TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HMajesty]

Is all the Baker drama good news? Meaning they're looking through DTC apps and we should be hearing back from them soon?

Yep, let’s just hope it’s soon now. Also anyone hear from Ashurst and Mayer Brown?

 

[adfs456]

Anyone have any experience getting a holding email from Bristows following final round interview when other people have had offers/rejections? Not sure whether there’s any hope to be had or if it’s a reserve list and a very small shot.

Any insight is appreciated, my head keeps spiralling

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Yep, let’s just hope it’s soon now. Also anyone hear from Ashurst and Mayer Brown?

Ashurst should start sending WEs out next week or early May, if they follow last years’ timeline.

Mayer Brown said in the SJT VI email that ACs are in July so no reply until around June 30.​

 

[lawlol420]

Ashurst should start sending WEs out next week or early May, if they follow last years’ timeline.

Mayer Brown said in the SJT VI email that ACs are in July so no reply until around June 30.​

I'm a bit lost though because on the email they said : "Our team are now reviewing all applications. We aim to contact all candidates by Friday, 29 May 2026 at the latest to give an update on your application progress." Am I missing something, or does that mean they will get back to us late May? (this is for Ashurst)

 

[lawlol420]

has anyone heard from CRS post VI for London? its been so long since i did it

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I'm a bit lost though because on the email they said : "Our team are now reviewing all applications. We aim to contact all candidates by Friday, 29 May 2026 at the latest to give an update on your application progress." Am I missing something, or does that mean they will get back to us late May? (this is for Ashurst)

The date they give in the email is the day they will send out all the PFOs. They’ve done that for a while now. So the 29 May date is rejection day.

The people that will progress to the WE will start to hear back pretty soon. That could be next week or early May, but not long left now tbh.​

 

[WeGotThis!]

Do I have to submit by CV Mail if I have already submitted through their new portal? For baker

As long as you received a confirmation email saying they received your app, it's okay as my CV Mail kept crashing during the app.

 

[DennyCrane]

A lot of firms have allocated numbers of places for direct TC applications. And Direct TCs are there for more mature applicants who have no time to do 3 week vacation schemes (and who grad rec recognizes are very valuable employees). If they offer 40 TCs and have 2 vac schemes of 12-15 people, logically around 10-15 a year are allocated to direct TC applicants. And keep in mind, not all vac schemers get the TC.

A large chunk of firms take in a healthy intake of direct TC applicants,

Not disputing that firms take DTC applicants but in most cases firms prefer to take as many applicants as possible via VS.

 

[CGPULAW]

If anyone did the Irwin Mitchell insight day last year can you DM me

Same here please! no idea what to expect

 

[Gregglt]

Does anyone doing the fried frank TC app know what’s the word limit per question? It says 500 for the cover letter but nothing for the other questions. Thanks

 

[spamelinazoid]

Not disputing that firms take DTC applicants but in most cases firms prefer to take as many applicants as possible via VS.

True, and some firms recruit up to 50% from DTC. Just depends on the firm

 

[Lovelaw77]

Any news from Goodwin Direct TC/ a timeline? (Asking for a friend)

 

[Bridget1130]

Same here please! no idea what to expect

I think it was the first year last year so there is really not that much out there as the earliest that cohort will start is this September

 

[AryanAgg]

Man waiting on ashurst, bakers and SH is agony right now.

 

[Irishman11]

Man waiting on ashurst, bakers and SH is agony right now.

Doesn't SH have a VI stage

 

[AryanAgg]

Doesn't SH have a VI stage

Think so, they have an online assessment though so VI is part of it i think

 

[MZJxLadha]

When you guys reckon SH will get back?

 

[l.m.g.]

For Kingsley Napley’s SJT - is the deadline tonight or tomorrow. I have 2 emails and each has a different deadline, one tonight and one on Tuesday.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

When you guys reckon SH will get back?

 

[sadboi]

I applied for the Ashurst Direct TC for 2027 last year in November....but i've heard nothing back since while I've heard that some are getting first-round interviews for the Ashurst 2028/2029 direct TC...what's going on???