TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lolololol]

Any point applying to HFW now?

 

[Alaa]

Congratulations! Where, if you don’t mind disclosing?

Brabners!

 

[nontargetlawyer]

Hey guys,

Anyone have any ideas about the 'soft skill assessment' for Wedlake Bell?

Got my final round interview next week- it is for 3 hours including a interview and lunch to assess soft skills etc.

This is so different from my other AC that have been written task, group task and interview...

Any tips from anyone who have done the TC for WB previously would also be great

Thanks.

 

[TCGrad1642]

Any news from Stephenson harwood? Unsure when to expect to hear from them tbh

 

[Diane Lockhart]

Has anybody here studied the GDL before have any opinions or advice on whether to study online vs in person? Furthermore has anyone asked their firm for a different mode of study for the GDL (or other courses)?

The firm that is sponsoring me requires in-person study at any of the campuses, thankfully, I do not need to move to London yet, but I do need to commute to Bristol (my closest campus). It is not a dreadful commute, but door-to-door will probably be about 1hr 30m, with about an hour of that on one train. I have been informed it will likely be 3 days a week this year, which adds up to a fair amount of commuting, so I am considering asking the firm to allow me online study (which may not even be possible).

If not for the commute I would rather study in person, 1) I've never been too good at online study in the past. 2) I would like any kind of social element I can get. 3) I could potentially get a lot of work done on the train. 4) I would be able to hang around in Bristol and use study facilities there, vs at home probably spending a whole lot of time in my bedroom, or in random cafes.

Of course, the major cons are, 9 or so hours commuting each week, and spending I would estimate £50 a week on trains.

Just looking for general thoughts and experiences from anyone here! Thanks!

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Anyone heard from WFW?

 

[meauasushe153/]

When did you get the invite?

The 30th of June

 

[TheHamlet4]

Anyone hear from Macfarlanes post first stage assessment? They are probably overstretched with the influx of applications -- however, I completed mine on June 28th, the wait is devastating...

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know of any vacancies offering visa sponsorship? Any leads are welcome. Thank you!

 

[yumjuicebox]

Anyone heard from Bakers since the AC?

not sure if they applied through the DTC route but i saw someone post on linkedin yesterday that they have accepted a bakers tc for london 2028

 

[cs3008]

Any point applying to HFW now?

I just applied today lol

 

[HasRez]

Macfarlanes PFO post test

 

[lolololol]

macfarlanes pfo with which my last ever cycle ends. i have one more to hear back but it’s a pfo i am certain

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Macfarlanes PFO post VI

 

[nontargetlawyer]

Just got Macfarlanes AC for their TC 2028. Anyone else?

 

[fta2024]

Macfarlanes PFO post VI..

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know of any vacancies offering visa sponsorship? Any leads are welcome. Thank you!

Hi!

I made the following list recently of firms that sponsor visas for vacation schemes (although I am sure there are more out there) - I have quoted it below, and hopefully that is useful! Just shout if you have any further questions

Hey!

Whilst I am sure there are others, the following state in their FAQs that they sponsor visas for vacation scheme participants:

• Taylor Wessing
• Travers Smith
• Macfarlanes
• Paul, Weiss
• Sidley Austin
• Reed Smith

I would definitely double-check the FAQ section for each of the firms before applying, as they provide more information there.

Wishing you the best of luck with your applications

 

[Gioiabwear Yong]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).



Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

 

[Bread]

Hi!

For the question: “Why have you chosen to apply to HFW and how do you think the firm differs from its competitors?”

Would I be missing out something in my answer if I don’t mention how HFW is predominantly a disputes firm, and trainees are likely to do 3 contentious and 1 transactions seat?

It contradicts with what I said about liking to see the lifecycle of a contract, from due diligence to int arb (should things go wrong).


View attachment 8346
Thank you very much in advance for any tips!

How about instead of “contract” you use a different word?