TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DesperateStudent]

I’m new to this all but it is shit to see them handing out Baker McKenzie ACs whilst from what I can see on here there are loads waiting after the SJT.

If we weren’t good enough why did they not reject us instead of this false hope? Their review from SJT to VI invite was soo fast I’m intrigued to know what was assessed, the score? The application? Both?

I scored 24 on the SJT, I’ve also done WE with one of their international offices and had a London associate review my application…. so motivation was definitely met in my opinion.

 

[spamelinazoid]

I’m new to this all but it is shit to see them handing out Baker McKenzie ACs whilst from what I can see on here there are loads waiting after the SJT.

If we weren’t good enough why did they not reject us instead of this false hope? Their review from SJT to VI invite was soo fast I’m intrigued to know what was assessed, the score? The application? Both?

I scored 24 on the SJT, I’ve also done WE with one of their international offices and had a London associate review my application…. so motivation was definitely met in my opinion.

Loads of firms do this, Ashurst just rejected loads of people while their ACs have been going on for weeks.

We also literally never know what the reason for the rejection is, its just the name of the game. Some people with lower scored than you may have been progressed even.

 

[DesperateStudent]

Loads of firms do this, Ashurst just rejected loads of people while their ACs have been going on for weeks.

We also literally never know what the reason for the rejection is, its just the name of the game. Some people with lower scored than you may have been progressed even.

Ashurst has been known to do this for years according to my friends so it’s never really a surprise if you’re left waiting but people still messaged on the forum lots about it

However, Baker McKenzie does not having looked back at the vacation scheme path. Although I’ve seen they do point blank ignore emails. They gave Vi’s in batches before they gave AC’s in batches but given they’ve started AC invites I’d assume they’ve rejected those who did not get a Vi invite.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Ashurst has been known to do this for years according to my friends so it’s never really a surprise if you’re left waiting but people still messaged on the forum lots about it

However, Baker McKenzie does not having looked back at the vacation scheme path. Although I’ve seen they do point blank ignore emails. They gave Vi’s in batches before they gave AC’s in batches but given they’ve started AC invites I’d assume they’ve rejected those who did not get a Vi invite.

BM did send PFOs a while back, but what seems to have happened here is their process god delayed overall…

2024 and 2025 some people were given 2-3 weeks to prepare for an AC, so the week advance seems a bit of a change

 

[nonlawstudent98]

I can’t help but be a little frustrated. I had hope that there would be another batch of BM VI invites seeing as my SJT score was higher than some who got the VI.. of course we never know exactly what they judge on. It could’ve been judged based on answers to specific questions or something. Who knows! This just really shows not to put too much emphasis on SJT scores

 

[Magdalena6912]

Has anyone heard back from Macfarlanes yet?

Not me. Anyone ?

 

[Gracejonesd]

Anyone heard back from Howard Kennedy yet?

 

[juanitasimi]

I can’t help but be a little frustrated. I had hope that there would be another batch of BM VI invites seeing as my SJT score was higher than some who got the VI.. of course we never know exactly what they judge on. It could’ve been judged based on answers to specific questions or something. Who knows! This just really shows not to put too much emphasis on SJT scores

Yes same! Mine was higher than some who got the VI too. This whole process is deffo luck too

 

[neverdidiever]

any idea when orrick would come back?

 

[1136PX0]

any idea when orrick would come back?

Not sure about the WG, but I think ACs are after their summer vac scheme

 

[1136PX0]

Fried Frank WG!

 

[DesperateStudent]

Not me. Anyone ?

I asked them on Monday and they said early June next stages will be communicated.

 

[at1234]

Fried Frank WG!

is WG automatic or selective?

 

[1136PX0]

is WG automatic or selective?

Not sure - from previous DTC threads a few ppl said its selective tho idk

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone been rejected from BM post amberjack? My application still says in progress.... but I know other people have gotten to VI

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Fried Frank WG invite!

 

[letsdothis]

Irwin Mitchell emailed saying they’re delaying their decisions for the business stream until the end of June

 

[ArthurWeasleyLaw]

on FFs invite for the WG, they mention when the ACs will be. do people know if that is the final stage?

 

[at1234]

on FFs invite for the WG, they mention when the ACs will be. do people know if that is the final stage?

i think so

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

on FFs invite for the WG, they mention when the ACs will be. do people know if that is the final stage?

There’s two stages for FF, one in June and one in July. Idk how many people get through to each.​