TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TCapplicant1005]

Hogan Lovells dtc pfo

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Fingers crossed for Bakers and SH news today?

 

[TortillaTC]

Ashurst DTC anyone?

 

[choicefox212]

Fingers crossed for Bakers and SH news today?

I get so nervous on Friday afternoons now lol

 

[TrialAndError]

Asking out of curiosity..... How do you all approach VI questions? I feel so nervous speaking to a small dot of light near the camera of my laptop.

Usually I am not so nervous talking to people face to face, however audio calls or even video recording makes me so nervous that I don't get the appropriate vocabulary to speak effectively. Is it just me or does this happen to everyone else?

This is my first cycle of trying and I have been disqualified prior to the assessment centre stage (thrice) because I messed up the VI portion

Do you all have any tips to overcome this?

Thanks a ton

One tip I've heard is to blue-tack a photo of a family member or friend next to the webcam so it feels like you're speaking to another person. Or just do enough applications that you stop caring so much about each specific one and only allow yourself to get invested when you get the AC invite.

 

[studentgrad]

Hey does anyone know of any complete database of application questions for firms from this cycle? For both vac scheme and DTC (but primarily vac schemes)?

I’m thinking of potentially preparing answers now and then sending applications as soon as they open up next cycle (assuming there is little/no change to questions).

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Anyone yet to hear from HL?

 

[gayathri28]

One tip I've heard is to blue-tack a photo of a family member or friend next to the webcam so it feels like you're speaking to another person. Or just do enough applications that you stop caring so much about each specific one and only allow yourself to get invested when you get the AC invite.

I took this approach in my previous cycle (My first cycle).
I applied to nearly 30 firms, missed 4 ACs by getting disqualified at a stage before the AC.
Hence I am rethinking my strategy for applications, including perfecting the VI aspect of the recruitment process. Maybe the problem was I didn't care too much about each application :/

 

[TCapplicant1005]

May I ask if anyone who needs a visa sponsorship has been invited to an AC?
I keep thinking it may be one of the reasons I haven't yet.

 

[summersun]

May I ask if anyone who needs a visa sponsorship has been invited to an AC?
I keep thinking it may be one of the reason I haven't yet.

Not me personally but one of the people who did a VS with me last year needed sponsorship andf she did 3 VS so it usually is not a big deal for firms that regularly sponsor trainees.
It may be more of a factor for smaller firms though.

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Not me personally but one of the people who did a VS with me last year needed sponsorship andf she did 3 VS so it usually is not a big deal for firms that regularly sponsor trainees.
It may be more of a factor for smaller firms though.

Thank you. But most of the firms don't sponsor for a vs. Did your friend end up getting a TC?

 

[summersun]

Thank you. But most of the firms don't sponsor for a vs. Did your friend end up getting a TC?

That's true and yes she did get a TC. She had a graduate visa that covered the VS and then they are sponsoring her for the TC now. I think it's more complicated if you are not already in the UK because you have to prove you want to have a career in the UK even though you are not living there right now ...

 

[TCapplicant1005]

That's true and yes she did get a TC. She had a graduate visa that covered the VS and then they are sponsoring her for the TC now. I think it's more complicated if you are not already in the UK because you have to prove you want to have a career in the UK even though you are not living there right now ...

That is a good news about your friend. Makes me feel hopeful.
I do have a couple of years of work experience in the UK, so I should be able to demonstrate my motivation for a career in the UK.

 

[TheHamlet4]

I know it’s numbers game at the end of the day, would doing only 17-20 applications severely hamper my chances? I started late to the cycle as I have decided to pursue law relatively later.

 

[summersun]

Reed Smith Test invite !

 

[a0]

reed smith test invite!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

 

[a0]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

just checked candid and it says "Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

 

[summersun]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

I think it is unless you don't satisfy their general requirements but still positive as it means our CV was okay

 

[CGPULAW]

Reed Smith invite! Assuming automatic but still nice