TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[wqueens8]

Half of me agrees wholeheartedly with you, the other is terrified of not having security and losing the one chance I might be given ahha
Thank you for sharing your experience! I think it's reassuring to hear that you're feeling good about this cycle and that you've received so many ACs already. Maybe the terrified part of me doesn't have to be so terrified haha. I really hope you get what you want this cycle! Maybe I won't even have to ponder about this question ever, but if I do at any point, I'll keep this is mind, thank you!

Best of luck with your ACs! I hope they go well and you get the offers you want!

No definitely I was exactly the same, still am a little bit! You hear all the statistics of 1% success rates and it does panic you.

On my scheme for me it was realising that I was only a second year. Almost everyone was a graduate, so many were years and years postgrad. One or two in their 30s. Like of course we'd all love to get a TC straight out of uni, but it is so so not necessary and we are all so young in the grand scheme. I guess I though even if i didn't get one this cycle, I probably (hopefully lol) would the next year, or the year after. There is no rush at all.

And again it was weighing things up. I'm interested in some more niche things like IP, so every firm I've applied to this year does have an IP seat. It would not have been an option at this other firm, I basically would've only done seats in Real Estate, Employment, Pensions, Tax, Corporate, Insurance or Banking.

Definitely have faith in yourself! Best of luck to you too.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

No definitely I was exactly the same, still am a little bit! You hear all the statistics of 1% success rates and it does panic you.

On my scheme for me it was realising that I was only a second year. Almost everyone was a graduate, so many were years and years postgrad. One or two in their 30s. Like of course we'd all love to get a TC straight out of uni, but it is so so not necessary and we are all so young in the grand scheme. I guess I though even if i didn't get one this cycle, I probably (hopefully lol) would the next year, or the year after. There is no rush at all.

And again it was weighing things up. I'm interested in some more niche things like IP, so every firm I've applied to this year does have an IP seat. It would not have been an option at this other firm, I basically would've only done seats in Real Estate, Employment, Pensions, Tax, Corporate, Insurance or Banking.

Definitely have faith in yourself! Best of luck to you too.

That is so true! It's nice to know that I can still keep applying, and that we're only second years after all. However, the idea of having one year at uni where I can fully enjoy the academic pursuit and social life (for the last time ever) without having to worry about applications is also appealing haha... Also wanting to qualify in the same cycle as your friends sounds tempting ahha... but I guess it's true that in the grand scheme of things, those don't really hold a candlelight to your future and long-term happiness.
There's definitely a balance that needs to be struck - I guess I'll tackle it when and if I ever encounter it Thank you so much for your response! It's given me some more food for thought

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Sigh, taking a break from Apps today to work on my 4 essays due over the break essay no.1 here I come

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is anyone else on here looking at private client focussed firms? Feels like everyone is looking at MC/US firms and while I admire you all for it, I am not brave (or perhaps cutthroat?) enough for corporate.

I’m looking at small-medium firms in band 1/2 in London. I do have a little bit of work experience and an Oxbridge 2:1 (non-law), but it’s daunting going through a cycle, especially as there are SO FEW training contracts in this area. Grim prospects…

Hey!

I did a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co, who are very private client focused (and it was an amazing scheme!). Totally get what you mean in relation to the scarcity of training contracts in that area - happy to answer any questions on the firm if you were thinking of applying to them at all

 

[Pearl3181]

Fieldfisher test invite for TC 2028! - applied 11 Nov.

Hi there! I’m in the process of completing my Fieldfisher app and had a quick question about how you listed your undergraduate qualification. Did you include your degree as a single qualification, or did you list individual course modules and separately?

 

[Winter]

Hi there! I’m in the process of completing my Fieldfisher app and had a quick question about how you listed your undergraduate qualification. Did you include your degree as a single qualification, or did you list individual course modules and separately?

Hi, yes, I included my degree as a single qualification

 

[yk1906]

Hi, yes, I included my degree as a single qualification

So they don’t ask for individual modules later?

 

[Lawlawland]

People who had applied to Slaughter DTC on the last 2 days, did you get any update from them?

 

[noahsmiit01]

Any insights on Freshfields VI? How many questions are there and what are they based on?

 

[Pearl3181]

Hi, yes, I included my degree as a single qualification

Thanks so much!

 

[BM99]

CMS London VI invite

 

[SemperParatus]

Are there any practice Fieldfisher tests? Is there any way to prepare for it, e.g. a list of Fieldfisher values

 

[nicoledm]

did anyone hear good or bad post WG for CMS regions?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

did anyone hear good or bad post WG for CMS regions?

Haven’t heard back yet for the regional CMS

 

[Irishman11]

Does Stephenson Harwood do many interviews?

 

[choicefox212]

Hey!

I did a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co, who are very private client focused (and it was an amazing scheme!). Totally get what you mean in relation to the scarcity of training contracts in that area - happy to answer any questions on the firm if you were thinking of applying to them at all

They’re high on my list! Glad you enjoyed your scheme there

 

[sunsoul]

hi! does anyone know how long freshfields take to reply after stage 2? also any idea when their ACs are?

 

[BM99]

hi! does anyone know how long freshfields take to reply after stage 2? also any idea when their ACs are?

Been waiting for over a month. I did send an email to GR and they refused to answer any questions about the timeline

 

[j.a55293]

Has anyone who applied to Fieldfisher DTC in December received the test?

 

[Rads]

Hi did anyone hear back from Slaughter and May recently?