TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[shadowboxer909]

Simple answer: Yes. Goal is to get a TC.

Stupid question then but if you're a tax associate, wouldn't it be easier to apply for tax law roles directly? I assume most non-TC roles don't require the huge level of effort and assessment centres that are required from TC applications.

And then potentially you could move to another area of law once you qualify.

 

[BM99]

Stupid question then but if you're a tax associate, wouldn't it be easier to apply for tax law roles directly? I assume most non-TC roles don't require the huge level of effort and assessment centres that are required from TC applications.

And then potentially you could move to another area of law once you qualify.

Tax associates at B4 firms are not qualified lawyers, and our roles (at least mine) aren't 100% legal related. I do a lot of data analytics work as well.

I am not sure you can easily move to another area of law once you qualify (e.g. I don't think it's easy to move from tax to DR).

 

[DavidJC]

A&OS PFO this morning for 2028 TC, just highlighting as I'm aware others have said theirs were for 2027

 

[Trophy]

As a Big Four tax associate, I would strongly advise caution when considering this route. The chartered accountant/tax adviser exams are definitely not easy!

Are you qualified or training to be a tax associate? Someone on my vac scheme tot an audit grad scheme at big 4 started in September but had a tc offer to start see next September so will quit 1 year into ACA. Cannot defer his entry to get the full 3 years.

 

[BM99]

Are you qualified or training to be a tax associate? Someone on my vac scheme tot an audit grad scheme at big 4 started in September but had a tc offer to start see next September so will quit 1 year into ACA. Cannot defer his entry to get the full 3 years.

Training now, the job titles are different from law firms

 

[Trophy]

Training now, the job titles are different from law firms

Yh I know. Few of my friends work in audit, tax and consulting. They’re not a huge fan of the ACA (if that’s what you’re doing). Would you leave before the 3 year training program if you got a tc or stick it out?

 

[BM99]

Yh I know. Few of my friends work in audit, tax and consulting. They’re not a huge fan of the ACA (if that’s what you’re doing). Would you leave before the 3 year training program if you got a tc or stick it out?

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

 

[Willgetatc]

slaughter pfo
spent a lot of time and energy on the application, but it is what it is.

Sorry about that how long ago did you apply?

 

[lawcool]

A&OS PFO this morning for 2028 TC, just highlighting as I'm aware others have said theirs were for 2027

Me too oh well!

 

[shadowboxer909]

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

I'm doing my accounting exams at the moment.

I do enjoy it a lot and I find it very useful in my own life for knowing how to read balance sheets etc. Very little application to the law but it's a useful life skill I feel.

 

[Trophy]

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

I'm doing my accounting exams at the moment.

I do enjoy it a lot and I find it very useful in my own life for knowing how to read balance sheets etc. Very little application to the law but it's a useful life skill I feel.

Good luck to you both I’ve heard they can be harder than the sqe CTA in particular the hardest professional exams. Your skills will be invaluable

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I am almost done with my exams (ATT CTA) so I will probably finish them. I still consider the qualifications to be valuable as they might turn into side jobs in the future!

I'm doing my accounting exams at the moment.

I do enjoy it a lot and I find it very useful in my own life for knowing how to read balance sheets etc. Very little application to the law but it's a useful life skill I feel.

As someone currently studying for the SQE, knowing a thing or two about balance sheets might be more helpful in law than you think!

Best of luck to you both with your exams!!

 

[ellewoodss]

Also wanting some prior insight for the Irwin Mitchell online assessment, including video interview questions. How many minutes do we need to speak for per interview question? How long did the assessment take you in total approximately?

Also, if anyone has any insight into the type of questions asked for the video interview, either this year or last, please PM me. If you progressed through the video interview last cycle but ultimately accepted a TC elsewhere, any general guidance would be hugely appreciated so we can all support each other going through the process. Let’s help each other get across the line!

 

[choicefox212]

Is anyone else on here looking at private client focussed firms? Feels like everyone is looking at MC/US firms and while I admire you all for it, I am not brave (or perhaps cutthroat?) enough for corporate.

I’m looking at small-medium firms in band 1/2 in London. I do have a little bit of work experience and an Oxbridge 2:1 (non-law), but it’s daunting going through a cycle, especially as there are SO FEW training contracts in this area. Grim prospects…

 

[choicefox212]

I’m thinking the best way to improve my prospects would be to to the GDL (which I’m halfway through) and the SQE, then if u gave no luck maybe the STEP trust certificates. Plus more experience always

 

[Deleted member 40373]

any tips on CC VI?

 

[Kakaboo]

If I haven’t heard back from CMS since I applied on the deadline is that a rejection?

 

[ecalthorpe]

Is anyone else on here looking at private client focussed firms? Feels like everyone is looking at MC/US firms and while I admire you all for it, I am not brave (or perhaps cutthroat?) enough for corporate.

I’m looking at small-medium firms in band 1/2 in London. I do have a little bit of work experience and an Oxbridge 2:1 (non-law), but it’s daunting going through a cycle, especially as there are SO FEW training contracts in this area. Grim prospects…

Macfarlanes has a world-class private client practice, but it is also a City firm and you'll definitely have to do some commercial/corporate seats. Mishcon is also known for private client, and you can avoid doing corporate stuff there if you really don't want to.

 

[choicefox212]

Macfarlanes has a world-class private client practice, but it is also a City firm and you'll definitely have to do some commercial/corporate seats. Mishcon is also known for private client, and you can avoid doing corporate stuff there if you really don't want to.

Yeah, both of those are on my list (are you applying to them?)

 

[lelezb1]

Sorry about that how long ago did you apply?

I applied on 27th October