TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone know which firms you can reapply to for dtc even after vac scheme failure?
Can you do so for Orrick?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Not a good sign for me as I haven't got this email :/

I wouldn't worry about it'll be in batches mostly

 

[WeGotThis!]

Whats the timeline for direct training contract application?

Their tests will go out in April; May VIs; June AC.

 

[legalgrad28]

Thank you so much!!

Update on Kennedys
Just received the following from early careers - "Please note that we are currently collating feedback from the interviews and aim to provide an update early next week"

 

[WeGotThis!]

Weirdly now when I login to CV mail it says that my application is still in progress. I submitted and got a confirmation email of my application though? I might have to email

Did you receive a confirmation email on submitting your app? As I had received one

 

[123456law]

Hi! I wonder if anyone was in the same situation as me. I cannot enter my school in Baker McKenzie application as I finished it outside the UK. Any advice what should I do?
Also, I tried emailing them but got no reply so far, maybe I used the wrong email? There was this one on their website: [email protected]

Hi! I'm in the same situation as well. Were you able to figure out a solution / did they respond to you?

 

[123456law]

Hi! I wonder if anyone was in the same situation as me. I cannot enter my school in Baker McKenzie application as I finished it outside the UK. Any advice what should I do?
Also, I tried emailing them but got no reply so far, maybe I used the wrong email? There was this one on their website: [email protected]

Hi! I'm in the same situation as well. Were you able to figure out a solution / did they respond back to you?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone been progressed by K&L Gates today?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Update on Kennedys
Just received the following from early careers - "Please note that we are currently collating feedback from the interviews and aim to provide an update early next week"

Do you know which office this is for?

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone know what structure to follow on Eversheds work history section?

 

[Kenomy]

Did anyone here apply for Transport for London training contract?

 

[user1738]

If they would pick DLA Piper over CMS I don’t think it’s morally wrong!

@user1738 I have seen this on DLA’s FAQs, not sure if this is a circumstance they could consider a direct TC route for, may be worth asking?

View attachment 8139

Hi, thank you for this! I would actually pick CMS over DLA Piper. I’m extremely grateful + excited for the opportunity so I do appreciate the moral argument for not attending the VC.

My TC contract only restricts work carried once my TC is over, it does not mention anything re schemes before my start date in 2027.

I am not sure about restrictions re the VS. Is it worth asking Early Careers?

 

[user1738]

If you have already secured your preferred TC then may I ask why you would still want to do the VS?

I mean it’s valuable experience, good exposure to how an international law firm operates, boosts my CV etc…

 

[summersun]

I mean it’s valuable experience, good exposure to how an international law firm operates, boosts my CV etc…

not sure it really boosts you CV once you do your TC but in any case its your decision

 

[Futuretrainee002]

I mean it’s valuable experience, good exposure to how an international law firm operates, boosts my CV etc…

Also just wanna add that DLA is one of the few firms with an active waitlist for their VS, so if you already have a TC then I’d recommend letting someone else have a chance. Of course it’s completely up to you and no matter what you choose there is no wrong answer

 

[user1738]

Also just wanna add that DLA is one of the few firms with an active waitlist for their VS, so if you already have a TC then I’d recommend letting someone else have a chance. Of course it’s completely up to you and no matter what you choose there is no wrong answer

I’m sensing a strong general consensus haha I appreciate the advice! I will probably be declining the VS considering everything.

 

[sadboi]

Has anyone done a FF DTC AC before and would be willing to share their experience? I can share my experiences with Dechert, Davis Polk, Macfarlanes, JD, W&C and Willkie (All AC stages)

 

[DennyCrane]

I’m sensing a strong general consensus haha I appreciate the advice! I will probably be declining the VS considering everything.

I think you should definitely decline the VS. Ignoring the fact that you're taking away an opportunity from someone else, your new firm won't like it since it makes it look like you're not committed to them. It won't boost your CV in any way.

 

[CharlieandLola]

POV: You've just found out you didn't get the TC after your final interview, through someone else posting about it on LinkedIn. What happened to grad rec asking you not to post until they send you your contract, e.g reject everyone else

Can I ask what firm this is for?

 

[gibraial3014]

Has anyone done an AC with Freshfields?

For context, I've done a vac at Weil and AC's at: CC, Davis Polk, HSF, Sidley, Jones Day, White & Case and interviewed at STB (Paralegal) and Goodwin (Paralegal). Happy to share any insights on any of those firms!

Feel free to message me.