TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nfe00001]

does anyone have Burges Salmon AC insights please? Happy to exchange for other AC tips!!!!

Did you apply to DTC? If so, what location?

 

[T. Rainee]

Did you apply to DTC? If so, what location?

Edinburgh VS

 

[Scottishlion]

Should you tell law firms about your long term career goals as to why you're applying or is that not a good idea? Like want to go to firm because they do X which will help me pursue Y

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Can I DM you? I have a question about the application form.

Yeah! Do I need to adjust my settings or anything?

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Welcome to the forum! Imposter syndrome is completely normal - but I can assure you that the firms recruiting graduates do not expect you to have done an abundance of work experience (my TC offer following a VS was the first corporate law work experience I had ever done, I also had only mini pupillages) - but remember that there's so many virtual internships through Forage that you can do which will help your applications. It is also okay to make mistakes - the application process is daunting and video interviews are very difficult. Keep practising and you will only get better!

That is so reassuring thank you! And well done on your TC offer! I’m definitely being patient with myself because I have a decent job so I’m not in a rush to secure a TC this year lol, it would be great but I don’t want to burn out while I’m working!

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Hi! Does anyone have any insights into Hogan Lovells Video Interview? Nature of questions, structure e.t.c. Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi all! can someone guide me to the updated deadlines dashboard on TCLA for DTCs this year? having trouble finding the updated list @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

You can find the most updated list here - it was last updated earlier this week, but unfortunately some firms haven't posted their dates yet so a few are still TBC!

 

[hmevey]

HL PFO, losing faith giving up

 

[Deleted member 44323]

HL PFO, losing faith giving up

I’m so sorry to hear that, but you’re more than one firm which I know may be difficult to believe right now.

Do you mind me asking if this was post-stage 1 or post-stage 2 of the online assessments?

 

[hmevey]

I’m so sorry to hear that, but you’re more than one firm which I know may be difficult to believe right now.

Do you mind me asking if this was post-stage 1 or post-stage 2 of the online assessments?

Thank you <3 and it was post stage 1. i did the test last friday xx

 

[silonthesofa]

Thank you <3 and it was post stage 1. i did the test last friday xx

Same. Oh well.

 

[hmevey]

Same. Oh well.

oh well indeed. what can we do! hoping one day i can come on here with more positive news, would be nice

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Thank you <3 and it was post stage 1. i did the test last friday xx

If it also makes a difference, I’ve read somewhere that they don’t properly read applications before sending out the online tests. That to me shows it’s literally not personal at all! This decision was based on a single test which I do find really wild

 

[cinnamonspice]

hill dickinson AC london!

 

[Gabri3l]

Has anyone heard from Brown Rudnick? The email said they would get back to us this week

I’m still waiting to here back as well

 

[Deleted member 44323]

Slightly beating myself that I only started TC apps in Jan because I’ve missed so many firms I would’ve loved to apply to!

 

[_hashirm1]

I reached AC for the Freshfields direct TC this cycle but wasn’t successful. Does anyone know whether they allow reapplications in the next recruitment cycle after an AC rejection, or is it uncommon?

 

[RSK]

I reached AC for the Freshfields direct TC this cycle but wasn’t successful. Does anyone know whether they allow reapplications in the next recruitment cycle after an AC rejection, or is it uncommon?

FF allows you to reapply I've heard a few ppl saying this cycle was their second AC with them, so they're not as strict as HSF & Jones Day

 

[_hashirm1]

FF allows you to reapply I've heard a few ppl saying this cycle was their second AC with them, so they're not as strict as HSF & Jones Day

Thank you @RSK that’s nice to hear and reassuring!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Any insights on McDermott AC? especially their Written Exercise