TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AryanAgg]

Just got the ashurst feedback report, thank God. I got collaborative and accountable as strengths and driven as area of development.

 

[addy2004]

Does anyone know please how long we have to prep & answer for the Mayer Brown video questions?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Does anyone know please how long we have to prep & answer for the Mayer Brown video questions?

iirc i believe it's 2 mins (i think) to prep for 2 of the questions and unlimited prep time for the other 2 questions

 

[addy2004]

iirc i believe it's 2 mins (i think) to prep for 2 of the questions and unlimited prep time for the other 2 questions

thank you so much!

 

[addy2004]

The Gibson Dunn test was the worst one. It was a Cappfinity test so SJT and WG, but they added a proof-reading SPAG test to it too. They said the test would take 60 mins… It took me 2 hours and 30 mins… Ashurst took me around 90 mins… HL and FF were about the same…​

I wish we could just do one test per provider per cycle and use the same scores for each application

 

[AryanAgg]

I wish we could just do one test per provider per cycle and use the same scores for each application

The issue would just be that it might lead to mass rejections for multiple firms without area for improvement or trying out different approaches.

 

[addy2004]

The issue would just be that it might lead to mass rejections for multiple firms without area for improvement or trying out different approaches.

True, though this is my third cycle now so they are getting quite repetitive!

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

hi! wondering if someone can share their experience from macfarlanes' simulation (2nd stage)? how long do we have to prep for the video questions, how many are there, and what were they like?

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know when can we expect to hear back from ashurst regarding dtc applications progression?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Does anyone know when can we expect to hear back from ashurst regarding dtc applications progression?

It’ll be around the first week of May. They sent the SJT and WG 27/03 and gave a week for it. I’d assume they only review apps of the people who pass the SJT and WG (it’s an initial filter).

It’s been Easter break so I don’t think they have started looking at any apps yet and will start the process from Tuesday. That’ll take a few weeks so I think we’ll hear back early to mid May.

They will probs send a holding email out soon and give a later date, e.g., 19 June. That will be a mass PFO day based on what Ashurst had done in all the previous cycles or for the VSs this year.​

 

[AryanAgg]

It’ll be around the first week of May. They sent the SJT and WG 27/03 and gave a week for it. I’d assume they only review apps of the people who pass the SJT and WG (it’s an initial filter).

It’s been Easter break so I don’t think they have started looking at any apps yet and will start the process from Tuesday. That’ll take a few weeks so I think we’ll hear back early to mid May.

They will probs send a holding email out soon and give a later date, e.g., 19 June. That will be a mass PFO day based on what Ashurst had done in all the previous cycles or for the VSs this year.​

Thanks, it's just that I wanted a clarification since their site said that 1st stage interviews and final stage interviews will be conducted in May and June respectively.

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Shoosmiths second-stage online test invite for DTC. Is this automatic? Applied on deadline day.

congratulations! It’s not automatic

 

[livelaughlawve]

Just for tracking purposes, currently waiting on:
Ashurst - first done last week
Dentons - app submitted December
HL - second test done February
SH - app submitted October
W&C - first test done today

 

[DiploSha361]

Just for tracking purposes, currently waiting on:
Ashurst - first done last week
Dentons - app submitted December
HL - second test done February
SH - app submitted October
W&C - first test done today

@livelaughlawve

Good spread!

Do you know if the W&C test is only received after a first initial sift of your written app or it comes at the same time?

Thanks

Ali

 

[AryanAgg]

@livelaughlawve

Good spread!

Do you know if the W&C test is only received after a first initial sift of your written app or it comes at the same time?

Thanks

Ali

For white & case, I received the first assessment on the same time as submission of my application for vacation scheme so I think its the same for dtc.

 

[lucky2]

Anyone here completed an AC for CMS?

Hey! What’s this for

 

[Maxi04]

Hi!

Anyone heard from CRS London for DTC post VI? or from Payne Hicks Beach?

 

[Rads]

Hi has macfarlanes gotten back to anyone after the second VI test?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Have Bakers sent out test yet

 

[HasRez]

For white & case, I received the first assessment on the same time as submission of my application for vacation scheme so I think it’s the same for dtc.

Nice list! Is white and case rolling or non-rolling?