TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hey guys, my mate and I were discussing about their TC decision that I would love to hear your thoughts as I’m personally on a different path (my goal is mid size firms with niche seats so I don’t really have much to contribute).

For context, my mate got an offer from a US firm. But the thing is - this US firm is not the “popular” ones like Kirkland/latham/etc. I do see people applying to this US firm on here but tbf it is quite under-hyped for its reputation. My mate’s current career has people moving in TCs all the time, and they always move to Magic Circle firms for their TCs. Their concern is whether it would be an issue with moving firms from “non-popular” US firm and whether the “reputation” is comparable to MCs?

I appreciate all constructive discussions but please refrain from comments like “your mate should be grateful etc etc”. I have seen my mate work hard and build their CV so please be nice.

I know many will ask and I received permission to share about my mate’s background: did law, initially did not pursue law as progression at their current role was promised to be quicker, pivoting back as their role was not as fast-paced/challenging.

Side note (for myself!) anyone heard back from IM?

It depends on a mix of what practice area they qualify in, the market conditions at the time of their qualification/when they want to move, and the firm's ranking in that specific practice area. I heard (anecdotal but from a lawyer at a US firm) that when PE was booming there was a lot of mobility even between firms you wouldn't necessarily expect that have a strong PE practice.

Also, what do you mean by 'under-hyped for its reputation'?

Just like what @qaz99 said, it does depend on market conditions at the time. Additionally, it also depends on their experiences within the firm. They don't need to have worked with market leading clients to show that they've done similar work as other firms. In fact, a good portion of Kirkland's associate recruits are from an international small firms that most may not have heard of. This won't always be the case, there are times where lateral hires are required to have come from prestigious firms but if your experience is top tier, and the work you've done is top tier, then why would any firm who wants to make a return on your salary reject you if you can showcase how profitable you are? My best advice is for your friend to leverage agencies like Career Legal in the second year of their TC to discuss potential options for lateral hires.

As for the niche seats, more often than not, the skills and knowledge can be seen as transferrable. Ideally, other firms would want more direct experience with a lateral hire, but as we're seeing firms constantly differentiate themselves and focus more on their clients industries to design their departments accordingly, I am sure firms are starting to strike a balance between expecting direct experience and potential ROI on the hire choice.

 

[hopefullyalawyersoon]

I think it could depend on a combination of the practice area in which they qualify, the market conditions at the time of their qualification/when they wish to move, and the firm's ranking (or reputation) in that specific practice area. I heard (anecdotal but from a lawyer at a US firm) that when PE was booming there was a lot of mobility even between firms you wouldn't necessarily expect

Also, what do you mean by 'under-hyped for its reputation'?

Thanks for your input - i agree that it’s ultimately more of a practice area + performance dependant. I have seen people who worked in high street firms move to very highly ranked/band firms.

Re under-hyped for its reputation, it’s a good firm, good pay (would say it’s MC-level) and ranked pretty well. But no one really talks about this firm 😂 I have seen students talking about the firm like it’s their ‘second’ choice of US firm.

 

[yasmars]

Thanks for your input - i agree that it’s ultimately more of a practice area + performance dependant. I have seen people who worked in high street firms move to very highly ranked/band firms.

Re under-hyped for its reputation, it’s a good firm, good pay (would say it’s MC-level) and ranked pretty well. But no one really talks about this firm 😂 I have seen students talking about the firm like it’s their ‘second’ choice of US firm.

You shouldnt chose a TC based on what is “hyped up” by candidates. In the long run it really doesn’t matter if the firm aligns with your interests and is ranked well.

 

[DavidJC]

Thanks for your input - i agree that it’s ultimately more of a practice area + performance dependant. I have seen people who worked in high street firms move to very highly ranked/band firms.

Re under-hyped for its reputation, it’s a good firm, good pay (would say it’s MC-level) and ranked pretty well. But no one really talks about this firm 😂 I have seen students talking about the firm like it’s their ‘second’ choice of US firm.

Is it possible to share exactly which firm it is? Otherwise, I think that if it's a US firm, can match MC pay, and is ranked pretty well, it should be a pretty good springboard into just about any firm in the City. Of course, this is just speculation on my part, though, but I wouldn't worry except about market conditions as others have mentioned.

 

[Harvey Specter]

Thanks for your input - i agree that it’s ultimately more of a practice area + performance dependant. I have seen people who worked in high street firms move to very highly ranked/band firms.

Re under-hyped for its reputation, it’s a good firm, good pay (would say it’s MC-level) and ranked pretty well. But no one really talks about this firm 😂 I have seen students talking about the firm like it’s their ‘second’ choice of US firm.

Lowkey this screams it’s Baker McKenzie or Mayer Brown (US firms similar pay to MC). If it’s either of these, he should be fine for lateralling. I’m sure Mayer Brown is considered one of the best firms for its training quality and is targeted by a lot of the more ‘prestigious’ US firms.​

 

[Laur2cj]

if anyone has any insights for what to expect for the Kennedys vi please pm! thanks

 

[yuhhhh]

the VI is the same tho isn't it?

DTC applicants haven't heard back from K&E yet, based on last year's timeline it is going to be sent to us in late January.

 

[elle woods]

DTC applicants haven't heard back from K&E yet, based on last year's timeline it is going to be sent to us in late January.

oh wow no way?? that's crazy late omg I thought TCs were done pretty early at K&E, guess I was wrong

 

[yuktiverma96]

Hi! I'm not Abbie but have sat the Freshfields VI as well as others so thought to give my insight! I hope you don't mind. Prepare your motivational questions, you should have a solid understanding of why you want to work there, whether it be culture, practice area and/or training quality. Be quite specific about these, the more genuine you sound the better. Secondly, be honest and be yourself. The people reviewing the VI know that you likely won't have any idea the absolute most correct way to answer the questions, but by presenting yourself genuinely and honestly you set yourself up for success and come across as someone willing to learn and be adaptable.

Generally, most VI's wont be solely video questions, they will comprise a majority of "what would you do in x situation" questions, some written answers like drafting emails to clients and so on, and between 4-5 VI questions. The video questions are designed to test how you are in front of a client, presenting information in a clear and concise information, and can be used to test your commercial awareness by putting you on the spot and unable to consult notes.

The video questions will be the most stressful, so don't forget to breathe and have a glass of water so you don't sound raspy. Dress smart, answer smart. You're in front of the camera so that they can get to know you, how you think and how you perform under pressure. Think of it as if you are answering questions from a partner in the pub, be formal, but you're not a robot. Try not to refer to your previous experience unless you think it's necessary/related to the question you are answering. Answering with name-dropped experience in a question about why you want to work at Freshfields may come across the wrong way, but referring to previous experience observations in a commercial awareness questions would be appropriate.

Don't forget to breathe during your answers, it is totally acceptable to pause, think, then answer. You will feel the need to rush answers but it is quality not quantity of information provided. Focusing on one topic in detail rather than many can often demonstrate both genuine aspiration and that you are able to operate in a calm and grounded manner.

Finally, always remember to smile, you have made it further than most! You should be proud of advancing this far and that pride should come across! GR want you to be proud of working at Freshfields, so treat it as a little kid in a candy shop. Good luck! Have fun! It should be enjoyable even if you are nervous.

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

Would you/anyone else have any advice on the drafting emails, client pitches etc. type of questions, or be able to guide me to such advice on the forum? Thanks!

 

[hopeful33]

How long should the Perkins Coie cover letter be for the LBA programme?

 

[radssss]

How long should the Perkins Coie cover letter be for the LBA programme?

Hi, do u know how long is their programme? Checking because my visa might expire before the scheme ends and I don’t want to waste my time applying if it does as they don’t sponsor for this from what I read online

 

[xMontmorency]

Hey guys, my mate and I were discussing about their TC decision that I would love to hear your thoughts as I’m personally on a different path (my goal is mid size firms with niche seats so I don’t really have much to contribute).

For context, my mate got an offer from a US firm. But the thing is - this US firm is not the “popular” ones like Kirkland/latham/etc. I do see people applying to this US firm on here but tbf it is quite under-hyped for its reputation. My mate’s current career has people moving in TCs all the time, and they always move to Magic Circle firms for their TCs. Their concern is whether it would be an issue with moving firms from “non-popular” US firm and whether the “reputation” is comparable to MCs?

I appreciate all constructive discussions but please refrain from comments like “your mate should be grateful etc etc”. I have seen my mate work hard and build their CV so please be nice.

I know many will ask and I received permission to share about my mate’s background: did law, initially did not pursue law as progression at their current role was promised to be quicker, pivoting back as their role was not as fast-paced/challenging.

Side note (for myself!) anyone heard back from IM?

I'm guessing goodwin / orrick / debevoise / dechert / FF / jones day / V&E / willkie / mayer brown / paul hastings / akin / cooley / K&S / W&S?

All good options - depending on what firm and what career preferences exactly. Accept then keeping looking for other TCs.

 

[hopeful33]

Hi, do u know how long is their programme? Checking because my visa might expire before the scheme ends and I don’t want to waste my time applying if it does as they don’t sponsor for this from what I read online

the LBA is a one-year programme then you start the TC after that (from what I understand). So I am assuming the TC is another year post-LBA

 

[AP2000]

Out of curiosity, has anyone had any luck getting any current Perkins Coie LBAs to respond to their messages on LinkedIn? Reached out/connected with a couple but there's only been radio-silence, and I'm a bit concerned if this is reflective of the firm's culture in general. Like, come on, I get a bunch of messages/connection requests for people applying to my current company and I always respond or have a call with them.

 

[Z48]

Out of curiosity, has anyone had any luck getting any current LBAs to respond to their messages on LinkedIn? Reached out/connected with a couple but there's only been radio-silence, and I'm a bit concerned if this is reflective of the firm's culture in general. Like, come on, I get a bunch of messages/connection requests for people applying to my current company and I always respond or have a call with them.

They are probably busy/have a lot of people messaging, or could also be on holiday. I wouldn’t say it’s indicative of the firm’s culture. I spoke to one of the LBAs last year, she was really helpful, and spoke positively about the culture

 

[radssss]

the LBA is a one-year programme then you start the TC after that (from what I understand). So I am assuming the TC is another year post-LBA

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

 

[elisenatasha]

Any Goodwin VIs for DTC?

.Yes received an invite for VI earlier this week

 

[hopeful33]

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

They said work authorisation required so i'm not sure! I believe they do fund the SQE, given you work with them while doing it. Don't quote me on this, I would double-check their brochure or send them an email

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

Would you/anyone else have any advice on the drafting emails, client pitches etc. type of questions, or be able to guide me to such advice on the forum? Thanks!

Hi there. In regards to drafting emails and client pitches. Generally, the golden rule is that clients value being clear and concise above all. The easier the email/pitch is to read and understand the better. They often won't have any legal insight at all, so keeping information to that of what non-lawyers can understand is a very valuable skill. Tone is important, but generally, formality (but not dismissive) will depend on what you are doing. Contacting a client or partner for the first time, a small introduction and explanation of why you are contacting them sets a nice tone. Communicating an update in the latter stages of a transaction or with a client or partner you have worked with for a while, it can be less formal and more focused on being concise. Don't forget the norms of politeness, but don't be a robot. Bullet points are more than welcomed, try not to draw your sentences on too long (like I am here) and focus on communicating information in order of importance.

Client pitches can be slightly different. They are almost completely focused on effective and efficient communication of information. The shorter, easier to understand and suggestive the better. Take the initiative to introduce different pathways and explore other ideas, but don't deviate from what you think the client will want to hear. It's quite important not to waste their time, you are billing them for the minutes after all.

Others may disagree, but ChatGPT can often be a good starting point if you're having any trouble with specifics. Obviously don't use it during VI's or assessed tasks but using it as a tool to refine information and/or adjust tone and formality can be quite useful. Most firms these days will expect if not encourage you to use in-house AI for more medial tasks, so demonstrating that you are able to effectively use it outside of those limited circumstances can be good. Just don't forget that you are expected to have those skills regardless of AI, so email drafting and client pitching is going to be a given.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

I had reached out the Head of Recruitment last year when I was considering applying for the LBA programme and they had mentioned that they can't sponsor. Any candidate must have the full right to work for the entire duration.