TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[zara elles]

I emailed greenberg traurig and they have:

1. reopened portal and
2. extended the deadline to the 19th!

The fact that they're so nice is such a motivator to apply haha

This has made my day! Been working on this app but wasnt completely happy with my cover letter, so the extra few days has really helped

 

[hanz123]

I don't have any inputs, but I was glad to see that their application is very short! When did you apply?

I applied early November

 

[ellamai0]

On last year’s thread it seems like people began to receive ACs between the end of Jan and mid Feb so maybe they’ll do the same this year. Idk why they’re taking so long this year though cos they did bring the app deadline forward.

I don’t see why they made applications rolling if they were going to take this long

 

[zara elles]

I’ve been rejected from 11 of the 22 firms that I’ve applied to. I’ve changed how I research firms and write my answers but I don’t have any legal experience. Does anyone have any advice and am I fucked?

Majority of firms state you don't need any legal experience - it's about making whatever experience you have highlight how you great you would be in a TC / showcase your transferrable skills. I found I started to get more traction on my apps when I really researched the firm in detail - looked at annual reports, anything current in the commercial market that directly relates to them and also having a compelling reason to apply to them. I do think this is much more important than legal experience, from my perspective anyway.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

On last year’s thread it seems like people began to receive ACs between the end of Jan and mid Feb so maybe they’ll do the same this year. Idk why they’re taking so long this year though cos they did bring the app deadline forward.

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

 

[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!