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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    If they’re still accepting applications, it’s always worth applying. No law firm will pass over a candidate they really want because they submitted their application later.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Thank you!
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Do you get the test automatically? And is it a Watson Glaser test?
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    @Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie, I know I've asked a similar question before, but would be grateful for any insight you might have into this! I'm debating whether to apply for White & Case's vacation scheme or direct training contract. I'm undecided because as a career changer, I would rather use my...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I've just submitted an application for Milbank but it didn't have any application questions. Does anyone know what the next steps are? Is an invite to an online test automatic?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yeah, you have to apply for their Open Day to be considered for their vac scheme to then be considered for their TC. Looks like they also conduct interviews at the Open Day.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Thank you so much for this very comprehensive answer. It's given me lots of food for thought. I don't mind working for a US firm, but it still has to 'fit'. I'm also approaching this cycle as a career changer. I have a very good career at one of the major banks in a legal-adjacent field (but...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    This approach definitely makes sense.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Do people apply to firms they’re lukewarm/ambivalent about? I started an application for a US firm but decided not to continue as I just couldn’t bring myself to show any passion for the firm. My list of firms I want to apply to is really, really small as a result. I wonder if I’m scuppering my...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Treat an interview like a conversation, not an interview. This will not only allow you to relax, it will also mean your answers come across as more natural/likeable. Ultimately, if you get to interview stage they believe you can do the job on paper. Your personality can do a lot of heavy lifting...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I should also add that the A&O Shearman partners and senior associates I've come across have all been really friendly and very generous with their time when I've had questions about applying for training contracts. I don't have much contact with them on a day-to-day basis, but when I have cold...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    They basically said that the training is a lot less structured and there's a lot less support available for trainees. Because US teams are very lean, trainees end up doing a lot of the grunt and grudge work because there's nobody else to do it. Whereas other firms have more staff so it means...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I recently met with some partners and senior associates at A&O Shearman last week (my current employer is one of their clients). Even they said that a lot of the recruitment processes when it comes to training contracts/vacation schemes is down to luck. So if you get rejected at application...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I've just read this. The feedback was generic. It's entirely possible that many candidates did everything they asked for and still got rejected. They like to make out like recruitment is an objective metric when a lot of it comes down to personal opinion and vibes. They also can't interview...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Every firm is different. I wouldn’t worry too much about what the CC PFO means for your other applications. I spent 30 mins on the application for my current role at a major bank and attended the interview hungover. I still got the job on my first attempt. What’s meant for you won’t pass you...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    PFO = Please F*** Off VI = Video Interview
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I completely get that. But I’ll give you a little story. I always wanted to work in the Civil Service from when I was really young. I applied for the Fast Stream and got rejected. I was made redundant from my role a few years ago and interviewed 10 times within the space of 2 weeks and ended up...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Exactly. This is also another way in. You don’t actually have to train at your dream firm.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Keep applying for CC but keep your options and mind open to other opportunities. You may find a firm that’s a better fit (and doesn’t reject you multiple times).
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    We have tea, biscuits and plenty of tissues for the tears! 😂

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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.

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