TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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?

 

[yk1906]

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?

I'm not Abbie, but in my view, securing a VS would mean that you are desirable on the market!! Which is a great thing, and I think law firms want strong candidates. It's also completely normal to apply to many firms; it doesn't undermine your motivation for a particular one. Goodwin even asks you which other firms you have applied to.

 

[splash17]

Have non law applicants heard back from Slaughter and May?

Hi! I'm a non law applicant and just received a DTC interview invite today. I applied on 23/10.

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Anyone know when we might hear from Irwin Mitchell?

It’s going to be around January and February I believe

 

[Singh241]

Any insights on FF Stage 2 would be really appreciated! SO STRESSED!!!!

 

[SemperParatus]

I applied to Fieldfisher 16th November (3 weeks and 5 days ago) and still nothing bruh, not even a test invite, defo exceed the entry requirements, I feel like emailing them asking for a pfo😂

 

[Andrei Radu]

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?

I completely agree with @yk1906 and can confirm that both in my experience and in the experience of many other successful candidates I know, when an applicant has VS offers from a competitor, firms often end up taking a more positive view rather than a negative one - to the extent that, at times, the dynamic of the interaction can change from you trying to convince them to offer you a role to them trying to connive you to choose their offer rather than the competitor's.

Nonetheless, in the off chance your "why the firm" motivation was strongly scrutinised in reference to you choosing another VS, an explanation that can often work well is along the lines of "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush": ie you had an interest in nothing firms (although you liked Ashurst more) but the competitor offered you a VS before they did, which was then an opportunity you rationally had to take, irrespective of how strong your interest in Ashurst was.

 

[M123]

Has anyone heard from Willkie post-app since the deadline? I applied the day before the deadline, I wasn’t aware that it was semi-rolling 😬

 

[Harvey Specter]

Has anyone heard from Willkie post-app since the deadline? I applied the day before the deadline, I wasn’t aware that it was semi-rolling 😬

They’re rolling to the extent that they review our apps and video interviews on a rolling basis. All apps are reviewed regardless of when they were submitted. Same for video interviews. The third stage is a written exercise which I don’t think is going to happen until late Jan. Idk for sure.

I applied around early Nov and haven’t heard back yet but that’s down to (i) change in the grad recruitment team and (ii) introduction of further checks and balances to the recruitment process. It’s almost Xmas so there will be some delays with hearing back post app if you sent it later in Dec.​

 

[M123]

Has anyone heard from Willkie post-app? I applied the day before the deadline

They’re rolling to the extent that they review our apps and video interviews on a rolling basis. All apps are reviewed regardless of when they were submitted. Same for video interviews. The third stage is a written exercise which I don’t think is going to happen until late Jan. Idk for sure.

I applied around early Nov and haven’t heard back yet but that’s down to (i) change in the grad recruitment team and (ii) introduction of further checks and balances to the recruitment process. It’s almost Xmas so there will be some delays with hearing back post app if you sent it later in Dec.​

Makes sense, thanks for replying

 

[annalise.joyn]

Could anybody provide me with more information on freshfield's second stage? this is my first direct TC application, and there's not information anywhere on how their VI works, how the questions are set up or how close this is to the AC

 

[WillKitchen]

Has anyone heard from Willkie post-app since the deadline? I applied the day before the deadline, I wasn’t aware that it was semi-rolling 😬

The Willkie process was impressive. If I recall correctly, I got an invitation to the VI on the same day as I submitted the written application, which was amazing! Unfortunately, my post-VI rejection arrived a few days ago.

Serves me right for over-preparing, I suppose. I'm trying to stop treating VIs like I'm recording a video lecture for my students. But its hard to give up on the day job!

 

[xyz444]

hi guys! just wondering if 'three days from today' for a test deadline would be the 14th if the invitation was sent on the 11th?

 

[ilovegardening1111]

hi how do you prepare for cappfinity tests? any resources, websites etc would be great to know. Also i dont understand how you're really meant to succeed at these tests because each law firm is different and they may place importance on different qualities so there's not really one correct answer - if that makes sense?

 

[yuhhhh]

Just curious, but have any Kirkland Direct TC applicants heard back from the firm regarding a VI?

And does anyone know how DTC applicants are considered relative to VS applicants?

 

[Bbhu19]

Just curious, but have any Kirkland Direct TC applicants heard back from the firm regarding a VI?

And does anyone know how DTC applicants are considered relative to VS applicants?

I heard they tend to hire mostly from VS

 

[Lamosophia41]

Those who have completed Freshfields stage 2 did you get a confirmation after? Because I did not and I am slightly worried. Thanks

 

[Amgrad]

Silly question, could we put Legal Cheek WVS on our DTC app if we weren't able to attend their competitive open days since they didn't facilitate it virtually @Abbie Whitlock.

I feel like WVS is more intense than just short course that Forage offer which may better suited for VS?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

I heard they tend to hire mostly from VS

not necessarily true, sometimes they just cancel the VS and give out TCs only w/o running vac scheme, they tend to pool the applications

 

[Prudentia]

I recently met with some partners and senior associates at A&O Shearman last week (my current employer is one of their clients). Even they said that a lot of the recruitment processes when it comes to training contracts/vacation schemes is down to luck. So if you get rejected at application stage, try not to take it personally. Interview stage is a different matter. They also had a very, very dim view of US firms which makes me wary about applying for them now.