TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[adfs456]

Bristows DTC rejection 6 weeks post final interview

I can finally open my email in peace, see ya next year

 

[nicoledm]

You are so impressive!!! Difficult situation though. Could you ask if you could do the final interview on another date?

Thank you !! didn’t think the interview went great so bit surprised. I’ve emailed but the email date seemed pretty set in stone so we’ll see

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Not sure! I have a feeling it is based on whether the application was submitted on the new portal/CVMail. I'm just confused about what application portals they're reviewing from. I had to tweak a few things when I submitted on the new portal because word count was tighter by 100 words or so.

Maybe they're just transferring stuff over? If you submitted on the new platform then that's probably why it says 1st April.

I think everyone on the new Portal has their application updated to 7 May last Friday when the second wave of PFOs hit. ://

 

[Prudentia]

I think everyone on the new Portal has their application updated to 7 May last Friday when the second wave of PFOs hit. ://

My portal says 7 May and ‘in progress’. I applied on 31 March.

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

My portal says 7 May and ‘in progress’. I applied on 31 March.

Ok so I am certain there is something wrong with my portal lmfao

 

[fta2024]

My portal says 7 May and ‘in progress’. I applied on 31 March.

Me too

 

[nicoledm]

Congratulations! When did you complete the proofreading task?

the 8th of may lol the deadline day

 

[Prudentia]

Me too

Awaiting the PFO.

 

[fta2024]

Awaiting the PFO.

Maybe they're just sending out SJTs in waves? Not too sure

 

[tozziesss]

Maybe they're just sending out SJTs in waves? Not too sure

check your junk!!! mine was in my junk mail

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

check your junk!!! mine was in my junk mail

Yeah same mine was in my junk/spam folder so it was very nearly possible I could’ve missed it…​

 

[Legalnomad]

Anyone know if online assessment for Bakers is timed and how long it takes? Have SQE2 orals this week (!!!) and need to know how much time to set aside for this

 

[AS24]

I did it last year. I remember there were both motivational and situational questions. It was pretty standard stuff for the most part.

Thank you

 

[SueD]

Lovely to see you Abbie in the Reed Smith seminar! Super helpful too.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Lovely to see you Abbie in the Reed Smith seminar! Super helpful too.

Haha, glad to hear it was useful (+ I hope you consider applying)!!

 

[lowkeyloser]

Any insights into Arnold and Porter interview?

Yeah dm me.

 

[nordicnomad]

Anyone has notes taken from the Reed Smith Training Contract Virtual Open Evening webinar this afternoon? I'm super grateful if you could kindly share them with me (I was sick today so couldn't attend sadly..)

 

[livelaughlawve]

Just did my first draft for my final application of the season. Just a waiting game from now on...

 

[WeGotThis!]

How many days does it take Reed Smith to send in their SJT?

 

[123456law]

Hi, does anyone know how Reed Smith recommends structuring the work experience descriptions for the online application? Should we mainly focus on outlining our responsibilities and skills, or would it also be beneficial to explicitly connect our experiences to transferable skills relevant to a trainee role?