Last updated:
TLT
A national commercial law firm with strengths in financial services, energy, technology and the public sector.
About TLT
TLT is a national commercial law firm headquartered in Bristol, with UK offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester. Its presence across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland enables it to advise clients across all three UK legal jurisdictions. Its sector focus includes financial services, future energy, digital, real estate, retail, leisure, food and drink, and government and public services.
This gives the firm a combination of transactional, regulatory and disputes work, with particular relevance to businesses responding to technological change, energy transition and public policy developments
In England and Wales, trainees complete four six-month seats with supervisor support. Client secondments are available in most locations, subject to opportunities. Development workshops cover business development, client relationships and personal effectiveness. TLT sponsors BPP SQE preparation and assessments, with a £10,000 maintenance grant outside London and £12,000 in London.
Belfast’s September 2027 programme follows a distinct timetable: candidates undertake full-time SQE1 study and examinations between February and July 2027, then complete a four-seat training contract while preparing for SQE2 during their first two seats. The programme leads to qualification in England and Wales followed by dual qualification in Northern Ireland.
Practice areas & rankings
TLT has 52 department rankings in Chambers UK 2026, covering separate practice and geographical categories. These include Band 1 rankings for Planning & Environment in Northern Ireland and Licensing in Scotland, alongside Band 2 rankings for Banking & Finance and Construction in the South West and Information Technology in the North West.
TLT won Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023. It also jointly won Competition Team of the Year with Linklaters for their work challenging the Competition and Markets Authority’s fine against Comparethemarket.
Ranked departmentsChambers UK
Explore the practice areas
Ranked Band 2 in the South West in Chambers UK 2026, TLT advises lenders and borrowers on financing transactions, including real estate and project finance. Its work includes funding for renewable energy and student accommodation projects. Chambers highlights its advice to Avon Technologies on a syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility and associated cash-pooling arrangements.
Ranked Band 2 in the South West in Chambers UK 2026, TLT’s construction practice combines contractual advice with disputes. Its clients include contractors, utilities and public bodies, with work across energy, housing, healthcare and higher education. The practice connects major development projects with issues such as contractual risk, delays and alleged construction defects.
Ranked Band 2 in the North West in Chambers UK 2026, TLT advises on outsourcing, systems integration and software development. Its work includes cloud services, software-as-a-service and telecommunications projects for financial services businesses, retailers and public sector organisations. These matters involve negotiating the contracts supporting organisations’ technology infrastructure and operational change.
Ranked Band 1 in Northern Ireland in Chambers UK 2026, TLT advises on planning applications and environmental issues affecting energy, infrastructure, retail and residential development. Chambers highlights its work for Northern Ireland Water on the proposed upgrade of Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works. The practice also includes environmental due diligence, public inquiries and judicial review.
Ranked Band 1 in Scotland in Chambers UK 2026, TLT advises retailers and hospitality operators on alcohol, entertainment and gambling licensing, including contested applications. Chambers highlights its work managing licensing matters across Aldi’s Scottish estate, illustrating the ongoing regulatory support required by businesses operating numerous premises.
Awards
Law Firm of the YearLegal Business Awards 2023
Competition Team of the YearLegal Business Awards 2023
Won jointly with Linklaters for work challenging the Competition and Markets Authority's fine against Comparethemarket.
The application process
Click on each stage to find out more.
For the advertised 2029 training contracts, external candidates should apply through the 2027 vacation scheme. TLT states that it expects to fill these places through the scheme and is not opening a separate external direct application route for that intake.
The current scheme vacancy covers Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester, with applications closing on 20 December 2026. It requires a predicted or achieved 2:1 and accepts penultimate-year or final-year law students and law graduates; non-law graduates enrolled on or having completed a PGDL or accelerated LLB; and candidates with SQE qualifications. LPC graduates are also encouraged to apply.
TLT’s application guidance places emphasis on specific research and clear writing. Candidates should explain what interests them about the firm’s work and why that interest matters personally. Answers should address every part of the question, use the available word count thoughtfully and demonstrate an understanding of the commercial solicitor’s role.
For commercial awareness, TLT recommends choosing a subject that genuinely interests you, researching it thoroughly and connecting it to the sectors its clients operate in. Applicants should be ready to explain and defend their views at interview. A useful preparation approach is to identify a business development, explain its consequences for clients, and consider where legal advice could help.
TLT: quick answers
How much does TLT pay trainees?
TLT pays first-year trainees £45,500, rising to £49,000 in the second year. Newly qualified solicitors at TLT earn £88,000.
When are the TLT application deadlines?
TLT has more than one deadline in the 2026/27 cycle: the summer scheme closes on 20 Dec and the training contract closes on 20 Dec. Deadlines can change and popular schemes may close early, so check the live application deadlines tracker.
How many trainees does TLT take on?
TLT takes on around 35 trainees in each intake, so places are competitive and strong applications matter.
What grades do you need to apply to TLT?
To apply to TLT you will generally need a 2:1+ degree. At A-level, TLT asks for 120 UCAS points. Requirements can flex where there are mitigating circumstances, so always check the firm's own criteria if your grades differ.
Get the tools and support you need to succeed.