TC applications - Timeline

[W5690]

You timeline is roughly going to be for a traditional training contract:

Finish GDL - November 2026
Start SQE prep course - anytime between November 2026 and January 2027
Sit SQE 1 - July 2027
Sit SQE2 - October/November 2027 or January 2028

So realistically your start date for a TC could either be February/March 2028 or September 2028.

Most firms will not require you to have passed the SQE before you accept the offer, unless the role is starting fairly soon.

If the training contract is in the form of a graduate apprenticeship, then you could start your TC shortly after your GDL is completed, and you would do you SQE education and assessments during your TC.

You timeline is roughly going to be for a traditional training contract:

Finish GDL - November 2026
Start SQE prep course - anytime between November 2026 and January 2027
Sit SQE 1 - July 2027
Sit SQE2 - October/November 2027 or January 2028

So realistically your start date for a TC could either be February/March 2028 or September 2028.

Most firms will not require you to have passed the SQE before you accept the offer, unless the role is starting fairly soon.

If the training contract is in the form of a graduate apprenticeship, then you could start your TC shortly after your GDL is completed, and you would do you SQE education and assessments during your TC.

@Jessica Booker Hello,

As far as the start date of my training contract is concerned, I think September 2028 seems like the most reasonable and sensible route for me as a "safety margin" rather than February/March 2028 (as you explained, except if I am being sponsored by a firm and I may not then get to choose the timeframes. They and the course provider are likely to choose this for me unless I needed to defer, as you explained as well), according to the roughly timeline you mentioned:

Finish GDL - November 2026
Start SQE prep course - anytime between November 2026 and January 2027
Sit SQE 1 - July 2027
Sit SQE2 - October/November 2027 or January 2028

Do you agree with my thoughts on a September 2028 start date or would you recommend submitting applications for a TC which start date would be February/March 2028 because a start date in February/March 2028 should not be ruled out? In any case, I am fully aware of the fact that I will have to be extremely mindful of each law firm's requirements (SQE1 and SQE2 to be passed before starting a training contract or SQE1 and SQE2 to be done alongside a training contract; eligibility requirements, etc).

Also, as I have already gained some legal work experience, you mentioned that this will put me in a stronger position for direct TC applications. Therefore, my understanding is that I should then apply for direct TC applications rather than VS applications at law firms that recruit both ways - does that make sense? However, my legal work experience is solid but not very recent, so I have time now to work on boosting my experiences such as formal and informal legal work experiences, legal volunteering, legal pro bono, court visits. I can also do some networking. What do you think of all of these options to be able to remain competitive when applications for 2028 re-open in the Autumn 2025? What would your recommendations be about how best to spend my time between now and the re-opening in the Autumn 2025 of applications for 2028? Given that my legal work experience is solid but not very recent, I am wondering whether this would then put me in a less strong position for direct training contract applications - what do you think? As for law firms that recruit extensively from their VS, should I even apply for a direct TC or eventually for a VS? How can I maximise my chances? How to make the "right" choice between direct TC and VS in light of a solid but not very recent legal work experience?

Furthermore, I have recently secured a legal work experience placement at a law firm in an area of practice that is completely different from the areas of practice that I have experienced so far. I am indeed highly interested in getting an exposure to this area of practice. I am planning to apply to law firms which clients are businesses exclusively and to law firms which clients are both businesses and individuals. Therefore, I am wondering how law firms that do not have expertise in this area of practice may regard this legal work experience placement - would they be turned off by this? Would I have to remove this legal work experience placement from my CV? On the one hand, this legal work experience placement will contribute to boosting my experiences, but on the other hand, it will not match the areas of practice of some law firms and I then fear that this is detrimental to my applications to those law firms. Given that securing a training contract is highly competitive and challenging, I completely understand and agree that it is wiser to adopt a strong strategic approach and therefore capitalise on my previous legal work experience (solid, but not very recent) and prioritise law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience rather than applying to too many law firms which areas of practice are different from the areas of practice that I have experienced so far - what do you think? I believe a mix of applications would make sense as long as most of my applications are submitted to law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience as a smarter way to get a foot in the door and increase my chances to land a training contract. How to find the right balance between strategy and new interests? I still enjoy the practice areas that I have experienced so far, but I would be keen to broaden my horizons and then get an exposure to areas of practice where the people element is at the core of such practice areas and more in line with my personality and current aspirations.

Many thanks again for your help and your time.

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam Hello, I would be highly interested in your thoughts on what I shared above (the highly helpful discussion with Jessica Booker started on page 1 on 1st February 2025 so that you have all of the information and the context). Many thanks for your help and your time.

 

[W5690]

@Jessica Booker Hello,

Apologies for writing again, but I was wondering whether you had had the opportunity to look at the below. Many thanks for your help and your time.

As far as the start date of my training contract is concerned, I think September 2028 seems like the most reasonable and sensible route for me as a "safety margin" rather than February/March 2028 (as you explained, except if I am being sponsored by a firm and I may not then get to choose the timeframes. They and the course provider are likely to choose this for me unless I needed to defer, as you explained as well), according to the roughly timeline you mentioned:

Finish GDL - November 2026
Start SQE prep course - anytime between November 2026 and January 2027
Sit SQE 1 - July 2027
Sit SQE2 - October/November 2027 or January 2028

Do you agree with my thoughts on a September 2028 start date or would you recommend submitting applications for a TC which start date would be February/March 2028 because a start date in February/March 2028 should not be ruled out? In any case, I am fully aware of the fact that I will have to be extremely mindful of each law firm's requirements (SQE1 and SQE2 to be passed before starting a training contract or SQE1 and SQE2 to be done alongside a training contract; eligibility requirements, etc).

Also, as I have already gained some legal work experience, you mentioned that this will put me in a stronger position for direct TC applications. Therefore, my understanding is that I should then apply for direct TC applications rather than VS applications at law firms that recruit both ways - does that make sense? However, my legal work experience is solid but not very recent, so I have time now to work on boosting my experiences such as formal and informal legal work experiences, legal volunteering, legal pro bono, court visits. I can also do some networking. What do you think of all of these options to be able to remain competitive when applications for 2028 re-open in the Autumn 2025? What would your recommendations be about how best to spend my time between now and the re-opening in the Autumn 2025 of applications for 2028? Given that my legal work experience is solid but not very recent, I am wondering whether this would then put me in a less strong position for direct training contract applications - what do you think? As for law firms that recruit extensively from their VS, should I even apply for a direct TC or eventually for a VS? How can I maximise my chances? How to make the "right" choice between direct TC and VS in light of a solid but not very recent legal work experience?

Furthermore, I have recently secured a legal work experience placement at a law firm in an area of practice that is completely different from the areas of practice that I have experienced so far. I am indeed highly interested in getting an exposure to this area of practice. I am planning to apply to law firms which clients are businesses exclusively and to law firms which clients are both businesses and individuals. Therefore, I am wondering how law firms that do not have expertise in this area of practice may regard this legal work experience placement - would they be turned off by this? Would I have to remove this legal work experience placement from my CV? On the one hand, this legal work experience placement will contribute to boosting my experiences, but on the other hand, it will not match the areas of practice of some law firms and I then fear that this is detrimental to my applications to those law firms. Given that securing a training contract is highly competitive and challenging, I completely understand and agree that it is wiser to adopt a strong strategic approach and therefore capitalise on my previous legal work experience (solid, but not very recent) and prioritise law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience rather than applying to too many law firms which areas of practice are different from the areas of practice that I have experienced so far - what do you think? I believe a mix of applications would make sense as long as most of my applications are submitted to law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience as a smarter way to get a foot in the door and increase my chances to land a training contract. How to find the right balance between strategy and new interests? I still enjoy the practice areas that I have experienced so far, but I would be keen to broaden my horizons and then get an exposure to areas of practice where the people element is at the core of such practice areas and more in line with my personality and current aspirations.

 

[W5690]

@Jessica Booker Hello,

Apologies for writing again, but I am still struggling a little bit with TC start dates. 😅 Indeed, I understand that I will have to make a choice between February/March 2028 and September 2028 (except if I am being sponsored by a firm and I may not then get to choose the timeframes, as you explained. They and the course provider are likely to choose this for me unless I needed to defer, as you explained as well).

As previously mentioned, I think September 2028 seems like the most reasonable and sensible route for me as a "safety margin" rather than February/March 2028, according to the roughly timeline you mentioned that is so very useful as it has truly helped me see things clearer! :

Finish GDL - November 2026
Start SQE prep course - anytime between November 2026 and January 2027
Sit SQE 1 - July 2027
Sit SQE2 - October/November 2027 or January 2028

I do not believe there is a "right" choice, but how to find the right balance without being too cautious and being realistic enough in terms of choosing a TC start date?

Many thanks again for your help and your time.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry for the delay in coming back to you.

These are reasonable timeframes to aim for.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey @Jessica Booker I have a similar query related to timings that I would really appreciate your advice on please.

I graduated with an LLB in 2020. I haven’t completed the LPC and have been in employment since (non legal).

If I applied to a firm and was successful for a TC to start in 2027, the firm says I have to do the SQE prior to starting my TC in 2027, when can you expect to actually start studying towards the SQE? How long will it take? And when in 2027 would the TC start? Is this something I should know or is it ok to ask the firm?

Also, is it reasonable for people to work whilst studying full time throughout the SQE or is this something not many people do? The firm does provide a grant but I am concerned that the grant may not be enough.

Thanks in advance for your help

You would generally start the SQE prep around 12-15 months before your TC starts. You may need more of the top end of this scale given your law degree is over 3 years old - most prep providers would recommend a more through refresh of legal knowledge where what some of the legal knowledge you gained from your law degree would be up to 7 or 8 years old (eg doing core law modules in your first year).

TCs generally start in the August/September with some firms with larger trainee intakes also having a February/March intake too. However, a TC can start at any time, it’s just many firms go with these dates.

Some people do work during their SQE prep on a part-time basis. Some firms who sponsor trainees do stop or limit people’s ability to work whilst studying though - so it is something to check with the firm at the point of offer.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Do you agree with my thoughts on a September 2028 start date or would you recommend submitting applications for a TC which start date would be February/March 2028 because a start date in February/March 2028 should not be ruled out?

I think you could apply to both early 2028 and late 2028 TCs if you wanted to. I don’t think you should rule out the early 2028 TCs given the timeframes you are considering.

Also, as I have already gained some legal work experience, you mentioned that this will put me in a stronger position for direct TC applications. Therefore, my understanding is that I should then apply for direct TC applications rather than VS applications at law firms that recruit both ways - does that make sense?

I would make a mixture of VS and TC applications. Unless you have many years of legal work experience or have work or other commitments that would stop you from doing a VS, generally VS are the better opportunity to apply to in most instances. However, many people with legal work experience choose to just apply to direct TCs and have success, so this is an option, we’d just generally recommend a mixture, especially given some firms recruit trainees solely or mainly from their VS programmes.

What do you think of all of these options to be able to remain competitive when applications for 2028 re-open in the Autumn 2025? What would your recommendations be about how best to spend my time between now and the re-opening in the Autumn 2025 of applications for 2028? Given that my legal work experience is solid but not very recent, I am wondering whether this would then put me in a less strong position for direct training contract applications - what do you think?

Any of these options will help you develop out your CV and application forms. There isn’t one I would recommend over the other. I think you have to consider what you want to do with your time more than anything.

Anything you can do to build out more recent legal work experience will be helpful in future applications to show your pursuit of the career.

As for law firms that recruit extensively from their VS, should I even apply for a direct TC or eventually for a VS? How can I maximise my chances? How to make the "right" choice between direct TC and VS in light of a solid but not very recent legal work experience?

If a firm recruits exclusively from their VS, you will only be able to apply for a VS with them. There will not be a direct TC option.

Therefore, I am wondering how law firms that do not have expertise in this area of practice may regard this legal work experience placement - would they be turned off by this? Would I have to remove this legal work experience placement from my CV?

Firms value any work experience - it does not always need to be directly related to their work. People will showcase even their non-legal work experience and this will be valued by firms. Focus on emphasising the transferable skills gained from experiences, even if the technical knowledge is not transferable.

Given that securing a training contract is highly competitive and challenging, I completely understand and agree that it is wiser to adopt a strong strategic approach and therefore capitalise on my previous legal work experience (solid, but not very recent) and prioritise law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience rather than applying to too many law firms which areas of practice are different from the areas of practice that I have experienced so far - what do you think?

I would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what you previous experience is related to.

I believe a mix of applications would make sense as long as most of my applications are submitted to law firms which areas of practice match my previous legal work experience as a smarter way to get a foot in the door and increase my chances to land a training contract. How to find the right balance between strategy and new interests?

You may find firms who have practice areas that both meet your new interests and have a strength in the areas you have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. As you have suggested leveraging your previous experience with your current motivations is likely to help with applications you are submitting.

 

[W5690]

Sorry for the delay in coming back to you.

These are reasonable timeframes to aim for.

@Jessica Booker No worries at all and thank you very much for your message.

I completely agree with you that these are reasonable timeframes to aim for, but I still feel that September 2028 seems like the most reasonable and sensible route for me as a "safety margin" rather than February/March 2028. I understand that February/March 2028 should be fine - if I were to need to put this back, that may be a point of negotiation at the time, if I had by then been offered a TC? However, do you not think that September 2028 would then avoid that point of negotiation? I am still confused about choosing between February/March 2028 and September 2028.

Many thanks.

 

[W5690]

There are quite a lot of different questions in here - I will try to respond when I have got time to do so, but this will take some time.

@Jessica Booker Yes, of course, I completely understand. Many thanks.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker No worries at all and thank you very much for your message.

I completely agree with you that these are reasonable timeframes to aim for, but I still feel that September 2028 seems like the most reasonable and sensible route for me as a "safety margin" rather than February/March 2028. I understand that February/March 2028 should be fine - if I were to need to put this back, that may be a point of negotiation at the time, if I had by then been offered a TC? However, do you not think that September 2028 would then avoid that point of negotiation? I am still confused about choosing between February/March 2028 and September 2028.

Many thanks.

I would try not to over think this at this stage. If you secured a TC that is sponsored by a firm, they would speak to you about the relevant timeframes and would take that into account with the intake they offered you.

 

[W5690]

I would try not to over think this at this stage. If you secured a TC that is sponsored by a firm, they would speak to you about the relevant timeframes and would take that into account with the intake they offered you.

@Jessica Booker You are absolutely right, but what if I do not secure a TC that is sponsored by a firm? I believe that I have to think about choosing between February/March 2028 and September 2028 before 2028 TC applications open in the autumn?

Many thanks.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Yes, of course, I completely understand. Many thanks.

Have responded to the questions now.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker You are absolutely right, but what if I do not secure a TC that is sponsored by a firm? I believe that I have to think about choosing between February/March 2028 and September 2028 before 2028 TC applications open in the autumn?

Many thanks.

I think you only have to worry about this if a firm has a re-application policy that limits you from reapplying within 12 months. If a firm does have this policy, then you just have to consider whether you consider yourself to have a strong enough application now or whether it it worthwhile waiting a few more months to apply once the next cycle opens.

However, many firms allow you to reapply once a new recruitment cycle starts, so for those firms you could apply to Spring 2028 programmes now (assuming you are eligible) and then apply for the Autumn 2028 programmes in the new recruitment cycle.

Not securing a sponsored TC may delay your timelines anyway (depending on your personal preferences and ability to self-fund). Many people push back their expectations to start a TC if they do not secure something as they either don't want to start their legal education (GDL/SQE) until they are sponsored.

 

[W5690]

I think you only have to worry about this if a firm has a re-application policy that limits you from reapplying within 12 months. If a firm does have this policy, then you just have to consider whether you consider yourself to have a strong enough application now or whether it it worthwhile waiting a few more months to apply once the next cycle opens.

However, many firms allow you to reapply once a new recruitment cycle starts, so for those firms you could apply to Spring 2028 programmes now (assuming you are eligible) and then apply for the Autumn 2028 programmes in the new recruitment cycle.

Not securing a sponsored TC may delay your timelines anyway (depending on your personal preferences and ability to self-fund). Many people push back their expectations to start a TC if they do not secure something as they either don't want to start their legal education (GDL/SQE) until they are sponsored.

@Jessica Booker Many thanks.

 

[W5690]

Have responded to the questions now.

@Jessica Booker Many thanks.

 

[W5690]

I think you could apply to both early 2028 and late 2028 TCs if you wanted to. I don’t think you should rule out the early 2028 TCs given the timeframes you are considering.


I would make a mixture of VS and TC applications. Unless you have many years of legal work experience or have work or other commitments that would stop you from doing a VS, generally VS are the better opportunity to apply to in most instances. However, many people with legal work experience choose to just apply to direct TCs and have success, so this is an option, we’d just generally recommend a mixture, especially given some firms recruit trainees solely or mainly from their VS programmes.


Any of these options will help you develop out your CV and application forms. There isn’t one I would recommend over the other. I think you have to consider what you want to do with your time more than anything.

Anything you can do to build out more recent legal work experience will be helpful in future applications to show your pursuit of the career.

If a firm recruits exclusively from their VS, you will only be able to apply for a VS with them. There will not be a direct TC option.


Firms value any work experience - it does not always need to be directly related to their work. People will showcase even their non-legal work experience and this will be valued by firms. Focus on emphasising the transferable skills gained from experiences, even if the technical knowledge is not transferable.


I would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what you previous experience is related to.

You may find firms who have practice areas that both meet your new interests and have a strength in the areas you have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. As you have suggested leveraging your previous experience with your current motivations is likely to help with applications you are submitting.

I think you could apply to both early 2028 and late 2028 TCs if you wanted to. I don’t think you should rule out the early 2028 TCs given the timeframes you are considering.


I would make a mixture of VS and TC applications. Unless you have many years of legal work experience or have work or other commitments that would stop you from doing a VS, generally VS are the better opportunity to apply to in most instances. However, many people with legal work experience choose to just apply to direct TCs and have success, so this is an option, we’d just generally recommend a mixture, especially given some firms recruit trainees solely or mainly from their VS programmes.


Any of these options will help you develop out your CV and application forms. There isn’t one I would recommend over the other. I think you have to consider what you want to do with your time more than anything.

Anything you can do to build out more recent legal work experience will be helpful in future applications to show your pursuit of the career.

If a firm recruits exclusively from their VS, you will only be able to apply for a VS with them. There will not be a direct TC option.


Firms value any work experience - it does not always need to be directly related to their work. People will showcase even their non-legal work experience and this will be valued by firms. Focus on emphasising the transferable skills gained from experiences, even if the technical knowledge is not transferable.


I would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what you previous experience is related to.

You may find firms who have practice areas that both meet your new interests and have a strength in the areas you have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. As you have suggested leveraging your previous experience with your current motivations is likely to help with applications you are submitting.

@Jessica Booker Many thanks for your highly helpful and wise answers.

- I agree that I should not rule out the early 2028 TCs, but what if it happens to be too early? By early I mean if I cannot start my TC in February/March 2028 because I failed an exam and so September 2028 would have turned out to be "safer"?

- As for law firms that recruit via both TC and VS, given that I have gained some legal work experience, do you think that applying for a TC rather than a VS would be better, especially if I am sure about my interest in those firms?

- You mentioned that you would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what your previous experience is related to. Could you please tell me why? You added that I may find firms that have practice areas that both meet my new interests and have a strength in the areas I have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. The reason why I think it is wiser to adopt a strong strategic approach and therefore capitalise on my previous legal work experience is to get a foot in the door and if I happen to be too "picky" I may not get anything. My interests have changed to a certain extent, but for instance if I apply to criminal law firms which clients are only individuals and I mainly did corporate law and commercial law, I wonder whether my applications to those law firms would be successful as their practice areas are very different from what I did before, though it may be "easier" to apply to criminal law firms which clients are both businesses and individuals. In contrast, if I apply to law firms which practice areas are the same as or close to the practice areas I did before I think that my applications would be more successful. What do you think? I understand that making compelling and genuine applications is key and it is also very important to apply to law firms I am highly interested in. However, getting a foot in the door and increase my chances to land a training contract are essential. I still wonder how to find the right balance between strategy and new interests? As previously mentioned, I still enjoy the practice areas that I have experienced so far, but I would be keen to broaden my horizons and then get an exposure to areas of practice where the people element is at the core of such practice areas and more in line with my personality and current aspirations.

Many thanks again.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Many thanks for your highly helpful and wise answers.

- I agree that I should not rule out the early 2028 TCs, but what if it happens to be too early? By early I mean if I cannot start my TC in February/March 2028 because I failed an exam and so September 2028 would have turned out to be "safer"?

- As for law firms that recruit via both TC and VS, given that I have gained some legal work experience, do you think that applying for a TC rather than a VS would be better, especially if I am sure about my interest in those firms?

- You mentioned that you would focus on the areas you want to work in rather than what your previous experience is related to. Could you please tell me why? You added that I may find firms that have practice areas that both meet my new interests and have a strength in the areas I have previously worked. If they are of interest, it may make sense to apply to them. The reason why I think it is wiser to adopt a strong strategic approach and therefore capitalise on my previous legal work experience is to get a foot in the door and if I happen to be too "picky" I may not get anything. My interests have changed to a certain extent, but for instance if I apply to criminal law firms which clients are only individuals and I mainly did corporate law and commercial law, I wonder whether my applications to those law firms would be successful as their practice areas are very different from what I did before, though it may be "easier" to apply to criminal law firms which clients are both businesses and individuals. In contrast, if I apply to law firms which practice areas are the same as or close to the practice areas I did before I think that my applications would be more successful. What do you think? I understand that making compelling and genuine applications is key.

Many thanks.

Any TC offer is going to have terms related to passing the SQE. It maybe that the firm allows resits and factors that into your start date, by either allowing you to start without having passed the exams or deferring your start date. Some TC offers will be contingent on passing first time though. If you are concerned about this though, then only apply in the next recruitment cycle.

As I stressed earlier, no matter what your level of experience, I would generally recommend making a mixture of VS and direct TC applications, especially while you are studying. It is only if candidates are restricted in their ability to work (e.g. visa restrictions, you are working full time, have major commitments like caring responsibilities) that a TC route would be the better option.

I think the most important aspect when applying to roles is applying to opportunities you are truly interested in. You are applying for roles that do not require experience in particular areas of law. There aren't really a lot of firms that do criminal work and corporate/commercial law (unless its white collar crime). If your interest is in commercial law, it would be best to apply to firms with that focus rather than applying to firms with strong criminal law practices. If you apply to the latter because that is where your experience is you are more likely to end up in this area of law rather than commercial work. What is your previous experience in and what type of law are you aiming for? This might be helpful in me guiding you further.

 

[W5690]

Any TC offer is going to have terms related to passing the SQE. It maybe that the firm allows resits and factors that into your start date, by either allowing you to start without having passed the exams or deferring your start date. Some TC offers will be contingent on passing first time though. If you are concerned about this though, then only apply in the next recruitment cycle.

As I stressed earlier, no matter what your level of experience, I would generally recommend making a mixture of VS and direct TC applications, especially while you are studying. It is only if candidates are restricted in their ability to work (e.g. visa restrictions, you are working full time, have major commitments like caring responsibilities) that a TC route would be the better option.

I think the most important aspect when applying to roles is applying to opportunities you are truly interested in. You are applying for roles that do not require experience in particular areas of law. There aren't really a lot of firms that do criminal work and corporate/commercial law (unless its white collar crime). If your interest is in commercial law, it would be best to apply to firms with that focus rather than applying to firms with strong criminal law practices. If you apply to the latter because that is where your experience is you are more likely to end up in this area of law rather than commercial work. What is your previous experience in and what type of law are you aiming for? This might be helpful in me guiding you further.

@Jessica Booker Hello, thank you so much for sharing your highly instructive and wise views. Apologies for not replying sooner - I will answer your question in the coming days. Many thanks again for your help and your time.