TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Vee77]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice.

I'm an international student currently working as an in-house paralegal at a medium-sized company. The work is mostly commercial contracts. The company has offered me a training contract and would be willing to sponsor me.

The problem is that my long-term goal has always been to work private practice, ideally in London. I've been applying for training contracts at law firms but haven't had any success so far. This was my first application cycle.

My visa expires in around 7 months, so there is some time pressure. The in-house TC would give me a route to qualification and allow me to stay in the UK, but I'm concerned that qualifying in-house may make it harder to move into private practice later, particularly into corporate or banking teams which has always been my interest. .

If you were in my position, would you:

• Take the in-house TC and qualify through that route; or
• Continue applying for law firm TCs and take the risk that nothing comes through before my visa expires?

Would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you

 

[HasRez]

Eversheds DTC Middle East WG test

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you’re doing well. I recently attended an AC, and the firm offered to cover my travel costs. When is a good time to sent in my claim for costs- should I send it before results are out or wait for them to provide the outcome then send in my claim for costs?

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

My instinct has always been to send the claim for costs in as soon as you can (assuming you already have everything you need to submit it). This is mainly because (a) it is easy to forget once time passes and you're focused on waiting for the outcome, and (b) I imagine graduate recruitment probably prefers dealing with expense forms as they come in rather than having lots of them submitted later down the line.

This sort of thing won't be linked to or influence the outcome at all - if they've offered to cover travel costs, I would generally just submit in line with whatever process or timeline they have given, rather than waiting for results.

I hope the AC went well, and fingers crossed for the outcome!

 

[hopefuliguess]

Hi, anyone heard from BCLP - i submitted my app on May 23, completed the assessment on June 2, i got critical reasoning, pride and active collaborator as my strengths and a preference to work in areas you are familiar as weakness. I havent heard anything till now, not sure if the report is good/bad and if i should consider this as a PFO.

 

[Stryker1234]

Could someone please let me know how the Macfarlanes job simulation is structured? Are there any motivational questions to prepare for?

The email says that no prior knowledge is required, so I'm guessing it's mainly SJT-style questions, but I'd really appreciate any insight from someone who's completed it.

 

[lolololol]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

 

[siilvert0ngue]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

don't worry, i applied on saturday and received the test monday afternoon. they take forever, considering the first test is supposed to be automatic

 

[Matt Murdock]

how long does it take to get the macfarlanes test post-app? i applied last night still haven’t received the email.

i think it depends on grad rec whether they are on screen or off screen when you submitted your app because i was invited 2:30 hours post app. Then, got the second test a day later even before my report came.

 

[Tomato]

Has anyone spoken to RS about when they are going to respond?

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Has anyone spoken to RS about when they are going to respond?

Last year they said they try to respond within a month of the deadline so perhaps we will hear back this week

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Can anyone please share insights about Macfarlanes simulation assessment? What type of questions are asked for the video responses?

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Macfarlanes Job Sim invite!! Completed WG+SJT on Monday.

If anyone has been following my journey, they would know i was absolutely devastated when i was rejected from W&C post-associate interview (and fell off the face of TCLA). feels good to have picked myself up and persevered, hopefully it'll be a good result! any tips, please dm, i can trade for W&C interviews, Moore Barlow, Bevan Brittan, etc.

 

[at1234]

Hi guys I just got the Macfarlanes first test. For those of you who have given it, could you please share any advice on how to go about it. I'm assuming it's an SJT and I always mess those up.

 

[TheHamlet4]

Do firms care about sponsorship whilst applying for open days? I am applying to one and first question they ask is work permit…

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Any news on Orrick's DTC? How about Stephenson Harwood?

 

[nicoledm]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about

 

[CharlieandLola]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about

I once got told that the reputation of the firm is the most important thing when training as it means you can leave after and it opens more doors. But at the end of the day, if you won’t be happy at the other place then that ‘ll show in the work you produce and connections made. I don’t know if this helps!

 

[Vee77]

BCLP interview

you should give us all tips on how you did it. I saw in a previous post that you have two offers. You are doing amazing

 

[digvijay]

BCLP interview

When did you submit the SJT for BCLP?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about.

Hey!

Firstly, huge congratulations!! That is an amazing position to be in and clearly well earned

I wouldn't feel guilty for finding it difficult just because both options are objectively good - sometimes choosing between two good opportunities can be harder than having one clear option.

I would probably think about questions like: where do you think you'll learn best, who did you click with more, which trainees seemed happier, and which version of your life you'd actually want in 2-3 years' time. As others have mentioned, training at a larger firm with a good reputation can sometimes be more beneficial when perhaps looking to move laterally at NQ level, but it is ultimately down to what your career goals are!

Either way, having two amazing offers means there probably isn't a disastrous choice here either way - it is more about what fits you and your goals best. Congratulations again, and I wish you the best of luck with your decision!