TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Amma Usman , could you pls explain how to go about answering the questions: "Why London?", "Why an international law firm?", "Why do you want to work in London?", "Why do you want to do international work?", "Why international law?". Asking this since I am based outside of the UK and will have an in-person AC soon. All these questions sound too similar to me honestly. But I feel that I will def get one of the above since I have no ties to the UK. Confused about which one of these questions wants me to talk about London as a city, the popularity of english law in commercial contracts etc. Thanks a ton.

I do not have much to add to the great post by @Amma Usman on this, but I just wanted to illustrate a good way I think you can justify a substantive interest in international work/working in an international law firm. For me, the answer has always had to do with the opportunity this provides to interact with and learn about many diverse legal systems around the world. To advise on a cross-border deal/dispute, you will need to understand what all the elements of the matter that are connected to other jurisdictions impact the client, and how they can come together and can be addressed under a cohesive strategy. This can also be a reason for 'Why London' - as a global financial hub which houses the legal system which is the status quo choice of law in international commerce, lawyers in the London office of a firm will perform the role of bringing input from everywhere together and coordinating work in other jurisdictions.

This can itself be attractive to you because you will get to learn to navigate the quirks of different systems around the world, problem-solve around conflicts between the rules of various legal systems and markets, and learn about the businesses, economies, and even politics about countries all around the world. This provides the opportunity for a constant stream of complex and highly varied work, which I think many people can have a natural interest in.

 

[SamiyaJ]

I do not know a lot about the Farrer & Co interview but as resources I would recommend: (i) the Complete Competency Interview Guide - a step by step guide about how to prepare for competency/generalist interviews; and (ii) once you have prepared as well as you could on your own, consider the TCLA mock interview service I have linked here. While it is available only on a fee basis, you can get up to a 50% discount as a premium member.

Hi @Andrei Radu! Do you have any advice re doing an attendance note/what to look out for? The interview consists of a 30 min written assessment + 60 min interview.

Thank you!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I do not have much to add to the great post by @Amma Usman on this, but I just wanted to illustrate a good way I think you can justify a substantive interest in international work/working in an international law firm. For me, the answer has always had to do with the opportunity this provides to interact with and learn about many diverse legal systems around the world. To advise on a cross-border deal/dispute, you will need to understand what all the elements of the matter that are connected to other jurisdictions impact the client, and how they can come together and can be addressed under a cohesive strategy. This can also be a reason for 'Why London' - as a global financial hub which houses the legal system which is the status quo choice of law in international commerce, lawyers in the London office of a firm will perform the role of bringing input from everywhere together and coordinating work in other jurisdictions.

This can itself be attractive to you because you will get to learn to navigate the quirks of different systems around the world, problem-solve around conflicts between the rules of various legal systems and markets, and learn about the businesses, economies, and even politics about countries all around the world. This provides the opportunity for a constant stream of complex and highly varied work, which I think many people can have a natural interest in.

epic, Andrei. Just one follow up question here. I actually didn't get the point of london being a status quo choice in international commerce. my interest is in cross-border M&A, so how does it matter what the choice of jurisdiction is? In transactional cross-border work, other than the dispute resolution clauses in SSAs, SHAs, where else does London have an influence? I'd be grateful if you could pls clarify.

 

[Joey green]

Did anyone here back from Mayer brown for the ac?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

White & Case offer 50 TCs per year. They have 3 VS’, with 25-30 candidates per VS (75-80 candidates across the VS’). 50% of VS’ers get a TC offer (40/80). 🥲

This is c80% of TCs (40/50). This means that White & Case take c20% of trainees through the DTC route (10/50) on average. I think these numbers will fluctuate each year. 😅

Best of luck with your DTC application to White & Case, they’re a great firm! 🙂​

 

[EzeLaylor]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

If it helps, I applied to direct TC last year and got to the final stage. There were about 2 ACs held (could’ve been more but I only know of two) with around 6- 8 candidates in each.

I think that’s a healthy number given their high TC conversion from their vacation schemes

 

[LegallyStressedOut]

Sorry just confirming white and case is non rolling for DTC?

 

[traineewannabe]

Anyone heard back from Winckworth yet post first interview?

 

[lawyersum]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

 

[Amma Usman]

Sorry just confirming white and case is non rolling for DTC?

Hey. It’s non-rolling - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lines-2024-25-training-starting-in-2027.9085/

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

I think the 1,000 words figure is more of a guide than a specific target you must hit. In my cover letter, I think I wrote around 800 words, including a brief introduction and conclusion. I got past the application stage this cycle for Spring / Summer VS. Best of luck with your White & Case DTC application. 😀​

 

[Amma Usman]

Hill Dickinson Insight Day and TC interview!! This is the furthest I've ever made it ahh very happy

Hey,

Huge congratulations on this!

I’ve provided some tips below:

1. Motivational Interviews

Motivational questions test whether you have a genuine and well-thought-out reason for pursuing a legal career and joining the firm you're applying to. Some common questions are:

• Why Law?

This is often asked early on, so it’s important to have a solid, genuine answer. You should show a broad interest in the legal profession beyond any specific area. It’s okay if your interest in law came from a variety of influences. What matters is how you connect them to your current ambition.

• Why Commercial Law?

Interviewers sometimes ask this immediately after "Why Law" to see if you can clearly distinguish between different legal paths. Make sure your answer shows you understand what commercial law actually involves and how it's different from, for example, criminal or family law. For me, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but my interest in commercial law developed through new experiences like open days and legal internships in corporate environments. That evolution of interest shows growth and awareness.

• Why This Firm?

Show that you've done your research, not just by browsing the firm's website, but through real engagement. This could include attending events, speaking to trainees or associates, or reading about recent deals. Back up your answer with specific examples. For instance, maybe you scheduled a coffee chat with a current associate who helped you understand the firm's culture and client approach.

• Why This Firm Over Others?

This is where a lot of candidates get caught. Don’t just list features that many firms share, such as international reach or practice areas. Instead, talk about how the combination of their work, values, people, training structure, and your own goals make this firm a better fit for you than other similar ones. A holistic view shows real consideration and maturity in your decision-making.



2. Situational Interviews


Situational questions, also called competency-based questions, assess how you think, react, and solve problems. Examples:

• Tell me about a time you worked in a team
• Describe a time you overcame a challenge
• Give an example of when you had to show leadership

Tips:

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Be specific. Vague or generic stories don’t land well.
• Choose examples that showcase commercially relevant skills like communication, adaptability, initiative, time management, and attention to detail.
• Where possible, reflect at the end of your answer by explaining what you learned and how it will help you as a future trainee.

In summary, back up every point with real, personal experiences, even small ones like sending a LinkedIn message to someone you admire or attending a niche event others might overlook. These examples humanise you and show proactivity.


Best of luck. I know you’ll do really well in the interview.

 

[Amma Usman]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

In situations like this, I would personally say it’s not always necessary to hit the word count. Sometimes thinking too heavily about this even made me waffle, but you will want conciseness in a cover letter. If you are able to back up your points and experiences well, and in less than the 1k mark, then there is no reason why you will not be progressed. I have written cover letters in 600-800 words, where there was that 1k limit, and still got progressed. The key is conciseness. It always boils down to conciseness and specificity in your writing.

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone! BCLP's application form doesn't have a question on extracurriculars or other achievements - should I cover activities that weren't work experience in the traditional sense like moot courts, publications, uni society work etc. under the work experience section or just leave them out? I will include some of them in the 4 additional questions anyways but not all.

 

[lawyersum]

I think the 1,000 words figure is more of a guide than a specific target you must hit. In my cover letter, I think I wrote around 800 words, including a brief introduction and conclusion. I got past the application stage this cycle for Spring / Summer VS. Best of luck with your White & Case DTC application. 😀​

In situations like this, I would personally say it’s not always necessary to hit the word count. Sometimes thinking too heavily about this even made me waffle, but you will want conciseness in a cover letter. If you are able to back up your points and experiences well, and in less than the 1k mark, then there is no reason why you will not be progressed. I have written cover letters in 600-800 words, where there was that 1k limit, and still got progressed. The key is conciseness. It always boils down to conciseness and specificity in your writing.

Thank you both very much!

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone! BCLP's application form doesn't have a question on extracurriculars or other achievements - should I cover activities that weren't work experience in the traditional sense like moot courts, publications, uni society work etc. under the work experience section or just leave them out? I will include some of them in the 4 additional questions anyways but not all.

Also regarding BCLP, is filling out the max 250 words per WE description necessary? Some of mine are 150-200 words only and adding more would feel redundant.

And is it a good idea to divide some WE descriptions into two paragraphs but not others? - certain roles I did had multiple dimensions to them but others were more homogenous. I wonder if it might be an issue that not all WE descriptions are identical.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

 

[Alturistic whale]

Has anyone done the BCLP online test and received their feedback report?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone! BCLP's application form doesn't have a question on extracurriculars or other achievements - should I cover activities that weren't work experience in the traditional sense like moot courts, publications, uni society work etc. under the work experience section or just leave them out? I will include some of them in the 4 additional questions anyways but not all.

I would generally recommend sticking to what the section is asking for you, so if it is only asking for work experience, just focus on that rather than extracurriculars, especially if you are going to highlight these elements elsewhere.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Also regarding BCLP, is filling out the max 250 words per WE description necessary? Some of mine are 150-200 words only and adding more would feel redundant.

And is it a good idea to divide some WE descriptions into two paragraphs but not others? - certain roles I did had multiple dimensions to them but others were more homogenous. I wonder if it might be an issue that not all WE descriptions are identical.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

No - for some experiences that are either short in nature or have limited responsibilities, I would not expect to see the full word count utilised. It is just there for instances when it is needed.