TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[cs3008]

HFW PFO!!! This one stung oof

SAME!!!!!

 

[cs3008]

Hi everyone. Out of curiosity has anyone else finished the BCLP AC : )

Are they sending ACs now? :O

 

[cs3008]

I heard nothing from HFW, positive or otherwise but apparently someone from there looked up my linkedin

Rest of us received PFO.

 

[mrebeccafr]

Has anyone heard back from Browne Jacobson after their ACs? What time frames did they give? Thanks

 

[theduckytie]

Has anyone reached out to Stephenson Harwood? Unsure if it is worth emailing grad rec but I always get nervous that if I were to do so it would reflect poorly haha!

I emailed them. They replied on June 29th, "We hope to have an update in the next fortnight".

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Hey!

Congratulations on the offer!

It will depend on the deadline the firm has given you - some firms ask for a response within a week or two, while others are happy to give longer if you explain that you are waiting to hear back from another application. If you haven't already, I'd check your offer email first to see whether they mention a deadline.

If another firm has been silent for a few weeks and you are approaching your acceptance deadline, I don't think it is unreasonable to send a polite email explaining that you have received another offer and asking whether they are able to provide an update on your application. You're not asking them to rush a decision, just giving them context that you need to make an informed choice - I did a similar thing last cycle, and I was able to get an answer a few days later from the firm that I had been waiting to hear from.

I know it can feel a bit awkward, but the graduate recruitment team will be used to candidates managing multiple applications, especially after vacation schemes. As long as you are polite and transparent (and reiterate your interest in the firm), I don't think it'll come across as pushy at all.

Fingers crossed you hear back soon, and congratulations again!

Thank you! Out of interest, do you know if firms send things out in batches. I now know that at least one person got the call a few days ago so my chances are looking quite dim.

I was thinking of sending the following email:
Dear Graduate Recruitment,

I hope you're well. I wanted to let you know that I have received another training contract offer. Covington remains one of my preferred firms, so if it is possible to provide any update on the status of my application as soon as possible, I would be very grateful.

I completely understand if you're unable to accommodate this, and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Kind regards,


I would also appreciate any insights from anyone.

 

[Kenomy]

Anyone heard from Devonshires?

Got an invite to a test on Wednesday

 

[john_eeson]

Has anyone had their slaughter and may interview/AC already? Trying to gauge how many interviews they have already done

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you! Out of interest, do you know if firms send things out in batches. I now know that at least one person got the call a few days ago so my chances are looking quite dim.

I was thinking of sending the following email:
Dear Graduate Recruitment,

I hope you're well. I wanted to let you know that I have received another training contract offer. Covington remains one of my preferred firms, so if it is possible to provide any update on the status of my application as soon as possible, I would be very grateful.

I completely understand if you're unable to accommodate this, and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Kind regards,


I would also appreciate any insights from anyone.

No problem!

It is difficult to know, as every firm handles offers differently. Some do send offers out in batches over several days (or even weeks), as they might be waiting to receive feedback from partners who assessed you (+ I've heard from grad rec teams that this can sometimes take a little longer!). The fact that one person received a call doesn't necessarily mean everyone else has been rejected, or that they have given out all offers, so I would try not to read too much into it just yet.

I also think your email is well-worded, and I sent a very similar email when I was in the same situation last cycle. The only small tweak I'd make is to mention your acceptance deadline (if you have one), as it helps to explain why you are asking for an update now.

Otherwise, I think it is polite and professional, and provides them with the context they need. I don't think it'll come across as pushy at all, especially as I'm sure they have experienced this many times in the past with previous candidates.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you - hopefully you hear some good news!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Hope you’re having a great weekend

I’ve recently been offered a grad role, which I am excited and nervous about. At the same time, I’m eager to apply for vac schemes to experience life at a law firm and secure a TC. Whilst I was looking for work I was able to apply to a few firms but unfortunately was not successful in securing a TC. With this new job, I know I won’t be able to apply to as many firms as I did previously.

I just wanted to ask how can I best balance my 9-5 and vac schemes applications?

Also, if I were to be given a vac scheme, what would be the best approach to taking time off to complete them (i.e. what reasons could I give to gain time off)?

If anyone else has been (or is currently in this position) please PM me