TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[CharlieandLola]

In a way I appreciate Stephenson Harwood taking so long because it takes away any hope and I know when I hear back it’s a PFO

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

For those talking about Stepheson Harwood - does this mean they have progressed DTC apps post app? (ie has anyone received sjt/vi)

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone heard from Freeths post initial test?

 

[spamelinazoid]

the charcter thing on the BM app is also ridiculous - under 300 words and over 2000 characters on all questions. Literally how

 

[spamelinazoid]

Andd the portal crashed. For fs sakeeee, this is ridiculous.

 

[DennyCrane]

the charcter thing on the BM app is also ridiculous - under 300 words and over 2000 characters on all questions. Literally how

It's a nightmare. It includes spaces.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Did the Baker Mckenzie DTC application portal close?

 

[AryanAgg]

They really needed to keep cvMail for this tbh.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Ok well the application page from their website has completely stopped working - which is odd because I am fairly sure applications don't close at 7:24 pm.

The CV mail link is still up, but not sure what to do...Im fairly sure this website is how they want applications submitted, though they did

Did the Baker Mckenzie DTC application portal close?

I think it did, but that's honestly just not it. No time was stated on there, they have 2 different links/platforms for applications and and one is completely unfit for applying....

 

[nonlawstudent98]

They haven’t made it clear which one to use. I’ve emailed multiple times with no response. They will have to honour both I think.

 

[abc124]

Omg wth is happening with bakers I don't have time to ask someone for references now :')

 

[abc124]

The cvmail is also down?? I think theyve actually closed it??

 

[spamelinazoid]

The cvmail is also down?? I think theyve actually closed it??

no its still open. but also, they didnt advertise the time anywhere. previous years it has always been midnight...

 

[abc124]

no its still open. but also, they didnt advertise the time anywhere. previous years it has always been midnight...

Oh right sorry maybe my laptop is going crazy. yeah i'm hoping it's a glitch, ive emailed grad recruitment

 

[amb303]

I think they are referring to not receiving the SJT at all (same position for me). Did you hear about the PFO in May or the SJT?

PFO in May but SJT a day after applying!

 

[SueD]

Hi!

Anyone heard anything post VI for DTC at CRS (Charles Russell Speechlys) London?
Or, anyone heard anything from PHB (Payne Hicks Beach)?

I haven’t heard anything other than 2 holding emails. Can I ask when you did the VI please and when you applied? Thanks very much.

 

[choicefox212]

Hi!

Anyone heard anything post VI for DTC at CRS (Charles Russell Speechlys) London?
Or, anyone heard anything from PHB (Payne Hicks Beach)?

I haven't had anything from CRS (London) since I applied

When did you apply to PHB? I remember last year they gave AC offers within the week after the deadline. I submitted my app last week and haven't heard anything

 

[choicefox212]

In a way I appreciate Stephenson Harwood taking so long because it takes away any hope and I know when I hear back it’s a PFO

They did say they wouldn't make any SJT invites until the deadline closed, and it was last Friday (so maybe still hope? idk)

 

[spamelinazoid]

My confirmation email for the bakers application includes a detailed outline of the timeline expectations for the 2025 cycle...

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

My confirmation email for the bakers application includes a detailed outline of the timeline expectations for the 2025 cycle...

This whole thing is confusing asf. The email I got from Bakers just confirmed they received my app. I got no outline of timeline expectations, for either 2025 or 2026. Idek what to expect now…

Does this mean we were supposed to submit the app on their website using the new portal and the CvMail one is outdated? I used the new portal to apply so hoping they’re accepting both…​