TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nicoledm]

I thought they hadn’t done any interviews yet?

I had my first interview last week, not sure if they’re doing it in batches !

 

[thepfocollector]

Damn 😳

I guess I’m good to have a go at DTCs then. Open days/insight events do definitely help esp at a targeted firm, they cover that experience gap.

Yeah - they also went to a non-russell group university so do not stress about that

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Quick question here for people that have been applying for the DTC route:

I’m an LPC Graduate with Distinction Honours
First Class LLB (Non Russell Uni - but still considered a top uni for law)
A Levels: BBB (but I have managed to get around the min A Level requirements, through my overall academic performance.

Have legal experience (paid and non-paid) and should be starting as a commercial litigation paralegal at a boutique firm just outside of London (pending final approval)

Is this profile good to apply for DTC? I have been applying mainly for vac schemes, because I wasn’t sure whether I have the profile for a DTC. Thank you if you read all this!

Hey!

I would say that you have a good profile to apply for DTC! For context, I got my training contract at Reed Smith through their DTC route and had a relatively similar background to you - First Class LLB from a non-RG (though mine wasn't particularly great for law haha!) and around a year of paralegal work at a boutique commercial property firm in London.

However, there are also plenty of people in my DTC cohort that had no legal experience and still received an offer. From my understanding, whilst it differs between firms, the focus is on how you perform in the assessments as they often have a higher benchmark than the VS applications. If you are confident in ACs and interviews, I would absolutely go for it!

 

[TCGrad1642]

Is there any merit in applying to Baker McKenzie DTC if I would be unable to start their BARBRI course in August? Would they allow deferring for a year?

 

[SueD]

I had my first interview last week, not sure if they’re doing it in batches !

That is brilliant! Congratulations! Such a fabulous firm. I am keeping everything crossed I get to hear something from them…

 

[hawkins19]

Does anyone know if Freshfields DTC AC is conducted CV blind?