TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[sadboi]

i mean i think they are starting to send out next stage invites now-ish… but do you mean you applied in November 2024 and still havent heard back?

Sorry, I meant in 2025! But still. I've heard back from other firms for their direct TCs but Ashurst has been eluding me

 

[amb303]

I found it ok, obviously without giving too much away- I was surprised it was more scenario based than others I’ve taken in the past, but all in all it was ok. I am a bit worried because it said it should take an hour but it took me way longer just because I wanted to read and fully think through my answers! I hope this is not used against me- I also haven’t received my report back yet.

How did you find it?

I also took longer—think it took me a couple hours. Also took a while with it last year and it didn’t end up being a problem

 

[Irishman11]

Any advice for preparing for Macfarlanes second stage (job simulation)?

is it out yet

 

[Legal seeker]

I also took longer—think it took me a couple hours. Also took a while with it last year and it didn’t end up being a problem

Ah, this is good to know! Did you get through last year? Also if you don’t mind sharing, what was your lowest scoring category?

 

[aanushhhkaaa]

Hi, can anyone give some advice on how to approach Orrick's Direct TC cover letter? They have a bunch of application questions, which I believe cover mostly everything I'd like to talk about in the cover letter- (1) Why commercial law and (2) Why Orrick is already covered. I do think I should proceed to include "why me" in the cover letter- but would that suffice? Is there something else I should that would allow me to stand out? Also, I have a very specific area of law narrowed down- arbitration - wherein I've had a lot work & mooting experience too. Should I take this cover letter to include what that specific area of law, or would be counterintuitive?

Secondly, I've read that Orrick generally only hires from it's vacation scheme. Would proceeding to apply the direct TC route, especially as an applicant who would need Visa sponsorship- actually be worth it?

 

[amb303]

Ah, this is good to know! Did you get through last year? Also if you don’t mind sharing, what was your lowest scoring category?

Yeah, I was progressed to video presentation stage last year and that’s where I was eventually rejected, but the test was fine! I wish I could find what my lowest scoring category was last year but I tried the report link and it won’t let me see, sorry!

 

[ababababba]

I think there might be a problem with the website so I would may be wait until tomorrow and see if they have updated the form.

just checked - there doesn’t appear to be any questions on the app?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Sorry, I meant in 2025! But still. I've heard back from other firms for their direct TCs but Ashurst has been eluding me

I think everyone is still waiting, we got a holding email about 2 weeks ago but thats it (as far as I have seen)

 

[nfe00001]

Baker Mackenzie pfo :/

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Baker Mackenzie pfo :/

When did you apply?

 

[HMajesty]

Baker Mackenzie pfo :/

So sorry to hear that. May I ask when you applied?

 

[SharonTej]

Baker Mackenzie pfo :/

Same

 

[HMajesty]

Same

Sorry to hear that. May I ask when you applied?

 

[Magdalena6912]

Any advice for preparing for Macfarlanes second stage (job simulation)?

any advice on what to expect from stage one would be super helpful! I am curious to know whether there are any numerical reasoning questions given they mention calculators...

 

[SharonTej]

Sorry to hear that. May I ask when you applied?

March 15th

 

[AryanAgg]

Reed Smith application does not have any questions to answer, is it correct or the application is bugged?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Joining the Baker Mackenzie PFO club - applied March 2nd (not through the CV mail portal)

 

[WeGotThis!]

Joining the Baker Mackenzie PFO club - applied March 2nd (not through the CV mail portal)

Sorry to hear that
Did you just receive the PFO or was it a while ago?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Sorry to hear that
Did you just receive the PFO or was it a while ago?

This morning around ten

 

[Kj1996]

Anyone heard from withers?