TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Chris Brown]

Bit of a silly question but could I ask for some help on understanding when TC applications generally open? I thought that they generally open up in late July/August/September but I have just seen that HL have had their's open for (at least?) the last 2 weeks and it'll close by end of July?!?!
I'm going to be getting some legal experience from September onwards so i was kind of counting on waiting until I'd built up my experience in the job before I started making applications (my cv is pretty sparse on legal experience atm!)
Is HL just an anomaly? I understand that the TC start date is March 2028 so will HL have another window for Sept 2028 starts in a few months time?
I really appreciate any insight - thank you in advance guys!

Most applications (VS/DTC) will open in Aug/Sept each year, but with varying deadlines. WVS’ applications tend to open in Aug/Sept and close in Sept/Oct. SVS applications open in Sept/Oct and close in Dec/Jan. Some firms have later deadlines in Feb/March (SH and PH). 😅

Some firms have multiple trainee intakes (e.g., MC/SC), so will have two separate windows which people can apply for DTCs. HL, Linklaters, A&O and Slaughters have two DTC windows. BCLP and Macfarlanes have one that runs the entire cycle (Sept - May/June). 🥲

Firms with two DTC windows will have Autumn intakes (Sept - Nov) and also a Summer intake (June - August). You can definitely wait for the legal work experience in Sept until you prepare for starting VS and DTC applications. Best of luck with the upcoming cycle! 🙂​

 

[ashwright]

Most applications (VS/DTC) will open in Aug/Sept each year, but with varying deadlines. WVS’ applications tend to open in Aug/Sept and close in Sept/Oct. Spring and Summer VS apps open in Sept/Oct and close in Dec/Jan. Some have late deadlines in Feb/March (SH and PH). 😅

Some firms have multiple trainee intakes (e.g., MC/SC), so will have two separate windows which people can apply for DTCs. HL, Linklaters, A&O and Slaughters have two DTC windows. BCLP and Macfarlanes have one that runs the entire cycle (Sept - May/June). 🥲

Firms with two DTC windows will have Autumn intakes (Sept - Nov) and also a Summer intake (June - August). You can definitely wait for the legal work experience in Sept until you prepare for starting VS and DTC applications. Best of luck with the upcoming cycle! 🙂​

Chris, this is literally yet another reason why you are the GOAT! 🐐🐐🐐🐐
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your kindness & clarifying response. I was getting a bit worried in my night-time stupor - you have really set me at ease this morning
Hope you have a fantastic Monday & week ahead 💪

 

[Waystar_Royc0]

Hey guys, anyone heard back from Watson Farley & Williams? I knew they were reviewing apps on a rolling basis but because of uni and personal stuff I could only submit it on the deadline. Received 2 PFOs in the last week so I wanna know if I should anticipate another one, thanks!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

anyone heard back from the direct tc ac at bakers?

 

[Dogsoooo]

Hi all, anyone heard anything from Reed Smith (Post VI), RPC, White and Case, and MacFarlanes?

 

[Filia]

Anyone heard back from Dorsey?

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi all, anyone heard anything from Reed Smith (Post VI), RPC, White and Case, and MacFarlanes?

I heard back from RPC on the 27th June to do the WG test

 

[YS391]

Hi all, anyone heard anything from Reed Smith (Post VI), RPC, White and Case, and MacFarlanes?

I still havent heard back from Reed Smith post app lol

 

[Legallywhatever]

Anything from Burges Salmon DTC yet?

 

[amrita6399]

Hi all, anyone heard anything from Reed Smith (Post VI), RPC, White and Case, and MacFarlanes?

Nothing from RS post VI

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Anyone heard anything from BCLP post SJT?

 

[iklawapps]

This might be a stupid questions but has anyone gotten in trouble for screenshotting their online test? I typically do so just so I can go over my answers after but I saw on a recent cappfinity test that it violates their integrity code. Should I reach out to the firm and let them know that I wasn’t aware and have deleted them? Sorry for the stupid question

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi all, anyone heard anything from Reed Smith (Post VI), RPC, White and Case, and MacFarlanes?

I think W&C is non-rolling for the DTC and their deadline is Sunday (13th July). I imagine they’ll invite candidates to DTC ACs in late July and August. Best of luck with your application to W&C and the other firms listed! 😅​

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if RS reviews the application form, SJT and VI all together or just the SJT and VI in deciding who to invite to AC?

Feeling like an incoming PFO with the score and mediocre VI response

I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca here to help.

 

[studentdelaw786]

Has anyone heard from Perkins Coie re the LBA program?

 

[jy1041405]

Hi! Just been invited to the Reed Smith VI. Please DM me if you have any tips please! This is the last app of the year for me so it means a lot. Thank you x

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

if anyone has any tips on RS VI, please let me know. I would be very very grateful, it is my last hope

 

[Alessio1642]

Hey guys, I have my first ever AC tomorrow. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[trainee4u]

Hey guys, I have my first ever AC tomorrow. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

read up on how to behave in group exercises (hint: listen, support others, don't show off your own abilities).

otherwise just preparing for a strong answer on "why do you want to work here?"

 

[YS391]

Is the Reed Smith test/VI pretty much automatic if you meet their minimum requirements as I don’t think anyone has got a PFO?