TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SemperParatus]

Are there any practice Fieldfisher tests? Is there any way to prepare for it, e.g. a list of Fieldfisher values

 

[nicoledm]

did anyone hear good or bad post WG for CMS regions?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

did anyone hear good or bad post WG for CMS regions?

Haven’t heard back yet for the regional CMS

 

[Irishman11]

Does Stephenson Harwood do many interviews?

 

[choicefox212]

Hey!

I did a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co, who are very private client focused (and it was an amazing scheme!). Totally get what you mean in relation to the scarcity of training contracts in that area - happy to answer any questions on the firm if you were thinking of applying to them at all

They’re high on my list! Glad you enjoyed your scheme there

 

[sunsoul]

hi! does anyone know how long freshfields take to reply after stage 2? also any idea when their ACs are?

 

[BM99]

hi! does anyone know how long freshfields take to reply after stage 2? also any idea when their ACs are?

Been waiting for over a month. I did send an email to GR and they refused to answer any questions about the timeline 🤣

 

[j.a55293]

Has anyone who applied to Fieldfisher DTC in December received the test?

 

[Rads]

Hi did anyone hear back from Slaughter and May recently?

 

[Winter]

Received email from Fieldfisher that my app and test score has been forwarded to early careers team. Not sure if this means I passed benchmark or a generic email!

Applied 12 Nov. Test on 5th Dec.

 

[lelezb1]

Received email from Fieldfisher that my app and test score has been forwarded to early careers team. Not sure if this means I passed benchmark or a generic email!

Applied 12 Nov. Test on 5th Dec.

Same!! However, I did my test on 20th November.

 

[yk1906]

The fact that Freshfields sent out SVS ACs already makes me nervous 😭😭 I am coming to London next week until January, and I’m hoping I can make my time worth there…

 

[SemperParatus]

Any Freshfields DTC ACs?

 

[UB1967]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

 

[Scottishlion]

Any Freshfields DTC ACs?

Are they expected to be released this week? And does anyone know when AC is?

 

[BM99]

Are they expected to be released this week? And does anyone know when AC is?

No idea at all. Emailed GR but no information provided.

 

[summersun]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

Hi there is a thread on the forum about where firms recruit from. It does not have all the firms but does give a good idea of firms that consider DTC or only hire DTC applicants.

 

[jin]

For slaughter and may DTC, is it just one interview/AC?

Also does slaughter allow applicants to take the interview online if we are located overseas?

 

[DavidJC]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

This thread is a year old so may potentially be outdated on some firms' stances but hopefully it helps give an idea

Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[TCLA0322]

Finishing my CC vi- luckily just got my dear laptop back after disaster liquid damage on Friday. This really paused me from keeping applying. As no one would take laptop damage as a good extension excuse.