TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[futuretraineesolicitor]

tha

Hey,

Yep, this is a very common question. There will always be the question of why here rather than your home country. There’s a strong need for specificity, as you mentioned and rightly figured out. Law is law, so on the surface, practising law is similar regardless of the jurisdiction. That’s why firms are looking for clear, specific reasons.

There’s also the need to be precise when talking about internationality. Even in your home jurisdiction, top local firms often partner with international law firms to work on big deals because of their regional expertise. So someone could ask, “Why international law in London?” when technically you could still get international exposure back home through those partnerships.

London has long been recognised as a global hub for legal work, and there’s a lot of scope to talk about how you can grow there. That said, it’s easy to come off as generic since lots of people say the same thing.

What helps is tying your interest in London to something more specific, like the firm's regional strengths. For example, if a firm has a stronger aviation law practice in London than in Manchester, and you’re genuinely interested in aviation law for XYZ reasons, that becomes a strong and tangible reason for choosing London. It shows real, demonstrated interest.

As for the international element, you could explain that the scope and scale of cross-border work in the firm’s London office surpass what’s available at home, and that appeals to you for DEF reasons. Always try to back up these points with your own experiences. Maybe there’s a niche within a practice area that really interests you and is more prominently done in London. That’s the kind of detail that makes your answer stand out.

You might then get a follow-up like, “Many firms offer that too, so why us?” That’s where even deeper research comes in. Sure, a lot of firms look similar on the surface and offer similar work, but if you dig a bit more, you’ll likely find a niche or initiative at that specific firm that genuinely appeals to you.

Also, it helps to round out your answers with broader examples. Maybe two firms have similar practices, but the one you're interviewing at has a pro bono focus in an area you care about for XYZ reasons. That’s another strong angle.

Ultimately, it’s best to approach these questions holistically. Don’t treat each one as isolated. Show that you’ve thought about your long-term career, you understand how the firm fits into that vision, and most importantly, how it can help you grow in the way you want.

Very best of luck on the AC, I’m sure you will do great! Also happy to advise on more specific components of the AC if you know what it comprises of.

thanks for this answer, Amma. this was very helpful

 

[saj2002]

Does anyone have any insights/advice on the Farrer & Co interviews? I can't find anything about what type of interview it is (i.e. competency, strength, or general). Or does anyone know of good resources to practice for interviews on a small budget? Any guidance would be super helpful!

 

[Tintin06]

LinkedIn - YoUr PrOfIlE iS gEtTiNg NoTiCeD

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone have any insights/advice on the Farrer & Co interviews? I can't find anything about what type of interview it is (i.e. competency, strength, or general). Or does anyone know of good resources to practice for interviews on a small budget? Any guidance would be super helpful!

I do not know a lot about the Farrer & Co interview but as resources I would recommend: (i) the Complete Competency Interview Guide - a step by step guide about how to prepare for competency/generalist interviews; and (ii) once you have prepared as well as you could on your own, consider the TCLA mock interview service I have linked here. While it is available only on a fee basis, you can get up to a 50% discount as a premium member.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Amma Usman , could you pls explain how to go about answering the questions: "Why London?", "Why an international law firm?", "Why do you want to work in London?", "Why do you want to do international work?", "Why international law?". Asking this since I am based outside of the UK and will have an in-person AC soon. All these questions sound too similar to me honestly. But I feel that I will def get one of the above since I have no ties to the UK. Confused about which one of these questions wants me to talk about London as a city, the popularity of english law in commercial contracts etc. Thanks a ton.

I do not have much to add to the great post by @Amma Usman on this, but I just wanted to illustrate a good way I think you can justify a substantive interest in international work/working in an international law firm. For me, the answer has always had to do with the opportunity this provides to interact with and learn about many diverse legal systems around the world. To advise on a cross-border deal/dispute, you will need to understand what all the elements of the matter that are connected to other jurisdictions impact the client, and how they can come together and can be addressed under a cohesive strategy. This can also be a reason for 'Why London' - as a global financial hub which houses the legal system which is the status quo choice of law in international commerce, lawyers in the London office of a firm will perform the role of bringing input from everywhere together and coordinating work in other jurisdictions.

This can itself be attractive to you because you will get to learn to navigate the quirks of different systems around the world, problem-solve around conflicts between the rules of various legal systems and markets, and learn about the businesses, economies, and even politics about countries all around the world. This provides the opportunity for a constant stream of complex and highly varied work, which I think many people can have a natural interest in.

 

[SamiyaJ]

I do not know a lot about the Farrer & Co interview but as resources I would recommend: (i) the Complete Competency Interview Guide - a step by step guide about how to prepare for competency/generalist interviews; and (ii) once you have prepared as well as you could on your own, consider the TCLA mock interview service I have linked here. While it is available only on a fee basis, you can get up to a 50% discount as a premium member.

Hi @Andrei Radu! Do you have any advice re doing an attendance note/what to look out for? The interview consists of a 30 min written assessment + 60 min interview.

Thank you!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I do not have much to add to the great post by @Amma Usman on this, but I just wanted to illustrate a good way I think you can justify a substantive interest in international work/working in an international law firm. For me, the answer has always had to do with the opportunity this provides to interact with and learn about many diverse legal systems around the world. To advise on a cross-border deal/dispute, you will need to understand what all the elements of the matter that are connected to other jurisdictions impact the client, and how they can come together and can be addressed under a cohesive strategy. This can also be a reason for 'Why London' - as a global financial hub which houses the legal system which is the status quo choice of law in international commerce, lawyers in the London office of a firm will perform the role of bringing input from everywhere together and coordinating work in other jurisdictions.

This can itself be attractive to you because you will get to learn to navigate the quirks of different systems around the world, problem-solve around conflicts between the rules of various legal systems and markets, and learn about the businesses, economies, and even politics about countries all around the world. This provides the opportunity for a constant stream of complex and highly varied work, which I think many people can have a natural interest in.

epic, Andrei. Just one follow up question here. I actually didn't get the point of london being a status quo choice in international commerce. my interest is in cross-border M&A, so how does it matter what the choice of jurisdiction is? In transactional cross-border work, other than the dispute resolution clauses in SSAs, SHAs, where else does London have an influence? I'd be grateful if you could pls clarify.

 

[Joey green]

Did anyone here back from Mayer brown for the ac?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

 

[Chris Brown]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

White & Case offer 50 TCs per year. They have 3 VS’, with 25-30 candidates per VS (75-80 candidates across the VS’). 50% of VS’ers get a TC offer (40/80). 🥲

This is c80% of TCs (40/50). This means that White & Case take c20% of trainees through the DTC route (10/50) on average. I think these numbers will fluctuate each year. 😅

Best of luck with your DTC application to White & Case, they’re a great firm! 🙂​

 

[EzeLaylor]

does anyone know how many trainees does white and case take through the DTC route on average?

If it helps, I applied to direct TC last year and got to the final stage. There were about 2 ACs held (could’ve been more but I only know of two) with around 6- 8 candidates in each.

I think that’s a healthy number given their high TC conversion from their vacation schemes

 

[LegallyStressedOut]

Sorry just confirming white and case is non rolling for DTC?

 

[traineewannabe]

Anyone heard back from Winckworth yet post first interview?

 

[lawyersum]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

 

[Amma Usman]

Sorry just confirming white and case is non rolling for DTC?

Hey. It’s non-rolling - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lines-2024-25-training-starting-in-2027.9085/

 

[Chris Brown]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

I think the 1,000 words figure is more of a guide than a specific target you must hit. In my cover letter, I think I wrote around 800 words, including a brief introduction and conclusion. I got past the application stage this cycle for Spring / Summer VS. Best of luck with your White & Case DTC application. 😀​

 

[Amma Usman]

Hill Dickinson Insight Day and TC interview!! This is the furthest I've ever made it ahh very happy

Hey,

Huge congratulations on this!

I’ve provided some tips below:

1. Motivational Interviews

Motivational questions test whether you have a genuine and well-thought-out reason for pursuing a legal career and joining the firm you're applying to. Some common questions are:

• Why Law?

This is often asked early on, so it’s important to have a solid, genuine answer. You should show a broad interest in the legal profession beyond any specific area. It’s okay if your interest in law came from a variety of influences. What matters is how you connect them to your current ambition.

• Why Commercial Law?

Interviewers sometimes ask this immediately after "Why Law" to see if you can clearly distinguish between different legal paths. Make sure your answer shows you understand what commercial law actually involves and how it's different from, for example, criminal or family law. For me, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer, but my interest in commercial law developed through new experiences like open days and legal internships in corporate environments. That evolution of interest shows growth and awareness.

• Why This Firm?

Show that you've done your research, not just by browsing the firm's website, but through real engagement. This could include attending events, speaking to trainees or associates, or reading about recent deals. Back up your answer with specific examples. For instance, maybe you scheduled a coffee chat with a current associate who helped you understand the firm's culture and client approach.

• Why This Firm Over Others?

This is where a lot of candidates get caught. Don’t just list features that many firms share, such as international reach or practice areas. Instead, talk about how the combination of their work, values, people, training structure, and your own goals make this firm a better fit for you than other similar ones. A holistic view shows real consideration and maturity in your decision-making.



2. Situational Interviews


Situational questions, also called competency-based questions, assess how you think, react, and solve problems. Examples:

• Tell me about a time you worked in a team
• Describe a time you overcame a challenge
• Give an example of when you had to show leadership

Tips:

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Be specific. Vague or generic stories don’t land well.
• Choose examples that showcase commercially relevant skills like communication, adaptability, initiative, time management, and attention to detail.
• Where possible, reflect at the end of your answer by explaining what you learned and how it will help you as a future trainee.

In summary, back up every point with real, personal experiences, even small ones like sending a LinkedIn message to someone you admire or attending a niche event others might overlook. These examples humanise you and show proactivity.


Best of luck. I know you’ll do really well in the interview.

 

[Amma Usman]

Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice

In situations like this, I would personally say it’s not always necessary to hit the word count. Sometimes thinking too heavily about this even made me waffle, but you will want conciseness in a cover letter. If you are able to back up your points and experiences well, and in less than the 1k mark, then there is no reason why you will not be progressed. I have written cover letters in 600-800 words, where there was that 1k limit, and still got progressed. The key is conciseness. It always boils down to conciseness and specificity in your writing.

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone! BCLP's application form doesn't have a question on extracurriculars or other achievements - should I cover activities that weren't work experience in the traditional sense like moot courts, publications, uni society work etc. under the work experience section or just leave them out? I will include some of them in the 4 additional questions anyways but not all.

 

[lawyersum]

I think the 1,000 words figure is more of a guide than a specific target you must hit. In my cover letter, I think I wrote around 800 words, including a brief introduction and conclusion. I got past the application stage this cycle for Spring / Summer VS. Best of luck with your White & Case DTC application. 😀​

In situations like this, I would personally say it’s not always necessary to hit the word count. Sometimes thinking too heavily about this even made me waffle, but you will want conciseness in a cover letter. If you are able to back up your points and experiences well, and in less than the 1k mark, then there is no reason why you will not be progressed. I have written cover letters in 600-800 words, where there was that 1k limit, and still got progressed. The key is conciseness. It always boils down to conciseness and specificity in your writing.

Thank you both very much!