Okay this is great to know, thank you!! I’m of the opinion that they’re definitely running more interviews after the holiday break. I guess it’s crunch time rn
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Yeah I think so, my friend got an AC for the DTC two years ago and it was in May, so I think there'll definitely be more!
Sorry, PFOs post 2nd stage? I have only seen post-app rejections, if I'm not mistaken
Not seen anything post 2nd stage. Only really post app and a few people I know irl getting post SJT PFOs having not met the benchmark for stage 2. Judging on last cycle, people were getting DTC AC invites up until the end of Jan so don't count yourself out the running yet until you hear back.
Ah, that's what I saw as well. They have changed the process this cycle, though, I think last year the deadline was in early Jan, as opposed to early December this year.
Oh I didn't know. Perhaps there's hope for a belated Christmas present. Fingers crossed the AC is conveniently timed, SQE exams in Jan already running a nut on people. Thanks!
"Other than law, what is something you are passionate about? 200 words" for Bristows
Hi @Abbie Whitlock ! Do you reckon it is acceptable to speak about something like fine art/ballet instead of law-adjacent topics?
Hi @Abbie Whitlock ! Do you reckon it is acceptable to speak about something like fine art/ballet instead of law-adjacent topics?
Hello!
Yes, absolutely - speaking about fine art or ballet is completely acceptable (and likely an interesting read for the grad rec team!). The question is designed to see you as a person, not to test your commercial awareness or squeeze in more motivation towards law. As long as you explain why you're passionate about it and what it says about you (e.g. discipline, creativity, attention to detail, long-term commitment, etc), it can leave a strong and memorable impression. I often used to talk about my interest in motorsport in these types of questions, so I'd pick something you are genuinely passionate about!
A lot of firms (such as Bristows) tend to value individuality and depth of interest, so writing about something non-law-related can definitely help you stand out! What matters most is that you reflect thoughtfully on the experience and show self-awareness, rather than trying to force it into a legal lens.
Hope that helps, and best of luck with the Bristows application!
Thanks a lot!Hello!
Yes, absolutely - speaking about fine art or ballet is completely acceptable (and likely an interesting read for the grad rec team!). The question is designed to see you as a person, not to test your commercial awareness or squeeze in more motivation towards law. As long as you explain why you're passionate about it and what it says about you (e.g. discipline, creativity, attention to detail, long-term commitment, etc), it can leave a strong and memorable impression. I often used to talk about my interest in motorsport in these types of questions, so I'd pick something you are genuinely passionate about!
A lot of firms (such as Bristows) tend to value individuality and depth of interest, so writing about something non-law-related can definitely help you stand out! What matters most is that you reflect thoughtfully on the experience and show self-awareness, rather than trying to force it into a legal lens.
Hope that helps, and best of luck with the Bristows application!
I'm not personally sure of a firm that uses "resume" as an acceptable way of applying so maybe someone else can help me out when I say this. Afaik some firms will want you to submit a full breakdown of academics and work experience alongside a CV for different purposes. It's almost a double whammy of being able to test your ability to be concise and produce something that is easy to read, as well as a basis upon which they can test you if you make it through to AC. Interviewers won't have brought a copy of your full application but will have brought your CV. That being said, a CV should be no longer than 2 sides of an A4, with no full breakdown of grades (other than for Greenbergs afaik) and concise skills and experiences for each work experience. It should be very easy to navigate it and even easier for an interviewing partner to identify key information like where you worked, for how long and what did you gain from it. It doesn't need to be super fancy, plain black text on white background is fine, the absolute most important thing is skim readability. If you've made it to the point where a partner has your CV in front of them, all of the other information submitted in the application boxes will have been good enough for gradrec.
They said this week/next week. Would be strange to be next week but I guess it could be Monday/tuesday. Haven’t seen anyone have a PFO/offer from the direct TC route as of yet?
just checked on the vac scheme thread & it seems that communications were received on a Friday afternoon! Could be D-Day today!
fingers crossed for everyone 🙏🏼
I honestly need them to free me of the suspense haha. Was it early afternoon or late?
Around 3pm AFAIK. I am waiting for my PFO if there's no more slot for reserve list
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