TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HMajesty]

Has anyone gotten any response from Baker grad rec? Mailed multiple times for a clarification but they never respond?

 

[kuro]

Hi guys, just wondering if someone gets a DTC offer and signs the contract, is it still possible for the firm to pull out of the contract? Especially with AI redundancies going on, is there a chance a firm might renege on an offer given to you starting in, lets say 2028 ?

 

[Partcore22]

Hey, has anyone done the sjt for Brabners? I would really appreciate any insight?

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

 

[DennyCrane]

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

They said they would be issuing in batches and so not to worry if you heard of others progressing.

 

[Bunny]

Update on Kennedys
Just received the following from early careers - "Please note that we are currently collating feedback from the interviews and aim to provide an update early next week"

Hey, I reached the final partner interview on two occasions. The first time it was a 6 week wait and I was then told that the role had been dropped! The second time was a 2 month wait, so hang in there haha

 

[FutureLawyer_]

have they already sent u the test? i thought theyre getting back to ppl by the end of march

Yeah, I got the test invite on Friday just gone

 

[Pearl3181]

Hi all,

I recently applied to the Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme (my dream firm) and was unfortunately immediately rejected at the application stage. I put a huge amount of effort and time into my application (detailed firm research, structured answers using the PEE method, and even conducted various coffee chats with current trainees to better understand the firm) so I felt it was one of my strongest submissions.

I’m now stumped on how to improve for their separate TC application. Does anyone have experience with training contract application review services they’d recommend? I’m particularly interested in smaller-scale mentoring services rather than larger ones like Rare, which feel a bit inaccessible. Also, if there are any current Farrer trainees around, I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

 

[M_m]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Bristows post-WE?

 

[elliece]

Invite to Bristows first round interview! (post-WE)

 

[M_m]

Invite to Bristows first round interview! (post-WE)

Congratulations!!! When did you submit your WE?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi all,

I recently applied to the Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme (my dream firm) and was unfortunately immediately rejected at the application stage. I put a huge amount of effort and time into my application (detailed firm research, structured answers using the PEE method, and even conducted various coffee chats with current trainees to better understand the firm) so I felt it was one of my strongest submissions.

I’m now stumped on how to improve for their separate TC application. Does anyone have experience with training contract application review services they’d recommend? I’m particularly interested in smaller-scale mentoring services rather than larger ones like Rare, which feel a bit inaccessible. Also, if there are any current Farrer trainees around, I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

Have you tried to reach out to the trainees you chatted with, or just friends who have had more successes with written applications in general? Maybe they'll be happy to review your answers so you might not need to spend unnecessary time improving some already strong answers.

 

[pepsicola96]

Hi, can someone help with this? Mailed grad rec but no response. Also if someone here can help: for the DTC apps, do we need to add high school grades as well? I only see an option for undergrad studies, so anyone who's done with this application please help!

They are notoriously bad at replying.

But yes you will need to provide school grades. Under Academic Details, there should be three sections. Secondary (this is high school), Graduate (undergraduate),and Postgraduate.

 

[marisachr]

Anyone heard back from Kennedys post AC for direct TC London office?

 

[doodllaw29]

anyone have freshfields DTC AC advice?

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Has anyone heard from Vedder?

 

[HMajesty]

They are notoriously bad at replying.

But yes you will need to provide school grades. Under Academic Details, there should be three sections. Secondary (this is high school), Graduate (undergraduate),and Postgraduate.

In academic details, I only see a school option and it lists my university. No school option.

 

[pepsicola96]

In academic details, I only see a school option and it lists my university. No school option.

Hmmm that is strange. If that's the case just put your university details, then send another email explaining the situation, attach a screenshot of the page and give your school results in your email then they can't fault you for it.

 

[HMajesty]

Hmmm that is strange. If that's the case just put your university details, then send another email explaining the situation, attach a screenshot of the page and give your school results in your email then they can't fault you for it.

Makes sense. Thanks!

Could someone else also who has completed the TC app for Baker lmk if they had a school option or just Uni? Idw end up missing something on my end.

 

[BM99]

Has anyone actually heard from LINKLATERS lol

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

news from Kennedys yet?