TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lissa06]

I am internally screaming, I thought it was like a serious acronym!

Lol same, I genuinely thought it was a description of a rejection after a certain stage so like post FO rejection. Couldn’t figure out what FO was 😂🤣

 

[aspiringtcholder]

Lol same, I genuinely thought it was a description of a rejection after a certain stage so like post FO rejection. Couldn’t figure out what FO was 😂🤣

So did I!! I thought PFO was rejection after the initial application stage!

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Nah it acc does mean please F off no joke. I want to know who was the creator of the term PFO on the TCLA forum. I’m acc curious about it now. 🧐​

Haha, PFO started on Roll on Friday. There was a training contract apps discussion board that was very active in the pre TCLA days.

 

[ABC234]

Anyone heard from the following post app? Starting to lose hope:

Arnold & Porter
Baker McKenzie
Fried, Frank
Ashurst
White & Case
Paul Hastings

*All for the London office

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Anyone heard from the following post app? Starting to lose hope:

Arnold & Porter
Baker McKenzie
Fried, Frank
Ashurst
White & Case
Paul Hastings

I don’t think any of these firms’ deadlines have closed yet and they’re all non-rolling, so it’s gna be a while before any post app responses. White & Case and Paul Hastings won’t be until June and July for DTC responses afaik.​

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

Hi When did you do your AC and was it for the DTC?

Hey, yes, it was DTC and I did my AC yesterday

 

[WeGotThis!]

I applied yday!

Can I DM you? I have a question about the application form.

 

[katie2911]

Can anyone give insight into the HL stage 2 Job Sim test? especially the VI?

 

[annabeldyson]

Hey all, I’ve been a lurker but decided to stop being lazy and just create an account. I graduated a few years ago and have been in full time employment in a quasi-legal, public sector job which includes tribunal appeals etc. I am applying to TCs now because I’ve always wanted to qualify into commercial but wanted to feel ‘ready’ (I have major imposter syndrome). I competitively mooted during uni and graduated top of my class (RG, but not like top five or anything), but appreciate I’ve never done a vacation scheme, only several mini pupillages as I initially intended to pursue the bar. So I don’t think I’ll be massively successful but I am going to be delusional and say why can’t it be me? Obviously I don’t have specific law firm experience, but I’m still going to try to be delusional.

I just did the stage 2 HL online assessment and absolutely BOTCHED the video questions. Oh well! I recently did the WG for Northridge and Winston and Strawn, got rejections from WBD (wild) and Fladgate. My dream was HL to be honest so slightly mad at myself!

Welcome to the forum! Imposter syndrome is completely normal - but I can assure you that the firms recruiting graduates do not expect you to have done an abundance of work experience (my TC offer following a VS was the first corporate law work experience I had ever done, I also had only mini pupillages) - but remember that there's so many virtual internships through Forage that you can do which will help your applications. It is also okay to make mistakes - the application process is daunting and video interviews are very difficult. Keep practising and you will only get better!

 

[annabeldyson]

Does anyone know if law firms sponsor student visas for LLM SQE or is that a cost to be borne independently?

Hiya, this will depend on the specific firm so I would recommend enquiring. However, I believe the standard is that if they are covering your tuition fees for the LLM SQE + providing a grant, I would be surprised if a firm subsequently expected you to self fund the visa aspect for attending the course.

 

[annabeldyson]

HELP!! Ive just done the IM written exercise and im unsure its been uploaded. Ive submitted it and everything but it allows me to go back on the link and do the assessment again I think- there is no confirmation that I have completed it. It was on cappfinity. Is this normal???? Im panicking ahhhpls help

Best thing you can do is contact grad recruitment to check if the assessment has gone through. They will be able to check and if there has been tech issues will be able to inform you what you need to do next/facilitate you redoing the assessment if necessary. Don't panic, tech issues do happen!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Can anyone give insight into the HL stage 2 Job Sim test? especially the VI?

Since a few people contacted me, I'll reply here: motivational & commercial questions. SJT. WE.
It's not designed to catch people out, no trick or fluke questions. Just ensure you understand the firm.

 

[katie2911]

Since a few people contacted me, I'll reply here: motivational & commercial questions. SJT. WE.
It's not designed to catch people out, no trick or fluke questions. Just ensure you understand the firm.

Hi, thank you so much for this insight! sorry for the follow up question, but it would be really really helpful to know if the VI answers 1 minute long or two minutes?

Thanks again!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hi, thank you so much for this insight! sorry for the follow up question, but it would be really really helpful to know if the VI answers 1 minute long or two minutes?

Thanks again!

2minutes, 1min 30 prep iirc. I could be wrong though, so don't base your prep entirely on this.

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone heard from Brown Rudnick? The email said they would get back to us this week

 

[T. Rainee]

does anyone have Burges Salmon AC insights please? Happy to exchange for other AC tips!!!!

 

[nfe00001]

does anyone have Burges Salmon AC insights please? Happy to exchange for other AC tips!!!!

Did you apply to DTC? If so, what location?

 

[T. Rainee]

Did you apply to DTC? If so, what location?

Edinburgh VS

 

[Scottishlion]

Should you tell law firms about your long term career goals as to why you're applying or is that not a good idea? Like want to go to firm because they do X which will help me pursue Y

 

[aspiringtcholder]

Can I DM you? I have a question about the application form.

Yeah! Do I need to adjust my settings or anything?