TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amgrad]

I think the DTC was for 2027 intake. They have a later intake for 2028/29 which has a deadline for mid Jan (same as the VS). They might have only had a handful of spaces for 2027. Pretty sure the firm allows you to re-apply if you were rejected after your initial application too.​

Yea, I heard they lost so many great candidates last year who didn't accept their TC 2027 offer after VS. One I know secured a TC with Hogan, she rejected Weil TC offer too. What a GOAT she isn't?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Yea, I heard they lost so many great candidates last year who didn't accept their TC 2027 offer after VS. One I know secured a TC with Hogan, she rejected Weil TC offer too. What a GOAT she isn't?

It’s odd though because Legal Cheek is advertising a second DTC window for 2028/29, closing in mid Jan, but it’s not on Travers’ website. Only seeing the Summer VS. In any case, it’s quite telling that most candidates turned their TC offer down. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[Amgrad]

It’s odd though because Legal Cheek is advertising a second DTC window for 2028/29, closing in mid Jan, but it’s not on Travers’ website. Only seeing the Summer VS. In any case, it’s quite telling that most candidates turned their TC offer down. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

Maybe, just my assumptions they will take as many as candidates now from VS and hopefully they will open 2028 TC later in Summer like Reed Smith.

 

[Trophy]

Yea, I heard they lost so many great candidates last year who didn't accept their TC 2027 offer after VS. One I know secured a TC with Hogan, she rejected Weil TC offer too. What a GOAT she isn't?

With the 2027 TC didn’t it say March 2027 would they then expect those successful to start SQE post Christmas? As I did wonder this when applying very fast turnaround.

 

[Harvey Specter]

With the 2027 TC didn’t it say March 2027 would they then expect those successful to start SQE post Christmas? As I did wonder this when applying very fast turnaround.

Yeah probably likely it’s March 2026 start SQE, March 2027 start TC. I was thinking of applying but decided to opt for the VS instead.​

 

[maylawwww]

Hi all, I hope everyone is doing well. I was wondering if anyone else has applied to the BBC L7 Solicitor Apprenticeship? If so, has anyone who completed their assessment received a feedback report or heard back? Thanks

Hello! Yes, I received a feedback report just after I took the test-- but it was just a standard Cappfinity report (couple of strengths, 1 weakness) but heard nothing yet about outcomes. I think last year people heard in December at the earliest

 

[itsfearless15]

A&O Shearman Direct TC AC

Massive congratulations!! If you are comfortable sharing, approx how did your feedback report look like? I'm wondering given the quite mixed results posted on TCLA after the Amberjack tests for either VS or TC apps! Thank you

 

[Liz_awa]

They give 7 calendar days to complete regardless of the app submission deadline

They give 7 calendar days to complete regardless of the app submission deadline

Were the questions for IM mainly motivational? Were there any competencies? Did you have much time to show research of the firm and your experience or was it mainly how you'd react in a situation. Were there any watson-glaser type questions because I know some firms do have those types of questions e.g. 'conclsuion follows', even though they say they don't do WG. Any insights would be really appreciated

 

[Trophy]

Yeah probably likely it’s March 2026 start SQE, March 2027 start TC. I was thinking of applying but decided to opt for the VS instead.​

I guess it’s ideal if you’ve just graduated without a TC, travelling or between jobs!

I reckon they’re prioritising those who applied for that intake for ACs rather than those who did 2028 applications.

Good luck on the VS application 😄