TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[backtononlaw]

congrats ! Can I ask when you applied?

Jan 18! I withdrew my app probably a month or so ago now though! I only post on this thread to update people but I’ve decided to stick with my non law career

 

[choicefox212]

Jan 18! I withdrew my app probably a month or so ago now though! I only post on this thread to update people but I’ve decided to stick with my non law career

Good for you for sticking to your guns, and congrats for the test anyway!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Does anyone have any tips for the Withers online test?

 

[anonymous_lawyer]

Hi, does anyone know if Baker McKenzie prefers giving details about work experience through the CV (bullet points) or by giving details in paragraphs? @Jaysen

 

[backtononlaw]

It actually pisses me off when firms send invitations/rejections on weekends because you just know that grad recruitment are automating everything. I mean, obviously they are, but at least send it in working hours!

16:27 today! So random honestly

 

[choicefox212]

Has anyone had PFOs from Withers yet? I assume those of us who haven't heard have been rejected, right?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, does anyone know if Baker McKenzie prefers giving details about work experience through the CV (bullet points) or by giving details in paragraphs? @Jaysen

Hey!

Whilst I'm not sure if Baker McKenzie will have a specific format that they prefer, generally I would say it is best to write in prose rather than bullet points as it allows you to go into more detail about each entry. However, you can write in bullet points as long as you cover:

• What the role was
• What your main responsibilities were
• The skills or insights that you gained

I would just double-check whether the application form states a method that it prefers (as some firms differ). If not, either will be fine!

Best of luck!

 

[rain2801]

Any advice for Ashurst online cappfinity assessment?

 

[summersun]

Harbottle PFO. Expected it since people started interview and ACs a while back.

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Harbottle PFO. Expected it since people started interview and ACs a while back.

Sorry to hear this. Can I ask when you heard back? I've not heard from them at all since applying so I'm expecting an incoming PFO.

 

[DennyCrane]

Anyone heard back from DACB Birmingham following written exercise?

 

[summersun]

Sorry to hear this. Can I ask when you heard back? I've not heard from them at all since applying so I'm expecting an incoming PFO.

I heard back earlier today but I applied in November so may be you 'll hear back soon?

 

[EMB]

Where did you see this? And I half expected this

Linkedin

 

[rs_2002!]

Anyone heard anything from Hogan Lovells yet?

 

[ADhillon01]

Anyone know if Shoosmiths or Kingsley Napley are worth applying to before their 31st deadlines? Assuming my application is strong (just on likelihood of progression this late)

 

[amb303]

Does anyone have any insight into whether I should include open days for the Kingsley Napley work experience section? I am not sure based on the guidance they have on the application form:

Tell us about any paid employment, paid or unpaid placements or internships and any other office and non-office work experience below. Include everything, even if you're not sure that it's relevant - non-legal work employment & experience is as important to us as legal placements.

 

[ADhillon01]

Does anyone have any insight into whether I should include open days for the Kingsley Napley work experience section? I am not sure based on the guidance they have on the application form:

Tell us about any paid employment, paid or unpaid placements or internships and any other office and non-office work experience below. Include everything, even if you're not sure that it's relevant - non-legal work employment & experience is as important to us as legal placements.

Defo include it. I always do on Vantage apps!

 

[amb303]

Anyone know if Shoosmiths or Kingsley Napley are worth applying to before their 31st deadlines? Assuming my application is strong (just on likelihood of progression this late)

I applied to KN last year the day before the deadline and made it through a few rounds! It's not too late

 

[anonymous_lawyer]

Hey!

Whilst I'm not sure if Baker McKenzie will have a specific format that they prefer, generally I would say it is best to write in prose rather than bullet points as it allows you to go into more detail about each entry. However, you can write in bullet points as long as you cover:

• What the role was
• What your main responsibilities were
• The skills or insights that you gained

I would just double-check whether the application form states a method that it prefers (as some firms differ). If not, either will be fine!

Best of luck!

Thank you so much!

 

[yemzisi]

completed the bristows VI a little while back and havent heard anything, should i lose hope ?