TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock if I previously done the Get Ahead scheme with Linklaters and have years of paralegal experience, would be okay for me to apply for the DTC instead of the WVS or SVS? 😊

Hi @JasmineM9 !

It's great that you've already got the Get Ahead scheme and solid paralegal experience - that gives you a really strong foundation whichever route you choose. For context, I secured my TC through the Direct TC route at my firm after a year as a paralegal and completing a few vacation schemes, so I'd say it's definitely possible with your background.

When applying for the DTC route, it's important to be able to confidently draw on your past experiences and show how they demonstrate the skills and attributes that Linklaters will be looking for at the assessment centre. You'll likely have to complete a range of assessments at the AC as well (e.g. written tasks, group exercises, and case study interviews), so it's worth making sure that you feel confident with these - especially as DTC assessment centres can be more competitive.

The vacation scheme is really useful if you'd like to learn more about the firm and gain first-hand experience, but if the DTC fits better for you, I'd say go for it!

 

[JasmineM9]

Hi @JasmineM9 !

It's great that you've already got the Get Ahead scheme and solid paralegal experience - that gives you a really strong foundation whichever route you choose. For context, I secured my TC through the Direct TC route at my firm after a year as a paralegal and completing a few vacation schemes, so I'd say it's definitely possible with your background.

When applying for the DTC route, it's important to be able to confidently draw on your past experiences and show how they demonstrate the skills and attributes that Linklaters will be looking for at the assessment centre. You'll likely have to complete a range of assessments at the AC as well (e.g. written tasks, group exercises, and case study interviews), so it's worth making sure that you feel confident with these - especially as DTC assessment centres can be more competitive.

The vacation scheme is really useful if you'd like to learn more about the firm and gain first-hand experience, but if the DTC fits better for you, I'd say go for it!

Thank you so much @Abbie Whitlock 😁

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi everyone, I just wanted to some guidance on law applications this year. I sound like newbie because I very much am. for context I am a non-law student going into my third year. do I apply for vacation schemes or direct training contracts? when does sqe begin/do I need to factor that in when training contracts state they begin 2027 or 2028? I get so confused with the dates. sorry if I sound stupid, the entire thing is really stressful and I don't know where to begin or what to do.

also does slaughter and may and cc not have vacation schemes? am I eligible for all training contracts now? is there a general thing people know about certain firms and their VS and TC's when it comes to non-law and law students? do these firms always pay for my sqe and give me a law uni spot, is the sqe a full year programme of which if I pass I start the TC in 2027?

any clarification would be so helpful

Hi @annalise.joyn !

Welcome to the forum! First of all, don't worry - you definitely do not sound stupid! Everyone finds this process confusing at the start, especially as there are so many factors to take into consideration.

As a non-law student going into your third year, I would focus on applying for Vacation Schemes (VS). This will give you the opportunity to experience different areas of law and gain some legal experience, whilst learning more about the specific firm! I would say that Direct TC applications are more suitable for candidates who already have legal experience, or who are unable to complete Vacation Schemes.

Key Dates & The SQE

As a non-law student, you will need to do the PDGL (the law conversion course) before the SQE. This is typically why TC start dates are so far out (2027/2028). A typical timeline would look like this:

• 2026 - 2027: Following graduation, you will do the PDGL (the 1-year law conversion course)
• 2027 - 2028: You'll do the SQE preparation course and exams (the 1-year course, consisting of SQE1 and SQE2)
• 2028 onwards: You are able to start a TC from September 2028 onwards

Therefore, you would be eligible to apply for any TC's that state 2028/29 onwards.

Yes, most city firms will pay for your PGDL and your SQE fees. Additionally, most firms will also give you a maintenance grant to live on during that time as well. If you have a look at the 'The Firms Most List' on Legal Cheek, this should give you a rough idea of each firm's policy in relation to course fees / maintenance.

Specific Firms

To answer your queries in relation to Clifford Chance and Slaughter and May:

• Clifford Chance (CC): They do not have a traditional vacation scheme, as the SPARK programme is only open to first-year law students (three-year degree), second-year law students (four-year degree), and penultimate year non-law students. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for Clifford Chance, this would be through their Direct TC route.
• Slaughter and May: From what I can see on their website, as a final year student, you would only be eligible to apply for their Direct TC route. However, they offer Virtual Insight Afternoons for final year students and graduates, which would be a great way of gaining some insight into the firm without the traditional Vacation Scheme. Crucially, if you are a non-law student, you can apply for a training contract in the autumn of your final year or as a graduate.

As a final year non-law student, you are likely to be eligible for the vast majority of training contract applications.

Starting Point

As a starting point, I would do some research into firms and practice areas / sectors that you think you might be interested in and make a list of your top choices and their key deadlines. This could focus on Vacation Schemes and Open Days, as they will give you the best insight into each individual firm.

In preparation for making applications, I would see if you can get some legal extracurricular experience (such as in your university's Law Society) and work on your commercial awareness. This sounds like a big task (and something I struggled with a lot at first), but something as small as following the news, listening to podcasts such as The FT News Briefing, and reading resources on TCLA can really help build the foundational knowledge that will help you be successful in applications.

As a non-law student, you are in a great position as firms love diverse degree backgrounds. It's typically quite an even split between law and non-law graduates in intake years. The process between the two is nearly identical - you will just need to complete the PGDL as well.

I hope that all makes sense! This process is definitely a lot to wrap your head around when you start, so don't feel silly about asking any questions as everyone on the forum is more than happy to help. If you need me to clarify / expand on something, just shout!

 

[johnnysins]

Has anybody else applied for Gibson Dunn's Direct TC? Not sure how different the assessment process and timeline are from the summer vacation schemes.

 

[berocca567]

How long does Slaughters usually take to respond?/ Has anyone heard from them yet?

 

[Z48]

Has anybody else applied for Gibson Dunn's Direct TC? Not sure how different the assessment process and timeline are from the summer vacation schemes.

I don’t think they have a direct process, I know you can select that on the form but think it has to be in combination with a VS application. Their page says “To secure a training contract you should first apply for our vacation scheme”, but maybe email to confirm?

 

[efm99]

Does anyone know if Brown Rudnick's application is rolling or non-rolling?

 

[wqueens8]

Hey everyone, one of the questions on hogan lovells app is "Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role"

So I take it from this I should not be speaking about anything in my part time roles, or in my education. But are vacation schemes fair to speak about? What about extra curricular roles within uni like committee positions?

Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know if Brown Rudnick's application is rolling or non-rolling?

Hi @efm99 !

I couldn't find anything online that specifically states whether Brown Rudnick's application is rolling or non-rolling. Since there are fixed dates for the interview period and offers, this suggests to me that it is non-rolling process. However, if you'd like to double check, it might be worth emailing graduate recruitment to confirm!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey everyone, one of the questions on hogan lovells app is "Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role"

So I take it from this I should not be speaking about anything in my part time roles, or in my education. But are vacation schemes fair to speak about? What about extra curricular roles within uni like committee positions?

Thanks!

Hi! I think for this question they’re really asking you to move away from the obvious (part-time jobs, formal work experience, or academics) and instead highlight things like volunteering, extra-curriculars, committee positions, sports, creative projects, or other personal initiatives. These are great because they let you show transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, resilience, or problem-solving in a different context.

Vacation schemes wouldn’t be suitable here since they’re classed as legal work experience, but something like a uni society committee role, volunteering project, or even long-term hobbies that required dedication would fit perfectly.

 

[TCLA0322]

CC changed their app system and question, made mistake to write their classical 500 word Q last year😅💀

 

[confusedbird]

CC changed their app system and question, made mistake to write their classical 500 word Q last year😅💀

wait they did? what's the question this year? (if you don't mind me asking ofc)

 

[noahsmiit01]

wait they did? what's the question this year? (if you don't mind me asking ofc)

In no more than 1440 characters, including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance

In no more than 1440 characters including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

In no more than 1440 characters including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility or an achievement of importance which you are most proud of

 

[confusedbird]

In no more than 1440 characters, including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance

In no more than 1440 characters including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

In no more than 1440 characters including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility or an achievement of importance which you are most proud of

thank you!!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi! I think for this question they’re really asking you to move away from the obvious (part-time jobs, formal work experience, or academics) and instead highlight things like volunteering, extra-curriculars, committee positions, sports, creative projects, or other personal initiatives. These are great because they let you show transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, resilience, or problem-solving in a different context.

Vacation schemes wouldn’t be suitable here since they’re classed as legal work experience, but something like a uni society committee role, volunteering project, or even long-term hobbies that required dedication would fit perfectly.

Hi @ZNadeem, how many extracurriculars would you recommend mentioning? Would 4 be too much for 250 words or should I stick to three?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi @ZNadeem, how many extracurriculars would you recommend mentioning? Would 4 be too much for 250 words or should I stick to three?

Hi! I would actually suggest sticking to 2 — that way you can go into depth and really draw out the skills, rather than spreading yourself too thin. 3 can work if they’re tightly written, but 4 in 250 words would almost definitely sacrifice depth for breadth.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi! I would actually suggest sticking to 2 — that way you can go into depth and really draw out the skills, rather than spreading yourself too thin. 3 can work if they’re tightly written, but 4 in 250 words would almost definitely sacrifice depth for breadth.

Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey everyone, one of the questions on hogan lovells app is "Tell us about any experiences outside of your work and study that have allowed you to develop skills that are relevant to this role"

So I take it from this I should not be speaking about anything in my part time roles, or in my education. But are vacation schemes fair to speak about? What about extra curricular roles within uni like committee positions?

Thanks!

Hi!

Since the question specifically asks about experiences outside of work and study, I’d avoid talking about part-time jobs, internships, vacation schemes or academic projects - these will be more relevant elsewhere in your application.

Extra-curricular roles within uni - such as being on a society committee, volunteering, running events, or any leadership roles - are definitely fair to include. Whilst they are connected to your uni, they are not part of your formal study or paid employment, so they would fit with what the question is asking for.

For example:

1. Being treasurer or president of a society could show leadership, organisation, and teamwork.
2. Volunteering (legal or non-legal) might show empathy, communication, and resilience.
3. Organising events or working in a student ambassador role could highlight time management, responsibility, or public speaking.

For instance, I used to discuss my role as Welfare Secretary for my university’s Motorsport Society. I would briefly describe what my responsibilities were, and how this developed relevant skills (e.g. empathy, communication, collaboration). The extra-curricular does not need to be law-related, as long as you draw the transferable skills from it!

I would also make sure to tie your example(s) back to specific skills relevant to a trainee solicitor, like attention to detail, working under pressure, collaboration, or adaptability. This shows that you understand what skills are relevant to the role.

Hope that helps!