TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

I haven't been called. Should I take that as an L? They probably would have called everyone by now.

I wouldn't count yourself out so soon - they were still calling until like 4 or 5pm for the summer vac, so there's still time. My friend got called at like 15:45 on the Friday, so don't lose hope! Best of luck! Also they probably took a break for lunch haha

 

[xMontmorency]

I haven't been called. Should I take that as an L? They probably would have called everyone by now.

Possible that they're doing the 2027 intake first

 

[anon78365222111]

Yeah guys I don’t think Freshfields is getting back to us. Next week or new years it is!

 

[annalise.joyn]

does anybody know anything about the Freshfields second stage? how many VI's, how many minutes to prep etc? and if the SJT is before or after the VI?

 

[Trophy]

does anybody know anything about the Freshfields second stage? how many VI's, how many minutes to prep etc? and if the SJT is before or after the VI?

they're still handing out stage 2?!?!

sorry i forgot all about the stage 2 did it a while back.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Yeah guys I don’t think Freshfields is getting back to us. Next week or new years it is!

They just sent me an email confirming reasonable adjustments and gave me the option to do stage 2 in Jan, so I’m assuming it’ll be the new year to hear back with ACs but PFOs from now until then.​

 

[Willgetatc]

Slaughters holding email scared me hahah

 

[annalise.joyn]

They just sent me an email confirming reasonable adjustments and gave me the option to do stage 2 in Jan, so I’m assuming it’ll be the new year to hear back with ACs but PFOs from now until then.​

they just gave me reasonable adjustments and said i have only 2 days to complete it …..

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know whether White & Case actively recruits from its direct TC route? For context, I’ve already done a vacation scheme and multiple legal internships in my home country. Just wanted to gauge whether I should take my chances with VS, given that many people have already progressed, or make a direct TC application later on.

 

[Krausaar]

I just recieved an AC invite for CC. Any resources or advice on how to prepare best?

 

[switchingup]

Hi everyone! First time posting here, although I've been lurking without an account for ages lol. I'm a career changer, and this is my first application cycle.

I'm posting the DTC apps I've submitted with dates. Hope this helps with timelines! I'll try my best to keep this updated, but working full-time + juggling these apps is no joke lol. Bear with me!

• CC: applied 17th Nov
  • Received WG: 18th Nov
  • Took WG: 23rd Nov
  • Passed benchmark: 23rd Nov
    • Email came immediately after test
  • PFO: 4th Dec ❌
• CMS (London): applied 21st Nov
  • Received WG: 28th Nov
  • Received VI: 4th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Freshfields: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received Stage 1 invite: 24th Nov
  • Took Stage 1: 29th Nov - scored highest in Embracing transformation (AS), Thriving under pressure (AS), Championing our clients and giving them the edge (AS), and lowest in We thrive as a team (AS) and Challenging ourselves (AS).
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • Received Stage 2 invite: 4th Dec
  • Received confirmation of Stage 2 completion, "we'll be in touch" email: 7th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Slaughter and May: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received jumpscare holding email: 19th Dec

Pending: Ashurst, Lewis Silkin, White & Case

I've also applied to the following firms for VS: Bird & Bird, DLA (London), HSFK (Spring), Linklaters, RS, Simmons, Willkie (pending: Covington). I've posted the app updates for these on the VS thread.

Best of luck to everyone 🍀

 

[nansies]

Hi everyone! First time posting here, although I've been lurking without an account for ages lol. I'm a career changer, and this is my first application cycle.

I'm posting the DTC apps I've submitted with dates. Hope this helps with timelines! I'll try my best to keep this updated, but working full-time + juggling these apps is no joke lol. Bear with me!

• CC: applied 17th Nov
  • Received WG: 18th Nov
  • Took WG: 23rd Nov
  • Passed benchmark: 23rd Nov
    • Email came immediately after test
  • PFO: 4th Dec ❌
• CMS (London): applied 21st Nov
  • Received WG: 28th Nov
  • Received VI: 4th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Freshfields: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received Stage 1 invite: 24th Nov
  • Took Stage 1: 29th Nov - scored
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • Received Stage 2 invite: 4th Dec
  • Received confirmation of Stage 2 completion, "we'll be in touch" email: 7th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Slaughter and May: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received jumpscare holding email: 19th Dec

Pending: Ashurst, Lewis Silkin, White & Case

I've also applied to the following firms for VS: Bird & Bird, DLA (London), HSFK (Spring), Linklaters, RS, Simmons, Willkie (pending: Covington). I've posted the app updates for these on the VS thread.

Best of luck to everyone 🍀

Slaughters holding email scared me hahah

Hi! What did the Slaughters holding email say? I applied around the same time as you but haven't received...

 

[nicoledm]

Anyone heard from Kennedys after taking their SJT?

Got my feedback report today and apparently strengths were "Supporter", "Flex" and "Initiative" with my weakness being "Accountability". No scores though so not really sure what any of that means 😀

How long did it take you to get your feedback !

 

[xMontmorency]

Does anyone know whether White & Case actively recruits from its direct TC route? For context, I’ve already done a vacation scheme and multiple legal internships in my home country. Just wanted to gauge whether I should take my chances with VS, given that many people have already progressed, or make a direct TC application later on.

They do recruit directly but their primary pool of candidates is VS candidates so you should apply for VS if you can.

 

[AMullin]

How long did it take you to get your feedback !

Did the test Wednesday morning and got the feedback this morning.

 

[switchingup]

Hi! What did the Slaughters holding email say? I applied around the same time as you but haven't received...

Copy and paste below!

“Dear [my name],

Thank you for applying to Slaughter and May, and we apologise for not being able to get back to you yet with a decision on your training contract application.

We received a very high number of applications just before the deadline at the end of November - as every application is individually reviewed as part of our selection process, we are still reviewing applications and will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

If you are holding a training contract offer which expires soon and need a response sooner, please contact us at [email protected].

In the meantime, you might like to sign up to one of our virtual events taking place this February and March, which are designed to provide you with insights into life as a lawyer at Slaughter and May.”

Then it just lists a bunch of upcoming events in Feb/March. I’m positive this is being sent to everyone, perhaps in batches!

 

[Scottishlion]

Hi everyone! First time posting here, although I've been lurking without an account for ages lol. I'm a career changer, and this is my first application cycle.

I'm posting the DTC apps I've submitted with dates. Hope this helps with timelines! I'll try my best to keep this updated, but working full-time + juggling these apps is no joke lol. Bear with me!

• CC: applied 17th Nov
  • Received WG: 18th Nov
  • Took WG: 23rd Nov
  • Passed benchmark: 23rd Nov
    • Email came immediately after test
  • PFO: 4th Dec ❌
• CMS (London): applied 21st Nov
  • Received WG: 28th Nov
  • Received VI: 4th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Freshfields: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received Stage 1 invite: 24th Nov
  • Took Stage 1: 29th Nov - scored highest in Embracing transformation (AS), Thriving under pressure (AS), Championing our clients and giving them the edge (AS), and lowest in We thrive as a team (AS) and Challenging ourselves (AS).
    • Report came immediately after completing the assessment
  • Received Stage 2 invite: 4th Dec
  • Received confirmation of Stage 2 completion, "we'll be in touch" email: 7th Dec
  • No further communication as of 19th Dec
• Slaughter and May: applied 22nd Nov
  • Received jumpscare holding email: 19th Dec

Pending: Ashurst, Lewis Silkin, White & Case

I've also applied to the following firms for VS: Bird & Bird, DLA (London), HSFK (Spring), Linklaters, RS, Simmons, Willkie (pending: Covington). I've posted the app updates for these on the VS thread.

Best of luck to everyone 🍀

I didn’t receive confirmation from freshfields for stage 2 completion. Should I be worried?

 

[manifestingthetc]

Anyone heard from Kennedys after taking their SJT?

Got my feedback report today and apparently strengths were "Supporter", "Flex" and "Initiative" with my weakness being "Accountability". No scores though so not really sure what any of that means 😀

i got something similar actually - my strengths were team mentality, initiative and supporter and then weakness being accountability ( which is a silly weakness to have i think!), I have no idea if this qualifies to next stage or not honestly, lets see!

 

[Florencejones]

Got an invite to Shakespeare Martineau video interview - does anyone know anyone who’s taken it in previous years as to what the questions will be?

 

[Florencejones]

Gowling DTC PFO, as expected with score below 15. First Arctic Shores ever! For those rejected with 16 or more, seems the benchmark is higher than NRF and they're seeing your answers.

Hey I also got rejected from Gowling but wondered how you found out your score?