Sorry to hear this. Can I ask when you heard back? I've not heard from them at all since applying so I'm expecting an incoming PFO.
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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I heard back earlier today but I applied in November so may be you 'll hear back soon?
Anyone know if Shoosmiths or Kingsley Napley are worth applying to before their 31st deadlines? Assuming my application is strong 
(just on likelihood of progression this late)
(just on likelihood of progression this late)
Does anyone have any insight into whether I should include open days for the Kingsley Napley work experience section? I am not sure based on the guidance they have on the application form:
Tell us about any paid employment, paid or unpaid placements or internships and any other office and non-office work experience below. Include everything, even if you're not sure that it's relevant - non-legal work employment & experience is as important to us as legal placements.
Tell us about any paid employment, paid or unpaid placements or internships and any other office and non-office work experience below. Include everything, even if you're not sure that it's relevant - non-legal work employment & experience is as important to us as legal placements.
Defo include it. I always do on Vantage apps!
I applied to KN last year the day before the deadline and made it through a few rounds! It's not too lateAnyone know if Shoosmiths or Kingsley Napley are worth applying to before their 31st deadlines? Assuming my application is strong
Thank you so much!Hey!
Whilst I'm not sure if Baker McKenzie will have a specific format that they prefer, generally I would say it is best to write in prose rather than bullet points as it allows you to go into more detail about each entry. However, you can write in bullet points as long as you cover:
I would just double-check whether the application form states a method that it prefers (as some firms differ). If not, either will be fine!
- What the role was
- What your main responsibilities were
- The skills or insights that you gained
Best of luck!
Haven’t heard anything yet, i saw someone else on here get an AC and now seeing rejections - did you do a first stage interview? I did mine nearly two weeks ago now and there has been radio silence.
Guessing a PFO is coming my way soon as my interview was sub-par
Does Macfarlanes put a heavy significance on grades? My 1st and 2nd year grades weren’t great but I did decent for my placement year and final year and graduated with a mid 2:1 overall. For context I graduated from a mid tier Russell group and currently work as a paralegal - is it worth applying?
Hey!
I would definitely include them! The wording says to "include everything" and, even if you are not sure it is relevant, they still show your interest in the firm and that you have taken steps to engage with the legal profession.
You could just include them briefly (as there is no need to go into loads of detail), perhaps highlight anything specific that you gained from them - such as insights in certain practice areas, networking, or commercial awareness, etc. If there isn't much space, I'd focus on the other work experience entries and just briefly discuss the open days.
Whilst it might not add loads to your application on its own, it does help demonstrate consistent interest and initiative, so I don't think there is any downside to including them!
Best of luck with your application!
How do I research and answer the question related to picking one industry and seeing how the firm does in it? Never written such an answer before so a bit confused. @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen
Hi!
This is definitely an interesting question, and I also haven't encountered it before! If I was approach it, I would personally follow a similar structure as below.
1. Pick an industry that you can actually engage with
Choose something that you either already have some exposure to (e.g. through modules, work experience, or even a general interest) or something that has been in the news recently. It'll make your answer feel much more genuine and less forced, and it'll hopefully give you more ideas to write about!
2. Get a basic understanding of the industry
You definitely don't need to have expert-level knowledge, but I would try to understand:
- What the industry does
- Key trends / challenges affecting the industry (e.g. regulation, economic pressure, technological developments, etc.)
- Any major recent news that demonstrates these trends or challenges
3. Research the firm's presence in that industry
This is the part that is most important, but also might be the trickiest to address! I'd ensure that you research the firm specifically in relation to the sector you have chosen, rather than more generally (otherwise you aren't directly addressing the question). You could look for:
- The firm's sector page (this is usually a good starting point, and might help you find other areas to research)
- Recent deals, cases or mandates in that industry
- Rankings or commentaries in legal directories (e.g. Legal 500, Chambers, etc.)
- News articles that mention the firm in that space
4. Link the two together
This is equally as important as Point 3 - don't just describe the industry and then list what the firm does. Instead, make sure that you connect them, for example:
- If you mention increased regulation - explain how the firm advises clients in navigating that
- If there has been lots of M&A activity - link to the firm's deal work in that space
- If innovation or technology is a theme in the industry - mention how the firm supports clients on those developments (e.g. data protection, regulatory, etc.)
5. Add a layer of insight
I would potentially round off your answer with a small amount of analysis of the above. You are not expected to have groundbreaking opinions, but you could discuss:
- Why the firm is well-positioned in that industry
- Why that work is important for clients
- Why that combination of industry + firm interests you
I hope that assists, and best of luck with your application!
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