TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Florencejones]

Has anyone completed the Kennedys VI yet and can share any insight?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Does anyone know when to expect updates from Freshfields after second online assessment?

 

[AMullin]

Kennedys PFO, was expected with others getting VI invites over the last week

 

[nicoledm]

Anyone heard from Fieldfisher post interview? Meant to heard back by the 31st

 

[hmevey]

when answering this question for AG, Use this space to tell us about any mitigating circumstances that you might have, or any other information about you that might be relevant to your application., should i write more about my work experience/extracirrculars and answer it as a why law, why id be a good trainee question or just leave it blank as I don't have any mitigating circumstances?

 

[yuhhhh]

Has Kirkland sent out VIs for DTC applicants?

 

[hanz123]

Any advice on answering: How do you see yourself contributing to X Firm's future?

 

[hopeful33]

Am I supposed to refer to Perkins Coie as Ashurst Perkins Coie on the LBA cover letter?

 

[Mikeross750]

Anyone heard from Fieldfisher post interview? Meant to heard back by the 31st

nope waiting as well, hopefully we do find out tomorrow

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Any advice on answering: How do you see yourself contributing to X Firm's future?

Hi @hanz123 this question can be tricky at first look, but essentially it’s asking for an amalgamation of:

1. Your skills/experiences e.g. analysis, problem solving
2. Your interest in the firm e.g. culture, practice area strengths, specific capabilities
3. It’s alignment to the firms goals e.g. how you’re well prepared to enhance their offering, allow them to meet specific aims for the future etc.

Now, it doesn’t need to be too intense. As in, you’re not expected to understand the firms ambitions for the upcoming year as it navigates a highly competitive legal market, although I do think this will serve as a strength in your answer - so I would encourage looking into any particular statements they’ve made for 2025 and what they’re hoping to achieve in 2026.

Once you’ve got all three pictured out, you will need to explain how your skills/experiences have shaped you and how these link to specifics of the firm. Be sure to round of any answer with how you expect this to contribute to their long term goals (if any were found) or strengthening their current offerings.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Am I supposed to refer to Perkins Coie as Ashurst Perkins Coie on the LBA cover letter?

Just Perkins Coie. The merger is yet to be voted on, meaning there is a very slim chance it doesn’t get approved

 

[nicoledm]

nope waiting as well, hopefully we do find out tomorrow

I’ve heard they’re usually late to be honest but fingers crossed we find out soon haha

 

[ashwright]

Am I right in thinking that most GR aren't at full capacity right now & will become responsive/active next week? I was thinking of treating this week as a bit of a write-off response-wise, but the VS thread indicates that some firms' GR are still active.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

Are CMS releasing more AC's or should I assume PFO

 

[monachde12345]

The wait for Freshfields is killinggggg

have you heard back yet if you've done stage 2 for direct TC?

 

[monachde12345]

The wait for Freshfields is killinggggg

have you heard back yet if you've done stage 2 for direct tc?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Am I right in thinking that most GR aren't at full capacity right now & will become responsive/active next week? I was thinking of treating this week as a bit of a write-off response-wise, but the VS thread indicates that some firms' GR are still active.

Assuming they're still active on the VS side because most firms need to fill those before progressing to DTC applications...just what I'm telling myself though the wait is killer

 

[Superfrozone]

realistically when do you think we will hear back from Freshfields?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Am I right in thinking that most GR aren't at full capacity right now & will become responsive/active next week? I was thinking of treating this week as a bit of a write-off response-wise, but the VS thread indicates that some firms' GR are still active.

Hey!

Whilst I wouldn't know for sure (and it'll differ between firms), it's likely that even if graduate recruitment teams are working in this period, they may have members of the team off on leave / holiday. Therefore, even though there are some people hearing back (i.e. in the VS thread), I definitely wouldn't panic if you haven't heard yet as it might just be that it'll take them a little longer to get through the applications