TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Peter Hsu]

has anyone heard back from Howard Kennedy yet? really worried that means a pfo is incoming...

 

[Gracejonesd]

has anyone heard back from Howard Kennedy yet? really worried that means a pfo is incoming...

I’ve but heard back yet either, hoping tomorrow :/

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Anyone heard from Reed Smith or Stephenson Harwood?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Omg

Moore Barlow just cancelled their assessment days ... I can't believe it!

omg I just saw this they said they shortlisted me but for whatat least they said we have a reserved place for future?? I will never be making a reapplication to this firm.. cancelled their vac scheme and dtc

 

[MZJxLadha]

Has anyone heard back from Moore Barlow post VI? I could have sworn they said they’ll get back before the 8th, so I’m now assuming PFO?

Moments before disaster

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Omg

omg I just saw this they said they shortlisted me but for whatat least they said we have a reserved place for future?? I will never be making a reapplication to this firm.. cancelled their vac scheme and dtc

Thats insane, I wonder why? Low interest? or maybe the firm didn't do well this year to take on trainees but regardless all that effort just for it to be cancelled!

 

[MZJxLadha]

Thats insane, I wonder why? Low interest? or maybe the firm didn't do well this year to take on trainees but regardless all that effort just for it to be cancelled!

Definitely not a good sign. And mind you that’s after they already redirected us from vac scheme route to DTC because they cancelled their vac scheme

 

[user7377]

Does anyone have experience interviewing with Farrer & Co for a final interview? Have read online that in the past some of the interviews have run for around 2hrs which seems v long!

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Moore Barlow just cancelled their assessment days ... I can't believe it!

Can't quite believe it; they should have cancelled it post-app and not post-interview after we prepped for that and AC. What really rubbed salt on the wound was "Unfortunately, whilst you were shortlisted to attend an assessment day.......". Thanks....

 

[MZJxLadha]

Can't quite believe it; they should have cancelled it post-app and not post-interview after we prepped for that and AC. What really rubbed salt on the wound was "Unfortunately, whilst you were shortlisted to attend an assessment day.......". Thanks....

really bad from them honestly

 

[WeGotThis!]

It is still open from what qi see on their website and all hires still has it as open

Can you share the link with me? Thank you!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi all, I received a PFO from BCLP a week after completing the SJT. This was stated in the email. Does this mean I didn't meet the benchmark or that I met it and my written application was unsuccessful?

"Thank you for your recent application for a Training Contract at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

On this occasion, we regret to inform you that your application has not been successful. We aim to provide all students with guidance on how to improve their application. As a result, please find below some useful pointers to demonstrate what we are seeking in strong candidates to progress them to assessment stage, which we hope you will find useful."

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Anyone have any idea when RS might come back? Its been quite a while

 

[shays]

Hi all, I received a PFO from BCLP a week after completing the SJT. This was stated in the email. Does this mean I didn't meet the benchmark or that I met it and my written application was unsuccessful?

"Thank you for your recent application for a Training Contract at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

On this occasion, we regret to inform you that your application has not been successful. We aim to provide all students with guidance on how to improve their application. As a result, please find below some useful pointers to demonstrate what we are seeking in strong candidates to progress them to assessment stage, which we hope you will find useful."

I think it's the benchmark for the test, I received the same email last year, yet to hear back for this year

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

Anyone have any idea when RS might come back? Its been quite a while

Probably next week - the deadline for the last batch of written answers was this monday gone.

 

[Vee77]

Hi all, I received a PFO from BCLP a week after completing the SJT. This was stated in the email. Does this mean I didn't meet the benchmark or that I met it and my written application was unsuccessful?

"Thank you for your recent application for a Training Contract at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

On this occasion, we regret to inform you that your application has not been successful. We aim to provide all students with guidance on how to improve their application. As a result, please find below some useful pointers to demonstrate what we are seeking in strong candidates to progress them to assessment stage, which we hope you will find useful."

In your case i think its your application, when you haven’t met the benchmark for the test they specifically tell you that and the rejection comes quicker (max 2 days)

 

[shays]

In your case i think its your application, when you haven’t met the benchmark for the test they specifically tell you that and the rejection comes quicker (max 2 days)

anecdotally, but i had the same wording and for me it was benchmark given i received the rejection a day after taking the test and i believe on a sunday at that too

though given it was a week, it could be the application