TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[HMajesty]

Just received TI invite from W&C 5 hours after I submitted my VI!

Congrats! When did you apply?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Just received TI invite from W&C 5 hours after I submitted my VI!

Insane! Good luck!!

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Congrats! When did you apply?

Applied + Online test May 8th, VI invite May 15th!

 

[DesperateStudent]

This is what this forum is for

Tons of people don’t communicate whether they have received a next stage progression btw.

I understand the purpose of the forum no debate in that but it’s at least 2/3 people a day, everyday.

It seems lots have applied to Stephenson Harwood therefore I’d assume someone will post once they receive something same as W&C and Baker McKenzie their DTC process is lucrative and attracts many that someone always posts when they hear back. Was only saying didn’t mean to offend nor receive laugh emojis for saying it..

 

[MZJxLadha]

I understand the purpose of the forum no debate in that but it’s at least 2/3 people a day, everyday.

It seems lots have applied to Stephenson Harwood therefore I’d assume someone will post once they receive something same as W&C and Baker McKenzie their DTC process is lucrative and attracts many that someone always posts when they hear back. Was only saying didn’t mean to offend nor receive laugh emojis for saying it..

for sure but still no harm in asking fr

 

[summersun]

I understand the purpose of the forum no debate in that but it’s at least 2/3 people a day, everyday.

It seems lots have applied to Stephenson Harwood therefore I’d assume someone will post once they receive something same as W&C and Baker McKenzie their DTC process is lucrative and attracts many that someone always posts when they hear back. Was only saying didn’t mean to offend nor receive laugh emojis for saying it..

Hi just for your information (not agressive at all purely informative) you can choose what you receive notifications for. Thought it might be useful if you want to deactivate those.

And while I can understand your point it's not always true. Many people applied to Ashurst and its likely someone on the forum passed the application stage but no one posted about it. So I can understand people doing the same for SH in the hope that someone will reply

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or anyone else that is aware,
Do you know if Reed Smith individually benchmarks pillars in the Amberjack?
For reference my grit was 3/9 but overall 25/36 the rest were all above 6 and my VI I thought was alright.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Is there a specific format to follow for training Contract CVs or does the general CV work?

Hey!

Generally speaking, a standard professional CV format is absolutely fine for training contract applications unless the firm specifies otherwise. I would focus more on keeping it clear, well-structured, and easy to scan for information rather than trying to follow a separate format

I would recommend including insight events / open days as well in the CV just like you would in an online application. I'd also always recommend contacting the firm - they could give you their specific expectations.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard back from Bates Wells for Direct training contract application?

 

[Gregglt]

For those who applied to reed smith, how long did it take u to receive the application questions following the VI? Thanks

 

[WeGotThis!]

I would recommend including insight events / open days as well in the CV just like you would in an online application. I'd also always recommend contacting the firm - they could give you their specific expectations.

Thank you, that's really helpful

 

[bangarangbass39]

Interested in everyone's perspective here, but what is the better option here?

context: 25 year old non law grad already working in Civil service.

Option A) 37k solicitor apprenticeship w/ the civil service for 6 years (salary rises throughout reaching roughly 60-70k at the end)

Option B) Traditional TC route which would take at least 4 years to reach NQ (assuming no extra exams taken)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or anyone else that is aware,
Do you know if Reed Smith individually benchmarks pillars in the Amberjack?
For reference my grit was 3/9 but overall 25/36 the rest were all above 6 and my VI I thought was alright.

Hey!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure - apologies! Whilst it is a different firm, I believe I scored a 3 or 4 on one or two of the pillars in another SJT I completed and still made it to the next round, so I wouldn't lose all hope!

 

[Barakat]

Has anyone heard back from Shoosmith and PMC?

 

[Bread]

Interested in everyone's perspective here, but what is the better option here?

context: 25 year old non law grad already working in Civil service.

Option A) 37k solicitor apprenticeship w/ the civil service for 6 years (salary rises throughout reaching roughly 60-70k at the end)

Option B) Traditional TC route which would take at least 4 years to reach NQ (assuming no extra exams taken)

I don’t think graduates are eligible for apprenticeships. I believe that the apprenticeship you’re referring to is for people with level 3 qualifications (I.e. no uni degree)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

For those who applied to reed smith, how long did it take u to receive the application questions following the VI? Thanks

I received the application questions two days after completing the VI

 

[bristol rovers]

Shoosmiths rejection

 

[nicoledm]

shoosmiths direct TC AC!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Shoosmiths PFO

 

[Jaysen]

My updates for 2025-26 (my second cycle applying)

- 48 applications​

- 13 progressed (11 post VI rejections; 2 missed VI deadlines)​

- 10 haven't heard back​

- 25 rejections​

- 1 virtual interview (yet to give - please pray for my sanity)​

The sunk-cost fallacy is so high. I have 6 more firms shortlisted, but should I lowkey just give up?

Please don't give up! The number of firms you were progressed with look right to me. For a strong candidate, I usually expect 1-2 interviews for every 10 applications you submit.

If you do go through the next cycle, I'd focus on the video interviews and get as much practice as possible before the real thing.

Good luck for the virtual interview!