TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[whywhy88]

Do we reckon there's any hope left for Freshfields DTC ACs?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone heard from Goodwin for DTC ?

 

[HMajesty]

Would appreciate honest advice. Is it impossible (or next to impossible) to get a TC at firms such as W&C, PW, HL, etc. as an international student based outside of the UK with mitigating circumstances (and not reaching the minimum A-level benchmark) for a lot of these firms? Because rn I keep applying without results and each rejection just makes me bleaker.

 

[Bread]

Would appreciate honest advice. Is it impossible (or next to impossible) to get a TC at firms such as W&C, PW, HL, etc. as an international student based outside of the UK with mitigating circumstances (and not reaching the minimum A-level benchmark) for a lot of these firms? Because rn I keep applying without results and each rejection just makes me bleaker.

Do you have mitigating circumstances for the A-levels?

The thing about these firms is that they are disgustingly competitive even if you are the best of the best. It’s next to impossible to get a TC anywhere these days.

However, if the mitigating circumstances are not for a-levels, and firms have an A-level requirement, you might be getting rejected at the automatic screening stage as you don’t meet the eligibility criteria

 

[wiinghann]

Hi there, I’ve received Stage 1 test invitation. And am wondering if it was purely SJT+WG test, or mixed with vi? They didn’t mention anything on the email so I’m very confused.

Anyone that has done Freshfields Stage 2 and could provide some insight please? I would very much appreciate it as this is my top choice of firm and since Stage 1 was SJT idk what to expect for stage 2. Are the questions strengths based or motivational for the VI?

 

[silonthesofa]

Hi there, I’ve received Stage 1 test invitation. And am wondering if it was purely SJT+WG test, or mixed with vi? They didn’t mention anything on the email so I’m very confused.

Freshfields stage 1 doesn't have a VI.

 

[jessicapearson]

On the last question of the Harbottle & Lewis application it asks you whether there is an additional information that is relevant to your experience @Abbie Whitlock is this mandatory - is it worth putting anything if you feel like you have covered most of your points?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

On the last question of the Harbottle & Lewis application it asks you whether there is an additional information that is relevant to your experience @Abbie Whitlock is this mandatory - is it worth putting anything if you feel like you have covered most of your points?

Hey!

This is usually an optional question - it is typically a place to discuss mitigating circumstances, gaps in employment/study, or anything else that wasn't covered in the application. It's perfectly fine to leave this blank if you feel you have covered most of your points in your application (and I would definitely avoid including things for the sake of it) - I left this question blank in all of my applications!

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

My Linklaters application portal says 'on hold' - is everyone else's the same?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

My Linklaters application portal says 'on hold' - is everyone else's the same?

I think mine has said this since I completed the capp, does anyone have an idea when they might start giving out AC's for DTC as I know some have already gone out for VS?

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and others! I’m considering applying to a Silver Circle firm in the next months for their direct TC. I reached the AC stage 2 years ago but got rejected and didn’t reapply last year. Is it worth applying again or should I reach out to their grad rec first if they welcome applications from previous AC participants? Thank you

 

[kn]

has anyone received freshfields ACs this week?

 

[shebecomesalawyer]

has anyone received freshfields ACs this week?

nothing so far - making me really nervous

 

[Fsayers]

Has anyone heard back or knows anyone who has heard from CMS London post-AC?

 

[a1289]

Has anyone heard back or knows anyone who has heard from CMS London post-AC?

I haven't heard back yet

 

[legalbeast]

Has anyone heard back or knows anyone who has heard from CMS London post-AC?

Nope nothing.. been 12 days since I did mine now.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and others! I’m considering applying to a Silver Circle firm in the next months for their direct TC. I reached the AC stage 2 years ago but got rejected and didn’t reapply last year. Is it worth applying again or should I reach out to their grad rec first if they welcome applications from previous AC participants? Thank you

Hello!

I think it should be fine to re-apply if the firm doesn't specifically state on their website that you are unable to following a previous unsuccessful AC! However, if you are unsure and wanted to check, it is definitely worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double check - I'm sure they'd be happy to confirm this for you (and, just in case, could save you writing an application that may not be eligible). However, most firms that have a similar rule are in relation to being unsuccessful following the VS (e.g. Travers Smith), rather than the AC, so it should be fine

 

[addy2004]

I have a Perkins Coie interview next week - does anyone have any tips please for the first-stage interview? I can provide insight to Ashurst & HSF AC's

 

[Singh241]

For those who have received a FF AC invite- wondering if the AC is online or in-person?

 

[13torb]

DAC Beachcroft VI (DTC). For reference I applied on the 18th Dec and received the invite this morning. If anyone has any insights please help. I seemed to have flopped all the VI's I've done so far so if there's anyone that can help me out, I'll really appreciate it. Thanks!

How many days did you get to complete the VI?