TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[Alaa]

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_]

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.

 

[bangarangbass39]

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)

The Civil Service one allows people with previous qualifications as long as they are non law or not achieved recently and qualify you for the graduate apprenticeship. So as I only have a non law degree, I will be learning new material meaning I can do the scheme. I have confirmation from them that I am eligible.

 

[TCapplicant1005]

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

I applied a week before the deadline and still haven't heard back. I might just assume pfo

 

[radssss]

If someone has attended an assessment centre at foot Anstey in previous cycles or attended a spring vac scheme with them this cycle, please could you pm me, I’d be super grateful and would be very happy to share insights regarding other firms!

 

[Jennifer2003]

Shoosmiths London ac!

 

[Icedlatte]

Shoosmiths PFO

 

[floral.tcla]

I applied a week before the deadline and still haven't heard back. I might just assume pfo

yh I completed sjt last week and haven't heard anything... ik they might be sending out invites in batches so I'll just assume the worst and hope for the best.