TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Winter]

Received email from Fieldfisher that my app and test score has been forwarded to early careers team. Not sure if this means I passed benchmark or a generic email!

Applied 12 Nov. Test on 5th Dec.

 

[lelezb1]

Received email from Fieldfisher that my app and test score has been forwarded to early careers team. Not sure if this means I passed benchmark or a generic email!

Applied 12 Nov. Test on 5th Dec.

Same!! However, I did my test on 20th November.

 

[yk1906]

The fact that Freshfields sent out SVS ACs already makes me nervous I am coming to London next week until January, and I’m hoping I can make my time worth there…

 

[SemperParatus]

Any Freshfields DTC ACs?

 

[UB1967]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

 

[Scottishlion]

Any Freshfields DTC ACs?

Are they expected to be released this week? And does anyone know when AC is?

 

[BM99]

Are they expected to be released this week? And does anyone know when AC is?

No idea at all. Emailed GR but no information provided.

 

[summersun]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

Hi there is a thread on the forum about where firms recruit from. It does not have all the firms but does give a good idea of firms that consider DTC or only hire DTC applicants.

 

[jin]

For slaughter and may DTC, is it just one interview/AC?

Also does slaughter allow applicants to take the interview online if we are located overseas?

 

[DavidJC]

Hi all,

I have a question! I know that most law firms recruit through their vacation schemes but I’m not able to apply for vac schemes. Which law firms would you recommend I apply to for the direct TC route?

This thread is a year old so may potentially be outdated on some firms' stances but hopefully it helps give an idea

Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[TCLAAAA]

Finishing my CC vi- luckily just got my dear laptop back after disaster liquid damage on Friday. This really paused me from keeping applying. As no one would take laptop damage as a good extension excuse.

 

[Irishman11]

For slaughter and may DTC, is it just one interview/AC?

Also does slaughter allow applicants to take the interview online if we are located overseas?

It's recommended quite strongly you come and do it in person in the email. But yeah it can be done online.

 

[hanz123]

Anyone else heard back from Fieldfisher post app, applied on the 28th of November

 

[SemperParatus]

Anyone else heard back from Fieldfisher post app, applied on the 28th of November

Applied 16th November and still nothing lol

 

[Deleted member 43292]

the fact that I ranked highest for exp this week says that I’m spending too much time on the forum and not enough time on my apps

... just noticed that I'm now currently ranked 1 for posts... guys this isn't good

 

[Deleted member 22634]

I saw their LinkedIn and website, it'd be closed 2 days earlier, so 12/12 12:00 AM

i think its too late forme to apply

 

[yk1906]

i think its too late forme to apply

Never too late!! Still 2 days to write a good application.

BTW, and I know it has been discussed somehow, but I still don't understand clearly: for Fieldfisher, we need to include our GCSE and A-level modules, but not our undergraduate ones? So sorry if it has been answered, I haven't found a clear explanation

 

[testing123]

Hi, does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from freshfields after stage 1? did they already start with ACs?

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're well. I was wondering if you could help me with this question.


I'm applying to Arnold & Porter for their DTC, and I'm slightly confused on how to approach this question: "What motivates you? Please support this with an example of where you demonstrated your drive and motivation." Can I state multiple motivations with different examples, or should I state multiple motivations with one single example for each?

Thanks in advance

 

[Amgrad]

i think its too late forme to apply

Not too late I just submitted it an hour ago to avoid technical issues during peak hours of closing date. Also, the heavy rain here could experience some blackout, so keep in mind.