TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Dogecoin GC]

Does white & case allow for reapplying to dtc within the same cycle if VS application is rejected? And would like to know about orrick as well.

Yes, but it depends on when you were rejected. I’m fairly certain if you’re rejected before any interview interviews take place, then you can apply again for a training contract in the same cycle.

 

[AryanAgg]

Yes, but it depends on when you were rejected. I’m fairly certain if you’re rejected before any interview interviews take place, then you can apply again for a training contract in the same cycle.

Is this for white & case or orrick?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Is this for white & case or orrick?

W&C

 

[AryanAgg]

W&C

Understood, thank you very much.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Hi everyone! I’ll be starting an LLM in Corporate Law at Durham University for the academic year 2026–27, and have about six years of experience in corporate practice (M&A, PE/VC, advisory) at top law firms in another common law jurisdiction.

Quick question: since firms are currently accepting applications for 2028 TCs from penultimate and final year students, can I apply now as an incoming LLM student, or only after graduating in 2027? My concern is that waiting might push me into the 2029/30 cycle and create visa timing issues.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Heyy may i ask which firms recruit though DTC alone?

There are quite a lot! I find LawCareers.Net has a rather comprehensive list of deadlines - I’m sure you’ll find it helpful!

Training contract deadlines | Law training contracts

If you are looking for law training contracts, you need to have a strong grasp of when your target firms have their training contract deadlines! This page is designed to provide a list of firms’ deadlines for training contract applications.

www.lawcareers.net

 

[1136PX0]

Does white & case allow for reapplying to dtc within the same cycle if VS application is rejected? And would like to know about orrick as well.

No. During my feedback call, grad rec expressed that they are changing their policy this cycle, so you cannot apply twice in the same cycle

 

[Z48]

Hi everyone! I’ll be starting an LLM in Corporate Law at Durham University for the academic year 2026–27, and have about six years of experience in corporate practice (M&A, PE/VC, advisory) at top law firms in another common law jurisdiction.

Quick question: since firms are currently accepting applications for 2028 TCs from penultimate and final year students, can I apply now as an incoming LLM student, or only after graduating in 2027? My concern is that waiting might push me into the 2029/30 cycle and create visa timing issues.

You can apply now for TCs beginning in 2028! Most of them mention graduates/postgraduates are eligible as long as you’d be ready to start the TC by 2028. After graduating from the LLM in 2027, you could do the SQE from Sept 2027 then start the TC in Sept 2028, so you are eligible

(Unless you don’t have a ‘qualifying law degree’? You may have to do the PGDL too so that would be another year)

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hi everyone! I’ll be starting an LLM in Corporate Law at Durham University for the academic year 2026–27, and have about six years of experience in corporate practice (M&A, PE/VC, advisory) at top law firms in another common law jurisdiction.

Quick question: since firms are currently accepting applications for 2028 TCs from penultimate and final year students, can I apply now as an incoming LLM student, or only after graduating in 2027? My concern is that waiting might push me into the 2029/30 cycle and create visa timing issues.

I would suggest you apply directly to Associate Level Position

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

You can apply now for TCs beginning in 2028! Most of them mention graduates/postgraduates are eligible as long as you’d be ready to start the TC by 2028. After graduating from the LLM in 2027, you could do the SQE from Sept 2027 then start the TC in Sept 2028, so you are eligible

(Unless you don’t have a ‘qualifying law degree’? You may have to do the PGDL too so that would be another year)

Thanks a ton, this is extremely helpful! I've been trying to find an answer to this issue for so long now, and finally got it thanks to you!
On a separate note, I have a bachelor's degree in law (with corporate law specialisation), so I won't need to take the PGDL route.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

I would suggest you apply directly to Associate Level Position

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

 

[Bread]

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

Thing is, you may not be eligible if you’re qualified elsewhere

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Thing is, you may not be eligible if you’re qualified elsewhere

For an Associate-level position? Though I had preempted this, I didn't find anything that suggests so. Anyway, thanks for the heads up, truly. I'll research more regarding the eligibility criteria - better not waste my time applying if I'm not even eligible.

 

[AryanAgg]

For an Associate-level position? Though I had preempted this, I didn't find anything that suggests so. Anyway, thanks for the heads up, truly. I'll research more regarding the eligibility criteria - better not waste my time applying if I'm not even eligible.

I think they mean for training contracts, as you already have years of actual legal experience. So firms will want you to apply to associate level positions.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

I think they mean for training contracts, as you already have years of actual legal experience. So firms will want you to apply to associate level positions.

I am even more confused now lol
But on a serious note, my plan of action then should be to graduate first, pass SQE (i.e., become a 'qualified solicitor'), and then apply for associate-level positions?

Re TCs - I honestly don't mind starting from scratch and being a trainee. Is it more that I shouldn't apply for TCs or *couldn't* apply?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Thanks a ton, this is extremely helpful! I've been trying to find an answer to this issue for so long now, and finally got it thanks to you!
On a separate note, I have a bachelor's degree in law (with corporate law specialisation), so I won't need to take the PGDL route.

if the bachelor's in law is not from an UK university, you still have to do the PGDL that's what happened to me i am an LLM candidate too

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

if the bachelor's in law is not from an UK university, you still have to do the PGDL that's what happened to me i am an LLM candidate too

Okay, this is overwhelming. I was under the impression that my bachelor's in law from another common law jurisdiction would be considered as a 'qualifying law degree’ and I would not have to do PGDL. Thanks for letting me know! Hypothetically, say I am offered a TC, will the PGDL be funded by the firm like for SQE prep, or will I have to fund it by myself? What's your situation like (if you don't mind sharing)?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Okay, this is overwhelming. I was under the impression that my bachelor's in law from another common law jurisdiction would be considered as a 'qualifying law degree’ and I would not have to do PGDL. Thanks for letting me know! Hypothetically, say I am offered a TC, will the PGDL be funded by the firm like for SQE prep, or will I have to fund it by myself? What's your situation like (if you don't mind sharing)?

they will sponsor you

 

[katie2911]

Has anyone heard back from CRS post VI? I did mine on March 3rd, should I be worried??

 

[katie2911]

I haven't heard anything from them, it's been months

They said that they will get back to all candidates at the end of April, hopefully that is the case, as in my email they said April 2024