TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

Samee! I think they are finishing off reading the VS applications, and then they'll move onto TC. That's my best guess, as both were rolling but the VS deadline closed earlier whilst the TC deadline is end of Jan.

Yesss hopefully

 

[Trophy]

Has anyone applied to HL TC and heard back as they are supposedly rolling

 

[yk1906]

gowling DTC PFO expected after test results

 

[yuhhhh]

I thought they were non rolling also and the deadline is not for a few days. The person with the VI is for VS i'm sure but even so it is confusing as nothing is being clarified as I did ask and they just ignored...

I would still apply!

echoing this i would still apply.

I checked with grad rec on when we can expect to hear back and was told it would be after the deadline.

I also asked the original poster and was ignored so nothing is confirmed atm - just apply youve got this!

 

[DavidJC]

Makes sense! A good lawyer should be concise Hard not to sound generic with my motivations in under 100 words, though.

Based on an application workshop I attended with them, I think it's inevitably meant to come across a little generic but while remaining specific to the firm (I thought their example of a "good" answer was pretty generic), and I assume we will have to personalise and elaborate more at VI stage. That said, I may be entirely wrong and I'm supposed to somehow make 2-3 points with STAR format experiences thrown in anyway

 

[yk1906]

Based on an application workshop I attended with them, I think it's inevitably meant to come across a little generic but while remaining specific to the firm (I thought their example of a "good" answer was pretty generic), and I assume we will have to personalise and elaborate more at VI stage. That said, I may be entirely wrong and I'm supposed to somehow make 2-3 points with STAR format experiences thrown in anyway

Thank you!!

 

[Amgrad]

Gowling DTC PFO, as expected with score below 15. First Arctic Shores ever! For those rejected with 16 or more, seems the benchmark is higher than NRF and they're seeing your answers.

 

[Scottishlion]

Does anyone know if Freshfield ACs will be in dec or jan?

 

[lucy_p]

Anyone know when we might hear from Irwin Mitchell?

 

[Rads]

Have non law applicants heard back from Slaughter and May?

 

[jin]

Does Kirkland offer many DTC spots? I've heard that pretty much all the training contracts go to VS students (even though they have DTC applications open) and only if there are leftover spots will they then turn to DTC candidates

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone heard back from Linklaters? Any indication of when they might get back to us?

 

[silonthesofa]

Has anyone applied to HL TC and heard back as they are supposedly rolling

I haven't even been sent their automatic test and it's been literally two months tomorrow since I sent my application. Have you been sent anything or just confirmation of your application submission and that they'll be in touch soon?

 

[yuhhhh]

Does Kirkland offer many DTC spots? I've heard that pretty much all the training contracts go to VS students (even though they have DTC applications open) and only if there are leftover spots will they then turn to DTC candidates

Wait fr? I thought that both the VS and DTC pool are considered at the same time

 

[cos]

Gowling DTC PFO, as expected with score below 15. First Arctic Shores ever! For those rejected with 16 or more, seems the benchmark is higher than NRF and they're seeing your answers.

I actually got 13 on my arctic shores and got a video interview! not sure how it’s calculated but they must have liked my written application

 

[Trophy]

I haven't even been sent their automatic test and it's been literally two months tomorrow since I sent my application. Have you been sent anything or just confirmation of your application submission and that they'll be in touch soon?

Only the confirmation on my end, they are pretty slow when it comes to direct TC but 2 months is extreme slow wow!

 

[Trophy]

Does Kirkland offer many DTC spots? I've heard that pretty much all the training contracts go to VS students (even though they have DTC applications open) and only if there are leftover spots will they then turn to DTC candidates

Is it? In the past they’ve cancelled their VS and given direct TC offers but I didn’t know they didn’t consider DTC applicants before VS for those spots. Seems quite unfair.

 

[Rads]

Any non-law students have heard back from Slaughter and May for their DTC? It says application under consideration but should I consider PFO?

 

[hanz123]

unsuccessful after fieldfisher online assessment, need something positive this cycle

 

[Winter]

unsuccessful after fieldfisher online assessment, need something positive this cycle

Sorry to hear! Did you receive the email letting you know that your app + test score was being forwarded to early careers team before you received the PFO?