TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[haribolover]

My internal deadline is ALWAYS the day before the stated deadline. Because the deadline can mean 00:00 or 12pm or 2pm or 5pm, etc. Not to mention tech issues are more likely to happen on the last day because that’s when everyone else is rushing to submit.

This is good advice!! been burnt more than once by not fully checking what 'deadline' meant for specific firms

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have an AC coming up in Bevan Brittan and one of the questions in past interviews has been: "why do you want to apply for the London office?".

The only other offices they have are in Bristol, Birmingham and Leeds.

There's a video on TCLA addressing how to answer "Why do you want to train in London?" but I'm still not sure how to tackle it or how much of the answer in that video would apply.

Hey!

I think this is one of those questions where they are mainly testing whether your reasoning is thoughtful and tailored, rather than whether you have a "perfect" reason for London specifically.

I would focus less on generic "London is exciting/fast-paced" points and more on what the London office means in the context of the firm itself. For example, you could mention that:

• The London office gives exposure to a broader range of national clients and large-scale matters
• Many of the firm's key sectors have strong links to London-based institutions
• You are interested in being at the centre of client interaction and collaboration across offices
• London aligns with your long-term career ambitions and where you see yourself building your professional network

I would also make sure to avoid sounding as though the regional offices are "lesser" options! Bevan Brittan is really strong outside of London, so it is better to frame it as why London suits you personally and professionally, rather than why the other offices do not.

I hope that assists!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know when firms usually onboard for the GDL or SQE?

I'm trying to get my student bank account extended as I'll still be a student during the GDL, but my bank wants an offer letter or confirmation of study from the uni. I accepted my TC about a month ago, but haven't heard anything further, so I'm presuming none of this has started yet.

I'll probably just email grad rec next week, but I know they're busy with direct TC applications. Was just wondering when other firms have generally started this process?

Hey!

I can only speak from my own experience (+ I received my TC offer very late in the process last year), but I'd say it is usually at some point in the summer - around July/August time, depending on when the course starts and when all offers have been given out. It might be worth just double-checking with the firm, as I'm sure they'll have a process/plan in place

 

[Irishman11]

Has anyone heard from MacFarlanes at all; either PFO or interview.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

anyone has any experience applying later on the cycle for rolling firms? i genuinely think i would not produce better application for the specific firm earlier than now, however, i also know that they opened in october so i am very much freaked out

Hi!

I applied for a firm with a rolling deadline last year on the deadline itself, and I still received a VS offer. Whilst I appreciate that rolling deadlines can make timing feel stressful (particularly when you see people being invited to the next stages), firms are still looking for quality applications throughout the cycle. A well thought-out application that clearly demonstrates motivation and understanding of the firm will generally perform much better than a rushed application that is submitted earlier just for the sake of timing.

Submitting earlier can help at some firms, but I would not panic just because they opened in October - people do still progress later in the cycle too, and they wouldn't keep it open that long if they weren't going to look at the later applications.

Best of luck!

 

[siilvert0ngue]

ohhh ok tysm!! do you think scores includes time or just raw scores? good luck with the ti btw you got this

Definitely raw scores. took me a long time to complete!!

 

[Applicant7874652]

So did anyone else not hear from Baker… fml

Should we assume its rejection? Or is it done in batches?

 

[siilvert0ngue]

White & Case VI invite with associate + HR!!! (Post TI) so shocked I’ve made it this far

 

[shays]

Hi!

I applied for a firm with a rolling deadline last year on the deadline itself, and I still received a VS offer. Whilst I appreciate that rolling deadlines can make timing feel stressful (particularly when you see people being invited to the next stages), firms are still looking for quality applications throughout the cycle. A well thought-out application that clearly demonstrates motivation and understanding of the firm will generally perform much better than a rushed application that is submitted earlier just for the sake of timing.

Submitting earlier can help at some firms, but I would not panic just because they opened in October - people do still progress later in the cycle too, and they wouldn't keep it open that long if they weren't going to look at the later applications.

Best of luck!

thanks Abbie! I've done it a couple times and it has always been 50/50, this one is for HFW so i am a bit more worried knowing their intake and proportion of trainees taken from vac schemes, but hey hopefully we will see

 

[DesperateStudent]

Baker McKenzie VI invite, finally!!!

SJT 6676, high verbal - sat Friday last week.

Hi everyone! I received an invitation to complete the BM video interview today with a deadline of 27/05, but I’ve since received another email saying I’ve been granted extra time (even though I didn’t request any), and the deadline has now changed to 26/05. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered this!

Yep! Got the same. Ill assume the earlier deadline

Well done all on the VI invite!

May I ask if you took the SJT the same day you got it or the deadline day?

I ask as I doubt they’d do staggered invites over BH weekend although they did stagger the test invite that was earlier in the week. Also the deadline being the day after BH is unfair given the suns out

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Should we assume its rejection? Or is it done in batches?

i know personally the grad rec said they are reviewing them slowly and likely towards the end of the summer vac scheme which doesnt start till june...

 

[Matt Murdock]

Well done all on the VI invite!

May I ask if you took the SJT the same day you got it or the deadline day?

I ask as I doubt they’d do staggered invites over BH weekend although they did stagger the test invite that was earlier in the week. Also the deadline being the day after BH is unfair given the suns out

I completed it on my deadline day which was Friday, so i had absolutely no time to prepare it over the weekend since they allowed only 3 days to complete. I felt similar to you for White & Case VI since some people got full weekend to prep and deadline on Monday evening, but I had only Saturday to prep as I had work commitment too on Thursday and Friday.

White & Case VI invite with associate + HR!!! (Post TI) so shocked I’ve made it this far

Amazing, keep the good work and update here until the offer land on your inbox, so I can stop being hopeful and move on.

 

[ILauw]

So did anyone else not hear from Baker… fml

I didn’t but I also had 6667 - High Verbal for the SJT, so I am hoping there is another batch of invites.

 

[SAlegal]

Hiii, does anyone have any insight into the reed smith VI?

 

[siilvert0ngue]

I completed it on my deadline day which was Friday, so i had absolutely no time to prepare it over the weekend since they allowed only 3 days to complete. I felt similar to you for White & Case VI since some people got full weekend to prep and deadline on Monday evening, but I had only Saturday to prep as I had work commitment too on Thursday and Friday.

Amazing, keep the good work and update here until the offer land on your inbox, so I can stop being hopeful and move on.

Surely it’s done in batches, I would still hold out hope if I were you!! But yes, I will keep everyone updated; I find updates from others very helpful so I’ll do the same!

 

[neverdidiever]

does anyone know what time the application closes tomorrow for Watson Farley?

 

[Willgetatc]

does anyone know what time the application closes tomorrow for Watson Farley?

From experience with Fried Frank yesterday, I’d say to take it as 11:59am close at most if they don’t specify time

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Hi, would appreciate any insight on Baker’s VI for those who may have done it earlier. Can exchange for insights on Links AC and FF VI. Thanks!

 

[TheHamlet4]

does anyone know what time the application closes tomorrow for Watson Farley?

I reckon it will close at 23.59 on Sunday based on my prior experience with the application platform.

 

[ababababba]

how long did it take for those who received the written application questions after VI for reed smith?