TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have a Summer Vac Scheme at a US Law Firm. But I still wanna increase my chances of landing a TC this year so I am applying to DTCs.

Do you think I should mention my Upcoming VS in my applications or would that do more harm than good?

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme!

I personally think this is a matter of preference - when I applied for my DTC last year, I mentioned my upcoming vacation schemes in my work experience section as they would become more relevant at the later interview/AC stages.

However, I can't imagine it makes a huge amount of difference either-way (+ is very unlikely to do harm), so I would go with the approach that you feel most comfortable with

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

During a VI, if you go onto another tab on your laptop during the preparation time e.g. to research or to look at notes, does this flag in their system/look bad?

Hi!

I'd say that it really depends on the structure of the VI itself and what the firm has explicitly said about the preparation time. If it is unlimited prep time, I think what you said is generally fair - it is likely fine to have notes/open tabs in the background, as long as you are not actually looking away or switching tabs during the recording itself. I did a similar thing during a VI with unlimited prep time in the past and was still progressed, so I think it is unlikely to negatively impact your score.

If it is limited prep time though, I'd personally say it is probably not the best use of time to be Googling or switching between tabs. You would be better off using that time to quickly structure your answer so that it is clear and concise when you start recording.

Either way, I'd always prioritise sticking to any explicit instructions that the firm gives, just to be on the safe side!

 

[Bridget1130]

Congratulations to you both!! This is amazing news, and I hope you both celebrate well over the weekend!

Thank you! Can’t quite believe it

 

[letsdothis]

Has anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell for the business stream?

 

[livelaughlawve]

Anyone heard anything from W&C, BM or WFW? The suspense is killing me!

W&C zoom interviews were this week. AC and partner interview invites will go out Friday/Monday. Whether this is the first batch, or the only batch, I'm not sure

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Anyone else got a call from BM!?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Anyone else got a call from BM!?

A call?? Did grad rec call you?

 

[DiploSha361]

Sorrry

W&C zoom interviews were this week. AC and partner interview invites will go out Friday/Monday. Whether this is the first batch, or the only batch, I'm not sure

I heard that, but i only finished tests late on the 14th and you'd think this week, less than two weeks later would be too soon to get through the video/telephone interviews. Im hoping there's another batch

 

[livelaughlawve]

I heard that, but i only finished tests late on the 14th and you'd think this week, less than two weeks later would be too soon to get through the video/telephone interviews. Im hoping there's another batch

I hope there is another batch, this was just from my experience of doing 3 interviews with the firm from 17th-27th. The firm is also known for reviewing applications on a rolling basis which will likely have some effect

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Anyone else got a call from BM!?

Why did they call you? Is this the next stage?

 

[Mordecaidown]

Anyone else got a call from BM!?

Do Graduate Recruitments even call for informing you have moved on to the next stage of an AC? I thought this was reserved to only when you get a TC.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Has anyone heard from S&C post-app, since they are rolling?

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Has anyone been invited to BCLP first-stage interview? I saw just one invite a while ago but that is it

Have you heard back from the DTC yet? I’m still waiting!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Have you heard back from the DTC yet? I’m still waiting!

No, sorry! Just asking if anyone has!

 

[Maddy]

Anyone received an AC invite from Bakers after VI. Tcla WhatsApp group says someone received an AC invitation after VI for next week. Does that mean it's rejection, or do they send out AC invitations in batches?

Completed VI on Tuesday.

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Anyone received an AC invite from Bakers after VI. Tcla WhatsApp group says someone received an AC invitation after VI for next week. Does that mean it's rejection, or do they send out AC invitations in batches?

Completed VI on Tuesday.

Heyy, do you know when they got the invite for the AC?

 

[Maddy]

Heyy, do you know when they got the invite for the AC?

It was mentioned as yesterday afternoon.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Do Graduate Recruitments even call for informing you have moved on to the next stage of an AC? I thought this was reserved to only when you get a TC.

Yes that is my understanding too.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Anyone received an AC invite from Bakers after VI. Tcla WhatsApp group says someone received an AC invitation after VI for next week. Does that mean it's rejection, or do they send out AC invitations in batches?

Completed VI on Tuesday.

The timeline makes sense, their ACs have always been first two weeks of june. Though one weeks notice is a bit short

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Anyone received an AC invite from Bakers after VI. Tcla WhatsApp group says someone received an AC invitation after VI for next week. Does that mean it's rejection, or do they send out AC invitations in batches?

Completed VI on Tuesday.

Would anyone know what their AC dates are?and do they review VI on rolling basis?