TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thank you for your great work! How would you go about answering this question? I am a bit confused as I feel like it should be structured differently from the usual "why this firm" questions.

If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’?

Hey!

No problem at all, thank you for your kind words!!

I have previously made a post on this question - I have quoted it below! Hopefully it is a useful starting point for answering the question, but just shout if you have any questions

Hello!

I think the best way to approach it is to treat it like a narrative. A structure that could work well is:

1. Start with your story so far - highlight a couple of key experiences or decisions that have shaped your interest in law and Macfarlanes specifically (e.g. academics, work experience, or even something outside of law).
2. Draw out the qualities they reveal - look at the qualities that Macfarlanes places a lot of emphasis on, and show these through your story.
3. Connect to the firm - end by tying it back to why those qualities / experiences mean you'd thrive at Macfarlanes. For instance, if your story shows you enjoy variety, link it to their broad practice areas, etc.

I would avoid simply listing achievements or traits - it's important to weave them into a personal narrative that feels authentic. I'd focus on showing that your journey and career aspirations naturally align with what Macfarlanes are looking for

I hope that assists!

 

[StressedNotBlessed]

I hate Amberjack... Somehow scored 'Low' on the verbal reasoning test for Stephenson Harwood. I scored high in that category in every prior amberjack and do not know what went wrong this time. Rest of the scores: 6/6/6/9 and mid for numerical. VI went well. How cooked am I? Shame, I really liked SH.

 

[livelaughlawve]

W&C holds in-person ACs, at least for the DTC. You can email the early careers team to check if they can be done virtually but this may be difficult since there's a group exercise.

Hi, does anyone know if Baker and W&C allow for virtual ACs for those not in the UK/ sponsor their visas for attending ACs in the UK? Urgent! @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

The exact wording they use is "we look into the possibility" to make arrangements for those overseas to attend virtually, it is not a guarantee and also not a hard no.

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

I got my RS invite to do the written questions a week ago, when others got theirs much before me - what does this mean?

 

[SueD]

I’ve just finished my finals and am looking at PGDL courses. It’s looking very likely I will have to self fund as I only have a very few applications still ongoing. I will need to do the PGDL online so I can work part time at home which means I can choose either ULaw or BPP. Just wondering if those of you who have done PGDL could advise if one is better than the other please? Thanks v much.

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi! Does anyone know what the Fried Frank assessment day consists of? Can't find anything about it online

 

[at1234]

Hi! Does anyone know what the Fried Frank assessment day consists of? Can't find anything about it online

did you get an invite for it?

 

[Maddy]

Does anyone know when Baker McKenzie assessment centres are scheduled for this week and whether there may be more to come? I'm just trying to manage my expectations. Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie regarding AC today?

 

[alexandramonica]

Is it too late to apply to Macfarlanes for DTC? Do they strictly recruit on rolling basis or do they also consider applications closer to the deadline?

 

[neverdidiever]

Does anyone know when Baker McKenzie assessment centres are scheduled for this week and whether there may be more to come? I'm just trying to manage my expectations. Has anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie regarding AC today?

I heard that someone got an AC invite for next week

 

[Maddy]

I heard that someone got an AC invite for next week

Do you think there will be more invites to come?

 

[cooked2000]

Does anyone know when Sullivan & Cromwell send out interviews for DTC?

 

[lawstudent617]

Has anyone heard back from White & Case post associate interview?

 

[174Tess9y3]

did you get an invite for it?

No

 

[174Tess9y3]

Has anyone done an online interview with Travers Smith before?

 

[AryanAgg]

BCLP Test Invite! Is it automatic?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone know what the Fried Frank assessment day or the Travers Smith online interview involves?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

BCLP Test Invite! Is it automatic?

Same. I think it is automatic, because I submitted the application just yesterday.