TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Applicant7874652]

Guys if my Bakers portal says my app is "in progress" and it is dated May 7, what does that mean?

 

[lucky2]

Reed smith invite to submit written application form

Hi, congrats! Do you mind sharing how many days they give you to submit the questions? Do the questions need to be submitted through Vantage?

 

[futurelawyer45]

Hi, congrats! Do you mind sharing how many days they give you to submit the questions? Do the questions need to be submitted through Vantage?

They've given us exactly a week. So, needs to be submitted by this coming Friday.

 

[AryanAgg]

Should we just assume pfo from ashurst at this point?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Should we just assume pfo from ashurst at this point?

I’m assuming they’ve sent all their WEs and it’s a PFO but I’m surprised nobody on here has posted anything about hearing from Ashurst at all.

Hopefully Bakers and SH wake up next week and send out SJTs. My portal says I applied to Bakers 07 May and that my app is in progress…​

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Guys if my Bakers portal says my app is "in progress" and it is dated May 7, what does that mean?

Mine says the same. I guess we will wait and see!

 

[TortillaTC]

Does anyone know if applying to Fried Frank with a less prestigious background is worth it? I did my LLB outside the UK and obtained a mid 2:1 equivalent only, but have diverse work experiences and an overall compelling CV.

I have previously made it to Silver Circle and a US firm’s AC, but FF might be another league + their tiny intake makes me think they’re extremely competitive.

 

[Woopdewooop]

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

Woo! Was this for DTC?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Woo! Was this for DTC?

Hi! Yes, for DTC

 

[rain2801]

I'm struggling with the W&C deal analysis question. Does anyone have any advice on how to go about it?

 

[Futuretrainee002]

I'm struggling with the W&C deal analysis question. Does anyone have any advice on how to go about it?

I don't know what that question is specifically asking for, but for these type of tasks, I would always firstly use PESTLE to figure out the broader ramifications of the deal and then in a structured approach go through the main practice areas and discuss how they may have been involved in the deal, it would be beneficial and you could show off your research by discussing W&C unique teams or approaches to work who may have played a part in the deal e.g if it is an energy deal does W&C have a specific energy transition team or do they take a broader ESG approach.

 

[butters]

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

Hi, what kind of written exercise? After the VI did you receive the critical thinking test invite? or do you mean that as the CT?

 

[rain2801]

I don't know what that question is specifically asking for, but for these type of tasks, I would always firstly use PESTLE to figure out the broader ramifications of the deal and then in a structured approach go through the main practice areas and discuss how they may have been involved in the deal, it would be beneficial and you could show off your research by discussing W&C unique teams or approaches to work who may have played a part in the deal e.g if it is an energy deal does W&C have a specific energy transition team or do they take a broader ESG approach.

Hey, thanks so much for this! I'm having difficulty narrowing down what to write, since every deal has so many dimensions. I think the PESTLE method would do me well here. Also, may be off topic, but since the question just asks for a deal W&C worked on, is it okay to pick one that did not involve the London office of the firm? @Jaysen @Abbie Reed Smith

 

[aspiringattorney]

are there any reapplicants for the reed smith direct tc? I applied by the 28th and still have yet to hear anything back.

 

[Mordecaidown]

Hello, for non-CV applicants for Baker McKenzie, have you guys been able to login to your profiles? I seem to have not been able to do so.

 

[SueD]

Reed Smith invite to submit the written questions !

Whereabouts in the process does that stage fall please?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Whereabouts in the process does that stage fall please?

You submit an initial application form which is just grades and work experience (no questions). Then you are sent the SJT/VI. If successful then you are sent the written application questions.

 

[abc124]

Omg that macfarlanes job sim was absolutely vile whenever I thought i could predict the questions based on the sources it’d surprise me with smth completely different lol

 

[lawlol420]

has anyone else been put on a reserve list for CRS London?

 

[rrr]

Hey I received my AC invite on Wednesday

How did it go? i still haven't heard anything back from them. i will deffo have to email on monday. do they just not email at all if they don't want you?