TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone!

With several firms preparing to open applications for direct training contracts, we are launching this dedicated thread for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to direct training contract applications. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms. As ever, the strength of this forum lies in its thoughtfulness and collegiality. Please continue to share your insights generously and to engage with each other constructively.

Finally, last year’s thread can be found here: TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024–25. Later this month, I will post a consolidated list of firms with their respective deadlines to assist those planning their approach for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone the very best as the new cycle begins.

Ram

 

[MadamG]

All the best everyone! This is technically my second cycle. I ended up withdrawing from my first cycle a few years ago to pursue the SQE route.

Now I’m pivoting to try and get a TC!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Good luck to everyone and stay strong, believing in yourself!

 

[👩🎓]

Good luck everyone! I wish everyone success in this cycle!

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Has anyone who did the slaughter interview this week heard back?

 

[MURI]

Has anyone who did the slaughter interview this week heard back?

How did you find it!

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

anyone have any insight/tips into eversheds AC (specifically ME if you have exp) - I can give tips on MC and US firms AC's

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya everyone!

I’ve been putting together a new thread to track open days, first-year schemes, and insight days.

We hope this will be helpful as you prepare for the new application cycle, especially for those who can’t apply for a vacation scheme but still want to meet graduate recruitment teams and get to know firms better. This can be particularly valuable for firms with healthy direct training contract intakes. The tracker will be updated as we confirm more information with firms themselves, so keep checking back for new opportunities.

You can find the tracker here. Good luck with your cycle!

 

[yk1906]

Hiya everyone!

I’ve been putting together a new thread to track open days, first-year schemes, and insight days.

We hope this will be helpful as you prepare for the new application cycle, especially for those who can’t apply for a vacation scheme but still want to meet graduate recruitment teams and get to know firms better. This can be particularly valuable for firms with healthy direct training contract intakes. The tracker will be updated as we confirm more information with firms themselves, so keep checking back for new opportunities.

You can find the tracker here. Good luck with your cycle!

Thank you so so much! And good luck to everyone

 

[yk1906]

There's no list of DTC deadlines yet, right?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Anyone heard from Fieldfisher at all this year with TC offers?

 

[ELSA19]

Hi everyone! I have two questions ahead of this application cycle.


I completed my undergraduate law degree at a Russell Group university, but my grades weren’t the strongest, I graduated with a 2.1 overall, with extenuating circumstances. I know firms usually require at least a 2.1, but also look at individual module grades. I’m also aware that some firms, such as Slaughter and May, are particularly strict on academics, so I don’t plan to apply there. What would you recommend my strategy be? Do you think I still have a chance with some Magic Circle or Silver Circle firms, or should I contact graduate recruitment directly?


My second question is about my experience. I’ve worked in strategy consulting for three years since graduating, and I’ve now decided to return to law - I’m starting my SQE LLM course in two weeks’ time. Would it make sense for me to apply directly for training contracts given my work experience (which includes a number of due diligence projects and many transferable skills), or should I still apply for vacation schemes since my legal experience is limited (just two months of internships at law firms during university, about five years ago)?

Thanks so much, and best of luck to everyone applying this year!

 

[a1024]

Hi, just wondering if TCLA has a WhatsApp group which we can join?

 

[Jaysen]

Hi, just wondering if TCLA has a WhatsApp group which we can join?

We sure do! You should get an email about this when you sign up, but please feel free to drop me an email at [email protected] if you haven't

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone! I have two questions ahead of this application cycle.


I completed my undergraduate law degree at a Russell Group university, but my grades weren’t the strongest, I graduated with a 2.1 overall, with extenuating circumstances. I know firms usually require at least a 2.1, but also look at individual module grades. I’m also aware that some firms, such as Slaughter and May, are particularly strict on academics, so I don’t plan to apply there. What would you recommend my strategy be? Do you think I still have a chance with some Magic Circle or Silver Circle firms, or should I contact graduate recruitment directly?


My second question is about my experience. I’ve worked in strategy consulting for three years since graduating, and I’ve now decided to return to law - I’m starting my SQE LLM course in two weeks’ time. Would it make sense for me to apply directly for training contracts given my work experience (which includes a number of due diligence projects and many transferable skills), or should I still apply for vacation schemes since my legal experience is limited (just two months of internships at law firms during university, about five years ago)?

Thanks so much, and best of luck to everyone applying this year!

You definitely still have a chance with magic circle and silver circle firms. As long as you have a 2:1, that's all you need, especially if extenuating circumstances will explain any lower module grades.

Regarding the second question, my personal view is you'll have a better chance applying to vacation schemes. Many firms have moved over to hiring mostly/if not all through the vacation scheme and it's usually a lower threshold to secure one (you don't need much relevant legal experience). I would still send direct training contract applications out to firms you are interested in, though, especially those that recruit largely from the training contract (this thread should give you an idea).

 

[rain2801]

Hi, I'm a final year student from a law school in India. I have not been educated in the UK and would require a right to work there. I tried for VS and DTCs last year, but didn't make it past the application stage. I applied to Links, HSF, AOSS, Freshfields, Milbank and CC. I want to apply for VS and DTCs more seriously this year and apply to more firms as well, since I didn't have any guidance when applying last year. If there's anyone who can assist me in how best to approach the applications as an international applicant, please let me know. Would appreciate your insights as well @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu, thank you!

 

[Mara]

Hi, I'm a final year student from a law school in India. I have not been educated in the UK and would require a right to work there. I tried for VS and DTCs last year, but didn't make it past the application stage. I applied to Links, HSF, AOSS, Freshfields, Milbank and CC. I want to apply for VS and DTCs more seriously this year and apply to more firms as well, since I didn't have any guidance when applying last year. If there's anyone who can assist me in how best to approach the applications as an international applicant, please let me know. Would appreciate your insights as well @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu, thank you!

I don't think international applicants outside of the UK can apply for vacation schemes as you'd require a work visa, but that's my common sense assumption and I may be wrong...

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi, I'm a final year student from a law school in India. I have not been educated in the UK and would require a right to work there. I tried for VS and DTCs last year, but didn't make it past the application stage. I applied to Links, HSF, AOSS, Freshfields, Milbank and CC. I want to apply for VS and DTCs more seriously this year and apply to more firms as well, since I didn't have any guidance when applying last year. If there's anyone who can assist me in how best to approach the applications as an international applicant, please let me know. Would appreciate your insights as well @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu, thank you!

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.

 

[confusedbird]

Hi, I'm a final year student from a law school in India. I have not been educated in the UK and would require a right to work there. I tried for VS and DTCs last year, but didn't make it past the application stage. I applied to Links, HSF, AOSS, Freshfields, Milbank and CC. I want to apply for VS and DTCs more seriously this year and apply to more firms as well, since I didn't have any guidance when applying last year. If there's anyone who can assist me in how best to approach the applications as an international applicant, please let me know. Would appreciate your insights as well @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu, thank you!

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.

 

[rain2801]

I don't think international applicants outside of the UK can apply for vacation schemes as you'd require a work visa, but that's my common sense assumption and I may be wrong...

Hi, yes a lot of them don't but a few do. Coming from India, there were schemes tailored to Indian students by Links and HSF which I applied to.