TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[MZJxLadha]

Payne Hicks Beach PFO

Me too:’)

 

[Kenomy]

Has anyone heard from Howard Kennedy?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hoping for some advice - I applied for a forensic non-law grad job and did the job sim on Sunday. I have just received an email saying that further positions in the same team (but a different role) have come up and they're asking if I would prefer to continue with my original choice or instead transfer my app to the other role....I honestly have no preference as they're both forensic related but idk if I would then have a better chance with the other role?
Very confused so would appreciate any opinions (apologies for the long message)

Hey!

I personally wouldn't read it as one role necessarily being easier to get than the other - it is more likely that they either have additional vacancies, or think that your profile could suit both. In terms of whether you would have a better chance by switching, it is quite difficult to know without any additional information / context. Unless they have explicitly indicated a preference for which role they'd like you to apply for, there is no guarantee that moving to the new role would improve your odds. Because of that, I would focus less on strategy and more on which role you would actually be happier doing day-to-day, even if the difference between the two feels quite small.

If you are completely neutral, it is still worth taking a look at both job descriptions to see if one stands out even slightly - for example, in terms of the type of work you would be doing, the exposure you would get, or the progression opportunities in the future. You could also reply and ask for a bit more information about how the roles differ before you make a decision, as I'd say this is a completely reasonable request.

If after all that you still don't have a preference, sticking with your original application is absolutely fine. Alternatively, if they perhaps suggest that the new role might be a better fit, it might be worth following that advice.

Overall, I don't think there is an obvious right or wrong choice here (as frustrating as I'm sure that might be!), so I'd try not to overthink it too much. If you really can't decide, I'd just go with your gut instinct

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Hey!

I personally wouldn't read it as one role necessarily being easier to get than the other - it is more likely that they either have additional vacancies, or think that your profile could suit both. In terms of whether you would have a better chance by switching, it is quite difficult to know without any additional information / context. Unless they have explicitly indicated a preference for which role they'd like you to apply for, there is no guarantee that moving to the new role would improve your odds. Because of that, I would focus less on strategy and more on which role you would actually be happier doing day-to-day, even if the difference between the two feels quite small.

If you are completely neutral, it is still worth taking a look at both job descriptions to see if one stands out even slightly - for example, in terms of the type of work you would be doing, the exposure you would get, or the progression opportunities in the future. You could also reply and ask for a bit more information about how the roles differ before you make a decision, as I'd say this is a completely reasonable request.

If after all that you still don't have a preference, sticking with your original application is absolutely fine. Alternatively, if they perhaps suggest that the new role might be a better fit, it might be worth following that advice.

Overall, I don't think there is an obvious right or wrong choice here (as frustrating as I'm sure that might be!), so I'd try not to overthink it too much. If you really can't decide, I'd just go with your gut instinct

Thank you!

 

[Lawlilly]

Any insights for CMS AC? It’s so soon and I would appreciate any advice at all, especially if you have been to one! Thank you

 

[summersun]

Withers Test invite ! Didn't think I would get it since peole are already being invited to interviews so very happy!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Withers Test invite ! Didn't think I would get it since peole are already being invited to interviews so very happy!

Same! Very happy

 

[TC??!]

Hi all, can anyone share some insights into the First Stage Partner-HR interview with Withers as to what I should expect, please? This is my only shot of the year so any advice would be much appreciated!!

 

[juanitasimi]

Does anyone have insights to WFW vi? Thanks !

 

[johjo199]

Does anyone have an idea on how many AC Harbottle will organise?

 

[johjo199]

Does anyone have insights to WFW vi? Thanks !

Is it automatic upon submission of the application form?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Is it automatic upon submission of the application form?

I completed the WFW vi for VS and I believe it was selective.

 

[nicoledm]

Does anyone have an idea on how many AC Harbottle will organise?

There's two I think

 

[Oluwatishe]

Hey,


Please I’ve been a bit confused and wondering, for international students who get training contracts and are sponsored for the PGDL, and LPC ( is it both or one to be able to write the SQE?)

Considering the contract starts in 2028 for example, when do I start attending law school for the PGDL, and write the SQE? , is that starting from 2026, so the time is basically to do all of these?

I hope I was clear enough to understand and thank you for your responses in advance!

 

[summersun]

Hey,


Please I’ve been a bit confused and wondering, for international students who get training contracts and are sponsored for the PGDL, and LPC ( is it both or one to be able to write the SQE?)

Considering the contract starts in 2028 for example, when do I start attending law school for the PGDL, and write the SQE? , is that starting from 2026, so the time is basically to do all of these?

I hope I was clear enough to understand and thank you for your responses in advance!

Hi
if you were applying for a tc in 2028 you would do the pgdl in september 2026 and study for the sqe in september 2027

 

[sans]

Hi everyone. Has anyone applied for a direct tc at Hcr? I’ve got an interview with them but it’s not at the office I wanted (on the application they categorised location into regions with each region covering multiple locations). Does anyone have any insight into this?

 

[Scottishlion]

Any idea when we might hear back from Baker?

 

[Maddy]

Anyone heard back from bakers?

 

[gayathri28]

Any idea when we might hear back from Baker?

Hopefully we will hear back from them by this month end.

 

[neverdidiever]

is the macfarlanes second stage test automatic? or is it based on whether you clear the first SJT?