TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[switchingup]

I remember thinking this way very early on in my journey, and you're not wrong - it's wise to be thinking this way, and also encouraged. These thoughts are what is going to make the conversations surrounding your seat rotations more powerful one day. Do some research on LinkedIn if you can, see what other NQ's have gone on to do after training at LS. I used to think that only elite firms took on elite trainees as NQ's but when I looked into this as part of a BD task, I realised that this may not always be the case when you actually look at the data.

Thanks for this by the way, @Afraz Akhtar. I ended up completing LS’s (very long lol) application, and whilst prepping/researching and writing, I realised this firm is actually a really strong fit for me. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m happy I’ve applied no matter the outcome!

 

[user123987]

Anyone heard from CMS

 

[oliviabeijing]

Anyone heard from CMS

NO but i'm hoping it's this week. There's a possibility we might not hear back until next week though...

 

[user123987]

NO but i'm hoping it's this week. There's a possibility we might not hear back until next week though...

WHAT… I just want to hear back plsssss

 

[Eeeeeeeek]

I applied for MacFarlane's on Friday and am yet to receive the automatic invite to the first assessment - I assumed this was because it was over the weekend, but still nothing. At what point should I email grad rec?

 

[oliviabeijing]

WHAT… I just want to hear back plsssss

REAL. Which office are you waiting on?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Hi all, slightly losing my mind over here and hoping some and hoping to seek some advice...

I have an AC with CMS in 10 days for a DTC, I have 10 other applications I am waiting to hear back from, and am hoping to apply to another 4 before the end of the cycle.

Would you guys recommend that I spend the next 10 days solely preparing for the AC at CMS or should I be continuing to write my applications for the other firms? (None have deadlines before this AC). I am trying to juggle this on top of being a paralegal at an investment bank so don't get too much time to focus on either ://// thank you!

Honestly, although I haven't been to an AC yet, I would suggest bin off the other 4 you plan to do (unless they are absolute dream firms).

Because the success rate chance you make it to another AC is probably slim in the grand scheme of things. If you consider how many applications you have sent this cycle, in comparison to how many made it to the AC stage...?

That is in no way me diminishing your ability, but if your time is currently limited then make that time you do have really count.

If it were me, I would focus on the AC you DO have.

 

[nansies]

Also, does anyone know if Withers prefers VS over DTC as well?

I emailed some time ago and they sent a very kind email back, telling me to apply to whichever route I prefer. They didn’t share any stats on which route is more successful, although I remember reading somewhere online the VS is better…

 

[radssss]

Also, does anyone know if Withers prefers VS over DTC as well?

I think they allow you to make 2 applications per cycle so I’d suggest apply to the vac scheme and then if unsuccessful apply for the dtc again.

Can someone also confirm this as I remember last year we could make 2 applications per cycle.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I think they allow you to make 2 applications per cycle so I’d suggest apply to the vac scheme and then if unsuccessful apply for the dtc again.

Can someone also confirm this as I remember last year we could make 2 applications per cycle.

I was going to apply for the vac scheme but literally missed the deadline by like 3 mins as I was working on it. All good tho- applied for DTC so we shall see

 

[flamingocelot]

I think they allow you to make 2 applications per cycle so I’d suggest apply to the vac scheme and then if unsuccessful apply for the dtc again.

Can someone also confirm this as I remember last year we could make 2 applications per cycle.

I’d like to know this too please !!

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

If you’re eligible for reasonable adjustments then I guess yeah you can but otherwise nah lmao.

It’s worthwhile speaking to grad rec at the firm to discuss it with them if you need adjustments.

 

[Applicant7874652]

For anyone who applied to McDermott - when do you think they will do AC invites?

 

[HasRez]

For anyone who applied to McDermott - when do you think they will do AC invites?

I applied to McDermott back in October and heard nothing from them. Did you get a response?

 

[livelaughlawve]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

I have reasonable adjustments but was rejected on this

 

[livelaughlawve]

Interview related - Can anyone point me in the direction of a "model answer" for interviews for a "why this firm" question. I have been told in previous interviews that my reason for rejection is not being firm-specific enough. I think I have improved on this, but I really have nothing to compare it to...

 

[Rads]

After every Capp assessment, I ensure to get a confirmation email now, so sus of them lol

 

[cooked2000]

for Paul Hastings, is the DTC non-rolling or rolling, if its rolling, how fast is the rolling...

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

for Paul Hastings, is the DTC non-rolling or rolling, if its rolling, how fast is the rolling...