TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[mmm918]

not sure if this is the best place to ask this question, but I can't access the TCL database. Does anyone know if the link has changed or it is no longer available? Thank you!

 

[Ifeher]

I’m interested to know, for those of you who got the hill Dickinson AC what do your feedback report for the online test look like? Please see my attached results across the areas they were measuring View attachment 8116

I think that maybe they prioritise digital mindset? I got a London AC but all my scores were slightly below yours, except digital mindset

 

[Bread]

Anything else from vedder? They’re so mysterious

 

[AryanAgg]

Finally slaughter and may non law dtc pfo, not gonna lie this is more freeing than I realized.

 

[mostlyLsrareWs]

I got invited to complete Macfarlanes' job sim for the DTC. Does anyone have any insights or advice for it?

 

[Florencejones]

Has anyone applied to the Freeths Legal Graduate programme and has any insights to the online test? (posting on both the vac scheme and DTC forum as it doesn't really fit under either)

 

[adfs456]

Slaughters non-law DTC put me out of my misery pls pls pls 114 days of stress

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Nah Linklaters grad rec has time to organise pilates, running clubs and post instagram but they don't have time to review our dtc applications

As weird as it may seem, I don’t think Linklaters recruits from the DTC route. If you’re in doubt, do you know anyone that got in through this in the last 5 years?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

anyone still waiting to hear back from Kennedys?

 

[addy2004]

Does anyone else find it so much nicer doing apps in spring rather than autumn/winter? It feels so much less bleak lol

 

[addy2004]

Has anyone applied to the Freeths Legal Graduate programme and has any insights to the online test? (posting on both the vac scheme and DTC forum as it doesn't really fit under either)

I did the test last year - it's a pretty standard SJT test. I would just brush up your knowledge on their culture & core values, and any research on typical trainee tasks & responsibilities!

 

[Irishman11]

Does HL usually take this lonh

 

[TCchaser]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hope you're doing well!

I'm a bit confused about what to write for these questions:
1. In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications and work experience equipped you for a legal career?
2. Outside of formal education and work experience, what steps have you taken to prepare for a career in law, and why have these experiences been useful?

For Q1, I was thinking of talking about tutoring, volunteering at a charity shop, and some pro bono work. I'm more confused about Q2 and what to include. The only idea I have is mentoring younger students at university, but I'm not even sure if this is applicable. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[sadboi]

Does HL usually take this lonh

I've been waiting post-VI for AGESSSS

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hope you're doing well!

I'm a bit confused about what to write for these questions:
1. In what ways have your academic studies, qualifications and work experience equipped you for a legal career?
2. Outside of formal education and work experience, what steps have you taken to prepare for a career in law, and why have these experiences been useful?

For Q1, I was thinking of talking about tutoring, volunteering at a charity shop, and some pro bono work. I'm more confused about Q2 and what to include. The only idea I have is mentoring younger students at university, but I'm not even sure if this is applicable. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

For Q1, I would focus on your formal experiences - for example, academics, jobs, and structure roles. The key part is to link what you have done (e.g. tutoring, charity work, pro bono) to skills that are relevant to law. This could be things like communication, commercial awareness, attention to detail, etc. It is important to then show how those skills will help you in your legal career!

For Q2, they are looking for what you have done beyond the obvious instances (e.g. studying a law degree) to show genuine interest in law. This is more about showing initiative and motivation, and good examples could include:

• Attending law firm events or open days
• Participating in mentoring
• Networking with lawyers or students
• Online courses / programmes (e.g. Forage!).

Your mentoring example could work well, I'd just make sure that you frame it in terms of what it shows and how they prepare you for a career in law (e.g. leadership, communication, etc.)

 

[Lollipopx]

Does anyone have any tips/advice for Brabners assessment?

hey, what office did you apply for?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anything else from vedder? They’re so mysterious

I got a PFO around 3PM

 

[nfe00001]

Anyone hear from the firms since DTC app closed: Glaisyers, Withers, Beale & Co?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey I don’t know if this is good or bad but I looked and last year for Stephenson Harwood I got rejected 26 March…. Hoping this might not be the case as we approach the date

 

[Ams4567]

Has anyone got any insights on the BCLP strengths based interview?