TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[LawfullyHopeful]

Just received a Reed Smith test and VI - any advice would be greatly appreciated?

 

[yk1906]

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?

People received PFOs post-app in this forum

 

[LawInTheNorth]

Can anyone help with the timeline for RS because I was under the impression if you were successful you would be starting the SQE this August? Did people understand that the same way?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hey guys, anyone heard back from Watson Farley & Williams? I knew they were reviewing apps on a rolling basis but because of uni and personal stuff I could only submit it on the deadline. Received 2 PFOs in the last week so I wanna know if I should anticipate another one, thanks!

Yes invited to AC but I declined because I have a TC offer

 

[yk1906]

Can anyone help with the timeline for RS because I was under the impression if you were successful you would be starting the SQE this August? Did people understand that the same way?

I’ve read on their website the date was March….

 

[BealMcAlly]

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?

I would like to assume they screened written applications first.

 

[yuk0n]

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?

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

 

[WeGotThis!]

Can anyone help with the timeline for RS because I was under the impression if you were successful you would be starting the SQE this August? Did people understand that the same way?

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.

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Can anyone help with the timeline for RS because I was under the impression if you were successful you would be starting the SQE this August? Did people understand that the same way?

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

 

[trainee4u]

The SQE is a 12-month long course so I think that will be the SQE start date (Mar 26 to Mar 27). The TC would begin in Mar 27.​

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.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

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

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!

 

[Equity'sDarling]

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.

 

[tobywstress]

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.

Congratulations! Do you mind telling when did the invite come through?

 

[BM99]

Does anyone know how long does it take for Macfarlanes to get back to applicants after the deadline?

 

[Peppermint tea]

Anyone hear from Haynes and Boone for the 2nd interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know how long does it take for Macfarlanes to get back to applicants after the deadline?

I’ve just seen that they recruit on a non-rolling basis, meaning they probably are taking time due to having to review the bulk of applications that came in. Due to this, I would not be worried if you haven’t heard back yet.

Apply - Macfarlanes

www.macfarlanes.com

 

[Amma Usman]

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.

Congrats on both the TC offer and interview invite offer!

 

[Amma Usman]

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.

Also, I really love the username haha! Land law memories lol!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! Just been invited to the Reed Smith VI. Please DM me if you have any tips please! This is the last app of the year for me so it means a lot. Thank you x

This will help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

Congrats on the invite!

 

[Amma Usman]

if anyone has any tips on RS VI, please let me know. I would be very very grateful, it is my last hope

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

That should help!