TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[stew99]

anyone know when we will hear from OC post AC for dtc?

 

[cinnamonspice]

They aren’t opening DTC route for London this year (and probably going forward if I am guessing correctly). They only take on 3 London trainees and have ended up recruiting all (or at least the vast majority) of these trainees from the vac scheme for the past few years I believe. I guess they are just simplifying things and not making DTC applicants go through the whole process and get let down.

uhh that's such a bummer! thank you for clarifying though, at least I didn't hold my breath waiting for them to drop the advert later...

 

[flamingocelot]

Uploaded a random doc for the Pennington (PMC) CV just to see the other app questions and now it won't let me replace it, did anyone else have this issue?

 

[user1738]

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.

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

Just got PFO so I’d say no news is good news at the moment!

Am sorry to hear this! Can I ask when you applied?

 

[choicefox212]

Has anyone received anything from Stephenson Harwood and Smoosmiths post-app for DTC?

I know some people who have been rejected from SH already, and I know they do rolling rejections. They'll get back to successful candidates after their deadline of the 27th of March, I was told

 

[choicefox212]

Ugh PLEASE can someone give me some advice on video interviews. Did the macfarlanes DTC one a couple of days ago and found myself only talking for one minute within the given two. Is that an automatic rejection? Would they consider taking someone who doesn't talk enough?

For next time, how do you find more things to say for the VIs? How do I say more without waffling too much?

 

[choicefox212]

Yes, also DTC. Late January, I think? I applied in mid December and haven't heard anything yet. In a cruel twist of fate, I bet I'll get a PFO tomorrow...

Rejected from SH for the DTC? Do you know when they applied?

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

If a firm is rolling do they still wait to do PFOs until after the deadline? For reference I applied to Macfarlanes, and haven't heard anything since completing the stage 1 auto assesment on Jan 12. Am assuming therefore a PFO, but slightly confused why they haven't just sent that? Is it worth emailing to follow up?

 

[choicefox212]

If a firm is rolling do they still wait to do PFOs until after the deadline? For reference I applied to Macfarlanes, and haven't heard anything since completing the stage 1 auto assesment on Jan 12. Am assuming therefore a PFO, but slightly confused why they haven't just sent that? Is it worth emailing to follow up?

It depends - some like Stephenson Harwood reject on a rolling basis and only offer ACs after the final deadline (I asked recruitment). I don't know about Macfarlanes - if it's helpful I applied DTC in mid-Feb and since then I've had to do their automatic Cappfinity and then Simulate test (which went very badly lol)

 

[yuhhhh]

Have Goodwin given out any DTC offers post-AC?

 

[legalgrad28]

Has anyone emailed Kennedys and heard anything back yet on when they will let us know? thanks

I have emailed early careers this morning asking for an update on when we can expect to hear back - I will let you know if they respond

 

[hmevey]

Guys i've only done 9 apps this cycle and i keep getting rejections- have i not done enough? I never know because everyone says quality over quantity but not sure it's working out for me

 

[a1289]

I have emailed early careers this morning asking for an update on when we can expect to hear back - I will let you know if they respond

Thank you so much!!

 

[anon78365222111]

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.

A lot of firms when giving TC’s don’t allow you to do a vac scheme and can cancel your TC on the basis of you not letting them know. Would be worth going through the contract.

From a moral perspective it’s definitely better to allow someone who doesn’t have a TC to have that spot at the VC at DLA.

 

[summersun]

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, I would say it depends on whether your contract allows it or don't expressly forbid (for both the VS and TC)
If both allow it then it depends on whether you would consider choosing DLA over CMA. If so I woudl say go for it !
ultimately it comes down to what your contracts/ the firms says offcially. You could always ask CMS if that's okay but be ready to accept of they say no.

 

[Careergal]

Has Goodwin given out any direct tc offers yet?

 

[Z48]

A lot of firms when giving TC’s don’t allow you to do a vac scheme and can cancel your TC on the basis of you not letting them know. Would be worth going through the contract.

From a moral perspective it’s definitely better to allow someone who doesn’t have a TC to have that spot at the VC at DLA.

If they would pick DLA Piper over CMS I don’t think it’s morally wrong!

@user1738 I have seen this on DLA’s FAQs, not sure if this is a circumstance they could consider a direct TC route for, may be worth asking?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Got jumpscare email from Baker McKenzie about timelines

 

[AryanAgg]

Got jumpscare email from Baker McKenzie about timelines

Whats the timeline for direct training contract application?