TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[rain2801]

As a fellow international candidate, my best advice is to connect yourself to London commercial law as much as you can. Attend insight events, open days, law fairs, mentoring schemes etc. because you’ll need to answer the “why commercial solicitor” question on almost every application and that should be tailored to working in the UK specifically. The firms I’ve succeeded with so far (SC, US and other top global) asked about this without exception, though I did an exchange in the UK as part of my law degree so it was somewhat easier for me to argue why I’d like to work there (and needless to say, the money and prestige aren’t good enough reasons).

Also, you’re not eligible for vac schemes (maybe with the exception of Reed Smith if I’m not mistaken), so you’re essentially restricted to direct TCs with top firms that sponsor foreigners - this is an insanely competitive process. You’ll need PERFECT and tailored applications with plenty of legal experience, even with firms that do hire 50% from the direct route like Stephenson Harwood or MCs. Start working on applications way ahead of the deadline. Your academics look good, it helps if you got any awards or distinctions at uni. And you could always do an LLM in the UK to help your case, but I personally think that only Oxbridge or perhaps LSE would make a significant difference, besides getting a UK visa of course.

Overall it’s doable and once you pass the first application stage, it’s all about how good you are and not your non-UK academics or need for visa sponsorship. Practise all kinds of tests and case studies that could come up in advance, and I’d start prepping for interviews every day - nothing more annoying that when you finally get an interview invite and in the midst of applications you forgot to prepare.

Hi, thank you so much! This was very helpful. In terms of academic awards, my university does not publicise ranks of students and only provides grades, so we also don't get academic awards or anything until we graduate either which is when we do get to know our relative ranks. I did consider LLMs, but as you said barring Oxbridge and LSE there's not many places which can add onto my CV, not to mention the costs of doing an LLM are significantly higher as an international student with limited scholarship avenues. I have started preparing for the upcoming cycle and plan to apply to more firms, although I'm still looking for help on how to draft my personal statement better since I believe that is one key area I am still lacking in. Would it be fine if I reach out to you over DM for advice on personal statement?

 

[rain2801]

Hi,
I'm not sure how helpful this might be for you. While I agree with everyone else and usually vacation schemes do not sponsor visas, there are a few US based firms which sponsor visas for vacation schemes for successful international applicants. You would need to research and make a list of those before applying as they aren't listed anywhere unfortunately.

Hi, thank you for responding. I've already started preparing a list of places to apply for, where most of them are DTCs but a few are vacation schemes. Although a lot of places are yet to publicise their dates.

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi, thank you so much! This was very helpful. In terms of academic awards, my university does not publicise ranks of students and only provides grades, so we also don't get academic awards or anything until we graduate either which is when we do get to know our relative ranks. I did consider LLMs, but as you said barring Oxbridge and LSE there's not many places which can add onto my CV, not to mention the costs of doing an LLM are significantly higher as an international student with limited scholarship avenues. I have started preparing for the upcoming cycle and plan to apply to more firms, although I'm still looking for help on how to draft my personal statement better since I believe that is one key area I am still lacking in. Would it be fine if I reach out to you over DM for advice on personal statement?

Hi! yes of course dm me

 

[Mara]

Hi, yes a lot of them don't but a few do. Coming from India, there were schemes tailored to Indian students by Links and HSF which I applied to.

Oh okay that's great then. Good luck with your apps!

 

[yk1906]

Hi! Is Linklaters DTC rolling?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi! Is Linklaters DTC rolling?

Hi!

Linklaters is non-rolling I believe (unless they’ve changed it this year), but you can always email grad rec to confirm. I’d still suggest submitting your application as soon as it’s ready to maximise your chances.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey TCLA Community!

Delighted to share we now have the updated versions of our TC and VS deadlines threads!

TC Deadlines - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ct-deadlines-thread-2025-26.9780/#post-216097
VS Deadlines - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lling-non-rolling-checklist.9720/#post-214861

You will find that some firms are yet to release their dates for now, but not to worry - we will keep these lists monitored weekly so you can get those applications in!

As usual, if you do have any suggestions for improvement, please let us know in the comments!

Best wishes,
We are all rooting for you here at TCLA

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello everyone! My name is Amma Usman, and I'm currently working at TCLA as a Community Assistant.

I've worked on the forums for the past year, but just thought I'd reintroduce myself for those that are new here.

I’m a law graduate from the University of Leicester and a Future Trainee at Gibson Dunn. I’m an international student, born and raised in Nigeria, and I moved to the UK a couple years back. I was so keen on joining TCLA due to the positive impact it had on my career trajectory and perception of the law firm application process. From the wonderful forum community where everyone was so open and friendly about their experiences, to the comprehensive courses, TCLA really felt like a ‘community’ from day one.

If you've got any questions at all, feel free to tag me using the '@' function, @ZNadeem, and @vera.mekhonoshina.

We're happy to help, so no question is ever a silly one!

Best of luck with this cycle - you've absolutely got this!

 

[NikitaLloyds]

@ZNadeem
Hello, I hope this question is not too vexing. Today (03/092025) is when Clifford Chance opens their direct TC applications for 2028, but I don't see the application form on their website. Where should I look, or has it not been uploaded yet?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

@ZNadeem
Hello, I hope this question is not too vexing. Today (03/092025) is when Clifford Chance opens their direct TC applications for 2028, but I don't see the application form on their website. Where should I look, or has it not been uploaded yet?

Hi @NikitaLloyds,

I just checked the firm's Careers webpage, and I can't seem to find the application form either. I would give it a couple of days and keep refreshing the page, and if this continues to be the case, email the Graduate Recruitment team for clarification!

 

[ZNadeem]

@ZNadeem
Hello, I hope this question is not too vexing. Today (03/092025) is when Clifford Chance opens their direct TC applications for 2028, but I don't see the application form on their website. Where should I look, or has it not been uploaded yet?

Hi! Not vexing at all

As Vera mentioned above, I’d give it a few days — sometimes firms upload the application form a little later than the date they’ve announced.

 

[ashwright]

Good morning everyone! Looking forward to this application season - we're all going to smash it! 💪

Quick question for @Amma Usman @ZNadeem and @vera.mekhonoshina 😁
Do you have any advice on structuring your work experience (& extracurricular, volunteering, etc.) section for the written application?
Normally, the initial written application asks you to list these kinds of experiences, as well as to write a brief explanation of what you did. I tend to overthink this section for some silly reason!

In particular, I wanted to check if you guys have any advice on 1.) structuring these responses (I'm guessing STAR?) and 2.) whether you think it's necessary to link the skill from your experience to a skill or value appreciated by the firm you're applying to.

Also, by 'linking' skills, I'm thinking along the lines of whether it's necessary to make it explicit that the skill is something is appreciated by the firm - e.g. "By working at Company X, I developed Y skill through doing Z task. Y skill is valued by your firm because..." Is that second sentence helpful, or is it obvious/unnecessary for the work experience section (and would perhaps be better left for 'Why' questions)?

(and, if it's alright, fun bonus question!! 😁 Do you guys know where I could find examples of well-drafted work experience sections?)
Thank you in advance!! I really appreciate any advice ☺️

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Good morning everyone! Looking forward to this application season - we're all going to smash it! 💪

Quick question for @Amma Usman @ZNadeem and @vera.mekhonoshina 😁
Do you have any advice on structuring your work experience (& extracurricular, volunteering, etc.) section for the written application?
Normally, the initial written application asks you to list these kinds of experiences, as well as to write a brief explanation of what you did. I tend to overthink this section for some silly reason!

In particular, I wanted to check if you guys have any advice on 1.) structuring these responses (I'm guessing STAR?) and 2.) whether you think it's necessary to link the skill from your experience to a skill or value appreciated by the firm you're applying to.

Also, by 'linking' skills, I'm thinking along the lines of whether it's necessary to make it explicit that the skill is something is appreciated by the firm - e.g. "By working at Company X, I developed Y skill through doing Z task. Y skill is valued by your firm because..." Is that second sentence helpful, or is it obvious/unnecessary for the work experience section (and would perhaps be better left for 'Why' questions)?

(and, if it's alright, fun bonus question!! 😁 Do you guys know where I could find examples of well-drafted work experience sections?)
Thank you in advance!! I really appreciate any advice ☺️

Hey there, @ashwright!


I love your positive mindset and fighting spirit - keep it up!


When it comes to writing great work experience entries, I would recommend focusing on describing the specific things that you did in each of your roles - this is the one part of the application where you don’t need to link your actions to the firm! I would actually advise against it, as it would take away the valuable space that you can use to describe each of your experiences in more depth.


You also don’t really need to use STAR unless you choose to highlight a specific situation that happened to you within a particular work experience. In that case, you would use STAR to structure a sentence where you would be highlighting the skills that you gained from a specific event or situation.

Here are some of my other top tips for writing a good work experience section:

• Use metrics to showcase your achievements. For example, if you had a hospitality position, how many customers did you serve per day? You want to make sure that you include metrics in each of your work experience entries.
• Details and specificity will make your application stand out. For example, if you worked as a research assistant, you would want to specify what specific research you completed - I’m talking actual names of regulations/ procedures/statutes!
• Use simple and precise language and pay attention to the length of your sentences. You want to make it easy for the recruiter who will be reading your entries to understand exactly what you did in every single role. A good test is to have someone who is not familiar with your professional experiences to read through your work experience entries and explain back to you how they understood each of your roles!

I hope this helps

 

[ZNadeem]

Good morning everyone! Looking forward to this application season - we're all going to smash it! 💪

Quick question for @Amma Usman @ZNadeem and @vera.mekhonoshina 😁
Do you have any advice on structuring your work experience (& extracurricular, volunteering, etc.) section for the written application?
Normally, the initial written application asks you to list these kinds of experiences, as well as to write a brief explanation of what you did. I tend to overthink this section for some silly reason!

In particular, I wanted to check if you guys have any advice on 1.) structuring these responses (I'm guessing STAR?) and 2.) whether you think it's necessary to link the skill from your experience to a skill or value appreciated by the firm you're applying to.

Also, by 'linking' skills, I'm thinking along the lines of whether it's necessary to make it explicit that the skill is something is appreciated by the firm - e.g. "By working at Company X, I developed Y skill through doing Z task. Y skill is valued by your firm because..." Is that second sentence helpful, or is it obvious/unnecessary for the work experience section (and would perhaps be better left for 'Why' questions)?

(and, if it's alright, fun bonus question!! 😁 Do you guys know where I could find examples of well-drafted work experience sections?)
Thank you in advance!! I really appreciate any advice ☺️

Hi! I echo the great advice above by Vera. Just to add: it’s not necessary to explicitly list skills for every experience, as this can be overwhelming and take up space that could be better spent describing your role and what you actually did in projects or tasks. The skills will usually come through naturally from the way you describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focusing on concrete actions and outcomes makes your experiences feel more authentic and impactful.