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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Has anyone else received a written answers application submission from Reed Smith again, or is that just me? I did that stage last month, so bit confused as to whether it's just a system clash or not, because when I saw the notification, I assumed it was an interview invite and got way too excited seeing the words next stage and delighted on the tab before fully reading it 
Yeah a few received it. It was an error, they're still yet to get back to anyone.Has anyone else received a written answers application submission from Reed Smith again, or is that just me? I did that stage last month, so bit confused as to whether it's just a system clash or not, because when I saw the notification, I assumed it was an interview invite and got way too excited seeing the words next stage and delighted on the tab before fully reading it
Is anyone still waiting on these firms, or heard back with a PFO or next stage recently:
Bakers post SJT (I scored 6-6-6-5, high verbal).
BCLP post test
Macfarlanes post stage 2 (Job Sim VI)
SullCrom post app
Not sure whether to assume PFO for these firms or still hold out hope for something positive…
Bakers post SJT (I scored 6-6-6-5, high verbal).
BCLP post test
Macfarlanes post stage 2 (Job Sim VI)
SullCrom post app
Not sure whether to assume PFO for these firms or still hold out hope for something positive…
I was looking back to when people heard last year & it looked like nearer the end of this month
hi! just wondering if you got a response back from them about the cover letter?
Same for Bakers, pretty sure its a PFO, I think we'd hear back from SullCrom after the deadline.
Attachments
thank you so much!Hey,
This is what I found in an old thread.
No sorry. I submitted my application today. My cover letter was a page and half.hi! just wondering if you got a response back from them about the cover letter?
No problem!!
I think this can be a good weakness to use if you are able to frame it well! Reluctance to ask for help too early is something I'd imagine quite a few trainees experience as there can be a tendency to want to prove you can work independently and avoid interrupting busy people. The important part is that you show self-awareness and demonstrate that you have reflected on what the downside to this is.
For example, you could frame it as recognising that trying to solve things independently is valuable up to a point, but that leaving questions too long can sometimes make things less efficient or mean you miss opportunities to get feedback earlier.
You could then talk about what you have done to improve in this area - e.g. setting yourself a time limit before escalating, identifying what you have already tried before asking for help, or getting comfortable asking more targeted and specific questions rather than waiting until you feel you have everything figured out.
I do think this is quite relevant to trainee work as there is often a balance between showing initiative and knowing when to seek guidance, so as long as you frame it in a way that shows how you are taking steps to improve, I think it can work well.
The only thing I'd avoid is presenting it as a preference for working alone, and I'd keep the emphasis on independence becoming over-independence occasionally, and what you have learned from that.
I hope that helps!
Hi!
My interpretation of wording like that would usually be that the 7 days starts from the date you received the email, so if you received it on a Wednesday, I'd generally assume the deadline would fall on the following Wednesday rather than Tuesday.
However, I wouldn't rely on assumptions where possible as some platforms calculate deadlines differently and can sometimes behave inconsistently. Personally, I'd always mentally set myself a deadline of the day before anyway (so effectively treating it as 6 days rather than 7) just to give yourself a buffer and avoid any last-minute issues with the platform
Hi!
I can only speak from my own experience, but I think doing a mix is probably the best approach if completing a vacation scheme is realistically possible alongside your paralegal role.
You are right that a lot of firms do recruit predominantly through the vacation scheme route, so I personally wouldn't completely rule those out if you have the flexibility to do one. At the same time, I definitely wouldn't view DTCs as a weaker route or think that only applying direct would put you at a major disadvantage across the board - plenty of firms hire meaningful numbers through DTC and for some candidates it makes a lot more sense.
For context, when I was applying last cycle, I had a year of paralegal experience and ended up applying to a mix of vacation schemes and DTCs as I wanted to keep my options open and recognised that different firms recruit differently. I ultimately secured my TC through a DTC application, so they are definitely still a viable route!
Given that you have already completed a vacation scheme before as well, I also wouldn't think of yourself as someone who necessarily needs another vacation scheme to prove interest or capability as you can draw on this existing experience in applications or interviews.
My overall instinct would be to apply to a mix if you can, but DTC only is definitely still a viable strategy, especially with paralegal and VS experience behind you.
Best of luck with the new role too!
Thank you so much, this is really helpful!!Hi!
I can only speak from my own experience, but I think doing a mix is probably the best approach if completing a vacation scheme is realistically possible alongside your paralegal role.
You are right that a lot of firms do recruit predominantly through the vacation scheme route, so I personally wouldn't completely rule those out if you have the flexibility to do one. At the same time, I definitely wouldn't view DTCs as a weaker route or think that only applying direct would put you at a major disadvantage across the board - plenty of firms hire meaningful numbers through DTC and for some candidates it makes a lot more sense.
For context, when I was applying last cycle, I had a year of paralegal experience and ended up applying to a mix of vacation schemes and DTCs as I wanted to keep my options open and recognised that different firms recruit differently. I ultimately secured my TC through a DTC application, so they are definitely still a viable route!
Given that you have already completed a vacation scheme before as well, I also wouldn't think of yourself as someone who necessarily needs another vacation scheme to prove interest or capability as you can draw on this existing experience in applications or interviews.
My overall instinct would be to apply to a mix if you can, but DTC only is definitely still a viable strategy, especially with paralegal and VS experience behind you.
Best of luck with the new role too!
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