TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Francis G.]

Just recieve a VI invitation. Any website that i can practice on VI?

 

[user123987]

Just recieve a VI invitation. Any website that i can practice on VI?

I’m not sure if this helps but I practiced all my VI’s just by recording myself on my iPad and listening back to my tone and how I came across

 

[Farhan65756]

Anyone who’s done Bristows VI before know how much prep time we get? And how long we get to answer questions?

I also applied for Bristows and got the invite for the VI. Some insights on prep time and how long we have to response would be appreciated. Also for those who have done it, what sort of question come up and should we prepare for? For example, competency, strength based etc?

 

[yellowbirds008]

Does anyone have any idea when Freshfields DTC will get back to us?

i have an offer for the vac and i believe they mentioned they’ll start on the dtc ac’s after they finish doing the AC’s and offers for the svs!

 

[Francis G.]

I’m not sure if this helps but I practiced all my VI’s just by recording myself on my iPad and listening back to my tone and how I came across

Sounds great! Is there any list of common questions that will show in the VI?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

That's no sense if the applicant pool is increased significantly than last year, especially firm without app questions like FF would experience this! Lol

I’m confused wdym by this lmao:

 

[user123987]

Sounds great! Is there any list of common questions that will show in the VI?

I would practice for motivational questions (why X firm, why law?) situational questions (what would you do if X happened?) commercial (tell us about a recent commercial story and how it could impact the firm and its clients) and competency (tell us about a time where you displayed leadership?) etc!

 

[user123987]

I would practice for motivational questions (why X firm, why law?) situational questions (what would you do if X happened?) commercial (tell us about a recent commercial story and how it could impact the firm and its clients) and competency (tell us about a time where you displayed leadership?) etc!

LittleLaw has a list of 35 interview questions also I believe

 

[Francis G.]

LittleLaw has a list of 35 interview questions also I believe

Thanks folk. It helps a lot. But i searched the list and cannot find it.😭 Would you like to share the link if you have?

 

[user123987]

Thanks folk. It helps a lot. But i searched the list and cannot find it.😭 Would you like to share the link if you have?

https://littlelaw.co.uk/c/law-firm-questions here you go!

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

is there a list somewhere of DTC that are open after January and that have a decent number of positions? I have been applying for VS but now that they are closing up, I want to dedicate time to DTC applications. Any ideas? I've got White & Case on my list for now

 

[Rocco Webb]

What's an OD?

Hi - would love to chat about the OD

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I’m confused wdym by this lmao:

Imagine (if) last year they had 3,000 applicants then this year is 5,000 for DTC as ppl usually tend to try submit a simple app without Qs.

So, it could be they had to review almost double they used to be in a day, week, and month, but what (if) the grad team man power is only 4 ppl, the same, apparently they can do the same speed and response rate as last year. Especially they're not relying on AI.

Even though (If) this cycle closed earlier, they have to announce the result weeks later than last cycle after finalising VS ofc

 

[SamiyaJ]

Heart attack email from Hill Dickinson re AC dates

 

[Z1234]

Does anyone have any insight into a CV structure for DAC Beachcroft TC, like at all? I can’t find any information on the firm’s preferences and there are no application questions, work experience or education sections on the form.

1. Is two pages acceptable, considering I’ll have to input all my module results from two degrees (size 12 font)?
2. Should I include a short personal summary under my name at the top that includes my interest in their practices, or should I link back to the firm in any of my work experiences?
3. Should I include sections for achievements, skills, or hobbies?

Also, if there are any more general CV posts/format examples people have found helpful, I’d be grateful to see them!

 

[aleece]

Has anybody received an AC for Links DTC? Seeing a lot of AC's for the vac schemes, so feeling anxious.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Has anybody received an AC for Links DTC? Seeing a lot of AC's for the vac schemes, so feeling anxious.

Nope nothing- I emailed grad rec not too long ago to ask if I could have my app considered for a vacation scheme instead but I guess that isnt happening😣

 

[alyssaavian]

Does anyone have any insights into the Bristows VI? Thanks!

 

[S7321]

Orrick is among the list that doesn't sponsor PGDL anymore. I just realised its VC practice ranks highly both in the UK Chamber and Legal 500, even surpassing Cooley, I need to redact it from my list too. So sad but glad I haven't signed up 😢😞

Orrick is among the list that doesn't sponsor PGDL anymore. I just realised its VC practice ranks highly both in the UK Chamber and Legal 500, even surpassing Cooley, I need to redact it from my list too. So sad but glad I haven't signed up 😢😞

FYI for anyone applying: the reason they don't sponsor the PGDL is because they don't require you to do it. They only require SQE.

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi guys, just wanted some advice. As someone who after graduating decided to go into legal tech at a MC firm and now a few years after graduating is looking to go into practice, do you think it is worth looking at TC applications? I’ve been so focused on VS applications but since not progressing as far as I would have wanted this application cycle, do you think I can apply for direct TCs? Despite not having done any VS but I have worked in a law firm just not in a directly legal capacity.