TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nonlawstudent98]

Any Stephenson Harwood/Hogan Lovells updates?

I think SH will only get back to us after the deadline

 

[WeGotThis!]

I had a first round interview but wouldn't stress they said they're holding interviews until the end of March

Did they say if they were sending out more invites or is it just the one batch?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Did they say if they were sending out more invites or is it just the one batch?

I honestly am not sure but from what it seemed they hadn't reviewed all of the apps yet

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Has anyone heard from Ashurst? I’m yet to receive a test

 

[nicoledm]

CRS VI

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone heard from Ashurst? I’m yet to receive a test

they’re non rolling i don’t think apps have closed yet

 

[nicoledm]

Hey, has anyone done the sjt for Brabners? I would really appreciate any insight?

is this for the TC?

 

[FutureLawyer_]

is this for the TC?

No, VS

 

[SueD]

CRS VI

Congratulations! Is that for the DTC?

 

[nicoledm]

Congratulations! Is that for the DTC?

Yes just came through this evening for london office

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi, I’m thinking of applying to direct TC’s but I have been told often people aren’t hired or they don’t look at your applications? Also what kind of experience do you need? I’ve been a paralegal for 6 months in a decent firm and have 2:1 non law and commendation conversion degrees. Who should I be looking at applying to? I feel the process is so different to vacation schemes. TIA

 

[ipsquared]

Bristows DTC interview invite post we!

 

[Legalfreak212]

Bristows DTC interview invite post we!

Hi did that just come in? Congrats btw!!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, I’m thinking of applying to direct TC’s but I have been told often people aren’t hired or they don’t look at your applications? Also what kind of experience do you need? I’ve been a paralegal for 6 months in a decent firm and have 2:1 non law and commendation conversion degrees. Who should I be looking at applying to? I feel the process is so different to vacation schemes. TIA

There are some law firms with a DTC route only, and some have a relatively healthy DTC intake (meaning they don’t really prioritise vac schemers). First thing I’d check is the firms’ FAQs on this. If no available info I’d encourage you to email. And of course in contrast some firms make it quite clear their preference for vac schemers, and only take a handful trainees from the DTC route.

 

[RachelZane]

Has anyone progressed to Goodwin DTC final interview stage yet? please let me know if you have!!!

 

[SueD]

Yes just came through this evening for london office

Great news. Hope it goes well.

 

[DennyCrane]

Blake Morgan Interview!

 

[theres.a.TC.out.there]

does anyone know how the Macfarlanes DTC second stage compares to the vac scheme second stage?

 

[elliece]

Congratulations!!! When did you submit your WE?

I submitted it the day before the deadline, so I think that was Wednesday 25th Feb (but I'm not 100% lol)

 

[choicefox212]

Does anyone know how long it takes Macs to get back to you after the DTC work sim / VI stage? They were pretty quick after the first SJT. I'm pretty sure I messed it up, but I'm getting more annoyed the longer I wait. Also, bloody Mishcon (though I imagine they're more occupied dealing with Mandelson-related issues atm...)