if anyone has any tips on RS VI, please let me know. I would be very very grateful, it is my last hope 
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
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Hey guys, I have my first ever AC tomorrow. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
read up on how to behave in group exercises (hint: listen, support others, don't show off your own abilities).
otherwise just preparing for a strong answer on "why do you want to work here?"
Is the Reed Smith test/VI pretty much automatic if you meet their minimum requirements as I don’t think anyone has got a PFO?
Applied deadline, heard nothing yet. Would not worry about rolling basis myself.
Yes invited to AC but I declined because I have a TC offer
🥲🫠 I would like to assume they screened written applications first.
Probs not- I don't have any eligibility issues and I applied fairly early on in their application window but haven't heard back yet so am assuming a PFO is imminent haha
The website says that they are currently recruiting for individuals who can start in March 2026. I'm not sure if that means the TC or the SQE.
I thought so too cause I saw this on the bright network website and I saw it on the forum as well … so you’re not going crazy 🙂
Eligibility
This vacancy is open to those available to start a GDL (if applicable) or SQE course in August 2025, or who have fully or partially completed SQE.On this website: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-jobs/reed-smith/direct-training-contract-2025
I don't think that is the case. March 2026 means starting work in the firm in March 2026
Also SQE isn't a course per se - there are two separate exams, SQE1 which is run in January and July, and SQE2 in January, April, July, October.
The delay can be waiting for SQE2 results - these take 4 months, so e.g., if you got a TC offer now and had no SQE, then:
October - December learn SQE1
January SQE1
April SQE2
August SQE2 results (so about 10 months)
September 2026 start TC
In my recent VS some people had done non-law with no (P)GDL, some had done SQE1+SQE2, and some had done SQE1 only.
So if you had done SQE1, then potentially:
July TC offer
by 28 July enrol on SQE2 prep course with Ulaw
October sit SQE2
24 Feburary 2026 - SQE2 results published
March 2026 - start TC
The firm noted that they might offer for:
September 2025 (subject to business need, and the candidate having passed SQE2)
March 2026
September 2026
March 2027
September 2027
depending on the candidate's current position
Some firms only offer TCs to people who have passed SQE1, and some only to people who have passed SQE1+SQE2.
So a March 2026 start would imply you've passed SQE1 and are going to enrol on SQE2 this month to sit it in October, OR you have already sat SQE2.
Thank you - I knew I had read that somewhere! But I have just checked their website and it is March 2026 - glad that is clarified!
Perkins Coie LBA interview invite! But I have a TC offer so probably won't go through with it. It's sad to have to give up these interesting opportunities.
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Does anyone know how long does it take for Macfarlanes to get back to applicants after the deadline?
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