TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[CharlieandLola]

Could I ask if anyone has experience with Kennedys’ response times after the partner interview stage? I had my final interview last Monday and, since I haven’t heard back yet, I’m starting to think it might be a PFO. Any insights would be really appreciated.

Hey was this for DTC? I saw last year it seems to take about a month!

 

[legalgrad28]

Hey was this for DTC? I saw last year it seems to take about a month!

Hey, it was for the Graduate Apprenticeship route

 

[hmevey]

AG PFO- rip

 

[a1289]

Has anyone emailed Kennedys and heard anything back yet on when they will let us know? thanks

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Are there any firms other than Macfarlanes who allow you to apply for DTC in the same cycle as a VS?

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Should I include moot court experiences in work exp? There’s no extra curricular section so I’m not sure if I should include this or not.

It's a moot point

 

[stew99]

anyone know when we will hear from OC post AC for dtc?

 

[cinnamonspice]

They aren’t opening DTC route for London this year (and probably going forward if I am guessing correctly). They only take on 3 London trainees and have ended up recruiting all (or at least the vast majority) of these trainees from the vac scheme for the past few years I believe. I guess they are just simplifying things and not making DTC applicants go through the whole process and get let down.

uhh that's such a bummer! thank you for clarifying though, at least I didn't hold my breath waiting for them to drop the advert later...

 

[flamingocelot]

Uploaded a random doc for the Pennington (PMC) CV just to see the other app questions and now it won't let me replace it, did anyone else have this issue?

 

[user1738]

Hi all, I need some advice not sure if this is the right thread to consult. I’m extremely grateful to have accepted a TC with CMS Dubai commencing September 2027 and a VC with DLA Piper commencing June 2026.

Will this be an issue I need to make CMS aware of? Can I still complete the VC?

My anxiety is sky high, any advice would be so greatly appreciated.

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

Just got PFO so I’d say no news is good news at the moment!

Am sorry to hear this! Can I ask when you applied?

 

[choicefox212]

Has anyone received anything from Stephenson Harwood and Smoosmiths post-app for DTC?

I know some people who have been rejected from SH already, and I know they do rolling rejections. They'll get back to successful candidates after their deadline of the 27th of March, I was told

 

[choicefox212]

Ugh PLEASE can someone give me some advice on video interviews. Did the macfarlanes DTC one a couple of days ago and found myself only talking for one minute within the given two. Is that an automatic rejection? Would they consider taking someone who doesn't talk enough?

For next time, how do you find more things to say for the VIs? How do I say more without waffling too much?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Rejected from SH for the DTC? Do you know when they applied?

I know some people who have been rejected from SH already, and I know they do rolling rejections. They'll get back to successful candidates after their deadline of the 27th of March, I was told

 

[choicefox212]

Yes, also DTC. Late January, I think? I applied in mid December and haven't heard anything yet. In a cruel twist of fate, I bet I'll get a PFO tomorrow...

Rejected from SH for the DTC? Do you know when they applied?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Yes, also DTC. Late January, I think? I applied in mid December and haven't heard anything yet. In a cruel twist of fate, I bet I'll get a PFO tomorrow...

Oh gosh! Well I applied in mid-feb so they probably haven’t looked at mine yet. Fingers crossed for us!

 

[Applicationally-challenged]

If a firm is rolling do they still wait to do PFOs until after the deadline? For reference I applied to Macfarlanes, and haven't heard anything since completing the stage 1 auto assesment on Jan 12. Am assuming therefore a PFO, but slightly confused why they haven't just sent that? Is it worth emailing to follow up?