TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

how quickly did Freshfields reach out for AC or rejection post wg?

After a week for many people, though I’m yet to hear back

 

[CorporateCrocodile]

After a week for many people, though I’m yet to hear back

A week? Here's me having done the WG on the 1st Feb and still waiting 🤣

 

[Niall]

For anyone experiencing issues with Fieldfisher; I emailed the early careers email but I’m unsure whether this is the correct address to contact, did anyone receive a reply from a different email / has anyone heard about progress regarding direct TC apps, Manchester in particular?

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

A week? Here's me having done the WG on the 1st Feb and still waiting 🤣

Same here! 😂

 

[Kodak123]

Does anyone have an idea on what you need to get on the WG to realistically have a good chance of getting an AC at FF

 

[haydararikci]

Hey, guys did anyone receive any AC invite from any of these law firms since you did the VI or WG of these firms?

• Withers
• Addleshaw Goddard
• Womble Dickonson
• Foot Anstey
• Shoosmith
• Dechert
• Hogan Lovells

 

[ADKM]

CC have just sent me a generic feedback email on application tips 3 months after rejecting me, wow so thoughtful of them

 

[Petallove1]

Does anyone know if RPC covers travel cost for attending insight events? I am looking to apply to the Bristol event

Hey!! They definitely do and they’re super big on it. Went to an open day in London a while back and they said they were happy to refund even £2 bus or tube fares loool

 

[Shreya Verma]

CC have just sent me a generic feedback email on application tips 3 months after rejecting me, wow so thoughtful of them

Valentines day gift 🎁 for you with love from CC😂😂

CC be like: Happy Valentines Day to you

P.S. No offence intended.

 

[BM99]

Did anyone finish Freshfields WG yesterday/this morning? Any news?

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

Any news from Freshfields?

 

[jesslawapps]

Hi ! I’m a bit confused on TC Apps. I’m in my final year of non-law, waiting to hear back about VS’. But I was looking at Direct TC Apps and I have a couple of Qs:

1. Do I have to already be enrolled in the GDL before I apply ?
2. Are a lot of firms eg. Eversheds opening their apps in March for Direct TCs or is this just their websites being outdated ?
3. Follow up to that - when do TC apps usually get released ?

Thanks in advance ! @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre or anyone who can help

 

[norothrow324]

Did anyone finish Freshfields WG yesterday/this morning? Any news?

Did it today but doubt they’ll reach out this week. In any case ACs are only beginning of March

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi ! I’m a bit confused on TC Apps. I’m in my final year of non-law, waiting to hear back about VS’. But I was looking at Direct TC Apps and I have a couple of Qs:

1. Do I have to already be enrolled in the GDL before I apply ?
2. Are a lot of firms eg. Eversheds opening their apps in March for Direct TCs or is this just their websites being outdated ?
3. Follow up to that - when do TC apps usually get released ?

Thanks in advance ! @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre or anyone who can help

1- No, you can apply to direct training contract without the PGDL or any legal education for that matters as majority of the law firms will sponsor you anyway if successful.
2- I honestly do not know about the specific firm but I would believe the website. Alternative, you can message graduate recruitment and they will confirm it for you.
3- The direct training contract applications usually open in the Spring, April/May for many firms.

Hope that the information is helpful!

 

[Bakers Junior Lawyer]

Hi ! I’m a bit confused on TC Apps. I’m in my final year of non-law, waiting to hear back about VS’. But I was looking at Direct TC Apps and I have a couple of Qs:

1. Do I have to already be enrolled in the GDL before I apply ?
2. Are a lot of firms eg. Eversheds opening their apps in March for Direct TCs or is this just their websites being outdated ?
3. Follow up to that - when do TC apps usually get released ?

Thanks in advance ! @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre or anyone who can help

To follow on from Axel's comment. There is no need to be enrolled in the GDL before applying. However, you will need to be able to meet the start dates. For example, if you apply this cycle, you must be free to complete GDL/LPC/SQE and commence the TC in Autumn 2026/Spring 2027, depending on your pathway. Therefore, typically, penultimate year law, final year students and graduates.

Most firms have one window in Spring for TC applications after their VCs have closed. Spring windows are usually open for a month or two (worth checking individually as some may differ).

TCLA has a thread with firm deadlines for TC applications, linked below, that may be useful. Also, see Chambers Student link.

Training Contract Application Deadlines 2023/24 [Training Starting 2026]

[FOR VACATION SCHEME DEADLINES, CLICK HERE] Hello everyone! With the application season for Training Contracts upon us, I have created this thread to track the deadlines for different law firms. Below, you will find a list of firms currently open or opening soon, including their closing date...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Application deadlines - Chambers Student Guide

...and all the calendar dates you need

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

Best of luck!

 

[laby201]

Update from Dentons if anyone is interested:

Thank you for your email.

We are in the process of reviewing a high volume of applications.

I can confirm that you have not missed any communications from us and that we will be in touch soon to provide an update on your application.

 

[jesslawapps]

1- No, you can apply to direct training contract without the PGDL or any legal education for that matters as majority of the law firms will sponsor you anyway if successful.
2- I honestly do not know about the specific firm but I would believe the website. Alternative, you can message graduate recruitment and they will confirm it for you.
3- The direct training contract applications usually open in the Spring, April/May for many firms.

Hope that the information is helpful!

Thank you ! So helpful

 

[jesslawapps]

To follow on from Axel's comment. There is no need to be enrolled in the GDL before applying. However, you will need to be able to meet the start dates. For example, if you apply this cycle, you must be free to complete GDL/LPC/SQE in Autumn 2026/Spring 2027, depending on your pathway. Therefore, typically, penultimate year law, final year students and graduates.

Most firms have one window in Spring for TC applications after their VCs have closed. Spring windows are usually open for a month or two (worth checking individually as some may differ).

TCLA has a thread with firm deadlines for TC applications, linked below, that may be useful. Also, see Chambers Student link.

Training Contract Application Deadlines 2023/24 [Training Starting 2026]

[FOR VACATION SCHEME DEADLINES, CLICK HERE] Hello everyone! With the application season for Training Contracts upon us, I have created this thread to track the deadlines for different law firms. Below, you will find a list of firms currently open or opening soon, including their closing date...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Application deadlines - Chambers Student Guide

...and all the calendar dates you need

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

Best of luck!

Amazing thank you so much ! Really appreciate this

 

[farr_x]

Update from Dentons if anyone is interested:

Thank you for your email.

We are in the process of reviewing a high volume of applications.

I can confirm that you have not missed any communications from us and that we will be in touch soon to provide an update on your application. Ithis regarding their TC or VS applications?

Update from Dentons if anyone is interested:

Thank you for your email.

We are in the process of reviewing a high volume of applications.

I can confirm that you have not missed any communications from us and that we will be in touch soon to provide an update on your application.

Is there regarding their TC applications? I know some people heard back regarding their VS application

 

[laby201]

Is there regarding their TC applications? I know some people heard back regarding their VS application

Sorry, this was meant to be in the VS thread, too many to balance!

I know one or two who have heard back too, so may just be a PFO and a lack of communication!