I prefer to apply for jobs as late as possible (usually the day before the closing date). It means I don’t have to wait as long to hear back.
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi!
I can see in previous years (on this thread) that Sullivan & Cromwell hires from their vacation scheme in the first instance, and the direct TC route is typically used if they do not fill all of the spots with the vacation scheme. Whilst this may have changed for this year, I would keep that in mind when deciding which to apply for!
Given you're a career changer already in a legal-adjacent role, your work experience is likely to be a clear advantage, particularly if you are wanting to apply for the direct TC route. Another thing to consider is the timing, and the leave issue you mentioned. Since you're working full-time, it makes sense to prioritise VS applications for firms that solely require from their VS. S&C doesn't fall strictly into that category, so it's reasonable to focus your limited annual leave elsewhere.
If you feel you could put in a strong application later on, waiting for DTC apps in 2026 is a completely valid strategy - and one that I'm sure plenty of successful S&C candidates have taken. I think the most important consideration is how motivated you are to apply to S&C, and whether you'd prefer to maximise your changes by applying for their vacation scheme rather than DTC.
I hope that offers some assistance!
This was so helpful, thank you so much!Hi!
I can see in previous years (on this thread) that Sullivan & Cromwell hires from their vacation scheme in the first instance, and the direct TC route is typically used if they do not fill all of the spots with the vacation scheme. Whilst this may have changed for this year, I would keep that in mind when deciding which to apply for!
Given you're a career changer already in a legal-adjacent role, your work experience is likely to be a clear advantage, particularly if you are wanting to apply for the direct TC route. Another thing to consider is the timing, and the leave issue you mentioned. Since you're working full-time, it makes sense to prioritise VS applications for firms that solely require from their VS. S&C doesn't fall strictly into that category, so it's reasonable to focus your limited annual leave elsewhere.
If you feel you could put in a strong application later on, waiting for DTC apps in 2026 is a completely valid strategy - and one that I'm sure plenty of successful S&C candidates have taken. I think the most important consideration is how motivated you are to apply to S&C, and whether you'd prefer to maximise your changes by applying for their vacation scheme rather than DTC.
I hope that offers some assistance!
For those wondering what it looks like. Either it means a decision has been made on our application or just that we’re cooked
I'm so sad about A&O, i'm assuming as i did not receive the "application under review" email, i'm probably out of the race. I will still be positive about it but wow
Hey!
Whilst I'm not 100% sure on the general timelines for HL, I would say that two months is definitely on the longer side - although this could be due to them handling the vacation scheme applications first. If I were in your position, I'd be inclined to send a brief and polite email just to double-check the status of your application.
I'd keep it very simple, for example:
"I'm writing to kindly check on the status of my Direct TC application submitted on [date]. I completely appreciate the high volume of applications, particularly with the vacation scheme applications as well, but I just wanted to confirm whether there are any updates or anything further required from my side".
I'd say it's totally normal to send something like this, and it might help flag if anything has been missed. Hopefully you hear back soon!
I just asked chatgpt and she said its most likely a rejection. I just deleted her, i'm not here for negativity right nowView attachment 7420
For those wondering what it looks like. Either it means a decision has been made on our application or just that we’re cooked
Adopting Watson Glaser thinking will help a lot of you navigate this process without second guessing yourself. Until you hear an explicit PFO, assume you’re still in the running!
Did you have to take the WG? i think I recall seeing that the WG still needed to be done before the deadline.
I'd be glad if they weren't jump scared like you, literally they sent to me that email every day!
For all those who can see 'Archived' as the CC status- I mailed the grad team. 
I applied last year and passed the wg so i didn't have to retake it fortunately
I asked GPT and it said it might be a backend process where the application has been moved out of the “active work queue” temporarily. Some people who progressed in previous years had their apps briefly show as archived.I just asked chatgpt and she said its most likely a rejection. I just deleted her, i'm not here for negativity right now
imo they’re lying, or rather, avoiding the truth. In theory, our applications are ‘active’ until the point of rejection. I hate fussing over these things so I don’t really care, but I reckon it’s a PFO tbh. No way that ‘archived’ is in any way positive lol.
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