TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[cs3008]

Got PFO from White & Case and WFW post VI. I think I’m lacking skills required for VIs. Any suggestions how to crack VIs?

Also any suggestions for macfarlanes SJT?

 

[StressedNotBlessed]

Fed up with SJTs now. My scores vary so wildly from firm to firm. Just done SH and it was my worst one yet but one of my favourite firms

I feel you... My results differ wildly each time. Hang in there and don't take it personally!

 

[funnyaccent11]

For anyone that has received the Reed Smith application questions, without revealing what they were, can you provide info on the type of questions they were? Like were they motivation or experience based?

 

[shays]

For anyone that has received the Reed Smith application questions, without revealing what they were, can you provide info on the type of questions they were? Like were they motivation or experience based?

i would say typical application questions - so motivation, experience, commercial awareness stuff

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

It's going to be hell working there for sure. The salary is a bait I feel sometimes.

Yh I know what you mean. Tbh I feel they did this to increase app numbers. As Milbank don't usually receive a high number of apps compared to other elite US law firms.

 

[addy2004]

Fed up with SJTs now. My scores vary so wildly from firm to firm. Just done SH and it was my worst one yet but one of my favourite firms

I'm sorry, that must be so annoying. I find that writing down the main skills/values for each firm to look at while doing an SJT is helpful to gauge their priorities when answering. I know they want us to be authentic, but I definitely saw an improvement in progressing past SJTs when I started this

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Has anyone who applied to the CMA case officer role heard back yet?

 

[Matt Murdock]

Yh I know what you mean. Tbh I feel they did this to increase app numbers. As Milbank don't usually receive a high number of apps compared to other elite US law firms.

They didn't have app questions this cycle, I doubted they were not receiving high number of apps. Probably their best candidates got poached by rival firms like Kirkland, so they jumped the salary above it.

 

[sqecompletedcandidate]

Has anyone who submitted their SJT/VI within the last week or so of the deadline for RS heard anything back yet? I’m going a bit stir crazy

 

[User22022002]

Has anyone heard from Travers at all?

They phoned me to set an interview for next week

 

[TheHamlet4]

Yh I know what you mean. Tbh I feel they did this to increase app numbers. As Milbank don't usually receive a high number of apps compared to other elite US law firms.

Average finish time 22:06 is mad

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

Average finish time 22:06 is mad

But that a US Law Firm for you. If you want higher salary then you have to sacrifice something.

 

[WillYouGiveMeATC]

They didn't have app questions this cycle, I doubted they were not receiving high number of apps. Probably their best candidates got poached by rival firms like Kirkland, so they jumped the salary above it.

This is so true. They saw Kirkland introduce their own version of AI so thought of replying back with trainee salary increase.

 

[User22022002]

Really losing hope on FF

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Is there anyone still waiting on Bakers post SJT? I saw they sent a new batch of VIs this week and a wave of PFOs (post SJT), but still nothing for me…​

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Is there anyone still waiting on Bakers post SJT? I saw they sent a new batch of VIs this week and a wave of PFOs (post SJT), but still nothing for me…​

When did they send another batch of VIs?

 

[HMajesty]

Is there anyone still waiting on Bakers post SJT? I saw they sent a new batch of VIs this week and a wave of PFOs (post SJT), but still nothing for me…​

Bakers sent out more VIs? Is this confirmed?

 

[TCapplicant1005]

They phoned me to set an interview for next week

Congratulations on the interview invite! When did you apply?

 

[User22022002]

Congratulations on the interview invite! When did you apply?

Thanks! i applied the day before the deadline and got the call yesterday or the day before. Good luck!

 

[theduckytie]

Fed up with SJTs now. My scores vary so wildly from firm to firm. Just done SH and it was my worst one yet but one of my favourite firms

Same :/