TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got a reply from Perkins LBA?

 

[anonymous.15]

macfarlanes pfo with which my last ever cycle ends. i have one more to hear back but it’s a pfo i am certain

WDYM last cycle if you dont mind me asking? was this your 5th cycle?

 

[justgetmethattc]

Anything from Browne Jacobson at all? Had the TI 2 weeks ago with the London ACs on 14th and 21st - not a lot of time so assuming PFO?

 

[bristol rovers]

4th cycle but i had personally decided to be done after this since i haven’t managed to be successful and look for alternative career paths to progress!

Wha career paths you looking at?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

WFW AC invite

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Any news from Stephenson Harwood, Orrick or PMC?

 

[tosin4774]

4th cycle but i had personally decided to be done after this since i haven’t managed to be successful and look for alternative career paths to progress!

Is it because you have not made it past the application stage?

 

[Filia]

Hey everyone. Anything from Dorsey?

 

[Ancika]

When is your assessment day by the way? Mine was on the 2nd June, there was a contract written exercise. Practice those such as contract law

I thought the written exercise was more of a mark up ? Can anyone confirm/correct me ?

 

[Dhivya]

Hi all, I am an international law graduate from India. I am looking to apply for training contracts 2028-2029 acceptance cycle. Are there any list of firms and deadline circulated in this group? How difficult is getting TC as someone having zero work exp in UK? Any tips if its the right path forward to enter UK market?

 

[TCGrad1642]

Any news from Stephenson Harwood, Orrick or PMC?

Nothing from SH

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Can anyone please provide insight on how to answer a scenario-based question, like how you would handle a challenging situation in a VI? Thanks.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

following up about this - has anyone heard from Dorsey and Whitney?

Hey everyone. Anything from Dorsey?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).


View attachment 8346
Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

Hey!

I don't think you'd be missing anything by not mentioning that specifically. The question is about why HFW appeals to you and how it differs from its competitors, rather than covering every USP.

I also don't think your answer contradicts itself, as you are saying that you enjoy seeing the full lifecycle of a matter (e.g. from advising at the outset through to resolving disputes if things go wrong). HFW's disputes focus actually complements that, so it might just be about slightly adjusting the wording rather than changing the point entirely.

If you do mention the seat structure, I would only do so if you can explain why it appeals to you personally. Otherwise, I would prioritise keeping your answer coherent and authentic rather than trying to fit in a firm-specific point for the sake of it

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can anyone please provide insight on how to answer a scenario-based question, like how you would handle a challenging situation in a VI? Thanks.

Hey!

For scenario-based questions, I would try to focus on showing your thought process and judgement, rather than trying to find the "right" answer.

A structure that I always found helpful was:
1. Briefly explain what you think the key issue/conflict is
2. State what you would do (i.e. the specific steps you would take, and any further information you would need)
3. Explain why you would take that approach, linking it to skills like teamwork, communication, or commercial awareness
4. If relevant, mention that you would seek guidance from a supervisor/colleague if the situation required it.

I would also remember that there often isn't one perfect answer. The interviewers are usually look at how you analyse the situation, balance competing priorities, and justify your decision, so I'd make sure that you clearly explain your reasoning rather than just describing what you would do.

I hope that assists!

 

[Scottishlion]

I have my first AC coming up and I'm not totally sure how much commercial awareness I need? I'd say I have a basic layer but how deep are the partners going to dive/how much am I expected to know?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

S&M PFO

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hey!

I don't think you'd be missing anything by not mentioning that specifically. The question is about why HFW appeals to you and how it differs from its competitors, rather than covering every USP.

I also don't think your answer contradicts itself, as you are saying that you enjoy seeing the full lifecycle of a matter (e.g. from advising at the outset through to resolving disputes if things go wrong). HFW's disputes focus actually complements that, so it might just be about slightly adjusting the wording rather than changing the point entirely.

If you do mention the seat structure, I would only do so if you can explain why it appeals to you personally. Otherwise, I would prioritise keeping your answer coherent and authentic rather than trying to fit in a firm-specific point for the sake of it

Thank you so much, Abbie! Can I say that “Since HFW is primarily a disputes firm. As a student who has completed the Bar Training Course, HFW blend of transactions plus a focus on disputes appeals to me.”

Would it throw a recruiter off? Would they think “oh how about you do a pupillage then why HFW”