TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nonlawstudent98]

For those with Orrick AC, how long after completing the WG did you receive the invite? (and congratulations!!)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

I have a general question. I'm thinking of doing the GDL with the College of Legal Practice. I am wondering, for firms that would require non-law grads to do the PGDL, if the GDL is sufficient? i.e. if I did this and then secured a training contract with a firm, would I only have to do the SQE?

 

[Goodbyetc]

Do you

For those with Orrick AC, how long after completing the WG did you receive the invite? (and congratulations!!)

Two days, v quick turnaround!

 

[bristol rovers]

Anything from Walker Morris?

 

[bristol rovers]

Tired of firms saying they hire through the direct route when they clearly do not, they will even do the entire process and just waste everyone's time, unless they find a candidate that is a nail in the haystack. Please bring back transparency.

Who’s the firm?

 

[misguidedoptimisim]

As a long time lurker I created this account in preparation for another cycle but have now received an offer at a firm I really like.

Just wanted to wish everyone well and to encourage you all to keep at it, particularly those like me, who had imperfect aspects of their applications for whatever reason. This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done and it takes a huge toll. You will get there!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

As a long time lurker I created this account in preparation for another cycle but have now received an offer at a firm I really like.

Just wanted to wish everyone well and to encourage you all to keep at it, particularly those like me, who had imperfect aspects of their applications for whatever reason. This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done and it takes a huge toll. You will get there!

Huge congratulations on your offer - that is amazing news! I hope you take some time to celebrate your fantastic achievement

 

[bristol rovers]

Walker Morris rejection post app. Did they send the test as stated on their website or straight to AC?

 

[cherry flavoured]

Walker Morris rejection post app. Did they send the test as stated on their website or straight to AC?

I received an invite to the test! Sorry to hear about your rejection - was your app also for the DTC?

 

[OS23]

Anyone K&L gates?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Walker Morris rejection post app. Did they send the test as stated on their website or straight to AC?

Sorry to hear about this, it was a very tough initial application stage with many questions and a large word count.

I have been invited to the test myself, but found the form exceptionally challenging.

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

has anyone heard back from Paul Hastings or KL Gates

 

[aanushhhkaaaa]

has anyone heard anything from k&l gates? they're supposed to start assessing now

 

[laww]

Anyone K&L gates?

I got a verbal analysis test invite about half an hour ago

 

[anon78365222111]

Anyone heard anything on Perkins LBA heard it’s still open

 

[Dlakhs]

A*AC and Trainee: should I resit an A-level?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on how my A-level grades might affect my chances of getting vacation schemes at top UK/US commercial law firms.

I achieved:

• Maths: A*
• Economics: A
• Physics: C

I have no mitigating circumstances for the C.

I’m planning to study Economics at the University of Southampton, and my current plan is to pursue a law conversion afterwards. My long-term goal is commercial law, particularly top UK/US firms in London.

I’ve noticed that some firms have explicit A-level requirements, often AAB or equivalent, while others don't seem to have a published A-level requirement. I’m particularly concerned about firms that use A-level grades as an eligibility filter for vacation schemes.

My question is: How much would the C actually affect my applications? If I achieve a First at Southampton and then do well in my law conversion, would firms still care significantly about the A-level C?

I also have the option of resitting Physics. However, this would obviously involve another year and there is no guarantee I would improve the grade substantially.

Would you recommend that I resit Physics specifically to improve my prospects for commercial law vacation schemes, or would you just move on and focus on getting a First and strong legal work experience?

I’d particularly appreciate answers from current trainees, solicitors, or people who have been through vacation-scheme recruitment at City/US firms.

Thanks!

 

[lucky2]

for the macfarlanes winter vac scheme, the work experience section says to use bullet points. should it be written using first person so consistently writing 'i supported on xyz.... i assisted' or is it better to just go in with the verb so each bullet would sound like - 'support on a range of.... assist on.... managed....' - any advice appreciated!

Hi, did you figure out how to do this in the end? I am also a bit unsure. @Abbie Whitlock do you have any ideas on what’s the best way of going about this?

 

[hmevey]

Hi, did you figure out how to do this in the end? I am also a bit unsure. @Abbie Whitlock do you have any ideas on what’s the best way of going about this?

Hey! Yes Abbie replied to my comment somewhere in this thread but essentially better not to use 'i'!

 

[1136PX0]

A*AC and Trainee: should I resit an A-level?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on how my A-level grades might affect my chances of getting vacation schemes at top UK/US commercial law firms.

I achieved:

• Maths: A*
• Economics: A
• Physics: C

I have no mitigating circumstances for the C.

I’m planning to study Economics at the University of Southampton, and my current plan is to pursue a law conversion afterwards. My long-term goal is commercial law, particularly top UK/US firms in London.

I’ve noticed that some firms have explicit A-level requirements, often AAB or equivalent, while others don't seem to have a published A-level requirement. I’m particularly concerned about firms that use A-level grades as an eligibility filter for vacation schemes.

My question is: How much would the C actually affect my applications? If I achieve a First at Southampton and then do well in my law conversion, would firms still care significantly about the A-level C?

I also have the option of resitting Physics. However, this would obviously involve another year and there is no guarantee I would improve the grade substantially.

Would you recommend that I resit Physics specifically to improve my prospects for commercial law vacation schemes, or would you just move on and focus on getting a First and strong legal work experience?

I’d particularly appreciate answers from current trainees, solicitors, or people who have been through vacation-scheme recruitment at City/US firms.

Thanks!

I think it depends on how you found the A-level. If you're confident you can get that C to at least an A/B, then I would 100% resit. A good number of top City firms have an AAB requirement.