TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lollipopx]

Has anyone heard back from DAC Beachcroft following the written exercise?

I'm still waiting

 

[Lollipopx]

I got a TI for the vac scheme with those exact scores! Not sure how much emphasis they put on the written answers but I was quite happy with mine

How did you structure your written please? I put headings and then mini-paras rather than writing whole prose essay style answers

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Is RPC no longer providng the london DTC

The website says applications are opening on 30th March so I think they pushed back the opening date

 

[ADhillon01]

Is Pennington Marches non-rolling? May throw in a last min app(earance)

 

[ADhillon01]

Also, for the same reasons above, can anyone say if Shoosmiths is worth a last min app(earance) thanks

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Is Pennington Marches non-rolling? May throw in a last min app(earance)

Also, for the same reasons above, can anyone say if Shoosmiths is worth a last min app(earance) thanks

Not sure if they are rolling or not but as far as I'm aware no one has progressed with either of them yet for DTC. I think if you can get quality applications in in time then its always worth it!

 

[lawzade02]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone the exact application deadline for Ashurst DTC? I know it is tomorrow, but I cannot find the time. Thanks!

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Hi everyone!

Does anyone the exact application deadline for Ashurst DTC? I know it is tomorrow, but I cannot find the time. Thanks!

Hey, Ashurst always closes their applications at 12pm (Noon).

 

[lawzade02]

Hey, Ashurst always closes their applications at 12pm (Noon).

Thanks!

 

[Lawlilly]

Any tips for CMS AC? First ever AC and I am cr*pping it

 

[adfs456]

Have many people heard back from Bristows to scehdule a final round interview? Like this if you provided your availability and are still waiting pls

 

[htc1001]

Did the Kennedys Newcastle Healthcare DTC final interview yesterday w/ partner and senior associate.
Reading everyone else's posts, it looks like I'll be waiting a while to hear back

 

[drury128]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Just pushing through a last minute app for Kingsley Napley and was having some trouble with differentiating the questions:

The questions are:

1. What have you learned about Kingsley Napley that makes you genuinely excited to train with us? Please share specific examples that reflect your understanding of our work, client base and culture, and explain how these connect to your own aspirations.

I understand this is the usual WHY KN?

2. Becoming a solicitor requires dedication, resilience, and a long-term commitment to professional growth. What motivates you to pursue this path, and how have you demonstrated commitment in working towards this goal so far?

This is about the skills/experience I have for the role of a trainee or should this be why aw specifically as they mention commitment to this 'goal'?
I interviewed for a paralegal role there but didn't get thru which sparked my interest in the firm and also attended the open day. Should I mention this here?

3. Integrity is one of Kingsley Napley's core values, underpinning trust, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Can you describe a situation in which you were faced with a difficult choice that tested your integrity. What was the context, what decision did you make, and what did you learn from the experience?

I do have some examples of some difficult work situations where I took responsibility, and took a high moral ground to do tasks beyond my usual role to achieve desired outcome for the firm/client. Would that be okay?

4. How do you think large generational differences are shaping the workplace, and what challenges or opportunities might this create for you personally?
Completely unsure of this.


I would really appreciate your insights on this.

 

[CharlieandLola]

Did the Kennedys Newcastle Healthcare DTC final interview yesterday w/ partner and senior associate.
Reading everyone else's posts, it looks like I'll be waiting a while to hear back

Hang in there, will only be five weeks apparently

 

[htc1001]

Hang in there, will only be five weeks apparently

 

[Hector123]

reading ts just spiked my cortisol

Heard anything yet? x

 

[Hector123]

Stephenson Harwood post VI update anyone? x

 

[sal44]

Stephenson Harwood post VI update anyone? x

Sorry is this VI for DTC?

 

[katie2911]

i got a holding email saying they’d get back end of april but this was for placement scheme - might apply across chelt office tho?

Def could potentially, but mine was DTC, so it's bit confusing, I'm just going to chill, there's no way we're getting clarity until we actually hear back from them

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Just pushing through a last minute app for Kingsley Napley and was having some trouble with differentiating the questions:

The questions are:

1. What have you learned about Kingsley Napley that makes you genuinely excited to train with us? Please share specific examples that reflect your understanding of our work, client base and culture, and explain how these connect to your own aspirations.

I understand this is the usual WHY KN?

2. Becoming a solicitor requires dedication, resilience, and a long-term commitment to professional growth. What motivates you to pursue this path, and how have you demonstrated commitment in working towards this goal so far?

This is about the skills/experience I have for the role of a trainee or should this be why aw specifically as they mention commitment to this 'goal'?
I interviewed for a paralegal role there but didn't get thru which sparked my interest in the firm and also attended the open day. Should I mention this here?

3. Integrity is one of Kingsley Napley's core values, underpinning trust, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Can you describe a situation in which you were faced with a difficult choice that tested your integrity. What was the context, what decision did you make, and what did you learn from the experience?

I do have some examples of some difficult work situations where I took responsibility, and took a high moral ground to do tasks beyond my usual role to achieve desired outcome for the firm/client. Would that be okay?

4. How do you think large generational differences are shaping the workplace, and what challenges or opportunities might this create for you personally?
Completely unsure of this.


I would really appreciate your insights on this.

Hello!

I'd approach each question in the following ways:

1. What excites you about Kingsley Napley?

You are right that this is similar to your classic "why the firm", but they are pushing you to go a bit deeper than general or surface level points. I would break it down into three strands: what the firm actually does, how it operates in practice, and why that matters to you.

Therefore, rather than listing facts, try to show that you understand their work (e.g. their strength in private client and acting on sensitive matters for individuals) and then link that to the kind of work you find interesting. Alongside that, make sure to bring in their culture (for example, mid-sized so more responsibility, which leads to closer client contact, etc.) and explain why that environment suits how you want to train.

You should always try and link the motivation-based points to your past experiences, to show that your motivations are grounded in something tangible (i.e. you could discuss a Forage programme or university module that relates to a practice area that you are interested in). On this basis, I would say that your open day experience is worth mentioning in this question as they can help prove that your interest isn't superficial. Just make sure that you focus on what you learned from the open day (e.g. insights into the firm's culture or trainee experience), rather than just describing what you did.

2. Motivation for becoming a solicitor and how you have demonstrated commitment

This is a broader question and focuses more on "why law as a career", rather than "why this firm". They are testing whether you have thought seriously about the profession and the actions you have taken to confirm your interest.

A good way to approach it could be to start with what draws you to being a solicitor (e.g. the type of work, the responsibility, working with clients, etc.) and show that you understand the long-term career and what it involves. Then, I'd bring in evidence of what you have done so far to pursue it - this could be work experience, open days, applications, academic choices (e.g. modules), etc.

You could mention Kingsley Napley here, but I would keep it brief and ensure it is part of showing a sustained effort to the career generally (e.g. applying, attending events, etc.). The focus should be on your overall commitment to the career, rather than the firm specifically, otherwise it becomes similar to Q1.

3. Integrity question

Your example does sound like it could work well! What matters most isn't necessarily how impressive the situation itself is, but whether it genuinely shows a test of your judgment and how you reflect on the experience.

I'd make sure the dilemma itself is clear - what made the situation difficult, and what competing pressures were there. Then, move on to explain the decision you made and, most importantly, why you made it. The reasoning is how you demonstrate integrity in your answer! Finally, I would reflect on what you learned in relation to responsibility and doing the right thing in a professional context.

Going beyond your role could be a good angle, but I would try to avoid it becoming a "hard work" example as the focus should be on decision-making and accountability.

4. Generational differences in the workplace

This question seems to be testing your awareness of how workplaces are evolving, as well as your ability to take a balanced view and work with various types of people.

You could briefly acknowledge that different generations often have different expectations - for example, around communication styles, feedback, work-life balance, or career progression. Then, I'd ensure that you explore both sides and discuss the opportunities (such as diversity of thought, innovation, and knowledge sharing) as well as the challenges (such as miscommunication or differing expectations).

The key part is to ensure that you bring it back to yourself (as it asks what opportunities + challenges it makes for you personally). Show how you would navigate that environment, which could include things such as being adaptable in how you communicate, open to learning from others, and aware that different approaches can all add value in some way. I would try to avoid any generalisations or stereotypes if you can, and focus on what challenges and opportunities it creates based on your personal working style.

Overall, I'd just ensure that each answer has a clear focus and directly addresses the question being asked. I would summarise each question as:

• Q1: why Kingsley Napley
• Q2: motivation for law
• Q3: how you demonstrate your values (in particular, integrity) in practice
• Q4: your understanding of adapting in a workplace

If you keep those distinctions clear, it'll help your application come across much more focused overall. Best of luck with your application!