TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[amb303]

anything from Withers post test? (have seen some people get interviews but not sure if all the invitations have been sent?)

 

[wantatc]

Moore Barlow reserve List email Kinda

 

[B101]

Congratulations!

Have they told you what the written exercise is comprised of, or shared any other specific information in the invite email?

Sometimes firms will give a rough indication of what to expect (like a business scenario, legal issue, or time limit), and that can help guide your prep more effectively. Perhaps I’ll be able to advise better then.

Thank you

This is what the email says - This exercise will test your analytical ability, commercial instinct and written communication skills. In your written response you will need to justify a recommended course of action from information you are given.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Bakers vi

 

[Logan1101]

Does anyone know if KPMG would ever open applications for their Law Programme(Training Contract)?

Last time I applied, I progressed to in in-person assessment centre and they said their programme was full, so they had to withdraw everyone. Do the Big 4 firms generally recruit rolling like this? It seems odd.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

Bakers VI!

 

[Chris Brown]

Baker McKenzie DTC VI!! 😅​

 

[20tunnj]

seems like everyone's getting Ashurst MB and BM! still waiting to hear back from all 3 (and BM post-test). what r my chances

 

[Tintin06]

Sullivan & Cromwell DTC opens tomorrow. It seems a backup for them. The VS seems more important honestly. So not expecting anything positive really. But they are a great firm.

This has been a rough cycle. Only one TI back in February. Having multiple VSs might be detrimental. I don’t want to do more. Feeling like it’s my last cycle. Mostly just going backwards this time. I’m also turning 28 in June. I can’t be bothered applying endlessly. Why should I keep on going? Failed to convert multiple VSs (three). There's no demand for my skills. There's no demand for my experiences. At least, that's how it feels.

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone have any advice on the White & Case cover letter? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Z48]

Sullivan & Cromwell DTC opens tomorrow. It seems a backup for them. The VS seems more important honestly. So not expecting anything positive really. But they are a great firm.

This has been a rough cycle. Only one TI back in February. Having multiple VSs might be detrimental. I don’t want to do more. Feeling like it’s my last cycle. Mostly just going backwards this time. I’m also turning 28 in June. I can’t be bothered applying endlessly. Why should I keep on going? Failed to convert multiple VSs (three). There's no demand for my skills. There's no demand for my experiences. At least, that's how it feels.

In terms of SullCrom, I do think they consider DTC, when I contacted them last year about whether to apply for the VS this was the response I got:

“As you are not currently in education, I would suggest you apply direct for a training contract.

Online applications open May 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Please note we do not recruit all future trainees from the firm's summer vacation scheme, hence why we have a separate direct training contract application window.”

I think the last sentence gives a bit of hope

 

[Tintin06]

In terms of SullCrom, I do think they consider DTC, when I contacted them last year about whether to apply for the VS this was the response I got:

“As you are not currently in education, I would suggest you apply direct for a training contract.

Online applications open May 1, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

Please note we do not recruit all future trainees from the firm's summer vacation scheme, hence why we have a separate direct training contract application window.”

I think the last sentence gives a bit of hope

That’s great news to hear, honestly.

 

[Amma Usman]

Congratulations to all those getting VI invites. I have linked @Andrei Radu ’’s great guide here to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Guys has ANYONE heard from Shoosmiths post test?

 

[tomofsiobhans]

As other forum members mentioned, I do not think you will be at a particular disadvantage. That said, I do think the bar is generally higher in a DTC final interview when compared to a VS interview, as the firm will need to make a decision on whether to make a very substantial investment without any further assessment. As such, in general I believe you should expect more pushback and scrutiny about all your answers. When you prepare, I advise you to think about any and all potential follow ups to your answers and continuously look for the weak spots in your reasoning that may be further questioned.

No, not at all. While having years of experience can certainly help, it does not limit your chances in any way if you are able to leverage your own experiences effectively, whatever they may be. Firms are looking at how you present yourself just as much as what you have done.

It is also worth remembering that some candidates might have years of experience or impressive backgrounds, but still struggle in the direct TC process if they have not honed key competencies firms assess such as communication skills, commercial awareness, and structured interview preparation. So, your success does not hinge solely on the quantity of experience, but rather on how you show your potential.

In fact, the very fact that you have already secured a vacation scheme offer and have been moved to the direct TC process is clear proof that the firm sees something in you. You are already in a strong position, and it would be a good idea to reference this in your interviews as evidence of your capability and commitment.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if the firm knows you were unable to take part in the vacation scheme due to a clash with dates for a separate VS, you should be prepared to answer the question of why X firm over Y firm. Firms will already know that candidates are applying elsewhere, but this question will still likely be asked to gauge your application strategy. Maybe both firms have similar practices that are of interest to you, similar training structures, or something of that sort.

For preparation, I would recommend focusing on:

• Structuring your answers clearly using the STAR method for competency questions.
• Having two or three strong commercial stories you can reference confidently.
• Keeping your motivations for the firm razor-sharp and tailored.
• Practising case studies or written exercises if they are part of the process.

You have done so well already, and I am sure you will nail it. Best of luck with all the opportunities.

Thank you very much Andrei and Amma!

 

[hopefullyalawyersoon]

Anyone who got Ashurst’s case study comfortable with sharing the available dates for the session? Or even just the last date available?

Just want to know if I’m cooked 😔😔🙏🏼

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Guys has ANYONE heard from Shoosmiths post test?

Their email says by 6pm on 9 May so expect a 5.59 email on that date.

 

[MB17]

anyone heard back from baker mckenzie post test yet?

I haven’t even heard back from them post-app and I’m starting to panic at this point.

 

[B101]

Anyone who got Ashurst’s case study comfortable with sharing the available dates for the session? Or even just the last date available?

Just want to know if I’m cooked 😔😔🙏🏼

There were several slots on the 6th, 7th & 8th of May. Perhaps they will release some more. All the best!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone have any advice on the White & Case cover letter? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I think your White & Case cover letter should cover the same big 3 sections as any other (Why commercial law, Why firm, Why you), but writing it is complicated by two factors: (i) the other application form questions; and (ii) the high word count limit. Taken together, this makes it difficult to avoid repetition of experiences/achievements. I have two tips in this regard:

1. Be strategic with your use of experiences/achievements: think from the get-go roughly how many you will need for the cover letter and each section and determine what goes where before you actually start writing.
2. In the cover letter, should you find it difficult to talk at length about competencies and experiences, make the 'Why the firm' analysis more substantial than you normally would. This will also give you more of an opportunity to showcase the depth of your knowledge of the firm.