TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[gayathri28]

One tip I've heard is to blue-tack a photo of a family member or friend next to the webcam so it feels like you're speaking to another person. Or just do enough applications that you stop caring so much about each specific one and only allow yourself to get invested when you get the AC invite.

I took this approach in my previous cycle (My first cycle).
I applied to nearly 30 firms, missed 4 ACs by getting disqualified at a stage before the AC.
Hence I am rethinking my strategy for applications, including perfecting the VI aspect of the recruitment process. Maybe the problem was I didn't care too much about each application :/

 

[Arushi1005]

May I ask if anyone who needs a visa sponsorship has been invited to an AC?
I keep thinking it may be one of the reasons I haven't yet.

 

[summersun]

May I ask if anyone who needs a visa sponsorship has been invited to an AC?
I keep thinking it may be one of the reason I haven't yet.

Not me personally but one of the people who did a VS with me last year needed sponsorship andf she did 3 VS so it usually is not a big deal for firms that regularly sponsor trainees.
It may be more of a factor for smaller firms though.

 

[Arushi1005]

Not me personally but one of the people who did a VS with me last year needed sponsorship andf she did 3 VS so it usually is not a big deal for firms that regularly sponsor trainees.
It may be more of a factor for smaller firms though.

Thank you. But most of the firms don't sponsor for a vs. Did your friend end up getting a TC?

 

[summersun]

Thank you. But most of the firms don't sponsor for a vs. Did your friend end up getting a TC?

That's true and yes she did get a TC. She had a graduate visa that covered the VS and then they are sponsoring her for the TC now. I think it's more complicated if you are not already in the UK because you have to prove you want to have a career in the UK even though you are not living there right now ...

 

[Arushi1005]

That's true and yes she did get a TC. She had a graduate visa that covered the VS and then they are sponsoring her for the TC now. I think it's more complicated if you are not already in the UK because you have to prove you want to have a career in the UK even though you are not living there right now ...

That is a good news about your friend. Makes me feel hopeful.
I do have a couple of years of work experience in the UK, so I should be able to demonstrate my motivation for a career in the UK.

 

[TheHamlet4]

I know it’s numbers game at the end of the day, would doing only 17-20 applications severely hamper my chances? I started late to the cycle as I have decided to pursue law relatively later.

 

[summersun]

Reed Smith Test invite !

 

[a0]

reed smith test invite!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

 

[a0]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

just checked candid and it says "Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

 

[summersun]

Reed Smith test invite! Is this automatic?

I think it is unless you don't satisfy their general requirements but still positive as it means our CV was okay

 

[CGPULAW]

Reed Smith invite! Assuming automatic but still nice

 

[emily12]

BB DTC PFO and Ashfords SVS PFO within 30 minutes of each other I only did the BB VI on Tuesday and hadn't even seen any PFOs yet for the vac scheme, who did VIs weeks ago, so I was really taken aback Starting to lose all hope to do law icl

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Ashurst DTC anyone?

I haven't heard anything yet but someone on Reddit received an invite to the Written Exercise two days ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/uklaw/comments/1sz41o0/ashurst_direct_tc_written_exercise_virtual

 

[TCLAuser2002]

What does Reed smith test include anyone know? is there a VI?

 

[DaemonBlackFyre]

To be “eligible” i’m assuming Reed Smith surely screens all candidates grades and work experiences before progressing them to the next stage?

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Anyone yet to hear from HL?

??

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard from Bates Wells, Foot Anstey, or Howard Kennedy for DTC (post-initial application)?

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Those that got Reed Smith test invite - could someone pls tell me how long they give you to complete it since getting the email? Thank uuuuuu