TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

AO PFO, expected

 

[lolololol]

pfo on a weekend is evil can’t lie also losing hope now this is my fourth cycle and it just doesn’t seem to be working out

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

A&O PFO this morning - Never even got an email saying my application was under review - see if you don't get a TC what do you actually do after uni?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

A&O PFO this morning - Never even got an email saying my application was under review - see if you don't get a TC what do you actually do after uni?

Lots of my graduate friends are currently in paralegal roles while also still applying for things - I've heard that extra legal experience can help in obtaining a TC. But hopefully you will get something soon! Best of luck !! It's truly brutal out here..

 

[Trophy]

A&O PFO this morning - Never even got an email saying my application was under review - see if you don't get a TC what do you actually do after uni?

Get a job. Not having a tc whilst in uni is not the end of the world. Jobs outside of law exist and can provide great value in transferable skills. There’s not enough TCs for everyone to get one before graduation anyway.

 

[BM99]

A&O PFO this morning - Never even got an email saying my application was under review - see if you don't get a TC what do you actually do after uni?

Gap year or get a job

 

[aleiy]

I haven’t received an e-mail from CC yet post application and WG, but when i check on the app portal it says “archived” so should I assume pfo?

 

[BM99]

I haven’t received an e-mail from CC yet post application and WG, but when i check on the app portal it says “archived” so should I assume pfo?

You might be in a on hold position. CC tends to put people on hold in previous years if they think you have a strong application. If someone fails their VI/AC, you might get the chance.

 

[WeGotThis!]

A&O PFO this morning - Never even got an email saying my application was under review - see if you don't get a TC what do you actually do after uni?

With the SQE route, you can get SQE by being a Paralegal too to be fair, so don't worry so much.

 

[ecalthorpe]

I applied for March 2027 at A&O Shearman and haven't received a PFO yet... but my status on the portal has gone back to 'Applied' from 'Under Review'. Shall I take this as a PFO, or is it possible I could be waitlisted?

 

[shadowboxer909]

With the SQE route, you can get SQE by being a Paralegal too to be fair, so don't worry so much.

There are other routes to becoming a lawyer as well in a worst case scenario.

Bakers likes to hire accountants as tax associates so you can potentially go from accounting to tax law. It would however mean specialising in tax and it isn't guaranteed either.

Senior Tax Associate | Careers | Baker McKenzie

The Senior Tax Associate will be given the opportunity to lead as part of a team on a very wide range of both domestic and international tax projects. ...

www.bakermckenzie.com

 

[theobserver31]

Hey - new here! Does anyone know if the Freshfields DTC stage 1 is just Critical Reasoning and SJT? Or does it also include a VI? Have found conflicting info on here (VI is only for VS or stage 2?). Grateful for any guidance!

 

[shadowboxer909]

Hey - new here! Does anyone know if the Freshfields DTC stage 1 is just Critical Reasoning and SJT? Or does it also include a VI? Have found conflicting info on here (VI is only for VS or stage 2?). Grateful for any guidance!

No VI in stage 1.

VI in stage 2.

 

[theobserver31]

No VI in stage 1.

VI in stage 2.

amazing! thank you!

 

[BM99]

There are other routes to becoming a lawyer as well in a worst case scenario.

Bakers likes to hire accountants as tax associates so you can potentially go from accounting to tax law. It would however mean specialising in tax and it isn't guaranteed either.

Senior Tax Associate | Careers | Baker McKenzie

The Senior Tax Associate will be given the opportunity to lead as part of a team on a very wide range of both domestic and international tax projects. ...

www.bakermckenzie.com

As a Big Four tax associate, I would strongly advise caution when considering this route. The chartered accountant/tax adviser exams are definitely not easy!

 

[shadowboxer909]

As a Big Four tax associate, I would strongly advise caution when considering this route. The chartered accountant/tax adviser exams are definitely not easy!

Are you planning on becoming a lawyer then? I'm curious now to hear more about your life plans/goals now lol.

 

[BM99]

Are you planning on becoming a lawyer then? I'm curious now to hear more about your life plans/goals now lol.

Simple answer: Yes. Goal is to get a TC.

 

[shadowboxer909]

Simple answer: Yes. Goal is to get a TC.

Stupid question then but if you're a tax associate, wouldn't it be easier to apply for tax law roles directly? I assume most non-TC roles don't require the huge level of effort and assessment centres that are required from TC applications.

And then potentially you could move to another area of law once you qualify.

 

[BM99]

Stupid question then but if you're a tax associate, wouldn't it be easier to apply for tax law roles directly? I assume most non-TC roles don't require the huge level of effort and assessment centres that are required from TC applications.

And then potentially you could move to another area of law once you qualify.

Tax associates at B4 firms are not qualified lawyers, and our roles (at least mine) aren't 100% legal related. I do a lot of data analytics work as well.

I am not sure you can easily move to another area of law once you qualify (e.g. I don't think it's easy to move from tax to DR).

 

[DavidJC]

A&OS PFO this morning for 2028 TC, just highlighting as I'm aware others have said theirs were for 2027