TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[capricorn001]

Hi there,

I have just joined the forum and I have a query that I hope somebody might be able to help me with.

After three years of application cycles, and four vacation schemes, I have finally received a training contract offer from a Silver Circle firm through a direct application. However, this firm was not my first choice primarily because they do not have an IP department and I have for several years been set on sitting in IP during a TC and potentially qualifying in this area (having done an IP-focused Masters and having had predominantly IP paralegalling experience over the past 2 years alongside my PGDL and SQE1 studies).

I was wondering therefore what advice could be given in light of this situation? I am considering either i) applying to other firms in the hope of securing a TC where an IP seat is on offer; or ii) potentially pivoting into IP post-qualification by qualifying in an adjacent area (e.g. Tech/Data).

Currently, I am leaning towards the first option which would be to apply to other firms. However I am unsure as to how I would mention the fact that I have already been offered a TC while applying - is this something I would mention to firms in an application form, or at a later stage if I get invited to interview?

I realise that this is a very privileged position to be in and I know first-hand how difficult a TC is to come by - but any guidance and advice on the above would be very much appreciated.

 

[Anon2001]

Has anyone heard from BJ yet? I know we are supposed to hear this week …

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi there,

I have just joined the forum and I have a query that I hope somebody might be able to help me with.

After three years of application cycles, and four vacation schemes, I have finally received a training contract offer from a Silver Circle firm through a direct application. However, this firm was not my first choice primarily because they do not have an IP department and I have for several years been set on sitting in IP during a TC and potentially qualifying in this area (having done an IP-focused Masters and having had predominantly IP paralegalling experience over the past 2 years alongside my PGDL and SQE1 studies).

I was wondering therefore what advice could be given in light of this situation? I am considering either i) applying to other firms in the hope of securing a TC where an IP seat is on offer; or ii) potentially pivoting into IP post-qualification by qualifying in an adjacent area (e.g. Tech/Data).

Currently, I am leaning towards the first option which would be to apply to other firms. However I am unsure as to how I would mention the fact that I have already been offered a TC while applying - is this something I would mention to firms in an application form, or at a later stage if I get invited to interview?

I realise that this is a very privileged position to be in and I know first-hand how difficult a TC is to come by - but any guidance and advice on the above would be very much appreciated.

Hey!

First of all, huge congratulations on the TC offer!

I think you are in a really good position here, and I don't think there is anything wrong with continuing to apply if IP is something you have been committed to for several years (although I'd double check the terms of your current TC offer, especially if you have accepted it but still intend to apply elsewhere). Given your Masters and the amount of IP experience you already have, it sounds like this is a genuine long-term interest rather than something you have only recently decided you want to do.

However, I would also keep the second option in mind. Qualifying into Tech/Data (or another related area) could still leave you with routes into IP later, so I wouldn't necessarily view the lack of an IP seat as meaning you never work in IP.

If you do decide to apply elsewhere, I wouldn't feel that you have to proactively mention the TC offer in every application unless the form specifically asks about other offers/applications. If you get to interview stage, though, I would be completely open about it if they ask. You can frame it positively - i.e. that you have been fortunate enough to secure an offer, but you are continuing to explore opportunities because having access to an IP seat is particularly important to your long-term career plans.

The other thing I would consider is speaking to the current firm before making any decisions. It may be worth asking whether there are any opportunities to get IP exposure through a related seat, secondment, or matters involving IP, even if they don't have a dedicated IP practice area. You have already spent three years getting to this point, so I would be cautious about giving up a TC unless you are confident that qualifying into IP is more important to you than securing this particular offer (which is fine if it is!).

Ultimately, I think it comes down to how strongly you feel about IP. If you would be disappointed years down the line if you never had the opportunity to qualify into it, I think it is perfectly reasonable to keep applying while holding onto your existing offer as a safety net