TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[gayathri28]

Has anyone heard back from Pennington Manches Cooper? I believe it has been a while since their deadline has passed.

 

[Gregglt]

Have all test invites from Shoosmiths been sent out? Still waiting for mine but losing hope

 

[Scottishlion]

any idea when we will hear back on baker? I remember seeing some timeline while starting with the application form

Last year it was early April for sjt then end of April for video interviews and mid May for AC. Not sure about this year as seems to be slower

 

[Irishman11]

Has anyone else got the hogan DTC

 

[nicoledm]

King and Spalding AC

 

[Hopeful applicant]

King and Spalding AC

Same here!

 

[gayathri28]

Has anyone else got the hogan DTC

I think someone on this forum received an AC invite... Did you hear back?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Same here!

Will be attending as well

 

[Gregglt]

Will be attending as well

Looks like they sent all AC invites at once, so I’m assuming PFO for me

 

[amb303]

KN online test!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

No K&S AC but KN test!

 

[nicoledm]

King and Spalding AC

god also got invited to kingsley napley next stage, real risk of me mixing these firms up, their names always confuse me

 

[Gregglt]

No K&S AC but KN test!

Same here!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

King and Spalding AC!! Wasn’t expecting this at all tbh. Idk how I’m gna prepare… ​

 

[adfs456]

Does anyone know is Bristows typically calls or emails to reject people? Want to mentally prepare for next week

 

[TCchaser]

@Abbie Whitlock

I hope you're well!

In my previous interviews / ACs, when I didn't know how to answer a question, I tended to leave a big pause before delivering my answer, and this was something grad rec had told me in my feedback. Do you have any advice on how to combat this, and how to be able to deliver strong responses without leaving long, awkward pauses?

Thank you!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Would I be delusional to hope that Kind & Spalding are sending ACs in batches

 

[ashley_s]

Hi! Does anyone know if it poses an issue to inform a firm that I would be available one year earlier to star a TC? For context, the firm had originally asked us in the application form to make it clear which year were we available but my situation was a bit different a few months back. Now I am wondering if it is too late or if it would hurt my chances for the actual year I am being considered in any way.

 

[Futuretrainee002]

@Abbie Whitlock

I hope you're well!

In my previous interviews / ACs, when I didn't know how to answer a question, I tended to leave a big pause before delivering my answer, and this was something grad rec had told me in my feedback. Do you have any advice on how to combat this, and how to be able to deliver strong responses without leaving long, awkward pauses?

Thank you!

I always say something like 'good question, just taking a moment to think about it' and that always works really well, interviewers have responded well to it in the moment and feedback post AC this was highlighted positively, and helps me to structure a more fluent and informed answer. I think that it is important to not rush and say the first thing that comes to your head but you also should not just be sitting in silence for a long time, signposting that you are thinking or breaking up the question and answering the aspects which you can is what I would do.

 

[trainee4u]

Hi! Does anyone know if it poses an issue to inform a firm that I would be available one year earlier to star a TC? For context, the firm had originally asked us in the application form to make it clear which year were we available but my situation was a bit different a few months back. Now I am wondering if it is too late or if it would hurt my chances for the actual year I am being considered in any way.

Post-app?
It can be beneficial - the firm will pick a pool of candidates specifically for the earlier date, and they will want to pick a sufficient pool of candidates for that. Being considered for both is a good thing.