TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

not sure if I’m missing something but I feel like no one has asked about Linklaters in a while? I shall do the honours…

Has anyone heard anything from Linklaters recently?

Nopesssss

 

[rain2801]

have you heard back yet?

Nope, completed the WGT on 12th.

 

[rain2801]

Nopesssss

Linklaters PFO’d me around March end last cycle.

 

[yk1906]

Linklaters PFO’d me around March end last cycle.

Gosh... What about interview invites?

 

[rain2801]

Gosh... What about interview invites?

I don’t recall seeing any Links DTC invites on last year’s thread, only for VS.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Do people apply to firms they’re lukewarm/ambivalent about? I started an application for a US firm but decided not to continue as I just couldn’t bring myself to show any passion for the firm. My list of firms I want to apply to is really, really small as a result. I wonder if I’m scuppering my chances by being so selective.

It's smart to be thinking this way as your time is just as valuable as any partners (regardless of their high charge-out rates). Although I would only advise others to simply apply for firms they are interested in where their list is solid enough. I know its probably a controversial take, but I think it is wise to have a handful of firms on your list not just a few. It's important to have some backups (just in case). However - if you genuinely can't find a thing to say about them, then yes its not one to apply for as they will likely catch it out anyway

 

[kurojack]

🥹 Would anyone here have any insights into the Kirkland VI please?

hello is this for summer vac scheme or DTC?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I’m on the fence about applying to Lewis Silkin. The firm clearly has a great culture, and my professional background is aligned with their strengths.

However, I don’t want to be pigeonholed, and I worry with a more boutique firm (although I recognise it’s still a commercial firm), that’s exactly what will happen. For example, if I get a TC there and don’t convert to Associate, or perhaps don’t want to convert to Associate there, my options might be slimmer than if I trained elsewhere.

I sometimes think I don’t do myself any favours by thinking about the worst case scenario all the time lol. But idk, feels like a reasonable concern?

I remember thinking this way very early on in my journey, and you're not wrong - it's wise to be thinking this way, and also encouraged. These thoughts are what is going to make the conversations surrounding your seat rotations more powerful one day. Do some research on LinkedIn if you can, see what other NQ's have gone on to do after training at LS. I used to think that only elite firms took on elite trainees as NQ's but when I looked into this as part of a BD task, I realised that this may not always be the case when you actually look at the data.

 

[yasmars]

I’m on the fence about applying to Lewis Silkin. The firm clearly has a great culture, and my professional background is aligned with their strengths.

However, I don’t want to be pigeonholed, and I worry with a more boutique firm (although I recognise it’s still a commercial firm), that’s exactly what will happen. For example, if I get a TC there and don’t convert to Associate, or perhaps don’t want to convert to Associate there, my options might be slimmer than if I trained elsewhere.

I sometimes think I don’t do myself any favours by thinking about the worst case scenario all the time lol. But idk, feels like a reasonable concern?

Same. I realised that their largest practice is employment and that’s not really an area of interest for me. Although I am open minded so I may still apply

 

[switchingup]

I remember thinking this way very early on in my journey, and you're not wrong - it's wise to be thinking this way, and also encouraged. These thoughts are what is going to make the conversations surrounding your seat rotations more powerful one day. Do some research on LinkedIn if you can, see what other NQ's have gone on to do after training at LS. I used to think that only elite firms took on elite trainees as NQ's but when I looked into this as part of a BD task, I realised that this may not always be the case when you actually look at the data.

Thanks, Afraz! I will do that.

 

[switchingup]

Same. I realised that their largest practice is employment and that’s not really an area of interest for me. Although I am open minded so I may still apply

Yeah, it's a tough one! I'm the same, not mega interested in employment, but I have a strong background in media/tech.

 

[Jess_AspiringSolicitor]

Thank you so much for this very comprehensive answer. It's given me lots of food for thought. I don't mind working for a US firm, but it still has to 'fit'. I'm also approaching this cycle as a career changer. I have a very good career at one of the major banks in a legal-adjacent field (but have always been drawn to law). For the switch to be worth it, I think the firm would need to be the right fit. I would rather stay where I am than accept a training contract at a firm I'm not really passionate about.

I’m also a career changer in a similar position with the same view. I have a good job so would rather stay where I am than accept a TC at a firm I’m not passionate about!

 

[xMontmorency]

Do people apply to firms they’re lukewarm/ambivalent about? I started an application for a US firm but decided not to continue as I just couldn’t bring myself to show any passion for the firm. My list of firms I want to apply to is really, really small as a result. I wonder if I’m scuppering my chances by being so selective.

Three reasons why i would apply for that firm you're not really passionate about:

1) Going through the process, however painful, will give you experience researching firms and writing good apps. Being good at faking enthusiasm is an underrated skill. If you get the VS, that's also experience.

2) Who knows, maybe if you did some of that research and got to know the firm you'd realise you quite like the work they do or the culture.

3) If you're after a TC, you should realise that commercial law firms aren't that different. It might feel like it scrolling a forum whose literal purpose is to help people differentiate law firms; and sure, they advise different clients in different sectors and have different specialisms. But, at the end of the day, all commercial solicitors do is contracts, companies house filings, court filings, legal research and a bit of project management (at least at the junior end). Like that's it. There is no single trainee task that a trainee at one (commercial) law firm will be taught to do that one at another is not. If you're not interested in a firm because it's small, doesn't have the right specialism, or doesn't have the right culture, there's a thriving lateral associate market ready to pick up NQs.

I did a vac scheme at a firm I was tepid about. Turns out structured finance is cool as fck.

Just my 2¢

 

[shadowboxer909]

Three reasons why i would apply for that firm you're not really passionate about:

1) Going through the process, however painful, will give you experience researching firms and writing good apps. Being good at faking enthusiasm is an underrated skill. If you get the VS, that's also experience.

2) Who knows, maybe if you did some of that research and got to know the firm you'd realise you quite like the work they do or the culture.

3) If you're after a TC, you should realise that commercial law firms aren't that different. It might feel like it scrolling a forum whose literal purpose is to help people differentiate law firms; and sure, they advise different clients in different sectors and have different specialisms. But, at the end of the day, all commercial solicitors do is contracts, companies house filings, court filings, legal research and a bit of project management (at least at the junior end). Like that's it. There is no single trainee task that a trainee at one (commercial) law firm will be taught to do that one at another is not. If you're not interested in a firm because it's small, doesn't have the right specialism, or doesn't have the right culture, there's a thriving lateral associate market ready to pick up NQs.

I did a vac scheme at a firm I was tepid about. Turns out structured finance is cool as fck.

Just my 2¢

And the process is such a black box that you can get interviews at highly, highly competitive firms and yet strike out at many less competitive firms.

You never know unless you try.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

not sure if I’m missing something but I feel like no one has asked about Linklaters in a while? I shall do the honours…

Has anyone heard anything from Linklaters recently?

I saw someone on the vac scheme thread say they're aiming to get back to ppl in the new year....I might be misremembering though

 

[ashwright]

No worries at all, glad to hear it helped!

Not a silly follow-up at all, and I can totally understand why you're worried (as I was the same and had to ask my mentor haha!). As long as your email is polite and doesn't seem like you are demanding an instant reply, it won't make you more likely to be rejected at all. As others have mentioned, if anything, it likely would have the opposite effect as you'll be viewed as a more competitive candidate

Good morning Abbie!! Just had a follow-up question on this, but I'm mindful of not clogging the thread - would it be okay if I could PM you to ask your thoughts?
Thank you so much! 🙏

 

[EMB]

Kennedys VI

 

[ABC234]

Hi! does anyone have insight as to Kennedys’ video interview - would really appreciate it

 

[Aspiringcommercialsolicitor1]

Hi! does anyone have insight as to Kennedys’ video interview - would really appreciate it

Congrats!! Did you get your invite just now? I’m lowkey preparing myself for the dreaded pfo email😭

 

[nicoledm]

Kennedys VI as well!