TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

The more cycles I go through the longer these tests are taking. The HL one and the Ashurst one combined took me probably around 5 hours. It's getting ridiculous.

They say you should be able to compelte them in 60 mins. Maybe true for Ashurst if I dont spend too long on the ambiguous questions, but certainlyyyyyyy not for HL....

Ashurst took me almost 2 hours and I didn't even spend that much time on each question. And just when you think you're finally done, they bring in the critical reasoning QsD

 

[spamelinazoid]

Ashurst took me almost 2 hours and I didn't even spend that much time on each question. And just when you think you're finally done, they bring in the critical reasoning QsD

yeah to be able to say i comfortably answered the questions, 2 hrs sounds right... sersiouly missing the watson glaser days lol.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

The more cycles I go through the longer these tests are taking. The HL one and the Ashurst one combined took me probably around 5 hours. It's getting ridiculous.

They say you should be able to compelte them in 60 mins. Maybe true for Ashurst if I dont spend too long on the ambiguous questions, but certainlyyyyyyy not for HL....

The Gibson Dunn test was the worst one. It was a Cappfinity test so SJT and WG, but they added a proof-reading SPAG test to it too. They said the test would take 60 mins… It took me 2 hours and 30 mins… Ashurst took me around 90 mins… HL and FF were about the same…​

 

[spamelinazoid]

Flashbacks to Millbank making us answer 2 200 words questions in half an hour lmao

 

[TortillaTC]

I’m considering applying for BCLP’s direct TC - would it be worth it? I know it’s rolling but their vac schemes haven’t taken place yet and I read somewhere that they only read direct TC apps after the vac schemes. (Yet someone here received an interview already?)

 

[AryanAgg]

Just got the ashurst feedback report, thank God. I got collaborative and accountable as strengths and driven as area of development.

 

[DennyCrane]

Hmm I'm realising why Im not getting great outcomes following cappfinity. I'm doing gut reaction responses so mine aren't taking long at all.

 

[addy2004]

Does anyone know please how long we have to prep & answer for the Mayer Brown video questions?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Does anyone know please how long we have to prep & answer for the Mayer Brown video questions?

iirc i believe it's 2 mins (i think) to prep for 2 of the questions and unlimited prep time for the other 2 questions

 

[addy2004]

iirc i believe it's 2 mins (i think) to prep for 2 of the questions and unlimited prep time for the other 2 questions

thank you so much!

 

[addy2004]

The Gibson Dunn test was the worst one. It was a Cappfinity test so SJT and WG, but they added a proof-reading SPAG test to it too. They said the test would take 60 mins… It took me 2 hours and 30 mins… Ashurst took me around 90 mins… HL and FF were about the same…​

I wish we could just do one test per provider per cycle and use the same scores for each application

 

[AryanAgg]

I wish we could just do one test per provider per cycle and use the same scores for each application

The issue would just be that it might lead to mass rejections for multiple firms without area for improvement or trying out different approaches.

 

[addy2004]

The issue would just be that it might lead to mass rejections for multiple firms without area for improvement or trying out different approaches.

True, though this is my third cycle now so they are getting quite repetitive!

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

hi! wondering if someone can share their experience from macfarlanes' simulation (2nd stage)? how long do we have to prep for the video questions, how many are there, and what were they like?

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone know when can we expect to hear back from ashurst regarding dtc applications progression?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Does anyone know when can we expect to hear back from ashurst regarding dtc applications progression?

It’ll be around the first week of May. They sent the SJT and WG 27/03 and gave a week for it. I’d assume they only review apps of the people who pass the SJT and WG (it’s an initial filter).

It’s been Easter break so I don’t think they have started looking at any apps yet and will start the process from Tuesday. That’ll take a few weeks so I think we’ll hear back early to mid May.

They will probs send a holding email out soon and give a later date, e.g., 19 June. That will be a mass PFO day based on what Ashurst had done in all the previous cycles or for the VSs this year.​

 

[AryanAgg]

It’ll be around the first week of May. They sent the SJT and WG 27/03 and gave a week for it. I’d assume they only review apps of the people who pass the SJT and WG (it’s an initial filter).

It’s been Easter break so I don’t think they have started looking at any apps yet and will start the process from Tuesday. That’ll take a few weeks so I think we’ll hear back early to mid May.

They will probs send a holding email out soon and give a later date, e.g., 19 June. That will be a mass PFO day based on what Ashurst had done in all the previous cycles or for the VSs this year.​

Thanks, it's just that I wanted a clarification since their site said that 1st stage interviews and final stage interviews will be conducted in May and June respectively.

 

[Lawlilly]

Anyone here completed an AC for CMS?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Shoosmiths second-stage online test invite for DTC. Is this automatic? Applied on deadline day.

congratulations! It’s not automatic

 

[livelaughlawve]

Just for tracking purposes, currently waiting on:
Ashurst - first done last week
Dentons - app submitted December
HL - second test done February
SH - app submitted October
W&C - first test done today