TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Bristows VI invite! Is it automatic?

yeah same here! its not automatic, they review applications first

 

[yk1906]

yeah same here! its not automatic, they review applications first

I’m glad, after all the post-Christmas rejections congrats to you!!

 

[anon78365222111]

Also anyone heard from Freshfields for DTC post stage 2?

They gonna let us know in March at this rate, I gave up waiting

 

[yk1906]

They gonna let us know in March at this rate, I gave up waiting

I literally forget I even applied. And it’s my n1 target firm!

 

[TCGrad1642]

Does anyone have any idea when Freshfields DTC will get back to us?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

@ People who have already completed the CMS AC, how many people are there per AC?

 

[anon78365222111]

I literally forget I even applied. And it’s my n1 target firm!

Same fr, hoping we make it !

 

[p2bv]

do we think CMS give out all ACs, didn’t get one and thought my VI was good

 

[M_m]

Anyone who’s done Bristows VI before know how much prep time we get? And how long we get to answer questions?

 

[Slickoo202]

do we think CMS give out all ACs, didn’t get one and thought my VI was good

Likewise

 

[Scottishlion]

I’ve been rejected from 11 of the 22 firms that I’ve applied to. I’ve changed how I research firms and write my answers but I don’t have any legal experience. Does anyone have any advice and am I f*?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Also anyone heard from Freshfields for DTC post stage 2?

On last year’s thread it seems like people began to receive ACs between the end of Jan and mid Feb so maybe they’ll do the same this year. Idk why they’re taking so long this year though cos they did bring the app deadline forward.

 

[hanz123]

Anyone know what to expect for DAC’s VI?

 

[DiploSha361]

Does anybody have any suggested resources for adapting my CV for law apps? Something I've done thus far isn't working.

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone know what to expect for DAC’s VI

I don't have any inputs, but I was glad to see that their application is very short! When did you apply?

 

[zara elles]

I emailed greenberg traurig and they have:

1. reopened portal and
2. extended the deadline to the 19th!

The fact that they're so nice is such a motivator to apply haha

This has made my day! Been working on this app but wasnt completely happy with my cover letter, so the extra few days has really helped

 

[hanz123]

I don't have any inputs, but I was glad to see that their application is very short! When did you apply?

I applied early November

 

[ellamai0]

On last year’s thread it seems like people began to receive ACs between the end of Jan and mid Feb so maybe they’ll do the same this year. Idk why they’re taking so long this year though cos they did bring the app deadline forward.

I don’t see why they made applications rolling if they were going to take this long

 

[zara elles]

I’ve been rejected from 11 of the 22 firms that I’ve applied to. I’ve changed how I research firms and write my answers but I don’t have any legal experience. Does anyone have any advice and am I fucked?

Majority of firms state you don't need any legal experience - it's about making whatever experience you have highlight how you great you would be in a TC / showcase your transferrable skills. I found I started to get more traction on my apps when I really researched the firm in detail - looked at annual reports, anything current in the commercial market that directly relates to them and also having a compelling reason to apply to them. I do think this is much more important than legal experience, from my perspective anyway.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

On last year’s thread it seems like people began to receive ACs between the end of Jan and mid Feb so maybe they’ll do the same this year. Idk why they’re taking so long this year though cos they did bring the app deadline forward.

That's no sense if the applicant pool is increased significantly than last year, especially firm without app questions like FF would experience this! Lol