.

One thing that helped me was remembering that they are usually more interested in how you think rather than whether you know every technical concept. If you are asked a technical or commercial question, I would focus on working through your reasoning out loud rather than rushing to give the "perfect" answer.

I would also avoid using terminology unless you are comfortable explaining it further. In my previous interview/AC experiences, if you mention a concept, there is always a chance that the interviewer will ask you to expand on it to confirm that you know what it means. It is often much better to explain something clearly in plain English than to rely on technical language that you are not fully confident with. That said, if you know the topic in advance of the AC, it is definitely helpful to research the key concepts and terminology online so that you aren't caught off guard in the AC.

For commercial questions specifically, I found it helpful to keep bringing myself back to the key stakeholders involved, the commercial objectives that they are trying to achieve, and the risks that they might face in the process. Even if you are not familiar with the specific industry, I've found that that framework can usually help you structure an answer that still analyses the situation in a commercial way.

Finally, don't be afraid to take a moment to think before answering. It is completely normal to pause, organise your thoughts, and then talk through your analysis step-by-step. This will come across much stronger than if you were to jump straight into an answer that is slightly all over the place (which I have done many times before!).

Wishing you the best of luck for Tuesday - just remember that you have made it to the AC stage for a reason, and you are more than capable of converting this into an offer! :)
Hi Abbie, a bit belated but thank you so much for this. It helped a lot!
 
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I have just been given a TC at the criminal law firm I paralegal at, meaning I could qualify in about a year (done 1 year QWE there already).

Commercial has always been my dream but due to a number of reasons, I joined law late and am currently 31. I haven’t really got anywhere with commercial TC apps. I am awaiting the result of the SH amberjack, but I have a stammer which makes me not the best at video interviews (the timing and pressure) but doesn’t really affect my working life too much. However, criminal law is obviously quite speech heavy. I get by but I don’t want to be in it really long term.

Basically my question is, would it massively hinder my chances of going into commercial law eventually if I qualified in criminal seats? Is it possible to make the switch? Or is it worth turning this down, trying to join a commercial firm as a paralegal while still applying for TCs in the city?
 
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4*

How many vacation schemes do you have?
I didn’t apply to any vacation schemes so none on my part. Not sure if that was supposed to be a dig at me given your laughing reaction.

But with 2 chances to convert I’m sure you’ll be fine. Luckily the direct route is not your last and only option therefore 31 rejections at this stage decent assuming many are post second stages.
 
I have just been given a TC at the criminal law firm I paralegal at, meaning I could qualify in about a year (done 1 year QWE there already).

Commercial has always been my dream but due to a number of reasons, I joined law late and am currently 31. I haven’t really got anywhere with commercial TC apps. I am awaiting the result of the SH amberjack, but I have a stammer which makes me not the best at video interviews (the timing and pressure) but doesn’t really affect my working life too much. However, criminal law is obviously quite speech heavy. I get by but I don’t want to be in it really long term.

Basically my question is, would it massively hinder my chances of going into commercial law eventually if I qualified in criminal seats? Is it possible to make the switch? Or is it worth turning this down, trying to join a commercial firm as a paralegal while still applying for TCs in the city?
Seek more info on this, but i personally believe it would since if your a qualified solicitor in criminal law you wouldn’t be a candidate with relevant experience with commercial law firms so they wouldn’t hire you at NQ level or beyond.

If you are dead set on commercial law, the only option as i see it is to turn this down and pursue a tc at a commercial law firm.
 
I’ve an interview with a non-UK based firm tomorrow. At wit’s end, could someone advice on the following:

1. I come from a non-law and non-finance background. But the case studies that I’m doing as mocks have a lot of legal and commercial terms which I’m unable to understand and it’s making me feel very stupid, even if I know the basic idea behind things. I also don’t think I’m able to go into as much technical detail as required, and keep messing things up. How do I become better at it, considering my interview’s literally tomorrow?

2. I’m not sure why, but I’ve suddenly become very conscious of how I speak and it’s making me fumble my words and stutter. This will be an interviews with 4 partners/associates, and include a proofreading exercise as well. I’m making mistakes like saying compensation instead of competition, and I don’t know why it’s happening or how to make it stop. Does anyone have advice for this?
 
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