TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SueD]

Harbottle and Lewis PFO.

 

[AryanAgg]

Harbottle and Lewis PFO.

 

[emily12]

Harbottle and Lewis PFO.

Harbottle and Lewis PFO.

Haven’t heard anything yet, i saw someone else on here get an AC and now seeing rejections - did you do a first stage interview? I did mine nearly two weeks ago now and there has been radio silence.

Guessing a PFO is coming my way soon as my interview was sub-par

 

[silonthesofa]

completed the bristows VI a little while back and havent heard anything, should i lose hope ?

Umm, VI? Not even WE? Absolutely you need to get in touch with them!

 

[Harry Rodway]

Has anyone had PFOs from Withers yet? I assume those of us who haven't heard have been rejected, right?

I’m not sure if they’ve sent out all the invites yet, but I was lucky enough to receive a summer VS invite from Withers about a week and a half ago. Maybe they’re staggering them, so there’s still hope?

On a side note, if anyone on this forum is also planning to attend Withers’ summer vac scheme, do get in contact

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Dd anyone else apply for Broadfield on the deadline

 

[ababababba]

Does Macfarlanes put a heavy significance on grades? My 1st and 2nd year grades weren’t great but I did decent for my placement year and final year and graduated with a mid 2:1 overall. For context I graduated from a mid tier Russell group and currently work as a paralegal - is it worth applying?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any insight into whether I should include open days for the Kingsley Napley work experience section? I am not sure based on the guidance they have on the application form:

Tell us about any paid employment, paid or unpaid placements or internships and any other office and non-office work experience below. Include everything, even if you're not sure that it's relevant - non-legal work employment & experience is as important to us as legal placements.

Hey!

I would definitely include them! The wording says to "include everything" and, even if you are not sure it is relevant, they still show your interest in the firm and that you have taken steps to engage with the legal profession.

You could just include them briefly (as there is no need to go into loads of detail), perhaps highlight anything specific that you gained from them - such as insights in certain practice areas, networking, or commercial awareness, etc. If there isn't much space, I'd focus on the other work experience entries and just briefly discuss the open days.

Whilst it might not add loads to your application on its own, it does help demonstrate consistent interest and initiative, so I don't think there is any downside to including them!

Best of luck with your application!