TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SueD]

We have until the 8th at 5 pm

Well done on getting through to the next stage! Would you mind telling me how long it took to receive the invitation after submitting your application?

 

[asplawyer100]

If anyone has done / has an upcoming Insight Day with Irwin Mitchell, please could you offer some insights or reach out for a quick chat? Even if you haven’t done it yet but have one coming up like myself, I would love to see what others are expecting from the day as it all seems so ambiguous.

 

[johjo199]

Harbottle and Lewis final stage interview!

Nice! Which AC did you attend?

 

[Legaluser_332]

Hey everyone, I’m relatively new to the application world and had my BB VS application converted to the Direct TC by the firm. I have no idea on what the AC is going to be like. It was just over a call so I have not yet received the confirmation email.

Any guidance on how best to prep for the AC would be very appreciated.

 

[Jaysen]

Hey does anyone know of any complete database of application questions for firms from this cycle? For both vac scheme and DTC (but primarily vac schemes)?

I’m thinking of potentially preparing answers now and then sending applications as soon as they open up next cycle (assuming there is little/no change to questions).

We'll have this ready by 1 July!

 

[dieinabush]

hii everyone, does anyone have any insight into the CRS ac? any advice would be much appreciated

 

[TheHamlet4]

Hey guys, is there anyone who got a TC during their first cycle? Wondering if is it really possible if you are not an oxbridge, head of law society etc type of candidate

 

[HMajesty]

Saw someone on Reddit who had an AC with Ashurst for DTC, so presuming PFO. Quite dejected.

 

[ghostyb]

Did people who got Reed Smith test invite all apply on the first day apps opened?

 

[summersun]

Did people who got Reed Smith test invite all apply on the first day apps opened?

I applied on the 29th

 

[123456law]

For those who applied to Baker McKenzie via the non-CV mail application link, is anyone else having trouble logging into their account to view their application? None of my passwords seem to be working, and even after resetting it, I still can’t log in.

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Saw someone on Reddit who had an AC with Ashurst for DTC, so presuming PFO. Quite dejected.

I saw that too. I wonder if we will get a second wave of WE invites on Tuesday, considering its a long weekend this week. @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned something similar a couple of pages ago.

 

[Zstretch]

Anyone who has gotten through to the video presentation round with KN, are you interpreting it as a pitch on behalf of KN or from a generic firm? Instructions don’t specify it should be from KN but don’t want to miss out talking about the firm and then fail - asking for a friend

 

[radssss]

freeths grad legal job pfo

I am sorry to hear this

If this for the legal assistant/legal graduate role, please can I ask when did you apply?

 

[johjo199]

Could someone advise if Macfarlanes' 2-stage online tests are automatic?

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Does anybody have an idea about how strict Sullivan & Cromwell are with individual module grades?

 

[MZJxLadha]

I am sorry to hear this

If this for the legal assistant/legal graduate role, please can I ask when did you apply?

Heyy. No problem haha I applied on the 3rd April did the online test and then got a PFO a couple weeks later I think!

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hey guys, is there anyone who got a TC during their first cycle? Wondering if is it really possible if you are not an oxbridge, head of law society etc type of candidate

Hey, I'm not one of those people who have managed that. It is possible! But for most people it might take a few cycles! So don't feel disheartened if you haven't converted. I am on my second cycle now and I have received 3 ACs and 1 VS (so far! ), but in my first cycle I didn't progress through a single second stage for any of my applications.
Don't worry if you don't get anything this round essentially! (Although I'm sure you are more than capable of getting it!)

 

[radssss]

Heyy. No problem haha I applied on the 3rd April did the online test and then got a PFO a couple weeks later I think!

Thank you!! I did the online test on 26th March and haven’t heard back :/

 

[amb303]

Hey, I'm not one of those people who have managed that. It is possible! But for most people it might take a few cycles! So don't feel disheartened if you haven't converted. I am on my second cycle now and I have received 3 ACs and 1 VS (so far! ), but in my first cycle I didn't progress through a single second stage for any of my applications.
Don't worry if you don't get anything this round essentially! (Although I'm sure you are more than capable of getting it!)

I second this! I'm an Oxbridge PhD finalist and cycle 2 is going better than cycle 1 but I think multiple cycles is very common, as TC's are brutally competitive no matter what your background is.