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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
Has anyone heard back from A&O after their direct TC AC? Sincerely, impatient haha
From what I've heard, the last AC was on Monday, so I doubt they'll get back this week, much less today lol

At the very soonest it may be Friday, but I would assume it will be early next week.
That's based off how long they took to get back to us for the vac ACs - best of luck!
 
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choicefox212

Standard Member
Dec 4, 2025
9
3
Need some advice re tutoring…

Are any of these admissions tutors legit? Would love someone to look over my applications and do some interview practice, but I’m wary of being scammed.

Also, any I’ve seen seem to specialise in corporate/commercial, and I am only looking at private client firms (small-medium).

Thanks in advance!
 

Kate.maier

Active Member
Premium Member
Dec 14, 2021
10
1
Does anyone know whether the Hill Dickinson question is asking for which 'team' we would be interested in e.g. business services, health or marine group. Or is it asking which 'team' meaning seat e.g. real estate, family, commercial disputes. I'm a bit confused by the wording and originally I was drafting an answer for the business services group but then I started to question whether it was actually answering the question:


As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups.

Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why? ( 250 words)
 

HMajesty

New Member
Nov 29, 2025
3
1
Hi, looking for some genuine advice here as I’m considering whether to continue applying or not. I’m an international applicant (based out of the UK) and so far, have received 8 rejections in TCs. This is my second cycle and in the earlier one, I only made it to one AC with a firm which had a dedicated intake program for applicants from my country. I have mitigating circumstances (conflict in my home country leading to the passing of a distant relative) due to which I couldn’t secure the minimum requirements for a lot of UK firms. The circumstances also impacted me enough to take a gap, due to which I only entered Uni 4 years after high school. I feel the lack of good A Levels, coupled with the gap and me being an international applicant, practically eliminate me from getting a TC. I’m scared, exhausted and dejected, because I’ve done extremely well in university (graduating first class with distinction) and interned with several Band 1 firms in my country across both transactions and contentious practice areas. From attending events to gaining work experience to maintaining first class grades, both in Uni and before my A Levels, I feel like nothing matters and I won’t get a TC. I’m asking for insight whether to even continue applying or not, since I’m not sure any firm will even look past the four year gap and low A Levels atp.
 

Freshcutgrass

Active Member
Premium Member
May 8, 2023
17
24
Hi, looking for some genuine advice here as I’m considering whether to continue applying or not. I’m an international applicant (based out of the UK) and so far, have received 8 rejections in TCs. This is my second cycle and in the earlier one, I only made it to one AC with a firm which had a dedicated intake program for applicants from my country. I have mitigating circumstances (conflict in my home country leading to the passing of a distant relative) due to which I couldn’t secure the minimum requirements for a lot of UK firms. The circumstances also impacted me enough to take a gap, due to which I only entered Uni 4 years after high school. I feel the lack of good A Levels, coupled with the gap and me being an international applicant, practically eliminate me from getting a TC. I’m scared, exhausted and dejected, because I’ve done extremely well in university (graduating first class with distinction) and interned with several Band 1 firms in my country across both transactions and contentious practice areas. From attending events to gaining work experience to maintaining first class grades, both in Uni and before my A Levels, I feel like nothing matters and I won’t get a TC. I’m asking for insight whether to even continue applying or not, since I’m not sure any firm will even look past the four year gap and low A Levels atp.
Hi, I'm not an expert but I would be really surprised if a four-year gap due to personal circumstances would matter. I don't think this is the kind of thing firms care about to be honest with you. People take several gap years before starting university for various reasons. As for your A-levels, I would just focus on the many, many firms that don't have A-level requirements. Your university grades are the most important thing anyway. I don't think you should give up applying at all, I think you have a strong grade profile from university and lots of experience. Perhaps focus on your application strategy/quality of your written applications. That's what made the difference for me to help me start getting past the first stages for law firms. Best of luck.
 
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