TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WeGotThis!]

Has anyone received any communication from Orrick or Wedlake Bell for DTC?

Wedlake Bell said July first week.

 

[CheddarChaser]

How long after doing the Macfarlanes first assessment did people get to the second stage? For the vac scheme I got the invite same day but I don’t know if there’s more of a wait for TC

I waited around ~3 days I think.

 

[radssss]

Yes PFO last Friday

Sorry to hear that

Please could I ask when did you give the online assessment? I haven’t heard back yet.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys. I'm in the process of applying to S&C. Can anyone please tell me how to format the cover letter? Should I mention my address and email on the top right corner and the firm's address and stuff on the left? That takes up too much space, considering it has to be A4 size only. @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen. Thanks in advance!

Hey!

I haven't previously applied to S&C, so I'm not entirely sure on the specific formalities they expect. As they are asking you to upload a cover letter as a document rather than complete a text box on the application portal, I would personally be inclined to follow the usual cover letter conventions where possible, even if this is a slightly shortened version (i.e. the firms address on the left hand side).

However, given that you are limited to a single page, it may be that they don't expect (or even want) all of the traditional formatting if it comes at the expense of substantive content. If you are unsure, it could be worth sending a quick email to the graduate recruitment team to check. Alternatively, someone who has previously apply to S&C may be able to confirm what they did in previous cycles!

Hopefully someone with first-hand experience can share what worked for them - apologies I couldn't assist any further! Best of luck with the application

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Oop my S&C cover letter was just under 2 pages guess I’m cooked then

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hey!

I haven't previously applied to S&C, so I'm not entirely sure on the specific formalities they expect. As they are asking you to upload a cover letter as a document rather than complete a text box on the application portal, I would personally be inclined to follow the usual cover letter conventions where possible, even if this is a slightly shortened version (i.e. the firms address on the left hand side).

However, given that you are limited to a single page, it may be that they don't expect (or even want) all of the traditional formatting if it comes at the expense of substantive content. If you are unsure, it could be worth sending a quick email to the graduate recruitment team to check. Alternatively, someone who has previously apply to S&C may be able to confirm what they did in previous cycles!

Hopefully someone with first-hand experience can share what worked for them - apologies I couldn't assist any further! Best of luck with the application

Hi Abbie. Thank you for replying. I will drop the graduate recruitment team an email and find out.

 

[bbbb]

Hello! To answer the question why commercial law? I have real world examples as to why I am interested in it. Accordingly, would it be acceptable to name the company that sparked my interest and why this was the case, or would this be too informal for a written response? Thank you!!

 

[cooked2000]

Oop my S&C cover letter was just under 2 pages guess I’m cooked then

same, someone told me grad rec said a max 2 pages so I am confused

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

same, someone told me grad rec said a max 2 pages so I am confused

That’s what I thought too

 

[fta2024]

Fed up with SJTs now. My scores vary so wildly from firm to firm. Just done SH and it was my worst one yet but one of my favourite firms

Me too

 

[neverdidiever]

any idea when we will hear back from orrick?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Has anyone received a rejection from FF post WG?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

That’s what I thought too

Oh. I read on the Chambers & Students website that a cover letter should be A4. Sorry if I worried everyone. I have sent an email to the grad rec team. I will let you know when they get back.

 

[BM99]

Has anyone heard from BCLP post test?

 

[bangarangbass39]

anyone applied to wiggin? expected feedback time? From searching the forum i think its around this week next week?

 

[at1234]

What applications are open now?

 

[User22022002]

FF PFO, gutted coz usually do well in Watson-Glaser's

 

[174Tess9y3]

FF PFO, gutted coz usually do well in Watson-Glaser's

Same
Found the rejection odd

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Fried Frank PFO post WG! I expected it tbh. I think I’m on 31 PFOs now so far lmao.​

 

[CharlieandLola]

For a competency interview, what's a good weakness or area for improvement to mention? Any help would be really appreciated! @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen