TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Prudentia]

Does that mean they are planning not to have anyone from DTC?

Not at all, but I would imagine (and I might be wrong) that candidates who have a VS would be considered before DTC candidates. Not every VS candidate will convert, but they will just be considered first.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Does that mean they are planning not to have anyone from DTC?

They recruit from direct TC every year.

 

[Irishman11]

Does everyone get MacFarlanes job simulation

 

[bangarangbass39]

BCLP test
Strengths: Active Collaborator, Pride, and Efficiency
Weakness: Thinking critically.

I dunno if this means I failed on the last section w/ WG style questions.

 

[gayathri28]

Withers first-stage interview! If anyone has any tips or insights I’d be really grateful and happy to share insights into other firms!

Hi,

Congratulations!
If you don't mind sharing, could you tell us when you did the proof-reading test?

 

[AryanAgg]

BCLP test
Strengths: Active Collaborator, Pride, and Efficiency
Weakness: Thinking critically.

I dunno if this means I failed on the last section w/ WG style questions.

From what I've read about the test, the weakness could just be slightly lower than the strengths and it ends up as a weakness so it's not necessarily a fail.

 

[Maddy]

They recruit from direct TC every year.

Do you know approximately how many trainees they select from DTC application?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Do you know approximately how many trainees they select from DTC application?

For Bakers its usually 10-15ish, depending on the year. They host 5-8 ACs in June/July.

For Ashurst not sure how many exactly , but historically they have always recruited from DTC as well.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Hi,

Congratulations!
If you don't mind sharing, could you tell us when you did the proof-reading test?

Thanks! I completed it on Friday

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

For Bakers its usually 10-15ish, depending on the year. They host 5-8 ACs in June/July.

For Ashurst not sure how many exactly , but historically they have always recruited from DTC as well.

I saw online that Ashurst take 50 people across the WVS and SVS so assuming 50% get a TC it’s 25/40 TCs going via VS so 15/40 via DTC?

So my guess would be 30-45 final ints, 60-90 ACs and 120-180 WEs for the DTC route, out of probs at least 2-3k apps, which is pretty cooked.

I’m just speculating the numbers here idk what it acc is lmao. But Ashurst, Bakers and SH do take a good number of people from the DTC route.​

 

[MZJxLadha]

Reed Smith tests received, phew

 

[lucky2]

Reed Smith tests received, phew

Hi congrats! Is the test meant to be an amberjack like for the VS?

 

[Jaysen]

I know it’s numbers game at the end of the day, would doing only 17-20 applications severely hamper my chances? I started late to the cycle as I have decided to pursue law relatively later.

Is this for direct training contracts? Definitely not. This is far more than average!

 

[MZJxLadha]

Hi congrats! Is the test meant to be an amberjack like for the VS?

I would assume so, though I haven’t done it. And also thanks! Though I do believe the tests are auto based on eligibility rather than being successful? Idk it seems unclear

 

[QuillandCounsel]

I would assume so, though I haven’t done it. And also thanks! Though I do believe the tests are auto based on eligibility rather than being successful? Idk it seems unclear

Judging on the practice, it's looking like it will be

 

[MZJxLadha]

Judging on the practice, it's looking like it will be

Yeah, thought so. Interesting the way they do it this year by sending successful applicants the application questions. I think I like that

 

[lucky2]

Yeah, thought so. Interesting the way they do it this year by sending successful applicants the application questions. I think I like that

I also prefer that! There's nothing more painful than spending hours on an application to not even make it past the app stage. Hurts less when you at least get to do a test and not invest as much time as you would with an app

 

[MZJxLadha]

I also prefer that! There's nothing more painful than spending hours on an application to not even make it past the app stage. Hurts less when you at least get to do a test and not invest as much time as you would with an app

100% agreed.

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Has anyone yet done the assessment for Reed Smith ? If so how did you find it? I honestly have never felt confident with amberjack

 

[MZJxLadha]

Has anyone yet done the assessment for Reed Smith ? If so how did you find it? I honestly have never felt confident with amberjack

Haven’t done it yet but I detest Amberjack with every fibre of my being