TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter]

Very very early, I think maybe 2 days after the apps opened.

Jheeze why do they take so long to respond? I thought they reviewed on a rolling basis? I applied a few weeks ago so I most likely won’t hear back until after the new year it seems. They did ask for my degree transcript last week but nothing else since then. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[nansies]

Orrick is among the list that doesn't sponsor PGDL anymore. I just realised its VC practice ranks highly both in the UK Chamber and Legal 500, even surpassing Cooley, I need to redact it from my list too. So sad but glad I haven't signed up 😢😞

I also noticed and was a little confused... If a firm doesn't sponsor the PGDL, does it mean they would require non-law grads to pay for it themselves or they would ask them to go straight into the SQE? Thanks!

 

[yk1906]

Jheeze why do they take so long to respond? I thought they reviewed on a rolling basis? I applied a few weeks ago so I most likely won’t hear back until after the new year it seems. They did ask for my degree transcript last week but nothing else since then. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

Perhaps for me it took longer because I’m a full on international with my bachelors from a country I’m pretty sure 0 people apply from. Maybe it took them a lot of time to understand my grades + I have almost 100 entries. Oxford says my GPA is equivalent to 2:1, might’ve been too low for them, even though it’s super hard to achieve in my country 😁😁

 

[Amgrad]

I also noticed and was a little confused... If a firm doesn't sponsor the PGDL, does it mean they would require non-law grads to pay for it themselves or they would ask them to go straight into the SQE? Thanks!

You must paid by yourself I guess. Usually they do not offer retrospective pay either. For SQE they would pay for BARBRI same as Baker McKenzie, K&L Gates & Davis Polk.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Perhaps for me it took longer because I’m a full on international with my bachelors from a country I’m pretty sure 0 people apply from. Maybe it took them a lot of time to understand my grades + I have almost 100 entries. Oxford says my GPA is equivalent to 2:1, might’ve been too low for them, even though it’s super hard to achieve in my country 😁😁

100 entries is insane! Sounds like a tough course you did for your undergraduate! Seems like they are still going through applications submitted at the start of their window. Tbf I think they expect a ‘good’ 2:1 which I assume means 65% or more but I have heard that they only interview people with a 68% average or above? Not sure but they seem pretty focused on academics. Best of luck with your other applications in any case!​

 

[yk1906]

100 entries is insane! Sounds like a tough course you did for your undergraduate! Seems like they are still going through applications submitted at the start of their window. Tbf I think they expect a ‘good’ 2:1 which I assume means 65% or more but I have heard that they only interview people with a 68% average or above? Not sure but they seem pretty focused on academics. Best of luck with your other applications in any case!​

Honestly, I don’t even know… And I never take anything like this personally, I don’t agree that grades and universities are an adequate indicator of one’s strengths 😁 The sad thing is that I got into LSE some time ago and couldn’t go because of the financial aspect. Maybe I should start writing that in my applications 😂

I hope you get an interview though, and thanks for kind words!

 

[Bread]

Honestly, I don’t even know… And I never take anything like this personally, I don’t agree that grades and universities are an adequate indicator of one’s strengths 😁 The sad thing is that I got into LSE some time ago and couldn’t go because of the financial aspect. Maybe I should start writing that in my applications 😂

I hope you get an interview though, and thanks for kind words!

Out of curiosity, how come you want to pursue a career in the UK? Feel free to pm me

 

[RSC2001]

I’d assume anyone that got an AC invite this week was for direct TC not VS regardless of the thread they posted in. This is because the TC application closed well after the VS one therefore they’d be on two separate timelines of responding to people.

I don’t think they send invites in batches.

I want to remind optimistic and say they won’t get back to those who applied to 2028 DTC until the new year only as they won’t start at minimum until September 2026 (non law). They’d prioritise 2027 as they’d start the SQE in the next 3/4 months if they haven’t already passed.

Does anyone know if A&O Shearman DTC 2028 AC is also week of 15 December? I've booked a holiday from next week and not sure if I should cancel it

 

[yk1906]

Out of curiosity, how come you want to pursue a career in the UK? Feel free to pm me

It’s a very logical reason, really 😁😁 I’ll PM

 

[Trophy]

Does anyone know if A&O Shearman DTC 2028 AC is also week of 15 December? I've booked a holiday from next week and not sure if I should cancel it

It’s worth emailing them as they’re the only people with answers unfortunately

 

[TCLA0322]

Does anyone know if A&O Shearman DTC 2028 AC is also week of 15 December? I've booked a holiday from next week and not sure if I should cancel it

I already booked my holiday (13th-20th Dec) during July, so…😪

 

[Trophy]

Also if anyone decided to send a last minute application to linklaters you have to complete the first test before the deadline (which is today) and then the WG 5 days after you get it.

 

[RSC2001]

It’s worth emailing them as they’re the only people with answers unfortunately

Yeah, you're right, thanks. I've emailed them!

 

[M123]

Yeah, you're right, thanks. I've emailed them!

Please let us know what they say

 

[x_law2004]

Has anyone else not heard from CMS?

 

[Amgrad]

Does anyone know if A&O Shearman DTC 2028 AC is also week of 15 December? I've booked a holiday from next week and not sure if I should cancel it

Met them on law fair and they said AC for both intakes will be held before Christmas. Not sure if it's delayed.

 

[p2bv]

Has anyone else not heard from CMS?

haven’t heard back since WG

 

[RSC2001]

Please let us know what they say

I've received an email from A&O Shearman saying they will communicate decisions by end of this week.

 

[x_law2004]

haven’t heard back since WG

Ahhhh I am confused as I haven't received the wg, I've passed the test and reached VI stage with them before, so I'm not sure if I just applied too late haha.

 

[Bbhu19]

I've received an email from A&O Shearman saying they will communicate decisions by end of this week.

Ah so Friday is PFO day, great