TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[routetotrainingcontract]

I progressed to stage 3 on Monday. Not sure about their timings, though, as they have been doing interviews the past few weeks.

What is the stage 3 please?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Is anyone still waiting on BCLP post test? I’ve not yet heard anything (PFO or VI). I sent my app on the 17th May and took the test on the 18th…​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey! on the subject of extra time I know sometimes people with mitigating circumstances get extra time for exams - sometimes in grave circumstances they are granted extra time by their university to complete their degree. How do law firms look at this (especially the latter?). Would the latter be a red flag or count against you?

Hey!

If there are genuine mitigating circumstances, I personally can't imagine this being viewed as a red flag in itself. Universities don't grant extra time or extensions to complete degrees lightly, so I think firms are generally aware that there can be circumstances that affect someone's timeline at university that are beyond their control, and will absolutely take those into account.

For exam adjustments (e.g. extra time), I'd expect firms to focus much more on the outcome of your degree and your overall application form rather than the adjustment itself. Equally, if someone has been granted additional time to complete their degree due to mitigating circumstances, I wouldn't assume that would count against them if there are clear reasons as to why they had that adjustment.

If there is space on the application to provide context, I'd definitely do this and keep it brief and factual. Ultimately, almost all firms look at applications holistically and will focus on the grades achieved, your experiences, and the strength of your overall application, rather than viewing a different study timeline as a negative in itself.

I've seen plenty of successful applicants take non-liner routes through university and still secure VS/TC offers. I hope that assists!