TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

I'm doing my accounting exams at the moment.

I do enjoy it a lot and I find it very useful in my own life for knowing how to read balance sheets etc. Very little application to the law but it's a useful life skill I feel.

Good luck to you both I’ve heard they can be harder than the sqe CTA in particular the hardest professional exams. Your skills will be invaluable 😄

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

I'm doing my accounting exams at the moment.

I do enjoy it a lot and I find it very useful in my own life for knowing how to read balance sheets etc. Very little application to the law but it's a useful life skill I feel.

As someone currently studying for the SQE, knowing a thing or two about balance sheets might be more helpful in law than you think! 🥲

Best of luck to you both with your exams!!

 

[ellewoodss]

Also wanting some prior insight for the Irwin Mitchell online assessment, including video interview questions. How many minutes do we need to speak for per interview question? How long did the assessment take you in total approximately?

Also, if anyone has any insight into the type of questions asked for the video interview, either this year or last, please PM me. If you progressed through the video interview last cycle but ultimately accepted a TC elsewhere, any general guidance would be hugely appreciated so we can all support each other going through the process. Let’s help each other get across the line!

 

[choicefox212]

Is anyone else on here looking at private client focussed firms? Feels like everyone is looking at MC/US firms and while I admire you all for it, I am not brave (or perhaps cutthroat?) enough for corporate.

I’m looking at small-medium firms in band 1/2 in London. I do have a little bit of work experience and an Oxbridge 2:1 (non-law), but it’s daunting going through a cycle, especially as there are SO FEW training contracts in this area. Grim prospects…

 

[choicefox212]

I’m thinking the best way to improve my prospects would be to to the GDL (which I’m halfway through) and the SQE, then if u gave no luck maybe the STEP trust certificates. Plus more experience always 😅

 

[rosedunn]

any tips on CC VI?

 

[Kakaboo]

If I haven’t heard back from CMS since I applied on the deadline is that a rejection?

 

[ecalthorpe]

Is anyone else on here looking at private client focussed firms? Feels like everyone is looking at MC/US firms and while I admire you all for it, I am not brave (or perhaps cutthroat?) enough for corporate.

I’m looking at small-medium firms in band 1/2 in London. I do have a little bit of work experience and an Oxbridge 2:1 (non-law), but it’s daunting going through a cycle, especially as there are SO FEW training contracts in this area. Grim prospects…

Macfarlanes has a world-class private client practice, but it is also a City firm and you'll definitely have to do some commercial/corporate seats. Mishcon is also known for private client, and you can avoid doing corporate stuff there if you really don't want to.

 

[choicefox212]

Macfarlanes has a world-class private client practice, but it is also a City firm and you'll definitely have to do some commercial/corporate seats. Mishcon is also known for private client, and you can avoid doing corporate stuff there if you really don't want to.

Yeah, both of those are on my list (are you applying to them?)

 

[lelezb1]

Sorry about that😕 how long ago did you apply?

I applied on 27th October

 

[Scottishlion]

I went to oxbridge and graduated with a 2:1 but all my modules were 62s or 61s. As it's a low 2:1, will I be able to get a training contract?

 

[hanz123]

Any advice for answering this question: What do you think a Training Contract at Ward Hadaway involves and why does that appeal to you?

 

[ecalthorpe]

Yeah, both of those are on my list (are you applying to them?)

I have a Bakers TC. TBH, if you don't want the corporate-cutthroat thing, don't apply to Macs. Not much difference between SC and MC firms in that regard. Mishcon you can kind of pick and choose a bit more.

 

[Parsorandini]

Does anyone know if CMS' 5 days deadline for the VI is up to 23:59 on the fifth day?

 

[choicefox212]

I have a Bakers TC. TBH, if you don't want the corporate-cutthroat thing, don't apply to Macs. Not much difference between SC and MC firms in that regard. Mishcon you can kind of pick and choose a bit more.

Ah, well done. I don’t really mind a massive firm as long as the actual department is good, so we’ll see

 

[aleiy]

You might be in a on hold position. CC tends to put people on hold in previous years if they think you have a strong application. If someone fails their VI/AC, you might get the chance.

I really hope that is the case 🥹 Thank youu!

 

[F12M34L]

Can someone confirm fieldfisher's deadline for DTC?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

CMS VI! Any insights please?

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone heard from CMS Manchester ?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Anyone heard back from CMS Sheffield? Losing hope