TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[msclm]

Interview related - Can anyone point me in the direction of a "model answer" for interviews for a "why this firm" question. I have been told in previous interviews that my reason for rejection is not being firm-specific enough. I think I have improved on this, but I really have nothing to compare it to...

Hi for the firm I got my tc with, on the feedback call they mentioned they liked my honesty on the question “why this firm”.

I essentially said I could get the same experience at 5 other us firms and that at a trainee level objectively the work would be the same. The way I differentiated why Sidley over say Kirkland or PW etc was that I went really in on my experience so far with the firm and how the cultural fit fits me a lot more. Obviously in my answer I had just done the vac so had examples to point to to where I experienced the firms culture which might be harder to pinpoint on a dtc route. In this context you could mention the direct contact you’ve had with grad recruitment, the partners interviewing you, any trainee exposure you got etc

Edit* I got a tc this cycle as well from a SC firm through their DTC route and used this approach. I did end up going for the firm I did my vac with but my answer remained largely focused on culture for both processes

 

[nicoledm]

Anyone heard from CMS?

 

[Bread]

Hi for the firm I got my tc with, on the feedback call they mentioned they liked my honesty on the question “why this firm”.

I essentially said I could get the same experience at 5 other us firms and that at a trainee level objectively the work would be the same.

girlie got the TC by actually saying what we're all thinking

 

[user123987]

Has anyone emailed CMS about when regional applicants expect to hear back?

 

[msclm]

girlie got the TC by actually saying what we're all thinking

If it works, it works lol

 

[Applicant7874652]

I applied to McDermott back in October and heard nothing from them. Did you get a response?

I’m anticipating, since they said ACs in March, that they’ll communicate outcomes in Early February

 

[Rads]

Hello if anyone has done Macfarlanes Stage 1 for DTC, do they send Stage 2 fast or take their time?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Omg I want CMS to put me out my misery if its a PFO

 

[doodllaw29]

anyone heard from freshfields (post-test2) or kirkland DTC (post-VI)?

 

[testing123]

Hi! Quick question, what is the policy around emailing lawyers at firms before applying? Is this something that is considered annoying, or encouraged (assuming you have something to say haha)

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Hello if anyone has done Macfarlanes Stage 1 for DTC, do they send Stage 2 fast or take their time?

Very fast within the day for me

 

[Prudentia]

Hi! Quick question, what is the policy around emailing lawyers at firms before applying? Is this something that is considered annoying, or encouraged (assuming you have something to say haha)

There’s no policy. You’re free to email whoever you like. Just be mindful that they may not response. I’ve reached out to lawyers and partners throughout this process, and all of them (bar one) have been really responsive and happy to help.

 

[cos]

Hi! Quick question, what is the policy around emailing lawyers at firms before applying? Is this something that is considered annoying, or encouraged (assuming you have something to say haha)

I find it better to message on LinkedIn! I found a trainee at a firm I applied for and asked for advice for an AC (which I have not yet been invited to haha) and they sent me heaps of advice, although they did have something on their linkedin already welcoming aspiring solicitors to get in contact! I just find seems less invasive than using their work emails

 

[oliviabeijing]

I

Has anyone emailed CMS about when regional applicants expect to hear back?

Did you email in the end?

 

[livelaughlawve]

Hi for the firm I got my tc with, on the feedback call they mentioned they liked my honesty on the question “why this firm”.

I essentially said I could get the same experience at 5 other us firms and that at a trainee level objectively the work would be the same. The way I differentiated why Sidley over say Kirkland or PW etc was that I went really in on my experience so far with the firm and how the cultural fit fits me a lot more. Obviously in my answer I had just done the vac so had examples to point to to where I experienced the firms culture which might be harder to pinpoint on a dtc route. In this context you could mention the direct contact you’ve had with grad recruitment, the partners interviewing you, any trainee exposure you got etc

Edit* I got a tc this cycle as well from a SC firm through their DTC route and used this approach. I did end up going for the firm I did my vac with but my answer remained largely focused on culture for both processes

Thanks, that is very interesting. So did you only talk about your experience with the firm rather than quoting things like matters, USPs etc? Was this through talking about their initiatives and so on and explicit examples, or just the feeling you got?

 

[Rads]

Very fast within the day for me

I took it yesterday, for VS they were quick, should I be assuming PFO?

 

[legalbeast]

How do firms actually make offer decisions after an Assessment Centre?
I’m curious how decisions are typically made once candidates reach the AC stage.
Do firms still take a genuinely holistic view at that point (e.g. academic record, prior experience, overall trajectory), or is the decision largely driven by AC performance itself?
More specifically:

• Are candidates scored numerically across exercises (case study, interview, group task, etc.) with certain exercises weighted more heavily?
• If so, do different exercises carry different weight (e.g. case study vs competency interview)?
• Or is there still a degree of discretion and qualitative discussion when deciding who receives offers?

Interested to hear perspectives from trainees, associates, or anyone involved in the recruitment process.

 

[msclm]

Thanks, that is very interesting. So did you only talk about your experience with the firm rather than quoting things like matters, USPs etc? Was this through talking about their initiatives and so on and explicit examples, or just the feeling you got?

I legit said “I like the vibes here” in my final interview lmao

By the time you are at a final stage, the “why law” or “why this firm” becomes less important IMO