TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TheSaulGoodman]

Anyone heard from Freeths or Broadfield?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Still no news from Stephenson Harwood, anyone? I also assume no news from Farrer is bad news at this point...

Also, how long does Withers generally take to get back to you after their first stage interview? It's also now been like 7 weeks since any contact with Macfarlanes...

On a different note I have an interview at a firm called Ogier in Guernsey next week. I really like them - they do pretty much exactly what I want to do - but has anyone got more info on them? Any tips for interviewing for non-London TCs despite doing my PGDL and work experience in London? I worry that I'll be cast aside because they assume I'll want to come back as soon as I qualify

I'm sure they won't discount it - work experience is more accessible and available in London, just be honest and talk about your priority being the type of work you're doing as opposed to location

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

For baker do you think they’ll hold the whole process in May or will in now all be delayed?

I think ACs will all be in June but they will handle all the SJTs and VIs in May. Idk why they’re taking so long same as SH. I applied to SH 50 ish days ago, they’re turning into the next Sidley…​

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

I think ACs will all be in June but they will handle all the SJTs and VIs in May. Idk why they’re taking so long same as SH. I applied to SH 50 ish days ago, they’re turning into the next Sidley…​

Applied to SH 72 days ago

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Would appreciate any advice on how to relax /stop stressing about an AC - I had one today and honestly don't know what to think, I feel like the motivational portion went as well as it could've gone but in the presentation/competency portion I think I was less focused, my interviewer prompted me ('do you have anything lese to say about x?') and I didn't expand because tbh I would've been out of my depth....feeling quite stressed out about it now as its my ideal position

 

[gayathri28]

Asking out of curiosity..... How do you all approach VI questions? I feel so nervous speaking to a small dot of light near the camera of my laptop.

Usually I am not so nervous talking to people face to face, however audio calls or even video recording makes me so nervous that I don't get the appropriate vocabulary to speak effectively. Is it just me or does this happen to everyone else?

This is my first cycle of trying and I have been disqualified prior to the assessment centre stage (thrice) because I messed up the VI portion

Do you all have any tips to overcome this?

Thanks a ton

 

[choicefox212]

Applied to SH 72 days ago

I applied in December

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Asking out of curiosity..... How do you all approach VI questions? I feel so nervous speaking to a small dot of light near the camera of my laptop.

Usually I am not so nervous talking to people face to face, however audio calls or even video recording makes me so nervous that I don't get the appropriate vocabulary to speak effectively. Is it just me or does this happen to everyone else?

This is my first cycle of trying and I have been disqualified prior to the assessment centre stage (thrice) because I messed up the VI portion

Do you all have any tips to overcome this?

Thanks a ton

My approach is to generally pretend as if I'm just talking to myself in the mirror (though obvs try look at your camera as much as possible) - I usually practise what I expect to come up (why law, why x firm etc, news story etc) in front of my mirror - and I also have bullet points on sticky notes stuck to the side of my laptop / a split screen between VI and my notes app of the key points I want to hit in potential answers which I find really helpful - just what works for me though everyone approaches them differently
Also in terms of vocabulary its a sticky one because you don't want to sound over rehearsed or too technical, I'd say try to be professional as much as you can while also being yourself and don't get thrown off or panic if you don't word something correctly - best of luck

 

[trainee4u]

which TCs are open to those who've already failed VS app?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

which TCs are open to those who've already failed VS app?

I think Macfarlanes and Morgan Lewis allow you to re apply in the same cycle if PFOd post app for the VSs. These DTCs are both still open.​

 

[greentree]

I think Macfarlanes and Morgan Lewis allow you to re apply in the same cycle if PFOd post app for the VSs. These DTCs are both still open.​

Only post app pfo?

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

Anyone received Reed Smith test yet for the DTC?

 

[a0]

Anyone received Reed Smith test yet for the DTC?

I doubt since they're not automatic.

 

[gayathri28]

My approach is to generally pretend as if I'm just talking to myself in the mirror (though obvs try look at your camera as much as possible) - I usually practise what I expect to come up (why law, why x firm etc, news story etc) in front of my mirror - and I also have bullet points on sticky notes stuck to the side of my laptop / a split screen between VI and my notes app of the key points I want to hit in potential answers which I find really helpful - just what works for me though everyone approaches them differently
Also in terms of vocabulary its a sticky one because you don't want to sound over rehearsed or too technical, I'd say try to be professional as much as you can while also being yourself and don't get thrown off or panic if you don't word something correctly - best of luck

Thank you... Will definitely try this

 

[WeGotThis!]

Has anyone applied to HFW DTC and is it worth applying since they recruit on a rolling basis? If anyone has received any ACs or offers through the route, let me know. Thank you!

 

[Jaysen]

Would appreciate any advice on how to relax /stop stressing about an AC - I had one today and honestly don't know what to think, I feel like the motivational portion went as well as it could've gone but in the presentation/competency portion I think I was less focused, my interviewer prompted me ('do you have anything lese to say about x?') and I didn't expand because tbh I would've been out of my depth....feeling quite stressed out about it now as its my ideal position

I'd prioritise doing things that change your state, like exercising, or activities that you like to do for self-care.

But it's also okay if you find yourself stressing! That's a sign of how much you care. As long as it's not making you unwell, it's okay to think about it, while knowing whatever is meant to be will happen.

 

[gayathri28]

Just received Hogan Lovells pfo :/

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone applied to HFW DTC and is it worth applying since they recruit on a rolling basis? If anyone has received any ACs or offers through the route, let me know. Thank you!

I applied but haven’t heard anything - I’m pretty sure they don’t review DTC apps until after their vac scheme so expecting July time

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Just received Hogan Lovells pfo :/

Same

 

[WeGotThis!]

I applied but haven’t heard anything - I’m pretty sure they don’t review DTC apps until after their vac scheme so expecting July time

Thank you!