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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

RaniaH062002

Distinguished Member
Feb 27, 2025
53
65
I applied for schemes/ TC’s starting in my 2nd year of uni albeit I’ve never took it seriously, same in 2024. This was my first year taking it seriously and I didn’t get anywhere.

I’m turning 23 this year and I used to think that not getting a TC now means I’ll be ‘out of my prime’ when I may end up getting one years down the line with fresh graduates securing TC’s at the ages of 20. But I realise that’s just ridiculous and it’s unfair to compare myself to other people.

I do feel very down about my rejections but I’m not going to give up! I mean it’s not the end for me, although I don’t work in a legally qualifying job I do work in a stable job as crown court clerk, I’m currently doing my Law Conversion Course (Master’s) with BPP and I’m prepping to take the SQE1 next year in the summer.

And it’s not the end for everyone else either! You can get thousands of rejects but we only need one yes to move forward.

Am I correct that the application cycle for the majority of firms begin in October/November? I’m going to make it my mission to start prepping early.
 

TCLA Community Assistant

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,526
21,763
I applied for schemes/ TC’s starting in my 2nd year of uni albeit I’ve never took it seriously, same in 2024. This was my first year taking it seriously and I didn’t get anywhere.

I’m turning 23 this year and I used to think that not getting a TC now means I’ll be ‘out of my prime’ when I may end up getting one years down the line with fresh graduates securing TC’s at the ages of 20. But I realise that’s just ridiculous and it’s unfair to compare myself to other people.

I do feel very down about my rejections but I’m not going to give up! I mean it’s not the end for me, although I don’t work in a legally qualifying job I do work in a stable job as crown court clerk, I’m currently doing my Law Conversion Course (Master’s) with BPP and I’m prepping to take the SQE1 next year in the summer.

And it’s not the end for everyone else either! You can get thousands of rejects but we only need one yes to move forward.

Am I correct that the application cycle for the majority of firms begin in October/November? I’m going to make it my mission to start prepping early.
Many people are surprised to hear the average age of a trainee is 28/29 - so you really are not behind or "out of your prime". I'd also say it is far more common for non-law graduated to come to the career after they have graduates or when they have started their GDL.

There maybe some direct TCs you can apply to between now and mid-to-late July, but there are some firms that have closed for this year, whether this is because they recruit solely through their vacation schemes or where they have already closed for TCs this year.

Well done on persevering - it is half the battle with this process. Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
 

law_junkie

Active Member
Feb 20, 2025
15
33
I applied for schemes/ TC’s starting in my 2nd year of uni albeit I’ve never took it seriously, same in 2024. This was my first year taking it seriously and I didn’t get anywhere.

I’m turning 23 this year and I used to think that not getting a TC now means I’ll be ‘out of my prime’ when I may end up getting one years down the line with fresh graduates securing TC’s at the ages of 20. But I realise that’s just ridiculous and it’s unfair to compare myself to other people.

I do feel very down about my rejections but I’m not going to give up! I mean it’s not the end for me, although I don’t work in a legally qualifying job I do work in a stable job as crown court clerk, I’m currently doing my Law Conversion Course (Master’s) with BPP and I’m prepping to take the SQE1 next year in the summer.

And it’s not the end for everyone else either! You can get thousands of rejects but we only need one yes to move forward.

Am I correct that the application cycle for the majority of firms begin in October/November? I’m going to make it my mission to start prepping early.
Yeah, sometimes it just gets really frustrating — you put so much time and effort into your applications, only to end up with rejections. It stings, hard.This is my second cycle as an international student and honestly, I’m at the point where I’m like… what else am I supposed to do? Start sending personalised hampers to the graduate recruitment teams?
 

RaniaH062002

Distinguished Member
Feb 27, 2025
53
65
Yeah, sometimes it just gets really frustrating — you put so much time and effort into your applications, only to end up with rejections. It stings, hard.This is my second cycle as an international student and honestly, I’m at the point where I’m like… what else am I supposed to do? Start sending personalised hampers to the graduate recruitment teams?
I know how you feel it's extremely frustrating. I keep wondering what am I doing wrong? Am I not fit to be a lawyer? Especially when you work really hard on an application and don't even make it past the first stage...
 
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