TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got a reply from Perkins LBA?

 

[anonymous.15]

macfarlanes pfo with which my last ever cycle ends. i have one more to hear back but it’s a pfo i am certain

WDYM last cycle if you dont mind me asking? was this your 5th cycle?

 

[justgetmethattc]

Anything from Browne Jacobson at all? Had the TI 2 weeks ago with the London ACs on 14th and 21st - not a lot of time so assuming PFO?

 

[bristol rovers]

4th cycle but i had personally decided to be done after this since i haven’t managed to be successful and look for alternative career paths to progress!

Wha career paths you looking at?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

WFW AC invite

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Any news from Stephenson Harwood, Orrick or PMC?

 

[tosin4774]

4th cycle but i had personally decided to be done after this since i haven’t managed to be successful and look for alternative career paths to progress!

Is it because you have not made it past the application stage?

 

[Filia]

Hey everyone. Anything from Dorsey?

 

[Ancika]

When is your assessment day by the way? Mine was on the 2nd June, there was a contract written exercise. Practice those such as contract law

I thought the written exercise was more of a mark up ? Can anyone confirm/correct me ?

 

[Dhivya]

Hi all, I am an international law graduate from India. I am looking to apply for training contracts 2028-2029 acceptance cycle. Are there any list of firms and deadline circulated in this group? How difficult is getting TC as someone having zero work exp in UK? Any tips if its the right path forward to enter UK market?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Any news from Stephenson Harwood, Orrick or PMC?

Nothing from SH

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Can anyone please provide insight on how to answer a scenario-based question, like how you would handle a challenging situation in a VI? Thanks.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

following up about this - has anyone heard from Dorsey and Whitney?

Hey everyone. Anything from Dorsey?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).


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Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

Hey!

I don't think you'd be missing anything by not mentioning that specifically. The question is about why HFW appeals to you and how it differs from its competitors, rather than covering every USP.

I also don't think your answer contradicts itself, as you are saying that you enjoy seeing the full lifecycle of a matter (e.g. from advising at the outset through to resolving disputes if things go wrong). HFW's disputes focus actually complements that, so it might just be about slightly adjusting the wording rather than changing the point entirely.

If you do mention the seat structure, I would only do so if you can explain why it appeals to you personally. Otherwise, I would prioritise keeping your answer coherent and authentic rather than trying to fit in a firm-specific point for the sake of it