TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WeGotThis!]

I would recommend including insight events / open days as well in the CV just like you would in an online application. I'd also always recommend contacting the firm - they could give you their specific expectations.

Thank you, that's really helpful

 

[bangarangbass39]

Interested in everyone's perspective here, but what is the better option here?

context: 25 year old non law grad already working in Civil service.

Option A) 37k solicitor apprenticeship w/ the civil service for 6 years (salary rises throughout reaching roughly 60-70k at the end)

Option B) Traditional TC route which would take at least 4 years to reach NQ (assuming no extra exams taken)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock or anyone else that is aware,
Do you know if Reed Smith individually benchmarks pillars in the Amberjack?
For reference my grit was 3/9 but overall 25/36 the rest were all above 6 and my VI I thought was alright.

Hey!

Unfortunately, I'm not too sure - apologies! Whilst it is a different firm, I believe I scored a 3 or 4 on one or two of the pillars in another SJT I completed and still made it to the next round, so I wouldn't lose all hope!

 

[Barakat]

Has anyone heard back from Shoosmith and PMC?

 

[Bread]

Interested in everyone's perspective here, but what is the better option here?

context: 25 year old non law grad already working in Civil service.

Option A) 37k solicitor apprenticeship w/ the civil service for 6 years (salary rises throughout reaching roughly 60-70k at the end)

Option B) Traditional TC route which would take at least 4 years to reach NQ (assuming no extra exams taken)

I don’t think graduates are eligible for apprenticeships. I believe that the apprenticeship you’re referring to is for people with level 3 qualifications (I.e. no uni degree)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

For those who applied to reed smith, how long did it take u to receive the application questions following the VI? Thanks

I received the application questions two days after completing the VI

 

[bristol rovers]

Shoosmiths rejection

 

[nicoledm]

shoosmiths direct TC AC!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Shoosmiths PFO

 

[Jaysen]

My updates for 2025-26 (my second cycle applying)

- 48 applications​

- 13 progressed (11 post VI rejections; 2 missed VI deadlines)​

- 10 haven't heard back​

- 25 rejections​

- 1 virtual interview (yet to give - please pray for my sanity)​

The sunk-cost fallacy is so high. I have 6 more firms shortlisted, but should I lowkey just give up?

Please don't give up! The number of firms you were progressed with look right to me. For a strong candidate, I usually expect 1-2 interviews for every 10 applications you submit.

If you do go through the next cycle, I'd focus on the video interviews and get as much practice as possible before the real thing.

Good luck for the virtual interview!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

What Shoosmiths offices have people heard back from? I applied to the London office and haven’t heard back yet.

 

[Florencejones]

Shoosmiths waitlist (not me, my friend) do you think chances are high of getting onto the AC? First place on the reserve list

 

[Alaa]

Shoosmiths waitlist (not me, my friend) do you think chances are high of getting onto the AC? First place on the reserve list

same... I got put on reserve

 

[bristol rovers]

What Shoosmiths offices have people heard back from? I applied to the London office and haven’t heard back yet.

Manchester for me

 

[bristol rovers]

same... I got put on reserve

Same. I wouldn’t hold your breath

 

[Alaa]

Same. I wouldn’t hold your breath

At least it feels better than an outright rejection lol. But also, I was on reserve the year before and I was put on with only three days to prep - so you never know!

 

[radssss]

Did anyone apply to w&c on deadline day and heard back/ got a vi invite?

 

[Matt Murdock]

What Shoosmiths offices have people heard back from? I applied to the London office and haven’t heard back yet.

I applied to London office and put on waitlist, but given the competitive environment, i take that as a delayed rejection.

still waiting on W&C post VI though incredible someone got invited to TI quickly.

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Manchester for me

Thanks. I've heard back now and I've been invited to the DTC AC!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I applied to London office and put on waitlist, but given the competitive environment, i take that as a delayed rejection.

still waiting on W&C post VI though incredible someone got invited into TI quickly.

Sorry to hear this. Hopefully, you'll hear back soon with some good news.