TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DennyCrane]

Hey! Thanks for the suggestion!
This was my plan initially, but seeing how competitive the UK job market is, I've decided to have a foot in both camps, ie, apply for TCs as well as directly apply to associate level position.

Its far far far easier to apply as an NQ (assuming you've passed the SQE) than to secure a training contract.

 

[AryanAgg]

Its far far far easier to apply as an NQ (assuming you've passed the SQE) than to secure a training contract.

Considering they already have the experience, they just have to give sqe1 and claim exemption on everything else.

 

[AryanAgg]

Also does anyone know when slaughters and linklaters gonna reach out regarding dtc applications?

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Its far far far easier to apply as an NQ (assuming you've passed the SQE) than to secure a training contract.

Considering they already have the experience, they just have to give sqe1 and claim exemption on everything else.

Thanks a ton, guys!

It seems like the best course of action right now is to begin preparing for SQE1 so I can sit the exam as soon as I graduate, and then apply for NQ (I may also need to do PGDL, let's see). Jaysen has also suggested in another post that I email the firms I am interested in and seek clarity, as I am in a bit of a dicey situation here. Ideally, it should provide clarity on the route I need to take.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Okay, this is overwhelming. I was under the impression that my bachelor's in law from another common law jurisdiction would be considered as a 'qualifying law degree’ and I would not have to do PGDL. Thanks for letting me know! Hypothetically, say I am offered a TC, will the PGDL be funded by the firm like for SQE prep, or will I have to fund it by myself? What's your situation like (if you don't mind sharing)?

Hi I would just check this with a recruiter or the firms you want to apply to because I have seen people who have qualified in other jurisdictions and been able to practice in the UK without needing to do a law degree here. I may be wrong but please look into this as it will save you a lot of time. I also think you only would have to do the SQE 2.

 

[LLM Applicant 2026]

Hi I would just check this with a recruiter or the firms you want to apply to because I have seen people who have qualified in other jurisdictions and been able to practice in the UK without needing to do a law degree here. I may be wrong but please look into this as it will save you a lot of time. I also think you only would have to do the SQE 2.

Completely agree with you! I personally want to do an LLM to get acquainted with UK corporate laws first before I jump into a job role. I have also realized now that pursuing a training contract makes zero strategic sense in my case, as I have 5+ years of experience, and it would satisfy QWE. Also, from what I've read, I only need to do SQE1 as I will have an SQE2 exemption (I am gonna check this directly with the SRA).

 

[legalbeast]

Anyone heard from Kennedys for Direct TC London post AC and Associate Interview? Did my AC over a month ago now I think and still nothing...

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Hey, did anyone do the DACB WE last week?

 

[a1289]

Hey, did anyone do the DACB WE last week?

Yes I did, have you heard back yet?

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Yes I did, have you heard back yet?

I haven't... I am unsure when to expect an update

 

[a1289]

I haven't... I am unsure when to expect an update

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

 

[DennyCrane]

Thanks a ton, guys!

It seems like the best course of action right now is to begin preparing for SQE1 so I can sit the exam as soon as I graduate, and then apply for NQ (I may also need to do PGDL, let's see). Jaysen has also suggested in another post that I email the firms I am interested in and seek clarity, as I am in a bit of a dicey situation here. Ideally, it should provide clarity on the route I need to take.

I have checked this with a lawyer and they have said that this is correct. You don't need to do the PGDL, you simply need to pass SQE and then apply for NQ positions (as long as your QWE is signed off as valid).

 

[DennyCrane]

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

I thought the same but then realised the deadline has only just passed and since it was one of the last ones open every man and his dog will have applied.

 

[ellieemasonn05]

Me too but I feel like they've been quite quick with every other stage so hopefully we hear soon

Were the stages automatic? or based on how well you did previously?

 

[DennyCrane]

Were the stages automatic? or based on how well you did previously?

It read like it was a filter at WE stage (and possibly also at critical thinking test stage) but I don't know for sure. I think VI might have been automatic

 

[FutureVschemer]

Hi! Would really appreciate advice regarding how to present mitigating circumstances. Can anyone suggest how to present a one-off moment of anxiety/panic before an exam that impacted the grade leading me to retake that specific exam? I have never had to retake any other exam otherwise. Would this situation be looked down upon?

 

[DennyCrane]

Hi! Would really appreciate advice regarding how to present mitigating circumstances. Can anyone suggest how to present a one-off moment of anxiety/panic before an exam that impacted the grade leading me to retake that specific exam? I have never had to retake any other exam otherwise. Would this situation be looked down upon?

I personally wouldn't say that. It's not exactly aligned with an intensely pressurised and stressful profession. I think that section is for things like sudden death of a parent/hit by a bus and in traction scenarios.

 

[sal44]

I personally wouldn't say that. It's not exactly aligned with an intensely pressurised and stressful profession. I think that section is for things like sudden death of a parent/hit by a bus and in traction scenarios.

I would disagree, I’ve mentioned anxiety in the mitigating circumstances section before, and still progressed to AC/next stages - if it’s something that genuinely has impacted your academic performance, you can include it - I don’t think firms are necessarily allowed to link contextual information to whether you’re ’aligned’ with the profession (your application answers should be determining that). Also the examples you gave were slightly extreme, mitigating circumstances are more broad imo

 

[DennyCrane]

I would disagree, I’ve mentioned anxiety in the mitigating circumstances section before, and still progressed to AC/next stages - if it’s something that genuinely has impacted your academic performance, you can include it - I don’t think firms are necessarily allowed to link contextual information to whether you’re ’aligned’ with the profession (your application answers should be determining that). Also the examples you gave were slightly extreme, mitigating circumstances are more broad imo

well yes clearly I was being a little flippant but I still think its probably better to avoid. Im no expert though.

 

[hanz123]

Has anyone heard back from Brabners post app?