TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[choicefox212]

Yes, also DTC. Late January, I think? I applied in mid December and haven't heard anything yet. In a cruel twist of fate, I bet I'll get a PFO tomorrow...

Rejected from SH for the DTC? Do you know when they applied?

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

If a firm is rolling do they still wait to do PFOs until after the deadline? For reference I applied to Macfarlanes, and haven't heard anything since completing the stage 1 auto assesment on Jan 12. Am assuming therefore a PFO, but slightly confused why they haven't just sent that? Is it worth emailing to follow up?

 

[choicefox212]

If a firm is rolling do they still wait to do PFOs until after the deadline? For reference I applied to Macfarlanes, and haven't heard anything since completing the stage 1 auto assesment on Jan 12. Am assuming therefore a PFO, but slightly confused why they haven't just sent that? Is it worth emailing to follow up?

It depends - some like Stephenson Harwood reject on a rolling basis and only offer ACs after the final deadline (I asked recruitment). I don't know about Macfarlanes - if it's helpful I applied DTC in mid-Feb and since then I've had to do their automatic Cappfinity and then Simulate test (which went very badly lol)

 

[yuhhhh]

Have Goodwin given out any DTC offers post-AC?

 

[legalgrad28]

Has anyone emailed Kennedys and heard anything back yet on when they will let us know? thanks

I have emailed early careers this morning asking for an update on when we can expect to hear back - I will let you know if they respond

 

[hmevey]

Guys i've only done 9 apps this cycle and i keep getting rejections- have i not done enough? I never know because everyone says quality over quantity but not sure it's working out for me

 

[a1289]

I have emailed early careers this morning asking for an update on when we can expect to hear back - I will let you know if they respond

Thank you so much!!

 

[anon78365222111]

Hi all, I need some advice not sure if this is the right thread to consult. I’m extremely grateful to have accepted a TC with CMS Dubai commencing September 2027 and a VC with DLA Piper commencing June 2026.

Will this be an issue I need to make CMS aware of? Can I still complete the VC?

My anxiety is sky high, any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

A lot of firms when giving TC’s don’t allow you to do a vac scheme and can cancel your TC on the basis of you not letting them know. Would be worth going through the contract.

From a moral perspective it’s definitely better to allow someone who doesn’t have a TC to have that spot at the VC at DLA.

 

[summersun]

Hi all, I need some advice not sure if this is the right thread to consult. I’m extremely grateful to have accepted a TC with CMS Dubai commencing September 2027 and a VC with DLA Piper commencing June 2026.

Will this be an issue I need to make CMS aware of? Can I still complete the VC?

My anxiety is sky high, any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

Hi, I would say it depends on whether your contract allows it or don't expressly forbid (for both the VS and TC)
If both allow it then it depends on whether you would consider choosing DLA over CMA. If so I woudl say go for it !
ultimately it comes down to what your contracts/ the firms says offcially. You could always ask CMS if that's okay but be ready to accept of they say no.

 

[Careergal]

Has Goodwin given out any direct tc offers yet?

 

[Z48]

A lot of firms when giving TC’s don’t allow you to do a vac scheme and can cancel your TC on the basis of you not letting them know. Would be worth going through the contract.

From a moral perspective it’s definitely better to allow someone who doesn’t have a TC to have that spot at the VC at DLA.

If they would pick DLA Piper over CMS I don’t think it’s morally wrong!

@user1738 I have seen this on DLA’s FAQs, not sure if this is a circumstance they could consider a direct TC route for, may be worth asking?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Got jumpscare email from Baker McKenzie about timelines

 

[AryanAgg]

Got jumpscare email from Baker McKenzie about timelines

Whats the timeline for direct training contract application?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone know which firms you can reapply to for dtc even after vac scheme failure?
Can you do so for Orrick?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Not a good sign for me as I haven't got this email :/

I wouldn't worry about it'll be in batches mostly

 

[WeGotThis!]

Whats the timeline for direct training contract application?

Their tests will go out in April; May VIs; June AC.

 

[legalgrad28]

Thank you so much!!

Update on Kennedys
Just received the following from early careers - "Please note that we are currently collating feedback from the interviews and aim to provide an update early next week"

 

[WeGotThis!]

Weirdly now when I login to CV mail it says that my application is still in progress. I submitted and got a confirmation email of my application though? I might have to email

Did you receive a confirmation email on submitting your app? As I had received one

 

[123456law]

Hi! I wonder if anyone was in the same situation as me. I cannot enter my school in Baker McKenzie application as I finished it outside the UK. Any advice what should I do?
Also, I tried emailing them but got no reply so far, maybe I used the wrong email? There was this one on their website: [email protected]

Hi! I'm in the same situation as well. Were you able to figure out a solution / did they respond to you?

 

[123456law]

Hi! I wonder if anyone was in the same situation as me. I cannot enter my school in Baker McKenzie application as I finished it outside the UK. Any advice what should I do?
Also, I tried emailing them but got no reply so far, maybe I used the wrong email? There was this one on their website: [email protected]

Hi! I'm in the same situation as well. Were you able to figure out a solution / did they respond back to you?