TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lucky2]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you are having a nice day! I’m a bit stuck with this application question: “Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you?“.

I’m unsure how to approach this question because it asks about a specific instance? The word limit is around 400 words. If I were to pick a specific instance, like a deal they’ve worked on, etc, how could I used up the word count?

Also this questions feels different from “why this firm” question, where you pick 2-3 reasons behind your interest in the firm. Am I correct in saying that they just want me to pick one reason/instance and then talk about that?

 

[amb303]

KN email was a jumpscare but nice to have an update even if holding email

 

[HMajesty]

So approximately how many TC applications would W&C, Reed Smith, etc. be receiving via the Direct Training Contract route? The websites all say different numbers ranging from 1500-4500+. Somewhere in between?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do you avoid repeating the same points between a cover letter and separate application questions like “Why commercial law?” or “Why Orrick”?

In that context, what should the cover letter focus on instead? @Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I wouldn't worry too much about avoiding all overlap - it is completely normal for there to be some repetition, because ultimately you'll have to discuss very similar elements across both to show fit and motivation for the firm. However, I would try to differentiate them by ensuring that each part of your application is doing a slightly different job.

In practice, the application questions are where you want to be really direct and targeted. For something like "why commercial law?" or "why Orrick?", you should focus on clearly answering the question, showing specific research, and giving evidence-based reasons to back up your points. Essentially, this is your chance to show that you understand the firm and the areas of law that they work in, and that your interest is well thought through.

The cover letter, on the other hand, is less about answering specific questions and more about telling your overall story. Therefore, rather than repeating the same points in the same way, I would use it to bring everything together - how your interest in law developed, how your experiences link, and the insights and skills you have gained from them. It should feel more like a narrative that shows your progression and motivations over time, and how that has led you to applying to this specific firm.

You can still mention the same experiences, but the key is to add a slightly different angle - for example, focusing more on reflecting on the skills and insights you gained, rather than just using them for why commercial law or that specific firm.

I always found that a good way to think about it is that the application questions show your research and reasoning, while the cover letter shows who you are and how everything fits together (i.e. why you are a good fit for the firm / law based on your experiences so far). As long as each part has a slightly different purpose, I think some overlap is absolutely fine!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you are having a nice day! I’m a bit stuck with this application question: “Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you?“.

I’m unsure how to approach this question because it asks about a specific instance? The word limit is around 400 words. If I were to pick a specific instance, like a deal they’ve worked on, etc, how could I used up the word count?

Also this questions feels different from “why this firm” question, where you pick 2-3 reasons behind your interest in the firm. Am I correct in saying that they just want me to pick one reason/instance and then talk about that?

Hey!

This is a great question, and I would agree and say that this is slightly different from a typical "Why this firm?" answer. When they say "a specific instance", I would take that to mean that they are wanting you to focus on one example, rather than trying to cover multiple reasons - it is more about depth than breadth here.

The best way to approach it is to pick one strong instance (e.g. a deal, event, or conversation) and then really unpack it. You can use the word count by going beyond just describing what happened, and instead focusing on:

• What specifically stood out to you
• What you learned from it about the firm, and
• Why that made the firm feel like the right fit for you personally

I'd say that reflection part at the end is key - it is what differentiates this from a standard "why this firm" answer. Therefore, I would think of it more like telling a short and focused story about the moment that solidified your interest in Burges Salmon.

So yes, I think you are definitely on the right track with picking one instance and developing it fully

 

[lucky2]

Hey!

This is a great question, and I would agree and say that this is slightly different from a typical "Why this firm?" answer. When they say "a specific instance", I would take that to mean that they are wanting you to focus on one example, rather than trying to cover multiple reasons - it is more about depth than breadth here.

The best way to approach it is to pick one strong instance (e.g. a deal, event, or conversation) and then really unpack it. You can use the word count by going beyond just describing what happened, and instead focusing on:

• What specifically stood out to you
• What you learned from it about the firm, and
• Why that made the firm feel like the right fit for you personally

I'd say that reflection part at the end is key - it is what differentiates this from a standard "why this firm" answer. Therefore, I would think of it more like telling a short and focused story about the moment that solidified your interest in Burges Salmon.

So yes, I think you are definitely on the right track with picking one instance and developing it fully

Thank you Abbie! Will grateful for all your support this cycle

 

[CupOfTea17]

Do you think the GLD scheme prefers career changers / previous paralegals over undergraduates. I am going to apply but I want to manage my expectations.

 

[DennyCrane]

Do you think the GLD scheme prefers career changers / previous paralegals over undergraduates. I am going to apply but I want to manage my expectations.

They don't give any credit for QWE so it would be surprising if they then gave preference to those with previous experience.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Ashurst jumpscare lmao but it was a holding email giving the timeline of when we can expect to hear back. I’ll take it, better than silence!​

 

[Prudentia]

Ashurst jumpscare lmao but it was a holding email giving the timeline of when we can expect to hear back. I’ll take it, better than silence!​

I thought it was a PFO when it landed in my inbox, ngl.

 

[nicoledm]

withers proof reading exercise !

 

[amb303]

Also, I’d really appreciate some advice on how to list work experience. I have considerable experience, but I don’t think I’m able to effectively convey it. My usual style is preliminary details (duration, team, etc.) followed by bullet points of the specific work I did. However, I realised after someone pointed out that since I’m an international candidate, the specific bullet points may not effectively be conveying the kind of work I did. They suggested using prose, but I haven’t been able to find samples that I feel satisfied by. Any suggestions are welcome!

I’ve been advised at open days and things to articulate what skills/ competencies you’ve developed in those experiences and make it relevant to legal work if possible!

 

[silonthesofa]

I've been advised this as well, but somehow it just doesn't seem correct. I think it's because I've always been advised to keep my work entries as specific to the task as possible, so I have a lot of task entries which don't seem to work well in prose. An example of my usual work exp. entry is:

"I interned at Firm XYZ in the ABC team for four weeks. During this time, my responsibilities included:

1. Assisting in drafting parts of appeal in the PQRS dispute.
2. Attending and taking notes for proceedings before the DEF court.
3. Researching and preparing detailed notes on:

• effects of contractual silence in the interpretation of a contract; and
• remedies in case of the fat-finger error."

I remain unsure of how to best convey information like in the above bullet points in prose and highlight my skills. Do you think I should make a separate heading for skills?

Honestly, just turn it into sentences exactly as is.

"I interned at Firm XYZ in the ABC team for four weeks. During this time, my responsibilities included assisting in drafting parts of appeal in the PQRS dispute, as well as attending and taking notes for proceedings before the DEF court. Additionally, I researched and prepared detailed notes on the effects of contractual silence in the interpretation of a contract and on remedies in case of the fat-finger error."

 

[gayathri28]

withers written exercise !

Congratulations! Just to clarify, was this after the sjt?

 

[nicoledm]

Congratulations! Just to clarify, was this after the sjt?

Thank you and yes! I got invited to the SJT on the 9th of April and completed it yesterday

 

[gayathri28]

Thank you and yes! I got invited to the SJT on the 9th of April and completed it yesterday

It's interesting they changed the format of the exercise from proof reading to written exercise I did the proof reading exercise 2 weeks ago.

Anyways good luck!

 

[nicoledm]

It's interesting they changed the format of the exercise from proof reading to written exercise I did the proof reading exercise 2 weeks ago.

Anyways good luck!

Oh sorry!! It is the proofreading task, just skimmed the email, my bad

 

[Armaan111]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone can help me with this q. On Vantage applications theres a box for SQE1 and 2 information. I'm not sure whether to put my BPP LLM grade + modules, or my actual SQE grades + mark breakdown. Thanks in advance!

 

[dgdfhdfhfss]

Could someone dm with tips and tricks on an e-tray excercise? Or more broadly, if they have any tips for an RPC AC? (Especially if specific to Bristol)

 

[trainee4u]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone can help me with this q. On Vantage applications theres a box for SQE1 and 2 information. I'm not sure whether to put my BPP LLM grade + modules, or my actual SQE grades + mark breakdown. Thanks in advance!View attachment 8235

it doesn't matter, their application system is trash and doesn't reflect how SQE works, I reported it to them but they don't care and just want money from law firms and don't fix bugs. either one is fine - just choose the higher one!