TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

CRS London DTC holding email! 7th time this cycle 🫠😓

 

[SueD]

PFO from Lewis Silkin

 

[Deleted member 44323]

BCLP pfo 😔😔 today has not been a good day

 

[i-want-a-tc]

hill dickinson AC london!

Congratulations on your AC and hope it goes well! Could I please ask when you applied and when you did the online assessment?

 

[nonliquetagain]

BCLP pfo 😔😔 today has not been a good day

Sorry to hear that! If you don't mind disclosing, when did you apply, and when did you do the sjt?

 

[Scottishlion]

Does Bakers prefer prose or bullet points for work experience section and when might we expect to do the SJT?

 

[bbbb]

Hi everyone, I was invited to Hill Dickinson’s AC on Thursday for health and business services, despite only showing interest in the business practice area. Is anyone else in a similar situation? I plan on researching both sectors extensively for my prep, would this be the correct approach? Ty

 

[Mikeross750]

Was anybody successful in securing Fieldfisher DTC?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Does anyone know if the character limit on the Baker Mckenzie application form includes spaces or not?

 

[Legallylaw]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask about how you demonstrate your knowledge and willingness to train with the firm without actually having done a Vac Scheme? Thanks, appreciate any insight

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask about how you demonstrate your knowledge and willingness to train with the firm without actually having done a Vac Scheme? Thanks, appreciate any insight

Hi!

In my view, you can demonstrate knowledge and willingness on two main ways.

First, through detailed and specific research. This means showing that you understand the firm's strengths, key sectors, the types of clients they act for, recent deals, and what genuinely differentiates it from its competitors. Rather than just being able to repeat information from their website, you should be able to show and explain what that means in practice and why it matters commercially.

Second, by clearly linking your own experiences, motivations and long-term goals to the firm. Explain why their practice areas, client base or culture align with what you are looking for, and how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit for that environment. For example, in my Reed Smith DTC application, I spoke about an open day I went to at Shell and how that had made me interested in Transportation and ENR, and Reed Smith's pro bono work resonated with me due to my previous work in a legal clinic.

You definitely don't need a vacation scheme to show commitment - you just need to have informed reasoning and a convincing explanation of why this firm makes sense for you

 

[rain2801]

Anyone heard back from CMS for the Dubai TC? Did VI last month lol

 

[BM99]

Does anyone have ANY idea when we will hear back re Linklaters DTC?

 

[SueD]

Does anyone know how long Bristows take to get back you after WE?

 

[SueD]

And any idea when Harbottle and Lewis might do anything?

 

[summersun]

And any idea when Harbottle and Lewis might do anything?

I saw someone got an interveiw in December so personally don't have much hope..

 

[legallybrunette14]

Does anyone have ANY idea when we will hear back re Linklaters DTC?

It's crazy, I haven't seen a single person mention either PFOs or Interview invites! The deadline was early December😭

 

[legallybrunette14]

Anyone heard back from CMS for the Dubai TC? Did VI last month lol

Yes, I received a PFO 2 weeks after I did my VI, so maybe it's a good thing you haven't heard back haha (sent it 25th of January received an answer 12th of Feb).

 

[adfs456]

Does anyone know how long Bristows take to get back you after WE?

Hey, when did you complete?

 

[legallybrunette14]

Pinsent Masons ME AC Invite

Hey, have you heard back? I did mine first week of February, and still nothing!