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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

I thought I’d apply for the Reed Smith DTC which only has a one month application window. But… can’t find any actual questions on the Vantage platform! Just grades and work experience. Can anyone let me know where the questions are please? Or what they are! Thanks v much.
 
I thought I’d apply for the Reed Smith DTC which only has a one month application window. But… can’t find any actual questions on the Vantage platform! Just grades and work experience. Can anyone let me know where the questions are please? Or what they are! Thanks v much.
I think there might be a problem with the website so I would may be wait until tomorrow and see if they have updated the form.
 
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I found it ok, obviously without giving too much away- I was surprised it was more scenario based than others I’ve taken in the past, but all in all it was ok. I am a bit worried because it said it should take an hour but it took me way longer just because I wanted to read and fully think through my answers! I hope this is not used against me- I also haven’t received my report back yet.

How did you find it?

I also took longer—think it took me a couple hours. Also took a while with it last year and it didn’t end up being a problem
 
Hi, can anyone give some advice on how to approach Orrick's Direct TC cover letter? They have a bunch of application questions, which I believe cover mostly everything I'd like to talk about in the cover letter- (1) Why commercial law and (2) Why Orrick is already covered. I do think I should proceed to include "why me" in the cover letter- but would that suffice? Is there something else I should that would allow me to stand out? Also, I have a very specific area of law narrowed down- arbitration - wherein I've had a lot work & mooting experience too. Should I take this cover letter to include what that specific area of law, or would be counterintuitive?

Secondly, I've read that Orrick generally only hires from it's vacation scheme. Would proceeding to apply the direct TC route, especially as an applicant who would need Visa sponsorship- actually be worth it?
 
Ah, this is good to know! Did you get through last year? Also if you don’t mind sharing, what was your lowest scoring category?

Yeah, I was progressed to video presentation stage last year and that’s where I was eventually rejected, but the test was fine! I wish I could find what my lowest scoring category was last year but I tried the report link and it won’t let me see, sorry!
 

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