TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[8law]

has anyone done shoosmiths AC?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Anyone heard from S&C?

 

[nicoledm]

anyone heard from K & S?

 

[bangarangbass39]

Wiggin PFO 1 out of 4 potential AC's gone 3 more potential AC's. Fingers crossed but lets see.

Loool I am waiting for HFW, K&L and RPC. i have no confidence at this point - also rejected by Wiggin

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Wiggin PFO. Really disappointing

 

[cinnamonspice]

kingsley napley final interview - has anyone had any experience with them at this stage? help a girl out pls!

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Wiggin PFO. Really disappointing

Same

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Anyone heard from RS..?

 

[tobywstress]

Anyone knows if RPC test is automatic? Sent the application this morning and did not receive anything.

 

[AryanAgg]

Anyone heard from S&C?

Might have to wait till July at this point.

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you’re doing well. I recently attended an AC, and the firm offered to cover my travel costs. When is a good time to sent in my claim for costs- should I send it before results are out or wait for them to provide the outcome then send in my claim for costs?

 

[Kad28]

considering Slaughters is rolling, is it too late to apply?

 

[floral.tcla]

Hey!

If there are genuine mitigating circumstances, I personally can't imagine this being viewed as a red flag in itself. Universities don't grant extra time or extensions to complete degrees lightly, so I think firms are generally aware that there can be circumstances that affect someone's timeline at university that are beyond their control, and will absolutely take those into account.

For exam adjustments (e.g. extra time), I'd expect firms to focus much more on the outcome of your degree and your overall application form rather than the adjustment itself. Equally, if someone has been granted additional time to complete their degree due to mitigating circumstances, I wouldn't assume that would count against them if there are clear reasons as to why they had that adjustment.

If there is space on the application to provide context, I'd definitely do this and keep it brief and factual. Ultimately, almost all firms look at applications holistically and will focus on the grades achieved, your experiences, and the strength of your overall application, rather than viewing a different study timeline as a negative in itself.

I've seen plenty of successful applicants take non-liner routes through university and still secure VS/TC offers. I hope that assists!

Thanks so much, appreciate it!

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

considering Slaughters is rolling, is it too late to apply?

You won't know unless you apply!

 

[spamelinazoid]

Week 2 - any news on any front from WFW?

 

[lucky2]

Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back from Browne Jacobson post-TI?

 

[InternationTCseeker]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice.

I'm an international student currently working as an in-house paralegal at a medium-sized company. The work is mostly commercial contracts. The company has offered me a training contract and would be willing to sponsor me.

The problem is that my long-term goal has always been to work private practice, ideally in London. I've been applying for training contracts at law firms but haven't had any success so far. This was my first application cycle.

My visa expires in around 7 months, so there is some time pressure. The in-house TC would give me a route to qualification and allow me to stay in the UK, but I'm concerned that qualifying in-house may make it harder to move into private practice later, particularly into corporate or banking teams which has always been my interest. .

If you were in my position, would you:

• Take the in-house TC and qualify through that route; or
• Continue applying for law firm TCs and take the risk that nothing comes through before my visa expires?

Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you.

 

[Matt Murdock]

considering Slaughters is rolling, is it too late to apply?

I applied on deadline day (non-law DTC) and progressed to interview, it's definitely not too late to apply.

 

[summersun]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice.

I'm an international student currently working as an in-house paralegal at a medium-sized company. The work is mostly commercial contracts. The company has offered me a training contract and would be willing to sponsor me.

The problem is that my long-term goal has always been to work private practice, ideally in London. I've been applying for training contracts at law firms but haven't had any success so far. This was my first application cycle.

My visa expires in around 7 months, so there is some time pressure. The in-house TC would give me a route to qualification and allow me to stay in the UK, but I'm concerned that qualifying in-house may make it harder to move into private practice later, particularly into corporate or banking teams which has always been my interest. .

If you were in my position, would you:

• Take the in-house TC and qualify through that route; or
• Continue applying for law firm TCs and take the risk that nothing comes through before my visa expires?

Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you.

Hi
I don't really have an opinion as I think it also depends on whether you like what you do at this company.
It is worth asking whether you would have the opportunity to do a secondement at a law firm the company works with.
I know a lawyer who qualified in house but chose to go to private practice right after in the firm he had done one of his seats with.
In any case I hope you will be able to do what you prefer and congrats on the offer which clearly shows you are doing some great work!

 

[nicoledm]

for anyone waiting to hear back from king and spalding i called and they said we’ll find out friday