TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SueD]

My Farrers automatic email to confirm receipt of my application said we wouldn’t hear back from them (with anything) until end of May so I’m very surprised you’ve already done proofreading and been invited to interview. Looks like bad news for me but congratulations to you!

 

[Maddy]

Any idea what's happening with bakers and when we might hear back?

 

[ghostyb]

can you close the tab before starting VI portion for Reed Smith? Or do people usually leave it open?

 

[axelrod901]

have people heard back from Howard Kennedy (Direct TC)?

 

[futurelawyer45]

I am starting to feel so hopeless about the job market. I didn’t expect to struggle this much to find a paralegal/legal assistant role at high street firms as much as I am struggling to secure a TC. Everyone seems to want experience for entry level legal roles instead of also looking at your potential. It’s exhausting! Because how can I even get this experience if only a very small number of firms are willing to take the risk and give me a chance. It feels like a paradox.

The worst part is the radio silence. I attended a legal assistant interview with a high street firm. I took the time out of work, even prepared for the interview and they ghosted me. After a few weeks it became obvious that I wasn’t successful in securing the role, but it really made me feel sad because I just put a lot of effort into this and I am taking time to write cover letters even after work when I am tired. It is therefore disappointing when a firm doesn’t deem you good enough to even send a quick email to tell you that you were unsuccessful.

This market is brutal! Sorry for the rant, just wondering whether anyone is also struggling like this and how are they coping.

Literally on the same boat! It's so funny because with me, high street saying I'm "overqualified" for them, which is why they've not been selecting me ( which is insane, like I just want a job... but, I think they're just scared I'll leave the second I get a better offer which is understandable as I want a TC but still...) and then with international/ bigger firms, I'm being told i'm not competitive enough, despite having a tone of experiences on my CV, about to graduate with predicted first class degree (non rg but, still a VERY reptuble uni and all the extracurriculars one can imagine) they'd outright reject me and not even bother interviewing which is so weird... So, I totally get you. I've made over 50 TAILORED paralegal apps in the last 2 months and got nowhere yet.