TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[legaleagle25]

Hey has anyone heard back from Bakers after the assessment centre, either successful or not? This is for spring vac

 

[law5tudent]

Hi, anyone here applied for the CPS training contract?

 

[cinnamonspice]

Just applied to Russell-Cooke, does anyone have any insight into their process?! How quickly they review etc?

 

[ghostyb]

Does anyone know if ashurst is strict on grades?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Arnold & Porter
Fried Frank
King & Spalding
Macfarlanes
Morgan Lewis
Paul Hastings
White & Case

Key: = application sent; = SJT.

 

[floral.tcla]

Heyy how much experience do you need to apply for a direct TC for a competitive application? I understand the more the better especially at large international firms but for those that are smaller and still open, how much experience do you need? Would appreciate peoples’ thoughts on this )
just trying to gauge whether it’s worth the effort or not haha

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Heyy how much experience do you need to apply for a direct TC for a competitive application? I understand the more the better especially at large international firms but for those that are smaller and still open, how much experience do you need? Would appreciate peoples’ thoughts on this )
just trying to gauge whether it’s worth the effort or not haha

I've seen people get Slaughter and May's TC with none. I'd say a general rule of thumb is that the higher paying firms would want more experience. Honestly though, I've got no clue - how does someone get a Training Contract at Fried Frank or King & Spalding or Paul Hastings when they have no Vac Scheme? I think some US firms (Simpson Thacher especially) have had a strong preference for paralegals. However. I've done three VSs and can't really afford to do them now so I'm just going to go for it.

 

[AryanAgg]

What is people's view on ashurst, paul hastings, fried frank and Arnold & porter training contract application, competition wise? And when can we expect to hear back from dentons and linklaters for training contract applications?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

What is people's view on ashurst, paul hastings, fried frank and Arnold & porter training contract application, competition wise? And when can we expect to hear back from dentons and linklaters for training contract applications?

Ashurst more competitive I'd guess but they have more places. I want a firm hardly anyone will apply to and are less well known, which hopefully K&S, FF or A&P are, compared to Dentons or Linklaters. Obviously, these things are all relative. I generally don't like hugely competitive processes.

 

[Bread]

Ashurst more competitive I'd guess but they have more places. I want a firm hardly anyone will apply to and are less well known, which hopefully K&S, FF or A&P are, compared to Dentons or Linklaters. Obviously, these things are all relative. I generally don't like hugely competitive processes.

Have you looked into boutiques? Unfortunately I think all of these firms are hugely competitive at this point

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know any information regarding the timelines for dentons and linklaters, about when can we expect to hear back?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Have you looked into boutiques? Unfortunately I think all of these firms are hugely competitive at this point

No, I haven’t and yes they are.

 

[nonliquetagain]

Ashurst more competitive I'd guess but they have more places. I want a firm hardly anyone will apply to and are less well known, which hopefully K&S, FF or A&P are, compared to Dentons or Linklaters. Obviously, these things are all relative. I generally don't like hugely competitive processes.

Might be worth to look into the likes of Tatham & Co

 

[Scottishlion]

Does anyone have insight to Hogan Lovells Online Test?

 

[SueD]

Dos anyone know when Lewis Silkin will get back to people?

 

[Winter]

SPB VI ! Would appreciate any tips

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Dos anyone know when Lewis Silkin will get back to people?

12/2 according to email

 

[CD20]

Dos anyone know when Lewis Silkin will get back to people?

They said by 12 Feb

 

[SueD]

They said by 12 Feb

Brilliant. Thank you. And Harbottle and Lewis?

 

[Deleted member 22634]

Hi @TCLA Community Assistant, I’ve posted a thread and would appreciate some advice.. could someone please respond there? If not, could you let me know how I can delete my account?