• WIN: Lunch with Willkie Trainees!
    15 Oct 2025 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Put your knowledge of Willkie Farr & Gallagher to the test in this interactive quiz session. The winner will enjoy lunch with Willkie trainees!
    Register on Zoom →
  • Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

YS391

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 1, 2023
56
69
This may just be anecdotal, but I only progressed with VS applications and not DTC applications this year. This is despite over a year of full-time legal experience. I do think VS apps are worth doing if possible. Keep pushing, you've got this!!!
Same here, over the last two cycles I’ve secured 4ACs and a vac scheme doing vacation scheme apps. But for direct TC apps I’ve never gotten past the application stage.
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
261
712
Is there a reason why people keep asking “When did you apply?” to others who post about PFOs?

I find it a little weird but what does the information actually mean when given?
It's usually asked about rolling firms. The person asking will usually be trying to figure out if their application's already been reviewed and perhaps shortlisted, since they haven't received the said rejection, if the rejected candidate applied after them.

A less complicated reason is simple "why didn't *I* hear back??" anxiety.
 

asdfghjkl

Active Member
Apr 1, 2025
19
11
Hello! This is my first post here and I have been following the blog here for a while now.

I have been feeling very disheartened by the whole application process and seeing everyone’s journey in getting a TC has been enlightening.

I have been waiting for a reply from WFW post application, I applied right before the deadline. Should I consider it a PFO?
Same, applied last minute and got a pfo from WFW
 
  • 🤝
  • Sad
Reactions: Vdfrz20 and FfffNnn13

amrita6399

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 13, 2023
    206
    173
    Macfarlanes and Hogan Lovells PFO all in one day, with a W&C PFO recently too.

    That brings me to the end of my DTC cycle for this year. Absolutely gutted to have not even made it to VI/AC stages for any of them (including some I had applied to earlier this year).

    Sending well wishes to everyone else waiting to hear back from firms <3
    Was the HL Pfo after the WG?
     

    AlarmedBookkeeper448

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 18, 2019
    63
    68
    three rejections today, i have lost all motivation (once again) for this cycle 😔 is there any point in applying to k&l gates or stephenson harwood?
    Bestie apply!

    We must have the same audacity that firms reject us with!

    and you know never know what will happen! :)

    Feel free to dm me for rants etc :)
     

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.