TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[toughcookie]

Received Freshfields PFO, I did the stage 2 test in late November.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hl assessment! For those wondering there is a practice hub which will show you example questions for parts of the test

 

[nordicnomad]

is bakers dtc rolling?

 

[testing123]

I got the Freshfields PFO one where they say that your application was strong, that there are limited assessment centre available but they are currently unable to offer you a place.

They then go on to say they want to assure me that my application still remains under active consideration and there is a possibility that we may still invite you to Assessment Centre at a later date.

Is this the one everyone is referring to?

i got the same one. does anyone know whether there is a high chance of getting off the waiting list?

 

[lawcool]

Ahh freshfields has finally put me out of my misery!!!

 

[TortillaTC]

Good evening everyone! I’m considering applying to Stephenson Harwood for the direct TC since they usually take at least 50% of their intake from that route - is it a bad idea to apply without having done a vac scheme before? I do have legal experience but only non-UK (bar open days and insight schemes). I’m afraid that they won’t even consider me because most candidates for the direct TC will have done actual vac schemes or have other long-term commercial experience.

Thanks!

 

[shadowbaklava]

Good evening everyone! I’m considering applying to Stephenson Harwood for the direct TC since they usually take at least 50% of their intake from that route - is it a bad idea to apply without having done a vac scheme before? I do have legal experience but only non-UK (bar open days and insight schemes). I’m afraid that they won’t even consider me because most candidates for the direct TC will have done actual vac schemes or have other long-term commercial experience.

Thanks!

I suspect you will be fine; they make no such stipulation on their website. If in doubt, email: [email protected].

 

[tclauser77898]

How quickly did people receive Macfarlanes stage 2 after submitting app? Haven't received anything after submitting it yesterday evening

 

[Myparentsdream]

How quickly did people receive Macfarlanes stage 2 after submitting app? Haven't received anything after submitting it yesterday evening

Have you done the stage 1 test?

I had to wait a while before I got the stage 1 test due to reasonable adjustments which they don't really offer as it's all untimed.

 

[tclauser77898]

Have you done the stage 1 test?

I had to wait a while before I got the stage 1 test due to reasonable adjustments which they don't really offer as it's all untimed.

Yes just done it did you get email confirmation when you finished?

 

[Bob142]

Any news from CC yet?

 

[BM99]

Any news from CC yet?

No...On a separate note, they confirmed that they will call regardless of the outcome, in case anyone is wondering.

 

[Rads]

Has Freshfields sent many ACs for DTCs today?

 

[solicitor_2028]

Has anyone heard back from Slaughter and May DTC? I applied day before deadline and it's been radio silence since ;(

 

[tclauser77898]

Does anyone have any insights into Macfarlanes stage 2? Can share slaughters, cms, sidley, dla and others

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Experiences applying to these for DTC?

Arnold & Porter (DDL: 1/3)
King & Spalding (DDL: 30/3)
Paul Hastings (DDL: 30/6)
S&C (DDL: 12/6)
White & Case (DDL: 10/5)

 

[ashwright]

Does anyone know when Bakers' Direct TC opens? Their website seems to say 2 different app opening dates - 16/02/2026 and 01/02/2026. I'm guessing it's the former, since an 'apply' button hasn't popped up

 

[pepsicola96]

Does anyone know when Bakers' Direct TC opens? Their website seems to say 2 different app opening dates - 16/02/2026 and 01/02/2026. I'm guessing it's the former, since an 'apply' button hasn't popped up

I believe it was the 1st, but a few days ago they moved it to the 16th. Presumably busier than expected with vac scheme apps and so wanted to delay the influx of DTC apps.

 

[fitzer401]

Freshfields DTC AC. Submitted application the day it opened back in October.

 

[nonliquetagain]

Does anyone know if the assessment day is the last step before offer for Proskauer TC?