TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[livelaughlawve]

Here's hoping I do better on HL stage 2 than FF...

 

[Ams4567]

Hey guys, does anyone know if BCLP still do an innovation seat during their TC? I can see that they introduced it in like 2024/5 but don't want to include it in my app if it's not being run anymore.

 

[hmevey]

Hi!

I have previously made a post on this question - I have quoted it below! Hopefully it is a useful starting point for answering the question, but just shout if you have any questions

Thank you! That's super useful

 

[hmevey]

I haven't even heard back for summer vac post SJT - assuming its a long drawn out PFO 😪

Okay i'm still waiting post sjt for a dtc eel but im going to hold out hope !! We've got this

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Just checking, after hl stage 2 test did anybody receive a confirmation email for submission?

 

[nfe00001]

Anyone hear back from Charles Russell Speechly or Lewis Silkin about DTC application?

 

[SueD]

Anyone hear back from Charles Russell Speechly or Lewis Silkin about DTC application?

Nothing from either.

 

[byHisgrace]

Just checking, after hl stage 2 test did anybody receive a confirmation email for submission?

Haven’t done it yet but will let you know if I receive one when I do. Would you be able to share what the vibe of VI questions is? Are they more situational/behavioural or are they more motivational?

 

[Applicant7874652]

McDermott PFO x

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

McDermott PFO post app, finally after 109 days of waiting.

 

[give.me.a.tc]

If we havent received the Stage 2 test yet for HL is it safe to assume PFO?

Yes it is

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Also any tips on how to answer this: If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? 300 words - unsure on how much detail to put re the firm vs myself

Okay, so I did this question last week.

I think it’s about having a narrative that fits with the law, the firm, and you being a good fit for both.

For my part, I talked about working with clients as a trusted advisor and compared this to the firms private client practice.

Your answers will vary, obviously. All that said, it’s good to see they’ve changed their questions a bit.

I like how this one is quite specific to the firm and phrased in a pretty original way.

Do I expect to pass? Hell no - I have never passed the McFarlane’s but at least there’s a different type of question which helps me polish my narrative and journey which I can apply to other firms to some extent.

 

[cinnamonspice]

Weightmans PFO! Shocking tbh, did not expect that this early

 

[hmevey]

If we havent received the Stage 2 test yet for HL is it safe to assume PFO?

when did you do the first test?

 

[stephiedunns]

Just got the HL job sim invite minutes ago!

Is this for the TC or VS?

 

[hmevey]

Same!

when did everyone do the tests, i'm nerv now

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

when did everyone do the tests, i'm nerv now

I did stage 1 on Feb 6th - for cappfinity scores I had work ethic and innovation as top 2 and my lowest was resilience

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know the timeline for linklaters and dentons?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Is this for the TC or VS?

Hi! I posted it on direct TC thread, so yes it is!

 

[Bruce Wayne Attorney at Law]

I attended Proskauer’s assessment day recently. It was an interesting experience, the structure and level of pre-assessment information were quite different from what I had expected. Defo a reminder of how varied recruitment processes can be across firms :/
Well, onto the next I guess

Hi could you expand on the structure and how the assessment day was varied ? Was it more intensive and difficult ?