TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[meauasushe153/]

When did you get the invite?

The 30th of June

 

[TheHamlet4]

Anyone hear from Macfarlanes post first stage assessment? They are probably overstretched with the influx of applications -- however, I completed mine on June 28th, the wait is devastating...

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know of any vacancies offering visa sponsorship? Any leads are welcome. Thank you!

 

[yumjuicebox]

Anyone heard from Bakers since the AC?

not sure if they applied through the DTC route but i saw someone post on linkedin yesterday that they have accepted a bakers tc for london 2028

 

[cs3008]

Any point applying to HFW now?

I just applied today lol

 

[HasRez]

Macfarlanes PFO post test

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Macfarlanes PFO post VI

 

[nontargetlawyer]

Just got Macfarlanes AC for their TC 2028. Anyone else?

 

[fta2024]

Macfarlanes PFO post VI..

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know of any vacancies offering visa sponsorship? Any leads are welcome. Thank you!

Hi!

I made the following list recently of firms that sponsor visas for vacation schemes (although I am sure there are more out there) - I have quoted it below, and hopefully that is useful! Just shout if you have any further questions

Hey!

Whilst I am sure there are others, the following state in their FAQs that they sponsor visas for vacation scheme participants:

• Taylor Wessing
• Travers Smith
• Macfarlanes
• Paul, Weiss
• Sidley Austin
• Reed Smith

I would definitely double-check the FAQ section for each of the firms before applying, as they provide more information there.

Wishing you the best of luck with your applications

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).



Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

 

[Bread]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).


View attachment 8346
Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

How about instead of “contract” you use a different word?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Can you apply for HFW if you were unsuccessful applying to the vac scheme?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hi!

I made the following list recently of firms that sponsor visas for vacation schemes (although I am sure there are more out there) - I have quoted it below, and hopefully that is useful! Just shout if you have any further questions

Hi Abbie

Thanks a lot for your response! I will make sure to apply to these.

 

[bbbb]

hi, does anyone have any insights into the Reed Smith assessment day, or general prep advice? This is my first AC which has a case study element and I feel very unprepared. Im currently doing mock case studies drafted by AI and it is very technical, im going to assume this is also how it is during the actual AC. Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for this? ty!

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got a reply from Perkins LBA?

 

[anonymous.15]

macfarlanes pfo with which my last ever cycle ends. i have one more to hear back but it’s a pfo i am certain

WDYM last cycle if you dont mind me asking? was this your 5th cycle?

 

[justgetmethattc]

Anything from Browne Jacobson at all? Had the TI 2 weeks ago with the London ACs on 14th and 21st - not a lot of time so assuming PFO?

 

[bristol rovers]

4th cycle but i had personally decided to be done after this since i haven’t managed to be successful and look for alternative career paths to progress!

Wha career paths you looking at?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

WFW AC invite