TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[AryanAgg]

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

Considering they already have the experience, they just have to give sqe1 and claim exemption on everything else.

 

[AryanAgg]

Also does anyone know when slaughters and linklaters gonna reach out regarding dtc applications?

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

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

Considering they already have the experience, they just have to give sqe1 and claim exemption on everything else.

Thanks a ton, guys!

It seems like the best course of action right now is to begin preparing for SQE1 so I can sit the exam as soon as I graduate, and then apply for NQ (I may also need to do PGDL, let's see). Jaysen has also suggested in another post that I email the firms I am interested in and seek clarity, as I am in a bit of a dicey situation here. Ideally, it should provide clarity on the route I need to take.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

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)?

Hi I would just check this with a recruiter or the firms you want to apply to because I have seen people who have qualified in other jurisdictions and been able to practice in the UK without needing to do a law degree here. I may be wrong but please look into this as it will save you a lot of time. I also think you only would have to do the SQE 2.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Hi I would just check this with a recruiter or the firms you want to apply to because I have seen people who have qualified in other jurisdictions and been able to practice in the UK without needing to do a law degree here. I may be wrong but please look into this as it will save you a lot of time. I also think you only would have to do the SQE 2.

Completely agree with you! I personally want to do an LLM to get acquainted with UK corporate laws first before I jump into a job role. I have also realized now that pursuing a training contract makes zero strategic sense in my case, as I have 5+ years of experience, and it would satisfy QWE. Also, from what I've read, I only need to do SQE1 as I will have an SQE2 exemption (I am gonna check this directly with the SRA).

 

[legalbeast]

Anyone heard from Kennedys for Direct TC London post AC and Associate Interview? Did my AC over a month ago now I think and still nothing...

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Hey, did anyone do the DACB WE last week?

 

[a1289]

Hey, did anyone do the DACB WE last week?

Yes I did, have you heard back yet?

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Yes I did, have you heard back yet?

I haven't... I am unsure when to expect an update

 

[a1289]

I haven't... I am unsure when to expect an update

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

 

[DennyCrane]

Thanks a ton, guys!

It seems like the best course of action right now is to begin preparing for SQE1 so I can sit the exam as soon as I graduate, and then apply for NQ (I may also need to do PGDL, let's see). Jaysen has also suggested in another post that I email the firms I am interested in and seek clarity, as I am in a bit of a dicey situation here. Ideally, it should provide clarity on the route I need to take.

I have checked this with a lawyer and they have said that this is correct. You don't need to do the PGDL, you simply need to pass SQE and then apply for NQ positions (as long as your QWE is signed off as valid).

 

[DennyCrane]

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

I thought the same but then realised the deadline has only just passed and since it was one of the last ones open every man and his dog will have applied.

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

Were the stages automatic? or based on how well you did previously?