TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

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, congratulations! Can I ask when you applied and when your TC was for CMS Dubai?

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

It's a moot point

So not include it at all?

 

[TCchaser]

PMC direct TC it asks for a cover letter before you can proceed with the application, does any know if there are further application questions as well as this cover letter?

Yes, there are 2 more:

Tell us about a personal achievement outside of law that you’re proud of. What did it teach you? (max 250 words)

PMC has offices in several locations. How do you think our office locations support our work and client relationship and how could this be improved? Consider a new office opening or practice area expansion/addition (max 250 words)

 

[Jessica U]

Hi everyone,

I’m putting together a thread to collect 2025–26 law firm application questions to help candidates prepare for the next cycle. If you applied to any firms, it would be amazing if you could share the questions you received here. Thanks!

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hey, has anyone done the sjt for Brabners? I would really appreciate any insight?

 

[HMajesty]

Has anyone gotten any response from Baker grad rec? Mailed multiple times for a clarification but they never respond?

 

[kuro]

Hi guys, just wondering if someone gets a DTC offer and signs the contract, is it still possible for the firm to pull out of the contract? Especially with AI redundancies going on, is there a chance a firm might renege on an offer given to you starting in, lets say 2028 ?

 

[Partcore22]

Hey, has anyone done the sjt for Brabners? I would really appreciate any insight?

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

 

[DennyCrane]

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

They said they would be issuing in batches and so not to worry if you heard of others progressing.

 

[Bunny]

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"

Hey, I reached the final partner interview on two occasions. The first time it was a 6 week wait and I was then told that the role had been dropped! The second time was a 2 month wait, so hang in there haha

 

[FutureLawyer_]

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

Yeah, I got the test invite on Friday just gone

 

[Pearl3181]

Hi all,

I recently applied to the Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme (my dream firm) and was unfortunately immediately rejected at the application stage. I put a huge amount of effort and time into my application (detailed firm research, structured answers using the PEE method, and even conducted various coffee chats with current trainees to better understand the firm) so I felt it was one of my strongest submissions.

I’m now stumped on how to improve for their separate TC application. Does anyone have experience with training contract application review services they’d recommend? I’m particularly interested in smaller-scale mentoring services rather than larger ones like Rare, which feel a bit inaccessible. Also, if there are any current Farrer trainees around, I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

 

[M_m]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Bristows post-WE?

 

[elliece]

Invite to Bristows first round interview! (post-WE)

 

[M_m]

Invite to Bristows first round interview! (post-WE)

Congratulations!!! When did you submit your WE?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi all,

I recently applied to the Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme (my dream firm) and was unfortunately immediately rejected at the application stage. I put a huge amount of effort and time into my application (detailed firm research, structured answers using the PEE method, and even conducted various coffee chats with current trainees to better understand the firm) so I felt it was one of my strongest submissions.

I’m now stumped on how to improve for their separate TC application. Does anyone have experience with training contract application review services they’d recommend? I’m particularly interested in smaller-scale mentoring services rather than larger ones like Rare, which feel a bit inaccessible. Also, if there are any current Farrer trainees around, I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

Have you tried to reach out to the trainees you chatted with, or just friends who have had more successes with written applications in general? Maybe they'll be happy to review your answers so you might not need to spend unnecessary time improving some already strong answers.

 

[rain2801]

Has anyone gotten any response from Baker grad rec? Mailed multiple times for a clarification but they never respond?

Hi, can someone help with this? Mailed grad rec but no response. Also if someone here can help: for the DTC apps, do we need to add high school grades as well? I only see an option for undergrad studies, so anyone who's done with this application please help!

 

[pepsicola96]

Hi, can someone help with this? Mailed grad rec but no response. Also if someone here can help: for the DTC apps, do we need to add high school grades as well? I only see an option for undergrad studies, so anyone who's done with this application please help!

They are notoriously bad at replying.

But yes you will need to provide school grades. Under Academic Details, there should be three sections. Secondary (this is high school), Graduate (undergraduate),and Postgraduate.

 

[marisachr]

Anyone heard back from Kennedys post AC for direct TC London office?

 

[doodllaw29]

anyone have freshfields DTC AC advice?