TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Kakaboo]

Hi, I’m thinking of applying to direct TC’s but I have been told often people aren’t hired or they don’t look at your applications? Also what kind of experience do you need? I’ve been a paralegal for 6 months in a decent firm and have 2:1 non law and commendation conversion degrees. Who should I be looking at applying to? I feel the process is so different to vacation schemes. TIA

 

[ipsquared]

Bristows DTC interview invite post we!

 

[Legalfreak212]

Bristows DTC interview invite post we!

Hi did that just come in? Congrats btw!!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, I’m thinking of applying to direct TC’s but I have been told often people aren’t hired or they don’t look at your applications? Also what kind of experience do you need? I’ve been a paralegal for 6 months in a decent firm and have 2:1 non law and commendation conversion degrees. Who should I be looking at applying to? I feel the process is so different to vacation schemes. TIA

There are some law firms with a DTC route only, and some have a relatively healthy DTC intake (meaning they don’t really prioritise vac schemers). First thing I’d check is the firms’ FAQs on this. If no available info I’d encourage you to email. And of course in contrast some firms make it quite clear their preference for vac schemers, and only take a handful trainees from the DTC route.

 

[RachelZane]

Has anyone progressed to Goodwin DTC final interview stage yet? please let me know if you have!!!

 

[SueD]

Yes just came through this evening for london office

Great news. Hope it goes well.

 

[DennyCrane]

Blake Morgan Interview!

 

[theres.a.TC.out.there]

does anyone know how the Macfarlanes DTC second stage compares to the vac scheme second stage?

 

[elliece]

Congratulations!!! When did you submit your WE?

I submitted it the day before the deadline, so I think that was Wednesday 25th Feb (but I'm not 100% lol)

 

[choicefox212]

Does anyone know how long it takes Macs to get back to you after the DTC work sim / VI stage? They were pretty quick after the first SJT. I'm pretty sure I messed it up, but I'm getting more annoyed the longer I wait. Also, bloody Mishcon (though I imagine they're more occupied dealing with Mandelson-related issues atm...)

 

[katie2911]

Wow that's a really long time - is that because they are waiting to hand out VS offers before recruiting through DTC?

Heyy, I got it on feb 26! Yes it was for DTC

 

[katie2911]

Has anyone heard back from CMS Dubai TC? Did VI on Jan 26, haven't heard back anything yet (although given the current political climate in the region I'm not expecting to hear back anytime soon)

I heard back today, with PFO!!

 

[katie2911]

I applied to Baker Mckenzie on Feb 17th, has anyone heard back from them who has applied around the same time period??

 

[ipsquared]

Hi did that just come in? Congrats btw!!

Thank you!! It came in yesterday at about 5pm

 

[hanz123]

Anything from Brabners post application?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Any idea when we might hear from Withers?

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Hey, sorry for this vent and idk what I’m looking for here but I’m so done. This is my second cycle, and I have gotten rejected at every firm I applied to and only made it to the VI for 1 of them. I’m an international student (out of the UK) and don’t have the A-level grades most firms ask for. I’m so exhausted, and today’s rejection absolutely broke me. It was the only VI I’d given, and I was rejected again. I don’t know how to improve anymore. My uni profile and internships are good, but my nationality and A-level grades isn’t something I can change. I don’t think I’ve enough courage to apply again. I’m exhausted and in so much pain it hurts physically. I don’t even know what I’m doing wrong, just that no matter what I do, I don’t think I’ll ever get a TC.

 

[TortillaTC]

Hey, sorry for this vent and idk what I’m looking for here but I’m so done. This is my second cycle, and I have gotten rejected at every firm I applied to and only made it to the VI for 1 of them. I’m an international student (out of the UK) and don’t have the A-level grades most firms ask for. I’m so exhausted, and today’s rejection absolutely broke me. It was the only VI I’d given, and I was rejected again. I don’t know how to improve anymore. My uni profile and internships are good, but my nationality and A-level grades isn’t something I can change. I don’t think I’ve enough courage to apply again. I’m exhausted and in so much pain it hurts physically. I don’t even know what I’m doing wrong, just that no matter what I do, I don’t think I’ll ever get a TC.

What are your A-levels equivalents? Far off from the usual AAB/ABB most firms require or scraping it?

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

What are your A-levels equivalents? Far off from the usual AAB/ABB most firms require or scraping it?

Far off. I’ve a 70% which translates to BBB (as per the country guide we have). I have mitigating circumstances though.

 

[yasmars]

Far off. I’ve a 70% which translates to BBB (as per the country guide we have). I have mitigating circumstances though.

BBB isn’t bad at all.