TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, sorry for hijacking, to preface I'd like to say your responses are really helpful, so thank you for your time!

I was wondering how to frame a Pass at MSc? I completed Political Econ master's at LSE and went through a recurring health issue throughout the year. I've seen firms are looking for Distinction or Merit for PGDL so I reckon it might me something that hampers my chances going forward without a proper explanation, which makes me insecure while applying.

Hey!

No worries at all, and I'm glad to hear it!

If you had a recurring health issue throughout the year which caused your grades to dip, I'd just clearly explain that in the mitigating circumstances section of the application. Most (if not all) firms will genuinely take that into account when making decisions, and I really can't imagine it holding you back.

I totally get why you might feel insecure about it when applying, but I don't think there is any reason to be! Completing an MSc at LSE whilst dealing with ongoing health issues is a huge achievement, and firms often assess applications holistically rather than focusing on one classification in isolation.

Best of luck with your applications!!

 

[floral.tcla]

Hi!

I definitely overthought the work experience section a lot too! I found that what worked best for me in the work experience section was to cover three main things:

• What the role actually was
• What my main responsibilities or tasks were
• The skills I developed from it, and how they could potentially translate to law

I think it is easy to fall into the trap of just listing tasks, so I found it helpful to focus on what I actually learned from each role (e.g. communication, attention to detail, working under pressure, client interaction, etc.) and then tie it back to the skills required in a legal context. I found this was the best way of showing my transferable skills from my non-legal (+ legal) work experiences.

I hope that assists - happy May to you too (+best of luck with your application)!!

Thanks Abbie, that's so helpful and v sound! good point about considering non-legal work experiences too, sometimes that slips my mind. thanks and all the best with the TC, you'll do so well!!

 

[AryanAgg]

Does anyone have any insight into reed Smith VI and SJT?

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Hey! Has anyone heard back from BCLP DTC? Or know whether we will receive a response after the closing date (31.05.26)! Thank you

 

[DiploSha361]

Does anyone have any insight on the White & Case assessment. It isn't timed but presumably we should go quickly.

 

[nicoledm]

farrer and co interview invite but it’s scheduled for a week i have a vac scheme so don’t know if i’ll be able to attend

 

[lucky2]

I am starting to feel so hopeless about the job market. I didn’t expect to struggle this much to find a paralegal/legal assistant role at high street firms as much as I am struggling to secure a TC. Everyone seems to want experience for entry level legal roles instead of also looking at your potential. It’s exhausting! Because how can I even get this experience if only a very small number of firms are willing to take the risk and give me a chance. It feels like a paradox.

The worst part is the radio silence. I attended a legal assistant interview with a high street firm. I took the time out of work, even prepared for the interview and they ghosted me. After a few weeks it became obvious that I wasn’t successful in securing the role, but it really made me feel sad because I just put a lot of effort into this and I am taking time to write cover letters even after work when I am tired. It is therefore disappointing when a firm doesn’t deem you good enough to even send a quick email to tell you that you were unsuccessful.

This market is brutal! Sorry for the rant, just wondering whether anyone is also struggling like this and how are they coping.

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Is BCLP’s test automatic?

 

[MZJxLadha]

farrer and co interview invite but it’s scheduled for a week i have a vac scheme so don’t know if i’ll be able to attend

Well done!!!!

 

[TCapplicant1005]

farrer and co interview invite but it’s scheduled for a week i have a vac scheme so don’t know if i’ll be able to attend

Congratulations! When did you complete the proofreading task?

 

[SueD]

My Farrers automatic email to confirm receipt of my application said we wouldn’t hear back from them (with anything) until end of May so I’m very surprised you’ve already done proofreading and been invited to interview. Looks like bad news for me but congratulations to you!

 

[Maddy]

Any idea what's happening with bakers and when we might hear back?

 

[ghostyb]

can you close the tab before starting VI portion for Reed Smith? Or do people usually leave it open?

 

[axelrod901]

have people heard back from Howard Kennedy (Direct TC)?

 

[Matt Murdock]

Finally, Baker McKenzie DTC Amberjack invite!

 

[Applicant7874652]

Finally, Baker McKenzie DTC Amberjack invite!

Automatic right?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Finally, Baker McKenzie DTC Amberjack invite!

Same

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Baker McKenzie DTC SJT invite let’s goo!!​

 

[Applicant7874652]

Guys will we automatically get the VI as well with the SJT?

 

[Maddy]

Baker McKenzie DTC SJT invite let’s goo!!​

Is it only SJT or does it have numerical and verbal questions?