TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Maddy]

Any response from Pinsent Masons ME?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Hi guys, just wanted some advice. As someone who after graduating decided to go into legal tech at a MC firm and now a few years after graduating is looking to go into practice, do you think it is worth looking at TC applications? I’ve been so focused on VS applications but since not progressing as far as I would have wanted this application cycle, do you think I can apply for direct TCs? Despite not having done any VS but I have worked in a law firm just not in a directly legal capacity.

That is the question. What level of experience is required to do a DTC @Jaysen could you help?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Hello everyone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss some commercial issues - how they affect law firms and clients especially. Feel free to drop anything that has caught your eye in the news and let's discuss!:

Commercial Discussion 2026

Hello everyone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss some commercial issues - how they affect law firms and clients especially. Feel free to drop anything that has caught your eye in the news and let's discuss!

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[amas202]

Pinsent Masons ME AC Invite

 

[anna1289]

CMS VI! Any advice would be appreciated, have never done a VI before.

Hey I did mine in Dec and would say that the questions weren't too difficult, but the answering time is quite short being only 1 min so be concise! They also asked me about legal tech so that might come up

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, just wanted some advice. As someone who after graduating decided to go into legal tech at a MC firm and now a few years after graduating is looking to go into practice, do you think it is worth looking at TC applications? I’ve been so focused on VS applications but since not progressing as far as I would have wanted this application cycle, do you think I can apply for direct TCs? Despite not having done any VS but I have worked in a law firm just not in a directly legal capacity.

Hey!

The short answer is yes - it is definitely worth looking at direct TC applications! Even though your background isn't directly legal, even having experience in a corporate setting can be hugely beneficial. What matters is how you explain the insight you've gained into how a law firm operates, how lawyers work, and why that exposure has confirmed that you want to train to be a commercial solicitor.

When applying for the direct TC route, you just need to be very clear and reflection about your motivation for becoming a solicitor, what you've learned from your past experiences, and why you want to work at this particular firm. I secured my TC through the direct route at my firm, and whilst I have some vacation scheme experiences, there are also a few in my DTC cohort that have no legal experience at all! Whilst some firms do require legal experience as a prerequisite for applying via their DTC route, many don't - I'd do some research and apply to those that you are interested in!

Best of luck

 

[TortillaTC]

@Abbie Whitlock Welcome back on the forum!

As a TC holder at Reed Smith, what do you think about reaching out if I havent heard anything post Amberjack and I took the test first week of December? Almost everyone got PFOd or invited to AC by now, including candidates that did their test a month after me. The RS schemes fall on weeks where I’d need to be free for other appointments, so I’m at a place where a quicker PFO would be almost preferable.

Thanks in advance!

*was meant to post this on the vac scheme thread