TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[juanitasimi]

Does anyone know what time exactly Boodle Hatfield DTC close on the 14th? I wish firms would specify

 

[nonlawstudent98]

RPC test! Is it automatic?

 

[nicoledm]

Howard Kennedy holding email

 

[radssss]

Disney legal graduate role interview invite!

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Disney legal graduate role interview invite!

Same

 

[radssss]

Same

yayyy, amazing!! Odd question but do you know how many legal graduates do they hire for this scheme?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

yayyy, amazing!! Odd question but do you know how many legal graduates do they hire for this scheme?

Not a clue sorry but it wouldn't be a crazy guess to say a min of 4 based on the different departments we could express our interests in (if my memory is correct).

 

[at1234]

RPC test! Is it automatic?

i've got it too but from last year I remember them saying they didn't open their DTC recruitment since they filled their spots through the vac scheme. I'm not sure if it's the same this year but I know they haven't had their vac schemes yet. So can't be sure if they'll be recruiting DTC.

 

[at1234]

insight on macfarlanes VI please - willing to trade!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any tips to improve on Amberjacks or SJTs generally? I practice outside of the official tests and seem to do well but it doesn't translate into my actual scores when I do firms' tests.

Hey!

I have quoted some advice below from @ZNadeem that I found super useful last cycle, particularly when considering what will typically be expected of a trainee in these SJT/Amberjack scenarios.

I hope that you find it useful!

Hi! The test is a Capp assessment run through Cappfinity — it’s mainly SJT-style questions, but you should also expect some critical thinking ones too. I don’t think it’s timed. I’d recommend checking out the Cappfinity preparation hub before attempting the Macfarlanes online assessment.

General tips for SJTs:
-Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
-Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
-Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
-Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
-Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
-Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Any updates on WFW post-VI?

 

[theduckytie]

Macfarlanes told me over the phone that it might be another month until we get some news (I did the job sim in early March!)


Grad recruitment said that their assessments will be in AUGUST - they haven't reviewed many tests yet.

Did SH Grad Recruitment give any more information (ie timeline on hearing back)? I am waiting on booking a summer trip until I know if I have made the AC

 

[lawlol420]

Disney legal graduate role interview invite!

congrats! do you think they're still sending out invites?

 

[LH4]

Did anyone else find the WFW VI challenging or just me

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie, I just had a question for you in relation to case studies and written tasks.

Given the time constraints, what is the best way to go about reading through the material and making notes?

Essentially, what is the most efficient way to read, make notes and then address the questions?

Thanks!

 

[neverdidiever]

is RPC rolling?

 

[radssss]

congrats! do you think they're still sending out invites?

hey, thank you! I think they sent it all together because interviews start from 15th. Please don’t take my word for it tho as it’s not a pfo until you receive an email. Fingers crossed for you!

 

[user7377]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone has had experience doing two partner interviews at the same firm, is the expectation that we have different answers for motivational questions for the second interview? Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie, I just had a question for you in relation to case studies and written tasks.

Given the time constraints, what is the best way to go about reading through the material and making notes?

Essentially, what is the most efficient way to read, make notes and then address the questions?

Thanks!

Hey!

For case studies and written tasks, I found it was usually more effective not to read everything in detail straight away. I would normally start by looking at the questions first so that I knew exactly what I was trying to answer, and then go into the materials with that in mind.

Once I knew what the task was asking, I could do an initial skim of the documents to get a sense of where key information sat and then go back through more carefully, focusing only on what was relevant. When making notes, I would try to keep them really concise and organised by things like issue or question, rather than trying to summarise the entire document.

I definitely wouldn't try to go into the small details at first, as you might spend too much time understanding something that isn't particularly relevant. However, I'd definitely read through everything at least once so that you have all the information and can understand the wider context.

One thing I found particularly helpful was leaving myself enough time to actually produce the answer, rather than spending most of the time reading and planning. It is really easy to spend a lot of the exercise reading and note-taking, but often these tasks are testing things such as prioritisation and judgment as much as whether you have spotted every detail. Sometimes it is easy to put off actually writing the answer, in case you get it wrong, but I found it can help clear things up if I at least put my thoughts down on the page (even if you have to go back and edit it all later).

I hope that helps, and best of luck!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone has had experience doing two partner interviews at the same firm, is the expectation that we have different answers for motivational questions for the second interview? Thanks!

Hi!

I've been in situations in the past where I have had multiple interviews with the same firm and, in my experience, I wouldn't feel pressure to come up with completely different answers for the sake of it.

If they ask the same motivational questions again (e.g. "why commercial law?", "why us?", etc), I'd expect your core reasons to stay broadly consistent as these motivations shouldn't suddenly change between rounds. However, I would try to make the answer a bit more developed or tailored based on everything you have learned since the first interview.

For example, if you have attended an event, spoken to a trainee, or learnt something from the previous interview round, you can build those experiences into your answer and make it feel more informed and specific. Sometimes second interviews are less about hearing a brand new answer, and more about testing whether your motivations still hold up and that you can clearly show why you are motivated to work in law/at that firm.

I'd also be prepared for the conversation to potentially go deeper into your motivations - for example, partners may push on the "why?" behind your answers more than asking a completely new question.

Best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!!