TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yasmars]

I’m on the fence about applying to Lewis Silkin. The firm clearly has a great culture, and my professional background is aligned with their strengths.

However, I don’t want to be pigeonholed, and I worry with a more boutique firm (although I recognise it’s still a commercial firm), that’s exactly what will happen. For example, if I get a TC there and don’t convert to Associate, or perhaps don’t want to convert to Associate there, my options might be slimmer than if I trained elsewhere.

I sometimes think I don’t do myself any favours by thinking about the worst case scenario all the time lol. But idk, feels like a reasonable concern?

Same. I realised that their largest practice is employment and that’s not really an area of interest for me. Although I am open minded so I may still apply

 

[switchingup]

I remember thinking this way very early on in my journey, and you're not wrong - it's wise to be thinking this way, and also encouraged. These thoughts are what is going to make the conversations surrounding your seat rotations more powerful one day. Do some research on LinkedIn if you can, see what other NQ's have gone on to do after training at LS. I used to think that only elite firms took on elite trainees as NQ's but when I looked into this as part of a BD task, I realised that this may not always be the case when you actually look at the data.

Thanks, Afraz! I will do that.

 

[switchingup]

Same. I realised that their largest practice is employment and that’s not really an area of interest for me. Although I am open minded so I may still apply

Yeah, it's a tough one! I'm the same, not mega interested in employment, but I have a strong background in media/tech.

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Thank you so much for this very comprehensive answer. It's given me lots of food for thought. I don't mind working for a US firm, but it still has to 'fit'. I'm also approaching this cycle as a career changer. I have a very good career at one of the major banks in a legal-adjacent field (but have always been drawn to law). For the switch to be worth it, I think the firm would need to be the right fit. I would rather stay where I am than accept a training contract at a firm I'm not really passionate about.

I’m also a career changer in a similar position with the same view. I have a good job so would rather stay where I am than accept a TC at a firm I’m not passionate about!