TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[rain2801]

As a fellow international candidate, my best advice is to connect yourself to London commercial law as much as you can. Attend insight events, open days, law fairs, mentoring schemes etc. because you’ll need to answer the “why commercial solicitor” question on almost every application and that should be tailored to working in the UK specifically. The firms I’ve succeeded with so far (SC, US and other top global) asked about this without exception, though I did an exchange in the UK as part of my law degree so it was somewhat easier for me to argue why I’d like to work there (and needless to say, the money and prestige aren’t good enough reasons).

Also, you’re not eligible for vac schemes (maybe with the exception of Reed Smith if I’m not mistaken), so you’re essentially restricted to direct TCs with top firms that sponsor foreigners - this is an insanely competitive process. You’ll need PERFECT and tailored applications with plenty of legal experience, even with firms that do hire 50% from the direct route like Stephenson Harwood or MCs. Start working on applications way ahead of the deadline. Your academics look good, it helps if you got any awards or distinctions at uni. And you could always do an LLM in the UK to help your case, but I personally think that only Oxbridge or perhaps LSE would make a significant difference, besides getting a UK visa of course.

Overall it’s doable and once you pass the first application stage, it’s all about how good you are and not your non-UK academics or need for visa sponsorship. Practise all kinds of tests and case studies that could come up in advance, and I’d start prepping for interviews every day - nothing more annoying that when you finally get an interview invite and in the midst of applications you forgot to prepare.

Hi, thank you so much! This was very helpful. In terms of academic awards, my university does not publicise ranks of students and only provides grades, so we also don't get academic awards or anything until we graduate either which is when we do get to know our relative ranks. I did consider LLMs, but as you said barring Oxbridge and LSE there's not many places which can add onto my CV, not to mention the costs of doing an LLM are significantly higher as an international student with limited scholarship avenues. I have started preparing for the upcoming cycle and plan to apply to more firms, although I'm still looking for help on how to draft my personal statement better since I believe that is one key area I am still lacking in. Would it be fine if I reach out to you over DM for advice on personal statement?

 

[rain2801]

Hi,
I'm not sure how helpful this might be for you. While I agree with everyone else and usually vacation schemes do not sponsor visas, there are a few US based firms which sponsor visas for vacation schemes for successful international applicants. You would need to research and make a list of those before applying as they aren't listed anywhere unfortunately.

Hi, thank you for responding. I've already started preparing a list of places to apply for, where most of them are DTCs but a few are vacation schemes. Although a lot of places are yet to publicise their dates.