TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LLM Applicant 2026]

I would suggest you apply directly to Associate Level Position

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

 

[Deleted member 33582]

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

Thing is, you may not be eligible if you’re qualified elsewhere

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Thing is, you may not be eligible if you’re qualified elsewhere

For an Associate-level position? Though I had preempted this, I didn't find anything that suggests so. Anyway, thanks for the heads up, truly. I'll research more regarding the eligibility criteria - better not waste my time applying if I'm not even eligible.

 

[AryanAgg]

For an Associate-level position? Though I had preempted this, I didn't find anything that suggests so. Anyway, thanks for the heads up, truly. I'll research more regarding the eligibility criteria - better not waste my time applying if I'm not even eligible.

I think they mean for training contracts, as you already have years of actual legal experience. So firms will want you to apply to associate level positions.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

I think they mean for training contracts, as you already have years of actual legal experience. So firms will want you to apply to associate level positions.

I am even more confused now lol
But on a serious note, my plan of action then should be to graduate first, pass SQE (i.e., become a 'qualified solicitor'), and then apply for associate-level positions?

Re TCs - I honestly don't mind starting from scratch and being a trainee. Is it more that I shouldn't apply for TCs or *couldn't* apply?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Thanks a ton, this is extremely helpful! I've been trying to find an answer to this issue for so long now, and finally got it thanks to you!
On a separate note, I have a bachelor's degree in law (with corporate law specialisation), so I won't need to take the PGDL route.

if the bachelor's in law is not from an UK university, you still have to do the PGDL that's what happened to me i am an LLM candidate too

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

if the bachelor's in law is not from an UK university, you still have to do the PGDL that's what happened to me i am an LLM candidate too

Okay, this is overwhelming. I was under the impression that my bachelor's in law from another common law jurisdiction would be considered as a 'qualifying law degree’ and I would not have to do PGDL. Thanks for letting me know! Hypothetically, say I am offered a TC, will the PGDL be funded by the firm like for SQE prep, or will I have to fund it by myself? What's your situation like (if you don't mind sharing)?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Okay, this is overwhelming. I was under the impression that my bachelor's in law from another common law jurisdiction would be considered as a 'qualifying law degree’ and I would not have to do PGDL. Thanks for letting me know! Hypothetically, say I am offered a TC, will the PGDL be funded by the firm like for SQE prep, or will I have to fund it by myself? What's your situation like (if you don't mind sharing)?

they will sponsor you

 

[katie2911]

Has anyone heard back from CRS post VI? I did mine on March 3rd, should I be worried??

 

[katie2911]

I haven't heard anything from them, it's been months

They said that they will get back to all candidates at the end of April, hopefully that is the case, as in my email they said April 2024

 

[katie2911]

got another holding email from CRS this evening (London office). Did anyone receive the same email?

I applied to the cheltenham office, but haven't received an update yet or an holding email, should I assume a PFO??

 

[SueD]

Has anyone heard back from CRS post VI? I did mine on March 3rd, should I be worried??

Is this for direct TC? I thought they’d emailed to say they were currently dealing with VS applications and would be assessing DTC in the next month? I haven’t had a VI… have some done VIs for DTC?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Is it worth applying to Smoosmiths considering their TC close on 27th March and it screens applications on a rolling basis? Has anyone progressed to AC stages?

 

[katie2911]

Is this for direct TC? I thought they’d emailed to say they were currently dealing with VS applications and would be assessing DTC in the next month? I haven’t had a VI… have some done VIs for DTC?

Yeah DTC, some people have done VIs for DTC around the same time I did

 

[hanz123]

Is it worth applying to Smoosmiths considering their TC close on 27th March and it screens applications on a rolling basis? Has anyone progressed to AC stages?

it's too early to get progressed to AC, you'll find out Mid May

 

[p2bv]

ugh i got cut off in a VI meaning one of my points was only lik 15 seconds long is it over

 

[summersun]

ugh i got cut off in a VI meaning one of my points was only lik 15 seconds long is it over

I've had the exact same thing happen and still got the AC so it will depend on the firm/point but I would not assume that automatically

 

[StressedNotBlessed]

Does anyone know if it still worth applying to Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) direct TC at this point? I don't have much time to spend on applications at the moment and would want to prioritise accordingly. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

they’re non rolling i don’t think apps have closed yet

Omg I misread the closing date as Feb not March LOL thank you !

 

[DennyCrane]

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

Its far far far easier to apply as an NQ (assuming you've passed the SQE) than to secure a training contract.