TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AryanAgg]

I applied to baker mckenzie through cvmail, am I doomed?

 

[AryanAgg]

Because the uk graduates portal of bakers still took me to cvmail for some reason and the application was still called DTC 2028.

 

[DennyCrane]

Has anyone not heard from Withers at all? Radio silence here which I assume is PFO, but would like some closure

I haven't heard anything

 

[DennyCrane]

Because the uk graduates portal of bakers still took me to cvmail for some reason and the application was still called DTC 2028.

Im sure it was fine then

 

[AryanAgg]

Also why can't I manually enter my school which was outside the uk in the new form?

 

[AryanAgg]

Should I just enter some random school from the choices then?

 

[Z48]

Because the uk graduates portal of bakers still took me to cvmail for some reason and the application was still called DTC 2028.

It looks like the role was uploaded to the new platform on the 16th March, so maybe applications before this were cvMail?

 

[law_mania]

Should I just enter some random school from the choices then?

yeah choose a random school.

On the next page, you can input the correct school manually.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, would appreciate insight on how do you write a CV entry? I usually do bullet points describing the exact work I did there, but I've heard people do prose as well. How do you write it in prose and which is better? @Abbie Reed Smith

Hello!

I would generally go with prose unless the firm specifically asks for bullet points. Most firms will prefer concise paragraphs in prose as it allows you to go into a bit more detail, which can help them quickly understand your experiences.

In terms of structure, I would try to cover three key things in each entry:

• What the role was (and where you worked)
• Your main responsibilities (what you actually did day-to-day)
• What you gained from the experience - both skills and insights

The last part is a really important part to include, as it shows that you have reflected on the experiences. I would also try to briefly link what you learned to skills relevant to law (e.g. attention to detail, handling deadlines, working with clients, etc.), rather than just listing tasks.

Bullet points aren't wrong, and I'm sure they'd work just fine too, but they can sometimes come across as a bit list-like and don't always show reflection as clearly

 

[Maxi04]

Hi!

Anyone heard anything post VI for DTC at CRS (Charles Russell Speechlys) London?
Or, anyone heard anything from PHB (Payne Hicks Beach)?

 

[blcnko]

Has SH Stephenson Harwood given out all its offers yet? When can we expect a PFO post VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock I did a VS in March and think it would be great to put in applications, especially since I don't have any other recent legal work experience. I will do so moving forwards, but what about previously submitted apps currently in progress? I have multiple direct TC applications which I submitted before doing my spring VS. Would you recommend sending grad rec emails to add this to my application? Thank you!

Hello!

Congratulations on the VS experience, that is great to hear!!

For direct TC applications, I do think it can be worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to update them, especially if the scheme gave you some strong experience or reflections that you didn't have at the time of your original application. However, I'd keep the email quite concise and purposeful - briefly mention that you have recently completed a vacation scheme, highlight 1-2 key things that you gained (e.g. skills, insights, or exposure to work), and say that you would be grateful if this could be taken into account alongside your existing application. You don't need to resent your whole application or go into loads of detail.

I would also just be aware that some firms may not formally "add" it to your application depending on where you are in the process, but I don't think it will reflect badly on you if you just send a polite update

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone. Needed some urgent help. I cannot locate the application portal for Baker McKenzie's Direct TC. How do we apply? Is it fsr.cvmail? Or is it through their website? Why are there 2 different methods? @Ram Sabaratnam will really appreciate help.
Nick

Hello!

I can see why this is confusing, and unfortunately I wouldn't be able to give you a definitive answer - apologies! I would personally find the early careers page or job listing on their website and use that application portal, as it is likely to be the most recent one. However, it might be worth sending a brief email to the early careers team at Baker McKenzie to confirm where they'd like you to send your application

 

[AryanAgg]

I've applied on both just to be safe, and I agree with the other form being worse than cvMail.

 

[juanitasimi]

Has anyone not heard from Withers at all? Radio silence here which I assume is PFO, but would like some closure

Just heard from them now

 

[summersun]

Just heard from them now

Hi I can ask whether you got the sjt ?

 

[juanitasimi]

Hi I can ask whether you got the sjt ?

Yes I did. Most likely sending it in batches so don’t worry

 

[Hector123]

Has SH Stephenson Harwood given out all its offers yet? When can we expect a PFO post VI?

Is this for the training contract or VS

 

[spamelinazoid]

As foreign educated students, if we say no to RARE recruitment data sharing, would that affect us negatively? the BM application is bugged and doesnt let me type in my foreign school, only select UK ones...

 

[abc124]

As foreign educated students, if we say no to RARE recruitment data sharing, would that affect us negatively? the BM application is bugged and doesnt let me type in my foreign school, only select UK ones...

I was thinking to just select a random school hoping that if you select 'other' when it asks for country the school won't be taken into account