TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[TortillaTC]

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

It’s not far off from firms that require ABB, just one grade difference. I think you should still apply if you have valid MCs for your A-levels, and you got a good undergrad (strong 2.1 or 1st).

 

[MadamG]

Mishcon Cambridge PFO

 

[nfe00001]

Invited to Browne Jacobson DTC online assessment!

 

[nalinp]

Invited to Browne Jacobson DTC online assessment!

well done!! did your email also say “further to our previous email” about their changes to the programme - i didn’t receive their previous email - did you? was just wondering what the changes were?

 

[Lollipopx]

well done!! did your email also say “further to our previous email” about their changes to the programme - i didn’t receive their previous email - did you? was just wondering what the changes were?

it is something about the SQE but I am not sure what

 

[nfe00001]

well done!! did your email also say “further to our previous email” about their changes to the programme - i didn’t receive their previous email - did you? was just wondering what the changes were?