TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

on a real note if anyone wants any advice, more than happy to give it, made it to 10 ACs rhis cycle and got offers for next interviews/vac schemes etc for all. This is my third cycle and i had no luck for the rest

Love to see your success. Well done you

 

[matbablaw]

PFO from Bakers post VI. There’s one thing I have always been uncertain about Bakers. It’s one of the few firms that doesn’t require or fund the PGDL. I know Bakers has partnered with Barbri to offer the SQE course. For those who also applied for Bakers, were you concerned about having no PGDL? Could someone here kindly enlighten me about the importance of PGDL for a legal career? Would lacking a “proper” law qualification hinder success?

 

[Matt Murdock]

PFO from Bakers post VI. There’s one thing I have always been uncertain about Bakers. It’s one of the few firms that doesn’t require or fund the PGDL. I know Bakers has partnered with Barbri to offer the SQE course. For those who also applied for Bakers, were you concerned about having no PGDL? Could someone here kindly enlighten me about the importance of PGDL for a legal career? Would lacking a “proper” law qualification hinder success?

No, PGDL is not my main concern, i am non law as well, but since SRA no longer mandate students for a formal law degree, it's just optional. I am more worried about firm which can't sponsor visa over those who don't pay for PGDL. I'd rather at firm who use the money for something else like wellbeing or sponsorship for efficiency. Barbri is a good platform, but not for you who never touched the basics of law. You need to be proactive to find resources outside as well, like eg. you can buy/borrow ULaw SQE module books without studying there.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Wedlake Bell PFO (post-app)

 

[SueD]

Wedlake Bell PFO too

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Wedlake Bell PFO too

same. Took them only (sarcasm) 2 months!!

 

[Maddy]

Has everyone received rejection emails from bakers after the VI? I know it's probably going to be a rejection because the firm has already finished its ACs, but I just wanted to know whether the official rejection emails have been sent out yet.

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Any news (positive or negative) from Morgan Lewis or S&C?

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

No. Not for Morgan Lewis, They said the firm does not recruit on a rolling basis and therefore candidates will only be contacted regarding their application once the deadline has passed.

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

RS PFO - Womp Womp

 

[Ancika]

AC invite from Reed Smith. I would be so grateful if anyone has any advice for the assessment centre.

 

[CheddarChaser]

Has everyone received rejection emails from bakers after the VI? I know it's probably going to be a rejection because the firm has already finished its ACs, but I just wanted to know whether the official rejection emails have been sent out yet.

I’ve still not heard anything either. Likewise, just assuming a PFO at this stage though.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

The heightened sense of anxiety that I get when firms start sending out PFOs and invites is insane

 

[QuillandCounsel]

AC invite from Reed Smith. I would be so grateful if anyone has any advice for the assessment centre.

Congrats! Did they have many slots available?

 

[martinplaythatbeat]

Does anyone have any experience with Eversheds online critical thinking test? Is it similar to the WG? I got an email saying that the test is timed with 24 minutes to complete. There are two kinds of practice test attached in the email. Can someone help?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Perkins Coie vac scheme!!

 

[matbablaw]

Has everyone received rejection emails from bakers after the VI? I know it's probably going to be a rejection because the firm has already finished its ACs, but I just wanted to know whether the official rejection emails have been sent out yet.

I got the rejection email on Wednesday, around a month after the very difficult VI!

 

[username10341034]

Mayer brown PFO

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Mayer brown PFO

Same