TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Amgrad]

I hope it's a good sign, thanks! Have there been any PFOs yet, though?

Someone said had been invited to interview, but for VS. Another reserve list to come

 

[yk1906]

Someone said had been invited to interview, but for VS. Another reserve list to come

Have you received their test?

 

[Amgrad]

Have you received their test?

Nah, applied D-Day and quite busy that week as I need to attend multiple ODs, one with them.

 

[BM99]

CC AC invite

 

[Scottishlion]

AC offers didn't go out until mid-end of Jan in the last application cycle. PFOs have already been going out post stage 2 though.....

Has this been this week they've been going out?

 

[Winter]

Fieldfisher on hold email...

"Your application is currently on hold and will be considered as part of the second phase of screening, which will begin towards the end of January 2026, after the first four assessment centres have taken place. Please note that our assessment centres run on a rolling basis, and offers may be made following these sessions."

Ooh that’s interesting ty for updating. I wonder why I haven’t received this email even though I’ve done the online test. You haven’t received the online test, right?

 

[yk1906]

Ooh that’s interesting ty for updating. I wonder why I haven’t received this email even though I’ve done the online test. You haven’t received the online test, right?

No, no test...

 

[Winter]

No, no test...

Hmm I’m assuming from that holding email, it means they’ve reached their capacity in terms of screening applications because of xmas holidays and their team have probably taken annual leave etc. so you’ll be considered as part of the next batch of screening in Jan when they resume?

But for those who have already received the online test may get invited to an AC if you performed well? idk

 

[yk1906]

Hmm I’m assuming from that holding email, it means they’ve reached their capacity in terms of screening applications because of xmas holidays and their team have probably taken annual leave etc. so you’ll be considered as part of the next batch of screening in Jan when they resume?

But for those who have already received the online test may get invited to an AC if you performed well? idk

idk, I applied very close to the deadline, thinking they were completely non-rolling, and there was no rush... I don't think it's very fair that the first batch ACs are rolling. Even if one's app is extraordinary, but they're in the second batch, they would receive automatic PFO.

Good luck to you though, since you've done the test!!

 

[Winter]

idk, I applied very close to the deadline, thinking they were completely non-rolling, and there was no rush... I don't think it's very fair that the first batch ACs are rolling. Even if one's app is extraordinary, but they're in the second batch, they would receive automatic PFO.

Good luck to you though, since you've done the test!!

Yeah I agree, I didn’t think they were rolling either. Fingers crossed for you

 

[Winter]

So have there been no DTC interviews yet for Fieldfisher? Only the Access Scheme?

 

[nicoledm]

So have there been no DTC interviews yet for Fieldfisher? Only the Access Scheme?

I've done a DTC interview for Fieldfisher, was told that I would find out if I get the AC by end of December and the AC will be held in first week or two of January

From what other people on this forum have said, there may be a second batch of Acs after that!

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Has this been this week they've been going out?

Not heard of any AC offers so far. Only PFOs. Yes this week.

 

[Winter]

I've done a DTC interview for Fieldfisher, was told that I would find out if I get the AC by end of December and the AC will be held in first week or two of January

From what other people on this forum have said, there may be a second batch of Acs after that!

Okay this is great to know, thank you!! I’m of the opinion that they’re definitely running more interviews after the holiday break. I guess it’s crunch time rn

 

[nicoledm]

Okay this is great to know, thank you!! I’m of the opinion that they’re definitely running more interviews after the holiday break. I guess it’s crunch time rn

Yeah I think so, my friend got an AC for the DTC two years ago and it was in May, so I think there'll definitely be more!

 

[yk1906]

Not heard of any AC offers so far. Only PFOs. Yes this week.

Sorry, PFOs post 2nd stage? I have only seen post-app rejections, if I'm not mistaken

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Sorry, PFOs post 2nd stage? I have only seen post-app rejections, if I'm not mistaken

Not seen anything post 2nd stage. Only really post app and a few people I know irl getting post SJT PFOs having not met the benchmark for stage 2. Judging on last cycle, people were getting DTC AC invites up until the end of Jan so don't count yourself out the running yet until you hear back.

 

[yk1906]

Not seen anything post 2nd stage. Only really post app and a few people I know irl getting post SJT PFOs having not met the benchmark for stage 2. Judging on last cycle, people were getting DTC AC invites up until the end of Jan so don't count yourself out the running yet until you hear back.

Ah, that's what I saw as well. They have changed the process this cycle, though, I think last year the deadline was in early Jan, as opposed to early December this year.

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Ah, that's what I saw as well. They have changed the process this cycle, though, I think last year the deadline was in early Jan, as opposed to early December this year.

Oh I didn't know. Perhaps there's hope for a belated Christmas present. Fingers crossed the AC is conveniently timed, SQE exams in Jan already running a nut on people. Thanks!

 

[yk1906]

"Other than law, what is something you are passionate about? 200 words" for Bristows

Hi @Abbie Whitlock ! Do you reckon it is acceptable to speak about something like fine art/ballet instead of law-adjacent topics?