TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[Vee77]

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

 

[HasRez]

Eversheds DTC Middle East WG test

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

My instinct has always been to send the claim for costs in as soon as you can (assuming you already have everything you need to submit it). This is mainly because (a) it is easy to forget once time passes and you're focused on waiting for the outcome, and (b) I imagine graduate recruitment probably prefers dealing with expense forms as they come in rather than having lots of them submitted later down the line.

This sort of thing won't be linked to or influence the outcome at all - if they've offered to cover travel costs, I would generally just submit in line with whatever process or timeline they have given, rather than waiting for results.

I hope the AC went well, and fingers crossed for the outcome!

 

[hopefuliguess]

Hi, anyone heard from BCLP - i submitted my app on May 23, completed the assessment on June 2, i got critical reasoning, pride and active collaborator as my strengths and a preference to work in areas you are familiar as weakness. I havent heard anything till now, not sure if the report is good/bad and if i should consider this as a PFO.

 

[Stryker1234]

Could someone please let me know how the Macfarlanes job simulation is structured? Are there any motivational questions to prepare for?

The email says that no prior knowledge is required, so I'm guessing it's mainly SJT-style questions, but I'd really appreciate any insight from someone who's completed it.

 

[lolololol]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

 

[siilvert0ngue]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

don't worry, i applied on saturday and received the test monday afternoon. they take forever, considering the first test is supposed to be automatic

 

[Matt Murdock]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

i think it depends on grad rec whether they are on screen or off screen when you submitted your app because i was invited 2:30 hours post app. Then, got the second test a day later even before my report came.

 

[Euphrosynos]

Anyone heard from S&C?

They mentioned they're still reviewing applications. References are contacted after/during the interview or offer process - which I don’t think they have reached yet.