TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[BM99]

Are people getting AC invites for FF already?

 

[Jacobbb]

Too early to know if I've progressed to the AC for FF post WG yet but how is everyone prepping? Their AC is a bit different than others' with only the proofreading exercise and 2 interviews. No group excercises of presentations etc. Particularly the analytical interview - I was at their grad workshop and the analytical interview had v little law-related things in it it seemed like? More like common business sense

Yess I did their AC last year and the analytical interview had no law at all. It was just business At some point they literally told me put myself in the shoes of a CEO / investment fund manager for some questions - hope that helps!

 

[turtlebrownrice]

Has anyone heard back from Curtis?

 

[gw9]

Congratulations! May I know when you submitted your WG?

Think I did it the afternoon before it was due, so the 17th?

 

[keepmewherethelightis]

I just got an email from Freshfields (post-WG) noting my preference for the August 2025 intake, saying they have limited availability for that intake, and inviting me to an AC for the February 2026 intake instead.

Freshfields AC too!!

 

[BM99]

So for people who have received FF AC now, you guys all opted for Autumn 2025 and was asked to change intakes right? Anyone who opted for Spring 2026 received anything?

 

[born&raised]

Received FF AC invite yesterday!! This is my first AC ever, would be super grateful for any tips on how to start preparing. Also, if anyone's done an AC with them previously, can I pls DM you? Thanks! 😄

 

[BM99]

So for people who have received FF AC now, you guys all opted for Autumn 2025 and was asked to change intakes right? Anyone who opted for Spring 2026 received anything?

Anyone received an official AC invite, without asking changing intakes?

 

[kmo20]

Hi everyone, I am new to this thread and thinking of applying through the direct TC route (currently in my final year of my degree). I have not had a vacation scheme although I have various work experience/volunteering/firm open days. Is it worth applying, or am I likely to be unsuccessful? Thank you for your help in advance

 

[futuretraineecity]

I just got an email from Freshfields (post-WG) noting my preference for the August 2025 intake, saying they have limited availability for that intake, and inviting me to an AC for the February 2026 intake instead.

Freshfields AC too!!

Received FF AC invite yesterday!! This is my first AC ever, would be super grateful for any tips on how to start preparing. Also, if anyone's done an AC with them previously, can I pls DM you? Thanks! 😄

Congrats! Which dates were available to choose from?

 

[born&raised]

Congrats! Which dates were available to choose from?

There's no option to choose dates yet, they just asked if I'd be willing to interview for 2026! They did mention that ACs start from 6th March

 

[j.s.cox]

Hi everyone, I am new to this thread and thinking of applying through the direct TC route (currently in my final year of my degree). I have not had a vacation scheme although I have various work experience/volunteering/firm open days. Is it worth applying, or am I likely to be unsuccessful? Thank you for your help in advance

Many people go the direct TC route instead of the vacation scheme conversion route. It sounds like you have plenty of legal experience so I reckon it is definitely worth applying to direct TC's if that is the route you would prefer.

 

[kmo20]

Many people go the direct TC route instead of the vacation scheme conversion route. It sounds like you have plenty of legal experience so I reckon it is definitely worth applying to direct TC's if that is the route you would prefer.

Thank you, that’s reassuring to know

 

[Abgaal]

Wait so FF have sent out all of their AC already damn ((((((((((

 

[BM99]

Wait so FF have sent out all of their AC already damn ((((((((((

Personally, I don't think so. The people who received a response from FF are all about changing intakes (as they chose Autumn 2025), while I haven't seen anyone getting an AC other than that. Don't think the current emails are official invitations as well, as there are no links to book slots. I guess FF will send all the proper invitations out either today, Monday, or Tuesday.

Not sure which intake did you opt for haah. I guess we can only wait and keep hopes high.

 

[Autotunedbird]

Joining this forum because my VS applications haven't been going too well. Is there ever a 'too early' application? Someone on the VS chat said they got rejected because of applying too early whilst someone else said that they got rejected from a firm because 'a month in advance of the deadline is too late'. I'm sure it varies between firms but would like some advice on that @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Joining this forum because my VS applications haven't been going too well. Is there ever a 'too early' application? Someone on the VS chat said they got rejected because of applying too early whilst someone else said that they got rejected from a firm because 'a month in advance of the deadline is too late'. I'm sure it varies between firms but would like some advice on that @Jessica Booker

When someone is rejected it is not because they applied too early from a date perspective, but more so they may have benefitted from doing more research or building their skills set/experience up before applying.

Applying late can take a risk that the firm fills all its interview slots up if the firm recruits on a rolling basis.

 

[Ald]

Just got email to book FF AC

 

[Ald]

Congrats! Had you already heard via email re changing cohort yesterday

Thank you! And yes

 

[BM99]

Just got email to book FF AC

Anyone got this without receiving the changing intake email yesterday?