NEW: Training Contracts Deadline Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all!

With the application season for Training Contracts upon us, I have created this thread to track the deadlines for different law firms. Below, you will find a list of firms that have applications currently open, including their closing date. Please feel free to drop any suggestions below to better utilise this thread!

It is worth noting that many firms have varying training contract start dates, ranging from 2027, 2028, and 2029. For more information, click on the specific link in each row to be directed to a law firm's graduate recruitment page.

Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Saturday 13th June, 2026

Training Contract Deadlines 2026/27:

Specific Dates Released

Closing Date	Firm Name	Rolling/Non-Rolling
27 March 2026	Farrer & Co	Non-Rolling CLOSED
27 March 2026	Ashurst	Non-Rolling CLOSED
27 March 2026	Penningtons	TBC CLOSED
27 March 2026	Stephenson Harwood	TBC CLOSED
28 March 2026	Payne Hicks Beach	TBC CLOSED
29 March 2026	Moore Barlow	TBC CLOSED
29 March 2026	BP Collins	TBC CLOSED
30 March 2026	King & Spalding	TBC CLOSED
31 March 2026	Ashfords	Non-Rolling CLOSED
31 March 2026	Mayer Brown	TBC CLOSED
31 March 2026	Kingsley Napley	TBC CLOSED
31 March 2026	Shoosmiths	TBC CLOSED
1 April 2026	Baker McKenzie	TBC CLOSED
3 April 2026	Bates Wells	Rolling CLOSED
30 April 2026	Orrick	Rolling CLOSED
30 April 2026	Ward Hadaway	TBC CLOSED
1 May 2026	Myerson Solicitors	TBC CLOSED
1 May 2026	Wedlake Bell	TBC CLOSED
10 May 2026	White & Case	Non-Rolling CLOSED
22 May 2026	Fried Frank	TBC CLOSED
22 May 2026	Wiggin	TBC CLOSED
24 May 2026	Watson Farley & Williams	TBC CLOSED
27 May 2026	Reed Smith	Rolling CLOSED
31 May 2026	BCLP	TBC CLOSED
31 May 2026	Blandy & Blandy LLP	TBC CLOSED
31 May 2026	Field Seymour Parkes	TBC CLOSED
31 May 2026	TLT	Non-Rolling CLOSED
12 June 2026	Sullivan & Cromwell	Rolling CLOSED
14 June 2026	Boodle Hatfield	Non-Rolling
19 June 2026	Morgan Lewis	TBC
22 June 2026	RPC	TBC
26 June 2026	Macfarlanes	Rolling
30 June 2026	Paul Hastings	Non-Rolling
3 July 2026	Slaughter and May (penultimate year law students, law finalists, and law graduates)	Rolling
16 July 2026	HFW	Rolling
31 July 2026	K&L Gates	TBC
31 July 2026	Walker Morris	TBC
31 August 2026	Davis Blank Furniss LLP	TBC

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Paul Hastings website says the DTC deadline is on the 30 June. Have they changed the deadline date to 30 March but not updated the website?​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Paul Hastings website says the DTC deadline is on the 30 June. Have they changed the deadline date to 30 March but not updated the website?​

Hey!

Thank you for flagging! I've updated the list above to reflect the correct date (30 June 2026)

 

[legallybrunnette]

Does anyone know where I can find an up-to-date Baker McKenzie profile? I checked the "law firm profiles" on the TCLA classes dashboard, but it seems to be from 2022. Thanks a lot!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hey!

Thank you for flagging! I've updated the list above to reflect the correct date (30 June 2026)

I think White & Case might have brought the DTC app deadline forward too cos the website says the deadline is 10/05/2026, not 12/07/2026.​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I think White & Case might have brought the DTC app deadline forward too cos the website says the deadline is 10/05/2026, not 12/07/2026.​

Hey!

Thank you for flagging - this has now been updated!

 

[Reehan23@]

Can you help me with how I can explain my mitigating circumstances to White and Case?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can you help me with how I can explain my mitigating circumstances to White and Case?

Hi!

When it comes to mitigating circumstances, it is really about providing context so that your application is read fairly in light of those circumstances. You don't need to overthink the tone or content too much - I would aim to be clear and factual, rather than overly detailed or emotive.

It is usually best to briefly outline what happened (in neutral terms), the explain the impact that it had on your academic performance / work performance. I would try not to go into too much personal detail, as the focus should be on how your performance was affected as a result of the circumstances. It also helps to highlight what your typical level of performance looks like, so the reader can see that the affected results aren't fully representative.

You could include a forward-looking point at the end, such as how things have improved or what you have taken from the experience, as this can show resilience and self-awareness. However, I wouldn't say that this is necessary, and I would focus on providing context to the graduate recruitment team so they can see that your grades/performance over that period isn't reflective of your overall performance.

I hope that helps - if you have any further queries in the future, I'd pop them in the Direct Training Contract or Vacation Scheme Discussion thread rather than here (as this is the deadlines thread), as other forum users might be able to assist too!

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2025/26🙏]

Hi, does anyone have tips for RPC's Bristol AC? or London if you've done one in the past?

 

[theconfusedlawyer]

Is it rude to email a law firm asking if they reimburse travel costs for an assessment centre?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it rude to email a law firm asking if they reimburse travel costs for an assessment centre?

Hi!

I don't think so at all! It is a completely reasonable question to ask, especially if travelling to the assessment centre would involve significant cost. A lot of firms do reimburse travel expenses and often offer when they send the invite, but policies may vary between firms, so it is a good idea to check if they haven't specified.

There is no harm in asking, and it is a very normal question to ask - the worst they can say is no!

 

[lawgenie2024]

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard from Reed Smith post-SJT for answering the application questions for their direct TC? I did my SJT on 16 May 2026. I’ve heard from friends who’ve completed their SJT before me receive their invite 2 days ago

 

[CharlieandLola]

@Abbie Whitlock do uou know if you can apply for S&C for DTC if you applied unsuccessfully for their vacation scheme?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock do uou know if you can apply for S&C for DTC if you applied unsuccessfully for their vacation scheme?

Hey!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure - I can't seem to find any specific information online as to whether you are able to reapply in the same cycle. I would send a brief and polite email to the graduate recruitment team, as I'm sure they'd be happy to confirm this for you!

 

[shays]

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard from Reed Smith post-SJT for answering the application questions for their direct TC? I did my SJT on 16 May 2026. I’ve heard from friends who’ve completed their SJT before me receive their invite 2 days ago

hey, not sure if you heard back but i completed the test on May 17th and received written questions on May 26th, my deadline to submit was yesterday.

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hi! I’m currently applying to Reed Smith’s 2027 Direct TC. I’m not so sure about the difference between Stephenson Harwood, Reed Smith and Watson Farley & Williams. Can I please have some tips?

And may I know what is the training like in Reed Smith? Anything that is particularly cool?

Thank you very much!

 

[WillKitchen]

Hey!

Thank you for flagging! I've updated the list above to reflect the correct date (30 June 2026)

Glad I've not missed it!

I'm writing my PH app this weekend.

 

[Henrik]

Hi! I’m currently applying to Reed Smith’s 2027 Direct TC. I’m not so sure about the difference between Stephenson Harwood, Reed Smith and Watson Farley & Williams. Can I please have some tips?

And may I know what is the training like in Reed Smith? Anything that is particularly cool?

Thank you very much!

Hey!

These three firms do typically get lumped together since all three grew out of shipping and asset/transport finance and are mid-sized internationals. However, they do all have a key focus.


WFW is the most sector-focused of the three. It's built around energy and infrastructure with a genuine market leadership in renewables and offshore wind. They also have strength in transport, maritime and natural resources, with assets and structured finance as its single biggest group.
If energy/infra/projects is your thing and you like the idea of being a sector specialist, WFW is a strong match. It also have unique training, offering 6 4-month seats rather than the industry standard 4 6-month seats. This also comes with a guaranteed secondment abroad.


Stephenson Harwood is the shipping/maritime firm. World-leading shipping practices but with a broad English mid-market spread around it: providing asset finance for ships, rail and aircraft , private wealth, real estate, funds and disputes. They are more of a well-rounded English firm with a famous shipping centre. 4 6-month seats, small teams, lots of responsibility early.


Reed Smith is a US firm from Pittsburgh, but London is its biggest office with more TC's and a more cross-border work feel. Same shipping/commodities/energy roots as the others, but with far bigger disputes, arbitration and insurance practices. They also have strength in entertainment, media, sports and video games/esports. NQ pay is highest of these three firms too at £135k vs roughly £100-105k at SH and WFW.

Reed Smith training is 4 seats, 6-months each , structured around industry groups rather than legal departments, so a seat is geared to everything one sector needs (corp, finance, real estate, disputes all together). You can pick seats as you go rather than committing upfront and secondment choices are high. They also run a "professional SQE" where you work part-time at the firm while you study.

Don't write about Reed Smith as if it's interchangeable with the other two. Show you understand why you're picking a US-HQ, sector-led firm, and tie your motivation to one or two specific industry groups (energy, shipping, financial services, life sciences or media) rather than international work in general.

Further information on Reed Smith and Stephenson Harwood is available on the 'Law Profile' section of TCLA Premium, where we breakdown in depth what makes the firms unique to help you understand them well for your applications.

Hope this helps!

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hey!

These three firms do typically get lumped together since all three grew out of shipping and asset/transport finance and are mid-sized internationals. However, they do all have a key focus.


WFW is the most sector-focused of the three. It's built around energy and infrastructure with a genuine market leadership in renewables and offshore wind. They also have strength in transport, maritime and natural resources, with assets and structured finance as its single biggest group.
If energy/infra/projects is your thing and you like the idea of being a sector specialist, WFW is a strong match. It also have unique training, offering 6 4-month seats rather than the industry standard 4 6-month seats. This also comes with a guaranteed secondment abroad.


Stephenson Harwood is the shipping/maritime firm. World-leading shipping practices but with a broad English mid-market spread around it: providing asset finance for ships, rail and aircraft , private wealth, real estate, funds and disputes. They are more of a well-rounded English firm with a famous shipping centre. 4 6-month seats, small teams, lots of responsibility early.


Reed Smith is a US firm from Pittsburgh, but London is its biggest office with more TC's and a more cross-border work feel. Same shipping/commodities/energy roots as the others, but with far bigger disputes, arbitration and insurance practices. They also have strength in entertainment, media, sports and video games/esports. NQ pay is highest of these three firms too at £135k vs roughly £100-105k at SH and WFW.

Reed Smith training is 4 seats, 6-months each , structured around industry groups rather than legal departments, so a seat is geared to everything one sector needs (corp, finance, real estate, disputes all together). You can pick seats as you go rather than committing upfront and secondment choices are high. They also run a "professional SQE" where you work part-time at the firm while you study.

Don't write about Reed Smith as if it's interchangeable with the other two. Show you understand why you're picking a US-HQ, sector-led firm, and tie your motivation to one or two specific industry groups (energy, shipping, financial services, life sciences or media) rather than international work in general.

Further information on Reed Smith and Stephenson Harwood is available on the 'Law Profile' section of TCLA Premium, where we breakdown in depth what makes the firms unique to help you understand them well for your applications.

Hope this helps!

Thank you very much for your advice I’m new to this page, so I’m trying to find my way around this website.

 

[WillKitchen]

Is anyone else working on a Paul Hastings TC application and open to a draft swap?

We can proofread the text and make suggestions to improve. Ideally, a fellow career changer, but no worries if not.

I'm hoping to finalise this within the next week. Feel free to DM!