TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hi! Can I just ask what is the difference between HFW, WFW and Stephenson Harwoods?

 

[GT1205H]

Dear forum,

I would like to say thank you for this community where I was able to make friends, read in silence, contribute some times and most importantly I was able to learn, from people like @Abbie Whitlock , @Jaysen and each one of the members – and the iconic members – that shared their experiences and opinions.

With a bittersweet feeling I must inform you that my journey here has come to an end. We did it people! We got the TC at a silver circle firm and it took a lot:

- 21 applications
- 1.5 cycles
- 4 ACs
- 1 VS

My profile is not standard:
- AAD in my A levels
- non-Russell group university
- no legal work experience
- predicted first class
- no connections in the industry
- dropped out of my previous course to pursue law

My best advice (I could write a book about this but I’m going to keep it short and sweet) is:

- Take an analytical approach to applications, tests and interviews – break down what each stage is assessing, how it is assessed and what a successful candidate will demonstrate at each stage.

- Be proactive – find yourself the easy answers, the ones you can google, use AI or find in the firm’s website. Save the tough questions (information not publicly available) for those events, early careers, lawyers etc and make sure that you maximise each interaction.

- “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." – if your writing style is not progressing your applications, your interview technique is not getting you the offers and your working style is not converting those VS then you must change them. Don’t be afraid of trying different ideas and approaches.

- Use all sources available to you, including the paid ones – there are many amazing free sources, but sometimes you got to invest in your future and pay. I’m far from being privileged, I was raised by a single mother that works as a cleaner but I work part time. So many times I had to sacrifice that takeaway, pub visit, or night out to pay for resources such as TCLA premium ( I promise Jaysen has not paid me for this ) that did make a difference and saved me time and work in my learning journey.

Good Sunday for everyone! May the almighty bless you all and open the doors of the right firm to you

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Have you heard back yet?

Nope nothing!

 

[studentgrad]

We'll have this ready by 1 July!

Hi Jaysen, may I ask where we can find this?

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Apart from HFW, what other DTC's are open this cycle?

K & L Gates

 

[meauasushe153/]

any advice for the eversheds VI please and thanks

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Dear forum,

I would like to say thank you for this community where I was able to make friends, read in silence, contribute some times and most importantly I was able to learn, from people like @Abbie Whitlock , @Jaysen and each one of the members – and the iconic members – that shared their experiences and opinions.

With a bittersweet feeling I must inform you that my journey here has come to an end. We did it people! We got the TC at a silver circle firm and it took a lot:

- 21 applications
- 1.5 cycles
- 4 ACs
- 1 VS

My profile is not standard:
- AAD in my A levels
- non-Russell group university
- no legal work experience
- predicted first class
- no connections in the industry
- dropped out of my previous course to pursue law

My best advice (I could write a book about this but I’m going to keep it short and sweet) is:

- Take an analytical approach to applications, tests and interviews – break down what each stage is assessing, how it is assessed and what a successful candidate will demonstrate at each stage.

- Be proactive – find yourself the easy answers, the ones you can google, use AI or find in the firm’s website. Save the tough questions (information not publicly available) for those events, early careers, lawyers etc and make sure that you maximise each interaction.

- “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." – if your writing style is not progressing your applications, your interview technique is not getting you the offers and your working style is not converting those VS then you must change them. Don’t be afraid of trying different ideas and approaches.

- Use all sources available to you, including the paid ones – there are many amazing free sources, but sometimes you got to invest in your future and pay. I’m far from being privileged, I was raised by a single mother that works as a cleaner but I work part time. So many times I had to sacrifice that takeaway, pub visit, or night out to pay for resources such as TCLA premium ( I promise Jaysen has not paid me for this ) that did make a difference and saved me time and work in my learning journey.

Good Sunday for everyone! May the almighty bless you all and open the doors of the right firm to you

Huge congratulations - that is amazing news!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and share this! I know there will be so many people reading your post who will see parts of themselves in your story (myself included!), and it is such an important reminder that there isn't one "perfect" profile that firms are looking for.

I also love the advice you have shared, particularly about being willing to adapt and taking a proactive approach. I think that is something that can be overlooked quite easily, but it is one of the biggest differences between continuing to apply and actually improving with each application cycle.

Wishing you all the best as you start your SQE/TC - I'm sure you'll make a fantastic trainee!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! Can I just ask what is the difference between HFW, WFW and Stephenson Harwoods?

Hey!

Whilst I don't know too much about HFW and WFW, I would differentiate them as:

• HFW is best known for shipping, aviation, commodities, and insurance. They are particularly strong in disputes, and were recently ranked as having the highest win rate in the English commercial court among major litigation firms.
• WFW is a key asset finance firm, and have the world's largest dedicated aviation and maritime finance legal teams. They are also very active in energy and infrastructure.
• Stephenson Harwood is more sector-diverse, and focus on five core areas: Energy Transition, Life Sciences, Private Capital, Technology, and Transportation. They have a strong disputes practice (especially in group actions and high-value commercial litigation) and solid corporate/M&A practices. Compared with HFW and WFW, it has a more diversified client base across a wider range of practice areas.

Ultimately, they are all excellent firms, and it really depends on what work interests you. If you are thinking of applying to them, I'd recommend looking at each firm's key sectors, recent deals/cases and trainee seat options to get a feel for which aligns most closely with your interests and career goals.

I hope that assists!

 

[HasRez]

any advice for the eversheds VI please and thanks

When did you get the invite?

 

[TheHamlet4]

Haven’t heard from Macfarlanes since completing the first assessment last Sunday, still hoping for the best.

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Anyone still waiting on BCLP?

 

[radssss]

hey! thanks for a reply… i don’t particularly understand the reply tho… last lot to do an AC for the vac scheme or TC?

I did the AC after my vac scheme. We (vac schemers) were the last people to do the AC. All DTC people did the AC before us. Hope this helps and best of luck

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hey!

Whilst I don't know too much about HFW and WFW, I would differentiate them as:

• HFW is best known for shipping, aviation, commodities, and insurance. They are particularly strong in disputes, and were recently ranked as having the highest win rate in the English commercial court among major litigation firms.
• WFW is a key asset finance firm, and have the world's largest dedicated aviation and maritime finance legal teams. They are also very active in energy and infrastructure.
• Stephenson Harwood is more sector-diverse, and focus on five core areas: Energy Transition, Life Sciences, Private Capital, Technology, and Transportation. They have a strong disputes practice (especially in group actions and high-value commercial litigation) and solid corporate/M&A practices. Compared with HFW and WFW, it has a more diversified client base across a wider range of practice areas.

Ultimately, they are all excellent firms, and it really depends on what work interests you. If you are thinking of applying to them, I'd recommend looking at each firm's key sectors, recent deals/cases and trainee seat options to get a feel for which aligns most closely with your interests and career goals.

I hope that assists!

Thank you very much, Abbie!!

 

[lolololol]

anyone heard back from mayer brown post-test?

 

[DesperateStudent]

anyone heard back from mayer brown post-test?

My friend got a rejection 2 weeks ago another friend got an AC last week.

I’ve heard nothing. I’m holding out as they have 4 AC dates.

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Is it safe to assume PFO from WFW Post VI if I have not heard back yet? I saw someone on the forum being offered an AC

 

[lolololol]

My friend got a rejection 2 weeks ago another friend got an AC last week.

I’ve heard nothing. I’m holding out as they have 4 AC dates.

what are the dates? if you know

 

[DesperateStudent]

what are the dates? if you know

I’m not sure of all of them, my friend was given one next Tuesday and was told that they could have Thursday also. I assume the other two are in August or maybe late July?

I don’t know how many are on an AC so can’t exactly work out our odd as they could have 6 per AC or 3

 

[lolololol]

mayer brown pfo got my highest score for a test and it wasn’t enough

 

[Deleted member 33582]

mayer brown pfo got my highest score for a test and it wasn’t enough

Sorry to hear this; when I applied for VS it was the same, I got super high scores on the amberjack. I think the MB amberjack is just scored very highly and is actually just as arbitrary as any other test