TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Arushi1005]

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.

 

[Arushi1005]

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 ...

 

[Arushi1005]

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

 

[emily12]

BB DTC PFO and Ashfords SVS PFO within 30 minutes of each other I only did the BB VI on Tuesday and hadn't even seen any PFOs yet for the vac scheme, who did VIs weeks ago, so I was really taken aback Starting to lose all hope to do law icl

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Ashurst DTC anyone?

I haven't heard anything yet but someone on Reddit received an invite to the Written Exercise two days ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/uklaw/comments/1sz41o0/ashurst_direct_tc_written_exercise_virtual

 

[TCLAuser2002]

What does Reed smith test include anyone know? is there a VI?

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

To be “eligible” i’m assuming Reed Smith surely screens all candidates grades and work experiences before progressing them to the next stage?

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Anyone yet to hear from HL?

??

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard from Bates Wells, Foot Anstey, or Howard Kennedy for DTC (post-initial application)?

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Those that got Reed Smith test invite - could someone pls tell me how long they give you to complete it since getting the email? Thank uuuuuu

 

[summersun]

Those that got Reed Smith test invite - could someone pls tell me how long they give you to complete it since getting the email? Thank uuuuuu

We have until the 8th at 5 pm