TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rads]

Any non-law students have heard back from Slaughter and May for their DTC? It says application under consideration but should I consider PFO?

 

[hanz123]

unsuccessful after fieldfisher online assessment, need something positive this cycle

 

[Winter]

unsuccessful after fieldfisher online assessment, need something positive this cycle

Sorry to hear! Did you receive the email letting you know that your app + test score was being forwarded to early careers team before you received the PFO?

 

[yk1906]

Sorry to hear! Did you receive the email letting you know that your app + test score was being forwarded to early careers team before you received the PFO?

Do you know whether the test is automatic, please? I cannot find any info on that

 

[WeGotThis!]

echoing this i would still apply.

I checked with grad rec on when we can expect to hear back and was told it would be after the deadline.

I also asked the original poster and was ignored so nothing is confirmed atm - just apply youve got this!

Thank you! And you too @Trophy

 

[Winter]

Do you know whether the test is automatic, please? I cannot find any info on that

I don't think it's automatic. I applied on 11 Nov and received the test on 5th Dec.

 

[yk1906]

I don't think it's automatic. I applied on 11 Nov and received the test on 5th Dec.

Okay, thanks a lot

 

[hanz123]

Sorry to hear! Did you receive the email letting you know that your app + test score was being forwarded to early careers team before you received the PFO?

no I didn't

 

[silonthesofa]

Only the confirmation on my end, they are pretty slow when it comes to direct TC but 2 months is extreme slow wow!

Yeah, I haven't been too bothered to chase it up up till now because I've had a lot of other things to do without needing to worry about another online assessment, but it is pushing it given the whole "rolling" thing. Their winter vacation scheme ends today, so I think I'll email them next week to ask what's up.

Still though, it seems like no one that's submitted an application for HL's DTC has been sent the test invite even, right?

 

[elle woods]

hi guys, do you think its worth me applying to Ashurst DTC? I don't have nearly the amount of legal work experience firms are looking for in a DTC applicant though... but I really like the firm and was planning on applying to their VS until I realised that I could no longer make the dates of their scheme. Is it worth spending time on despite the fact that chances are low? Or is time better spent on focusing on academics because lowkey I really need to catch up 😂 aka basically, do I have a realistic chance or is time better spent elsewhere?

 

[Z48]

hi guys, do you think its worth me applying to Ashurst DTC? I don't have nearly the amount of legal work experience firms are looking for in a DTC applicant though... but I really like the firm and was planning on applying to their VS until I realised that I could no longer make the dates of their scheme. Is it worth spending time on despite the fact that chances are low? Or is time better spent on focusing on academics because lowkey I really need to catch up 😂 aka basically, do I have a realistic chance or is time better spent elsewhere?

I applied for Ashurst DTC in my penultimate year with basically no legal experience and got to the final interview, so I’d say you should go for it! I don’t think they explicitly say you need a certain amount of experience like some other firms unless things have changed. But they offer a majority of TCs through the VS so that’s something to bear in mind

 

[Amgrad]

I actually got 13 on my arctic shores and got a video interview! not sure how it’s calculated but they must have liked my written application

Congrats! I got 10/20 🤣, but quite tailored my app. Mentioned I won a bronze medal on earth science Olympiad with stem degree and attended their webinar series on INRE

 

[ashwright]

For people awaiting a response from Hogan Lovells - when I checked with GR, they said that they're first working through the VS apps & may start responding around the TC deadline (so potentially another month still!)

 

[Amgrad]

hi guys, do you think its worth me applying to Ashurst DTC? I don't have nearly the amount of legal work experience firms are looking for in a DTC applicant though... but I really like the firm and was planning on applying to their VS until I realised that I could no longer make the dates of their scheme. Is it worth spending time on despite the fact that chances are low? Or is time better spent on focusing on academics because lowkey I really need to catch up 😂 aka basically, do I have a realistic chance or is time better spent elsewhere?

If you're still in doubt, you can ask on the legal cheek law fair on March 24 to ask about DTC. Its deadline is 27/03 and many DTC will close in summer.

 

[elle woods]

I applied for Ashurst DTC in my penultimate year with basically no legal experience and got to the final interview, so I’d say you should go for it! I don’t think they explicitly say you need a certain amount of experience like some other firms unless things have changed. But they offer a majority of TCs through the VS so that’s something to bear in mind

I see! thank you for this! hmm I think it may be worth a shot then By the time the deadline closes anyways I'm sure I won't be as busy with my VS apps anymore 😂

 

[elle woods]

If you're still in doubt, you can ask on the legal cheek law fair on March 24 to ask about DTC. Its deadline is 27/03 and many DTC will close in summer.

ooh thanks for flagging the opportunity! I'll keep that in mind tysm!!

 

[silonthesofa]

For people awaiting a response from Hogan Lovells - when I checked with GR, they said that they're first working through the VS apps & may start responding around the TC deadline (so potentially another month still!)

Thanks for the info, but also undermines the whole concept of rolling and arguably defeats the purpose of applying early :| Thanks for the update though!

 

[ashwright]

Thanks for the info, but also undermines the whole concept of rolling and arguably defeats the purpose of applying early :| Thanks for the update though!

As a fellow early applicant, I definitely agree that it doesn't really make sense!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi guys, do you think its worth me applying to Ashurst DTC? I don't have nearly the amount of legal work experience firms are looking for in a DTC applicant though... but I really like the firm and was planning on applying to their VS until I realised that I could no longer make the dates of their scheme. Is it worth spending time on despite the fact that chances are low? Or is time better spent on focusing on academics because lowkey I really need to catch up 😂 aka basically, do I have a realistic chance or is time better spent elsewhere?

Hi!

I'm not entirely sure how much Ashurst values legal experience for their Direct TC route, as this can differ between firms. However, if you have the time to submit a strong, tailored application, I would definitely encourage you to do so! Some firm's don't require much legal experience for their DTC route - I know a few people in my DTC cohort who had none.

If you genuinely like the firm and can clearly convey your motivations and interests, it's worth applying, especially if you can't attend their vacation scheme. In previous years, Ashurst has had a healthy DTC intake, so there's a realistic chance if your application is strong and well-structured

 

[elle woods]

Hi!

I'm not entirely sure how much Ashurst values legal experience for their Direct TC route, as this can differ between firms. However, if you have the time to submit a strong, tailored application, I would definitely encourage you to do so! Some firm's don't require much legal experience for their DTC route - I know a few people in my DTC cohort who had none.

If you genuinely like the firm and can clearly convey your motivations and interests, it's worth applying, especially if you can't attend their vacation scheme. In previous years, Ashurst has had a healthy DTC intake, so there's a realistic chance if your application is strong and well-structured

That's super true, thank you Abbie!

I'm just slightly worried if they were to grill me/question me as to why I can't attend their VS, I'd have to be honest and say I already have a scheme elsewhere at the same time...which might undermine my credibility in terms of my interest in the firm 😥 How would you recommend navigating this problem? I'm assuming this will be an issue in other ACs as well (if I even get any). How do I justify the fact that I've taken a VS offer somewhere else, but then say I really love the firm I'm interviewing at as it seems a little contradictory?