TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[trainee4u]

6 Years, 30 Rejections, 3 ACs, 2 Vac Schemes… and a TC Offer at Mishcon de Reya

After six years of applications, 30 rejections, 3 assessment centres and 2 vacation schemes, I’m over the moon to say I’ve received my training contract offer from Mishcon de Reya.

This journey has been far from easy there were so many moments where I questioned whether it was worth continuing. But the TCLA community kept me going. The guidance, the resources, and the willingness of people here to share their time and insights made a huge difference.

If you’re reading this feeling disheartened, please know there is a chance for everyone. Your timeline might look different, your path might take turns you didn’t expect, but persistence really does pay off.

Thank you to everyone who’s answered my questions, reviewed my applications, and reminded me that setbacks are just part of the process. This community is proof that we rise by lifting each other.

To anyone still in the process: keep going. Your offer is coming.

Fantastic!
Did you do legal work in the meantime?

 

[trainee4u]

Anyone who can offer any tips for amberjack? Particularly for SH? I had an AC there last year so I'm hoping I know enough about the firm but then again last year there was no amberjack

Might be wrong, but I would expect if you got an AC previously then you'd not be invited back again....

 

[Jaysen]

6 Years, 30 Rejections, 3 ACs, 2 Vac Schemes… and a TC Offer at Mishcon de Reya

After six years of applications, 30 rejections, 3 assessment centres and 2 vacation schemes, I’m over the moon to say I’ve received my training contract offer from Mishcon de Reya.

This journey has been far from easy there were so many moments where I questioned whether it was worth continuing. But the TCLA community kept me going. The guidance, the resources, and the willingness of people here to share their time and insights made a huge difference.

If you’re reading this feeling disheartened, please know there is a chance for everyone. Your timeline might look different, your path might take turns you didn’t expect, but persistence really does pay off.

Thank you to everyone who’s answered my questions, reviewed my applications, and reminded me that setbacks are just part of the process. This community is proof that we rise by lifting each other.

To anyone still in the process: keep going. Your offer is coming.

This is amazing!!

 

[abbietc03]

Might be wrong, but I would expect if you got an AC previously then you'd not be invited back again....

I did their vac scheme in spring and didn’t get an offer post-VS, but they said I’d be welcome to apply for their direct TC next year so I don’t think that’s the case.

 

[shays]

I did their vac scheme in spring and didn’t get an offer post-VS, but they said I’d be welcome to apply for their direct TC next year so I don’t think that’s the case.

I did the AC last year and did not end up securing a TC and this year I applied again and passed the application stage again. When I was on the phone with them about my feedback for the AC they said I was very much welcome to reapply.

 

[shays]

I did the AC last year and did not end up securing a TC and this year I applied again and passed the application stage again. When I was on the phone with them about my feedback for the AC they said I was very much welcome to r

the difference is last year it was an interview with Early Careers rather than amberjack + VI questions so don't know what to expect at all, except maybe the questions are going to be very similar

 

[abbietc03]

I did the AC last year and did not end up securing a TC and this year I applied again and passed the application stage again. When I was on the phone with them about my feedback for the AC they said I was very much welcome to reapply.

I thought that was the case! Best of luck with your application

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Has anyone heard from RPC for direct TC? I know some got WG test invitation and some were rejected as the firm said they have filled all their places through vac scheme. However I have not heard anything from them.

Also Edwin Coe anyone?

 

[Deek14]

Has anyone heard from RPC for direct TC? I know some got WG test invitation and some were rejected as the firm said they have filled all their places through vac scheme. However I have not heard anything from them.

Also Edwin Coe anyone?

I got PFO from RPC but I am also still waiting for Edwin Coe.

 

[trainee4u]

I am currently waiting on:

Paul Hastings
Edwin Coe
Birketts
Walker Morris
Sinclair Gibson

 

[Mike Wazaoski]

Fantastic!
Did you do legal work in the meantime?

No, I am a career changer from Management Consulting

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I am currently waiting on:

Paul Hastings
Edwin Coe
Birketts
Walker Morris
Sinclair Gibson

I got rejected by Birketts for the 2026 intake

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I got PFO from RPC but I am also still waiting for Edwin Coe.

Thank you!

 

[trainee4u]

I got rejected by Birketts for the 2026 intake

2025? or 2026?

I applied for Bristol 2026. I know they had direct 2025 and 2026 options, plus a general 2027.

 

[CorpLaw1234]

Anyone heard back from Perkins Coie?

 

[abc124]

I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:

'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'

The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!

 

[BillSikes]

I got the Stephenson Harwood online assessment invite and I'm a bit conflicted as they seem to be genuinely encouraging to take your time - here's what I found on their website:

'There is no time limit for the assessment, so spend time considering each answer and revisit the assessment at a later time if you would like to.
After the assessment you will be asked to take part in a video interview. You can choose to complete this straight away or, if you are not in a suitable environment, then close the test and come back to it when you are ready. There is no time limit to prepare your answer once you have seen each question, so take your time to consider the information you would like to convey. We want to get to know you so try to relax and be yourself!'

The email I got also emphasised that the assessment is untimed - without even specifying their suggested completion time - which I thought was usually standard practice. It's my first TC cycle so I'm unfamiliar with the 'informal' rules on this sort of stuff - I was thinking completion time could be relevant in borderline cases but I'm also tempted to take my time to submit answers I'd be genuinely happy with. Could anyone more experienced please offer their views on what to do in this situation? Would really appreciate it!

They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.

 

[shays]

They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.

right that confuses me because it doesn't make sense for the deadline to be next Friday if the AC is 25 & 26, there needs to be a week between invitation to the AC and they need some time to progress people?

 

[BillSikes]

right that confuses me because it doesn't make sense for the deadline to be next Friday if the AC is 25 & 26, there needs to be a week between invitation to the AC and they need some time to progress people?

Agreed - but now they have sent the e-mail, they may extend the time.

 

[abc124]

They have also sent a reminder e-mail today stating the deadline is Friday - instead of Monday as first claimed. Idk if this is a mistake or they have actually moved the deadline. Really annoying, I need to plan the test around my work.

I assumed it was a glitch, if our deadline was Friday 5pm they’d likely start reviewing our VIs on Monday giving them less than a week (in terms of working days) before AC starts. And I think they need to provide notice of AC (a few days I’d guess?). So reviewing + proper notice would be pretty much impossible if our deadline was 15 August. Unless we’re a tiny final batch…