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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Decided to skip White & Case application. What I am wondering is, how would you frame fails in your uni degree? I have 3 fails and 1 retook course in undergrad, in a country where you need to take around 50 courses. I had documented health issue and a leave of absence during these fails. Yet, I managed to go to a exchange in one of the best unis in Europe, as well as finishing my uni with a high 2:1 -- which highly regarded as the best in my country. Unfortunately, same problem recurred during the master's and I finished my MSc at LSE with only a pass. I feel like these are no goes for US firms, which make me pessimistic about my chances, and I genuinely feel worse after each application due to this. Any feedback is highly appreciated.
 
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Reactions: Matt Murdock
Decided to skip White & Case application. What I am wondering is, how would you frame fails in your uni degree? I have 3 fails and 1 retook course in undergrad, in a country where you need to take around 50 courses. I had documented health issue and a leave of absence during these fails. Yet, I managed to go to a exchange in one of the best unis in Europe, as well as finishing my uni with a high 2:1 -- which highly regarded as the best in my country. Unfortunately, same problem recurred during the master's and I finished my MSc at LSE with only a pass. I feel like these are no goes for US firms, which make me pessimistic about my chances, and I genuinely feel worse after each application due to this. Any feedback is highly appreciated.
Really sorry to hear about what you went through! But W&C do have an extenuating circumstances box where you can explain it in detail. Also, if you have proofs, I'd say mention that in one line at the end of your explanation, saying ''I do have proofs for the same if required by the Early careers team on a successful placement'. I mean there is no harm in trying to send in your app, at least that way you have a 50-50 chance, than not sending it at all which is a 100% 0 outcome.
 
any insight as to how to go about this question: Please describe an achievement you are most proud of. What challenges did you face? i don’t really have any outstanding achievements other than one from high school so i am not sure how to go about it
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
hey! I'm currently applying for reed smith's DTC which has a work experience section. may be overthinking it but I'm not too sure how to structure the content or what to emphasise most - would really appreciate any insights (esp from the TCLA trainee gods!!!). happy may everyone, the sun is coming out now! ✨
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
Does anyone have any insights on the Macfarlanes stage 2 simulate test? I am not really looking for what questions were asked but just trying to understand how the assessment is structured and whether it's different from the usual capp test. Feel free to PM me if you have any insights. Thank you in advance!
 
Has literally anybody heard anything from Stephenson Harwood or Ashurst?
I was told by my friend who met SH grad rec at event 2 weeks ago, you should hear back by this week for DTC.

I am losing hope for Ashurst probably PFO for me as i had typo in my written app, i had a problem when submitting it as well, seemed it lacked of lines/par spacing too.

Still waiting for Baker McKenzie
 
I was told by my friend who met SH grad rec at event 2 weeks ago, you should hear back by this week for DTC.

I am losing hope for Ashurst probably PFO for me as i had typo in my written app, i had a problem when submitting it as well, seemed it lacked of lines/par spacing too.

Still waiting for Baker McKenzie
SH had better fucking get back to us soon, Jesus Christ.

I've also been waiting over two months to hear back from Macfarlanes post job sim, and it's a couple of weeks since my Withers interview. Has anyone heard of ACs from these two recently?
 
Has literally anybody heard anything from Stephenson Harwood or Ashurst?
I saw a post on LinkedIn that someone got invited to an AC post WE for Ashurst, so it seems they’re gna PFO everyone on TCLA post SJT/WG atp…

Still nothing from SH it’s been 62 days post app, or bakers idk where they’re at lmao. They’ve alr sent two rounds of PFOs so hoping SJTs soon…​
 
I saw a post on LinkedIn that someone got invited to an AC post WE for Ashurst, so it seems they’re gna PFO everyone on TCLA post SJT/WG atp…

Still nothing from SH it’s been 62 days post app, or bakers idk where they’re at lmao. They’ve alr sent two rounds of PFOs so hoping SJTs soon…​
Posting on linkedin about an AC is wild
 
I’d appreciate any insights anyone has into how firms decide who to give TC offers to from AC for DTC. If there’s vacation schemes running later in the summer will they wait till after those candidates have been assessed to give offers? Or is it done on whether you score above a certain threshold on the day?
 

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