TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[1136PX0]

Did anyone hear from Orrick?

 

[john_eeson]

Paul Hastings updates anyone?

Didn’t the email say they will let successful candidates know in august? So it will probably take another 2-3 weeks

 

[nonlawstudent98]

PMC PFO!

 

[baj5]

ML wait is killing me

 

[LegallyTired_]

PMC PFO!

They emailed at 11pm on Sunday what a joke

 

[HasRez]

Stephenson Harwood PFO

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Very sadly a SH PFO. With only Orrick left it seems that unfortunately my cycle is over

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

need some advice - starting an internship (not vs) somewhere. it's hybrid and i was asked to introduce myself via email + send my in-person days for confirmation. i said mon/tue/wed for in-office but haven't received any confirmation. tomorrow's tuesday - idk if i should show up?

 

[Tamilah]

Does anyone know anyone who has heard back from BCLP post test to attend the virtual interview for the direct TC application?

 

[JM15.]

They emailed at 11pm on Sunday what a joke

Could I ask which office you applied for please? I applied for a regional one and yet to hear

 

[LegallyTired_]

Could I ask which office you applied for please? I applied for a regional one and yet to hear

Hey, London office! Good luck

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

need some advice - starting an internship (not vs) somewhere. it's hybrid and i was asked to introduce myself via email + send my in-person days for confirmation. i said mon/tue/wed for in-office but haven't received any confirmation. tomorrow's tuesday - idk if i should show up?

Hi!

I would probably send a quick follow-up email first thing tomorrow morning saying something along the lines of: "Hi [Name], I just wanted to check whether my proposed in-office days (Monday-Wednesday) are okay, as I hadn't yet received confirmation. I was planning to come in today, so I just wanted to make sure that is still the plan".

If you don't hear back before you were planning to leave, I would be inclined to give them a quick call if you have a contact number. It is much better to check than either turn up unexpectedly or miss your first in-office day because of crossed wires, although I appreciate it is a tricky situation to navigate!

I would try not to panic though - it is quite possible they have just forgotten to reply or assumed your proposed days were fine. If in doubt, I think either option (i.e. going in or staying home) would be fine, as you can't be expected to know what they are expecting in this situation.

Best of luck with the internship!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hello all, I need some advice. So I am currently working as a criminal paralegal (because this was the only job I could find post-grad). I have been applying for TCs but I can't help but feel boxed into the criminal space even though commercial law is what I want to do. I know a lot of people say focus on transferrable skills when applying but it feels more difficult to explain why commercial law when the only experience I have is criminal. I am even struggling to get other types of paralegal roles (real estate, corporate etc) but I have recently gotten interviews for crime paralegal roles. I am okay in the role I have, but I can't say I particularly enjoy it.

Also, as an international student, there are only 2 law firms (both specialise business crime and regulatory) I could find that do criminal and can sponsor my visa. For the rest, the pay is either too low (below the £41,700 threshold due to legal aid issues), or the firm doesn't hold the licence to sponsor.

My main question is, what do I do? Do I focus my time and energy into these two firms because this is the path in front of me? Or do I still forge on applying for commercial TCs and, if so, how do I apply strategically.

Apologies if this is a bit long winded but I was spiralling for a sec because I'm on a time crunch...

 

[letsdothis]

Secured an Irwin Mitchell business TC on Friday )

 

[TCGrad1642]

Do Stephenson Harwood PFOs seem to be rolling as I haven’t received one? Is this good or bad news!

 

[give.me.a.tc]

anyone waiting to hear from BCLP?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Do Stephenson Harwood PFOs seem to be rolling as I haven’t received one? Is this good or bad news!

They are rolling

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello all, I need some advice. So I am currently working as a criminal paralegal (because this was the only job I could find post-grad). I have been applying for TCs but I can't help but feel boxed into the criminal space even though commercial law is what I want to do. I know a lot of people say focus on transferrable skills when applying but it feels more difficult to explain why commercial law when the only experience I have is criminal. I am even struggling to get other types of paralegal roles (real estate, corporate etc) but I have recently gotten interviews for crime paralegal roles. I am okay in the role I have, but I can't say I particularly enjoy it.

Also, as an international student, there are only 2 law firms (both specialise business crime and regulatory) I could find that do criminal and can sponsor my visa. For the rest, the pay is either too low (below the £41,700 threshold due to legal aid issues), or the firm doesn't hold the licence to sponsor.

My main question is, what do I do? Do I focus my time and energy into these two firms because this is the path in front of me? Or do I still forge on applying for commercial TCs and, if so, how do I apply strategically.

Apologies if this is a bit long winded but I was spiralling for a sec because I'm on a time crunch...

Hey!

Firstly, I don't think you are boxed into criminal law at all (although I can appreciate why it might feel that way!). Plenty of people secure commercial TCs from backgrounds that aren't commercial, and firms really do value the transferable skills you have developed.

I know it is easier said than done, but I would try not to see your current role as something that you need to overcome. Instead, I would think about all of the things it has given you - managing clients, working under pressure, drafting, attention to detail, handling sensitive matters, etc. The key part is then explaining why, despite enjoying those aspects, commercial law is ultimately where your long-term interests lie.

If you are struggling to move into a commercial paralegal role, I would continue applying for commercial TCs alongside your current job rather than waiting until you have "more relevant" experience. I don't think having criminal experience will prevent you from being successful if you can articulate your motivation for commercial law well.

However, given your visa situation, I also don't think there is anything wrong with applying to the two business crime/regulatory firms if they genuinely interest you. I wouldn't necessarily see it as an either/or decision - you can keep pursuing commercial firms while also making sure you are giving yourself realistic options.

Wishing you the best of luck - I know the added visa considerations make the process even more challenging, but I definitely don't think your current role closes the door on commercial law

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Secured an Irwin Mitchell business TC on Friday )

Huge congratulations - that is amazing news!! I hope you take some time to celebrate all of your hard work

 

[baj5]

Has anyone heard from ML?