TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[A worried paralegal]

is the macfarlanes second stage test automatic? or is it based on whether you clear the first SJT?

The first test is auto-marked and you get the second if you passed it.

The second stage is then reviewed with the app

 

[hanz123]

Anything from Brabners?

 

[Lollipopx]

Anything from Brabners?

I completed the SJT a couple of weeks ago just end of March, so I am still waiting post-SJT for Direct TC application

 

[CGPULAW]

Anyone heard about dates for IM insight day?

 

[Oluwatishe]

Hi
if you were applying for a tc in 2028 you would do the pgdl in september 2026 and study for the sqe in september 2027

Okayy, thank you for your response !

 

[DiploSha361]

Anyone know if applying to Orrick and Reed Smith at this late stage (both have end of April deadlines) would be futile as they're both rolling.

 

[summersun]

Anyone know if applying to Orrick and Reed Smith at this late stage (both have end of April deadlines) would be futile as they're both rolling.

Isn't reed smith opening in May?

 

[lucky2]

Does Burges Salmon recruit on a rolling basis for their DTC?

 

[l.m.g.]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Kingsley Napley or Farrer&Co? Thanks!

 

[CGPULAW]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Kingsley Napley or Farrer&Co? Thanks!

End of april for KN

 

[DirectTCApplicant]

Has anyone heard from Dentons Middle East post VI?

 

[Rachelzayne3]

Blake Morgan Interview!

Congratulations!! When is it?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Has anyone heard from Bakers, SH, K&S or Ashurst post app for DTC? Not sure what to expect at all…​

 

[WheresYourUCL]

Has anyone heard from Bakers, SH, K&S or Ashurst post app for DTC? Not sure what to expect at all…​

SH no one has heard post app for DTC.

Ashurst I have not heard since doing the wg.

 

[axelrod901]

Hii, has anyone heard back from Howard Kennedy or King & Spalding?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Has anyone heard from Bakers, SH, K&S or Ashurst post app for DTC? Not sure what to expect at all…​

For K&S I'd anticipate news sometime this week, they would most likely want to run ACs over the remainder of April

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell regarding when their insight day will be?

I still haven’t, have you?

 

[kawanm1]

Anyone who received/did their SJT for Withers last week/this week hear back post-test? Not sure if they only look at your app after the test or before, but the website says the test isn't automatic

 

[greentree]

If I got rejected from Morgan Lewis VS post TI, do I still have a shot for DTC? Is it recommended to resubmit the same application or change it a lot to better my chances? Technically already had a shot at the TI, so if they're reusing similar questions, then they might be less inclined to progress me again? Grateful if anyone has any insights (never reapplied in the same cycle)

 

[neverdidiever]

How do you avoid repeating the same points between a cover letter and separate application questions like “Why commercial law?” or “Why Orrick”?

In that context, what should the cover letter focus on instead? @Abbie Whitlock