TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Scottishlion]

I went to oxbridge and graduated with a 2:1 but all my modules were 62s or 61s. As it's a low 2:1, will I be able to get a training contract?

 

[hanz123]

Any advice for answering this question: What do you think a Training Contract at Ward Hadaway involves and why does that appeal to you?

 

[ecalthorpe]

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

I have a Bakers TC. TBH, if you don't want the corporate-cutthroat thing, don't apply to Macs. Not much difference between SC and MC firms in that regard. Mishcon you can kind of pick and choose a bit more.

 

[Parsorandini]

Does anyone know if CMS' 5 days deadline for the VI is up to 23:59 on the fifth day?

 

[choicefox212]

I have a Bakers TC. TBH, if you don't want the corporate-cutthroat thing, don't apply to Macs. Not much difference between SC and MC firms in that regard. Mishcon you can kind of pick and choose a bit more.

Ah, well done. I don’t really mind a massive firm as long as the actual department is good, so we’ll see

 

[aleiy]

You might be in a on hold position. CC tends to put people on hold in previous years if they think you have a strong application. If someone fails their VI/AC, you might get the chance.

I really hope that is the case Thank youu!

 

[Deleted member 22634]

Can someone confirm fieldfisher's deadline for DTC?

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

CMS VI! Any insights please?

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone heard from CMS Manchester ?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Anyone heard back from CMS Sheffield? Losing hope

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Received a PFO for CMS London DTC this morning, unfortunately.

 

[Amgrad]

Can someone confirm fieldfisher's deadline for DTC?

I saw their LinkedIn and website, it'd be closed 2 days earlier, so 12/12 12:00 AM

 

[Deleted member 43292]

the fact that I ranked highest for exp this week says that I’m spending too much time on the forum and not enough time on my apps

 

[wqueens8]

Hi all,

I've been discussing this with some friends recently and wanted to get some opinions. This is purely a hypothetical - I'm curious about the general stance on this dilemma.

If you were to secure a TC offer in one cycle (be it from a VS or DTC), but had doubts about whether the firm’s training style or practice areas aligned with your long-term vision (or that firm was less aligned than a different firm which you didn't receive an offer for that cycle), would you consider rejecting it and reapplying in the next cycle to the firms that rejected you and that fit better?

Because on one hand, the legal job market is competitive, and the "take what you can get" mindset is understandable. On the other, the firm and TC you choose can significantly shape your career trajectory and qualification path.

Is it strategically unwise to turn down an offer in the hope of something more aligned later? Or does it make sense to prioritise long-term fit over short-term security, especially since the practice area you qualify into down the line is quite an important decision?

Interested in hearing thoughts!

Personally I think you have to go after what you want!

I was almost in this position. I had a vac scheme last year for a great firm, but it was in a regional office. The scheme itself was okay, but I realised this office didn't offer most of the practice areas I wanted to do, the pay was significantly lower than London, I also didn't love the city it was in, essentially really just not what I wanted.

I decided on the scheme itself that I wouldn't take any TC offered and would just use it as good experience. In the end wasn't given the offer anyway so didn't have the make that decision. But now in this new cycle I'm so much better prepared, I've been so much more focused in my applications, I've made a total of 7 applications so far to firms I really like, and I've got 3 AC invites! Still in the process for 2 of the others as well, with 2 rejections.

So of course I do not have a TC yet, but I'm feeling really good about this cycle. If I am unsuccessful maybe I'll regret not trying harder in that vac scheme last year, but either way it would've been wrong for me. You have to weight up how much of what you want the firm can offer you.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

the fact that I ranked highest for exp this week says that I’m spending too much time on the forum and not enough time on my apps

Mind you, I only joined on THURSDAY ... I think that makes it worse

 

[yk1906]

Mind you, I only joined on THURSDAY ... I think that makes it worse

I view this forum as a form of relaxation... hahhahaha

 

[Amgrad]

I view this forum as a form of relaxation... hahhahaha

I saw you topped this week's tally. Congrats!

 

[yk1906]

I saw you topped this week's tally. Congrats!

It's because I literally have nothing else to do apart from endless apps My full-time internship only starts mid-Jan, you'll see less of me then, hahaha

 

[Deleted member 43292]

I view this forum as a form of relaxation... hahhahaha

It's definitely a great place for trauma bonding imo... I won't forget the CC PFO gang ever we're in this together

 

[Trophy]

Anyone got insights for CC, can help with CMS, Kirkland, Weil etc.

Kirkland hasn’t given out VI’s this year… so these would be last year questions I’m assuming?