TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Any idea when we hear back from HL?

Just got the HL job sim invite minutes ago!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Me three! Also this might sound daft, but does this mean they’ve read our written application responses?

I don't think so, rather automatic for reaching a % threshold on the WG / SJT

 

[lolololol]

i did my hl test on the 8th and haven’t heard back it’s not looking good

 

[spamelinazoid]

surely HL must read the application following the stage 1 test. They cant only start reviewing applications after stage 2 (which for applicants is stage 3 if you count the time spent on the application itself…)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

surely they must read the application following stage the stage 1 test. They cant only start reviewing applications after stage 2 (which for applicants is stage 3 if you count the time spent on the application itsef…)

They screen apps for eligibility then send stage 1. If you pass stage 1, then stage 2 is automatic. If you pass stage 2, then your VI responses from stage 2 are reviewed with your app in depth before they decide whether to invite to AC. Peak tbh but that’s how they filter a bunch of people…​

 

[spamelinazoid]

They screen apps for eligibility then send stage 1. If you pass stage 1, then stage 2 is automatic. If you pass stage 2, then your VI responses from stage 2 are reviewed with your app in depth before they decide whether to invite to AC. Peak tbh but that’s how they filter a bunch of people…​

Well thats just brutal, especially since their stage 1 feedback report literally states “It is also important to remember that you are likely to have many other skills beyond those highlighted in this report.”

How would you assess the other skills one could possibly have if you dont review their app which literally contains the proven work history and capabilities until basically the very end???

 

[Hanzeeb]

Anyone get the email from brown Jacobson today about changes?

I didnt get the email, what was it?

 

[Scottishlion]

Are they handing out any more stage 2s?

 

[Gabri3l]

Please same for me!

Same for me too!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Well thats just brutal, especially since their stage 1 feedback report literally states “It is also important to remember that you are likely to have many other skills beyond those highlighted in this report.”

How would you assess the other skills one could possibly have if you dont review their app which literally contains the proven work history and capabilities until basically the very end???

The feedback report is there to tell you which skill scored lowest on the SJT, and that's a disclaimer that the test isn't a complete test (so people cannot complain basically).

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anyone get the email from brown Jacobson today about changes?

Hi, did you apply to the summer vac scheme or Direct TC? I didn't receive anything.

 

[nicoledm]

Hi, did you apply to the summer vac scheme or Direct TC? I didn't receive anything.

I didnt get the email, what was it?

i applied for vac scheme got this

Firstly, we’re writing to you to say a big thank you for your interest in joining our firm and for the time and effort you have invested in your application for our Trainee Solicitor Pathway.

Secondly, we are writing to you to inform you of an important update regarding the programme for which you originally applied, and to offer you a couple of options because of the changes we are making.

When applications opened in December 2025, you likely applied for our Trainee Solicitor Pathway expecting this to be via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

We appreciate that this represents a change to the structure of the opportunity you applied for, and we apologise for any inconvenience or uncertainty this may cause. This decision has been made carefully and with the primary aim of creating the best possible set of conditions for our future trainees to succeed. In particular, the Pass First model is designed to support candidates in fully focusing on, and achieving success in, both SQE1 and SQE2 before beginning on the trainee solicitor pathway, thereby giving each trainee the strongest possible foundation for their legal career.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway
• The firm will fund the cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

So, now we’ve made you aware of the changes we are making, we’d like to ask you the question ‘what would you like to do next?’.

If you would like your application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application. We’ll respect the decision you make and appreciate the decision must be what is right for everyone.

We recognise that this change may prompt questions, and we would be happy to provide further information to support your decision. Please contact us at [email protected], if you would like to discuss the new programme.

Once again, we sincerely appreciate your interest in a career here at Browne Jacobson and thank you for your understanding as we work to embed this change.

 

[Hanz_Zimmer]

Does anyone know if law firms sponsor student visas for LLM SQE or is that a cost to be borne independently?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Just got the HL job sim invite minutes ago!

Same!

 

[rs_2002!]

Same!

Same I got the Hogan Lovells 2ns stage assessment this afternoon! Quite stressed because I have only done two video interviews before and I did not pass either. Has anyone already done the job simulation assessment and can provide some insight into what they ask/expect for the video interivew - I know they ask 3 questions but what type of questions and how would you recommend preparing? I also know we have to do a written exercise. I have never done something like that before so any advice would be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

i applied for vac scheme got this

Firstly, we’re writing to you to say a big thank you for your interest in joining our firm and for the time and effort you have invested in your application for our Trainee Solicitor Pathway.

Secondly, we are writing to you to inform you of an important update regarding the programme for which you originally applied, and to offer you a couple of options because of the changes we are making.

When applications opened in December 2025, you likely applied for our Trainee Solicitor Pathway expecting this to be via our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (“GSA”) route. Following a recent internal review of the programme, we have made the decision to discontinue the GSA route and introduce a new graduate entry pathway called the “Pass First” programme. This approach aligns our trainee development model more closely with current legal industry norms.

We appreciate that this represents a change to the structure of the opportunity you applied for, and we apologise for any inconvenience or uncertainty this may cause. This decision has been made carefully and with the primary aim of creating the best possible set of conditions for our future trainees to succeed. In particular, the Pass First model is designed to support candidates in fully focusing on, and achieving success in, both SQE1 and SQE2 before beginning on the trainee solicitor pathway, thereby giving each trainee the strongest possible foundation for their legal career.

Under the new Pass First programme:

• Candidates must complete and pass SQE1 and SQE2 before commencing on the Trainee Solicitor Pathway
• The firm will fund the cost of an SQE preparation course
• The firm will pay the SQE1 and SQE2 examination fees
• The firm will fund one resit for each examination, if required
• Candidates will receive a maintenance grant during their period of study (this will be £8k for a regional trainee, and £10k for a London based trainee)

So, now we’ve made you aware of the changes we are making, we’d like to ask you the question ‘what would you like to do next?’.

If you would like your application to continue to be processed as planned, then you do not need to do anything. You will shortly receive an email inviting you to take our online tests. However, if you feel that the change in programme means you no longer wish to remain in the process, please let us know and we can withdraw your application. We’ll respect the decision you make and appreciate the decision must be what is right for everyone.

We recognise that this change may prompt questions, and we would be happy to provide further information to support your decision. Please contact us at [email protected], if you would like to discuss the new programme.

Once again, we sincerely appreciate your interest in a career here at Browne Jacobson and thank you for your understanding as we work to embed this change.

Thanks! Guess I didn’t receive it because I did SQE1

 

[Strawberry Elephant]

I had to make 3 accounts just to post on here. It said I have no privileges to post?

On another note I did my HL test Saturday and did not get stage 2 is anyone in the same boat? Do you think I failed the stage 1?

 

[hmevey]

Has anyone heard from AG

 

[hmevey]

Also any tips on how to answer this: If someone were to read your story so far, what would make them think, ‘This person belongs at Macfarlanes’? 300 words - unsure on how much detail to put re the firm vs myself

 

[Scottishlion]

Does anyone know firms that are currently open for dtc that are strong in international arbitration or government relations/ public international law?