TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TCapplicant1005]

Hey guys, I’d like some advice from the forum as I’m trying to decide whether to continue applying to TCs in the next cycle if this one doesn’t work out. Objectively speaking, I feel like I’ll be a lot older than my peers when the TC starts (either 30/31 depending on entry). I’ll also lose out on almost 2 years of work experience in my own country as I’m not from the UK. The process itself has been very disheartening so far, and while I’d really like to get a TC and have been working towards it, I’m not sure I can take another cycle of this. This was my 2nd cycle, and it hasn’t been very kind to me. I realise it’s a subjective decision, but I’d truly appreciate any advice on what I should do. Thank you.

I am in the same boat as you. I am an international applicant, and I will be 30 next year, and I still haven't secured a training contract yet.
I was very close to giving up this cycle, but my best friend told me not to give up on my "first love". I think I needed to hear that, considering it takes about 3 cycles to get a TC, and this is my second one. Plus, I feel like it takes longer for international applicants needing a visa sponsorship, because we cannot apply to all the firms out there. Our options are limited to those offering a sponsorship. I know it is disheartening to see rejections all the time, but I think in the end, it will be worth it if being a solicitor is what you really desire.

 

[Legalnomad]

I see, cause like I just got the written submission invite (extremely happy obviously it's been a rough cycle) however I find it very hard to believe I would have passed Amberjack of all tests for the first time for Reed Smith of all firms not to mention the VI lmao

Congratulations! How long did it take for you to receive the written submission invite? As in, when did you submit your SJT and VI?

 

[shays]

Congratulations! How long did it take for you to receive the written submission invite? As in, when did you submit your SJT and VI?

thanks! I did the test and VI last Sunday (or like not this past but the week before).

 

[Legalnomad]

thanks! I did the test and VI last Sunday (or like not this past but the week before).

Thank you! Do you remember your scores for the Amberjack? I'm worried one of mine may be too low to meet their threshold

 

[shays]

Thank you! Do you remember your scores for the Amberjack? I'm worried one of mine may be too low to meet their threshold

6-4-3-9, very wild, but i have always struggled with applied intellect part of the test, and then mid for numerical and verbal

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

RS said that the app questions will be considered alongside our test and video interview answers, so I think it will all be reviewed together. Not sure if there’s a threshold to get the app questions, but might be wrong!

 

[shays]

RS said that the app questions will be considered alongside our test and video interview answers, so I think it will all be reviewed together. Not sure if there’s a threshold to get the app questions, but might be wrong!

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

Yeah - only reason I say is because the email I received today stated that they will consider our application questions ‘alongside our video interview and test responses’. Which sounds like they are reviewing them in tandem!

 

[shays]

Yeah - only reason I say is because the email I received today stated that they will consider our application questions ‘alongside our video interview and test responses’. Which sounds like they are reviewing them in tandem!

Yeah same, but then their actual application process on vantage when you apply states this:
Application Process

Please note that we have changed our application process for this cycle, and do not have any initial application questions. The process is as follows:

1. Candidates submit an initial application form, detailing personal details, education and work experience.

2. Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

3. Successful candidates are invited to submit answers to application questions.

4. Applications are viewed holistically, with candidates education, test results and written submissions all taken into account.

5. Successful candidates are invited to an Assessment Centre.

really I'm just oscillating between being sceptical that I could actually manage to pass that cursed test and being happy that I finally managed to pass that cursed test lol

 

[TheLawStopsHere]

Yeah same, but then their actual application process on vantage when you apply states this:
Application Process

Please note that we have changed our application process for this cycle, and do not have any initial application questions. The process is as follows:

1. Candidates submit an initial application form, detailing personal details, education and work experience.

2. Eligible candidates are invited to take our online High Potential Legal test and video interview.

3. Successful candidates are invited to submit answers to application questions.

4. Applications are viewed holistically, with candidates education, test results and written submissions all taken into account.

5. Successful candidates are invited to an Assessment Centre.

really I'm just oscillating between being sceptical that I could actually manage to pass that cursed test and being happy that I finally managed to pass that cursed test lol

Hoping that’s the case in all honesty!

 

[choicefox212]

Amberjack test invite from Stephenson Harwood, finally . Had kinda assumed it was a PFO given I applied in December and their applications closed two months ago, but I am very glad it wasn't!

 

[QuillandCounsel]

I had submitted my test and vi on a Thursday and then received the app questions the next day. So they must be super quick (RS)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Stephenson Harwood test invite! Sooo happy as I LOVE this firm! If anyone has any insights or tips I’d be really grateful and happy to trade with others such as W&C!

 

[TheHamlet4]

Just did the Reed Smith SJT and didn't do well on grit and creative force (a 1 in creative force???)… But apparently I got a perfect score in digital mindset and a 6 in applied intellect. So sick of these SJTs

did you hear back?

 

[shays]

for people who applied to HFW DTC how long did it take to hear back? either positively or negatively? thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

i think logically there has to be since what would be the point to not include the written answers in the first place if you are sending out amberjack and then the questions to everyone who has done the amberjack? with that said i find it hard to believe my test went well enough to pass the benchmark.

maybe someone else knows how it actually works for them? @Abbie Whitlock do you know or someone else from the TCLA?

Hey!

Apologies, I'm not too familiar with their new process! I would perhaps send a brief email to the graduate recruitment team if you wanted some clarification, as they might be able to confirm this for you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the cover letter to be kept at a single page or 1.5 pages can also work?

Hey!

Generally speaking, I think 1.5 pages is acceptable as long as it doesn't go above this, provided that it includes all of the necessary cover letter formalities/formatting

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hi everyone. I am applying for Travers Smith DTC. I keep encountering a system error, and I cannot proceed with the application. I changed browsers, but still the same error. I have also raised a query. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Does anyone know if the SH test is timed or not and if you get unlimited time to prepare for the VI questions or not?

 

[summersun]

Does anyone know if the SH test is timed or not and if you get unlimited time to prepare for the VI questions or not?

it was unlimited for the VS so probably will be the same for the DTC