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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Amgrad

Legendary Member
Oct 2, 2025
130
154
Hey! Who is eligible for it? From the website it seems like you need to study in china? Or am I tripping. Also, are you allowed to apply to both the trainee associate and the London Asia scheme?
No, in fact it says they will sponsor visa. You can check it on Q&A. Once you clicked the app, it will show you the priority for Mandarin, Korean or Bahasa Indonesia speakers. I'm assuming they welcome Thai and Vietnamese speakers too as we all emerging markets and not using English in daily basis. Also, typically they're not allowing multiple app in one cycle. You can clarify to them on the legal cheek law fair tonight.
 
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jacksollaf

Legendary Member
Dec 17, 2024
284
552
Good evening everyone,

Wanted to ask you all, or whoever would like to assist, for some advice. Basically, I'm a final year law student in London, and I did not manage to secure a TC yet (did a vac scheme but couldn't convert). I obviously applied this year for vac schemes and direct TCs but I feel less hopeful about securing a TC.

Accordingly, I am really wondering whether I should pursue the LLM SQE myself next year ; or whether I should go to a national/local firm in the GCC (where my father is a partner) and just work two years there to convert that into QWE and then in Sep 2029 (so with two years of experience) do my LLM SQE and pass the SQE... Is the wait better, in terms of chances of transferring back to the UK, or would me leaving the UK be sort of an impossible way to return for grad recs in London?

I ask this because applications this year are for 2028, so if I do my LLM, I would technically be unemployed from June 2027 until Jan/March/Sep 2028 (although I could work in the local firm in the meantime)...

Also, assuming I choose the working two years abroad option, after returning and doing my LLM SQE (technically at this point I would become a solicitor), how would I even enter the UK legal market? would they want another training contract, or as an associate? would it be more difficult than me currently trying to secure a TC or slightly more relaxed? Would I need to work a few extra years abroad so I gain even more experience, so say PQ1+ or it would work without? because I really want to work in London but it's just so competitive...

Idk who to @ but I guess whoever could help that would be truly appreciated. Many thanks.
 

Vdfrz20

Well-Known Member
  • Dec 6, 2024
    23
    14
    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.

    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.
    hey! I am also an international candidate - would you mind sharing what firms were you successful with?
     

    1stCycleApplicant

    Star Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    44
    127
    WG test from Clifford Chance received. Sunday is the deadline. I'm actually really enjoying all the practice tests and I've asked ChatGPT to make practice questions that are even harder than the actual test. Can anyone who has done the real thing provide any insight into the difficulty?
    I found CC wg relatively simple compared to others. Best of luck!
     
    • 🏆
    Reactions: Prudentia
    WG test from Clifford Chance received. Sunday is the deadline. I'm actually really enjoying all the practice tests and I've asked ChatGPT to make practice questions that are even harder than the actual test. Can anyone who has done the real thing provide any insight into the difficulty?
    That’s quite innovative! Do you mind sharing what prompt you put into ChatGPT for this?
     
    • ℹ️
    Reactions: user9809

    enyildiz

    New Member
    Nov 4, 2025
    2
    0
    Guys hi! Could someone please help me figure out what 1st and 2:1 correspond to on the 4/4 GPA scale. Universities seem to have differing requirements depending on which country the degree was received from (ie Oxford requires a 3.6 from Turkey for 1st while LSE requires a 3.5 and QMUL requires a 3.3), so I’m not sure what to write on my TC applications.

    For reference, I earned my LLB degree in Turkey with a 3.48 and my LLM degree in the United States with a 3.46.
     

    Prudentia

    Well-Known Member
    Oct 21, 2025
    24
    29
    That’s quite innovative! Do you mind sharing what prompt you put into ChatGPT for this?
    Of course!

    I input the following:

    “I am studying for the Watson Glaser test as part of my application to [insert law firm]. Please give me practice questions on each of the five sections of the test and make them difficult. Give me one question at a time, but do not tell me the answer until after I have attempted the question. Ensure you explain the logic and reasoning behind each answer.”

    Once you’ve prompted it once and done a few practice questions it can then help you put together a study plan to address your weak points. I’ve found GPT’s explanations of the technique to be really helpful and my scores have massively improved.
     

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