• 📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26

    Planning to apply for winter, spring or summer vacation schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:

    Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Jaysen

Founder, TCLA
Staff member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Premium Member
M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,778
    8,892
    I had it for a while. Here are my thoughts:

    - I didn't find anything written (e.g. application guides and law firm profiles) useful for writing applications or interviews. They contain lots of info but really all you need to know is on Chambers Student and Legal 500.

    - Most of the more formal video series were great. I liked the series on PE, on situational judgement interviews, and the case studies and video guides attached. If you have interviews coming up where these types of content may be useful, I would consider it.

    - Application review (which you get once a month for free) is very thorough, but is not done by a recruitment specialist, but rather another candidate who's secured a TC. It was useful, but not more credible than your friend from two years above who's got a TC. I understand (discounted?) mock interviews are also done by future trainees, not recruitment specialists. (Not that any of this is falsely advertised)

    - The additional stuff this year, like Accelerator, seemed OK but not super necessary. I never fully used this one though, for full transparency
    This is honest and very helpful feedback. Thank you!
     

    Legal_Eagle91

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
    Jan 30, 2020
    57
    92
    I'm happy to share that I've finally secured a TC ! I almost gave up so many times, especially while trying to balance it with a full-time job. Fingers crossed for everyone still waiting to hear back from the 2024-5 cycle. If anyone would like any tips/ advice, please feel free to reach out :)
     

    abbietc03

    Distinguished Member
    Dec 13, 2022
    53
    153
    Joining the abundance of good news on the forum recently, I'm pleased to share that I have been offered a TC!! After completing three vacation schemes this year and not converting any of them for a variety of reasons, I was successful in my only direct TC application!!

    As a non-Russell group student, it definitely felt impossible at times - but all you need is one yes! Wishing the best of luck to people who are still waiting to hear for the 2024/25 cycle, and those applying for the new cycle. I'm happy to share any insights from firms I've done VS' at (or others I applied for), so please feel free to reach out! :)
     

    Sunshinepink

    Legendary Member
  • Feb 1, 2023
    253
    229
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
     

    Atam!

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 6, 2024
    29
    20
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
    This is so heartbreaking, i think you should take a break from applications. I am so sorry these application have been such a bad experience. Always remember you are good enough, these applications is just a numbers game. I'm sorry I dont have anything to offer but my condolences because I am currently going through the same thing. Please do take care of yourself and mental health, it is the most important thing love ❤️
     
    • 🤝
    • Like
    Reactions: sibs23 and SamiyaJ

    wannabe_solicitor

    Well-Known Member
  • Apr 1, 2025
    23
    19
    Same 😔 Stephenson Harwood PFO

    I’m at work atm and on the verge of tears. I’ve tried so hard to do well and to get a training contract as in I was working 30+ hours a week at work last winter whilst studying the LPC full time and ended up in hospital on New Year’s Day. I’ve gotten to video interview stages and then to the online assessments at different firms. I’ve tried to gain experience, gotten those and the TC knock downs have gotten to me so much that I struggle with anxiety now. That application might have been my last one, I don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes so long for me to even in put my work experience like I can’t do it in one go, I’ve tried everything. I feel really down, I’m trying to stop the tears falling down my face as I sit at my desk at the minute. I don’t feel good enough when on paper, I should be and I’ve hit a wall. A wall that I don’t want to climb over this time; I’m just going to turn around.
    I’m so sorry :( I’ve got anxiety and didn’t start properly applying until this year which is 6 years after I finished uni. I’m 28 now but I knew back then I could not handle rejection very well. Do things on your terms, there’s nothing stopping you from taking a break and coming back to it, you’ve got this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
     

    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.