TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[norothrow324]

I believe it was around October time. They started getting back to people in September though, shortlisting them to video interview.
They don’t recruit on rolling basis for direct TC, so it’s a long waiting game ahaha

This year they’re reviewing it on a rolling basis.

“We review applications on a rolling basis but never make offers to fill all our places before the application deadline.”

 

[Miss Chocolate]

This is something I was also confused about when I was going through the process with SH.

They have 2 trainee intakes. One in March and one in September. So I think if they run direct TC ACs late again, you’d likely be in the March 2027 intake, if that makes sense.

Most firms definitely recruit in the summer, in order for their future trainees to start the PGDL / SQE in September and join the firm the folllwing year.
SH are just unique lol

I was legit about to have a meltdown because 5 of the apps I have yet to send are all direct TCs and I would ideally like to start the SQE in the summer lol. I need to research the direct TC route a bit more for sure. Thanks so much for clarifying that!

I am assuming most firms host separate ACs for direct TCs in the summer June - August?

 

[isabelle888]

Does anyone know when White & Case/W&C are meant to get back with decisions after AC/Interview?

 

[mooonoo123]

I wanted to ask if its worth applying for direct TCs if i havent done a vac scheme previously, i havent eena able to put alot of time into my vac scheme applications this cycle because of uni but i think with the direct TC applications i will have mor etime to invest in them, is there any point if i havent previosuly done a vac scheme ?

 

[ohnoselim]

I wanted to ask if its worth applying for direct TCs if i havent done a vac scheme previously, i havent eena able to put alot of time into my vac scheme applications this cycle because of uni but i think with the direct TC applications i will have mor etime to invest in them, is there any point if i havent previosuly done a vac scheme ?

go for it

doing a vac scheme previously isnt necessary to secure a TC

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs

Damn didn't NFR advertise their DTC earlier this year? I have checked the website and it's no longer on their vacancies page.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Damn didn't NFR advertise their DTC earlier this year? I have checked the website and it's no longer on their vacancies page.

Yes and then they said actually... maybe not

Also love the subtle Lana Del Rey reference here

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Yes and then they said actually... maybe not

Also love the subtle Lana Del Rey reference here

So what about the people who did submit the applications? Curious.

Where...👀

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

So what about the people who did submit the applications? Curious.

Where...👀

Portal never opened

NRF = Norton Rose Fulbright

NFR = Norman F****** Rockwell

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Portal never opened

NRF = Norton Rose Fulbright

NFR = Norman F****** Rockwell

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Imagine all that effort....and all you get is 'sorry we messed up, we can't make up our mind on how to recruit hehe xoxo'

 

[whywhy88]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what time of year the ACs for HL direct TC were held last year?

 

[Chris Brown]

I wanted to ask if its worth applying for direct TCs if i havent done a vac scheme previously, i havent eena able to put alot of time into my vac scheme applications this cycle because of uni but i think with the direct TC applications i will have mor etime to invest in them, is there any point if i havent previosuly done a vac scheme ?

I think it’s firm dependant. If a firm has a large trainee intake and recruits a lot of trainees from the DTC route (50% or above) then go for it. Typically, this would be the Magic Circle firms. If a firm has a small trainee intake and recruits only a few trainees per year from the DTC route, then I think they’d probably expect to see at least some form of legal experience. I don't think a VS is necessary but it’s the best way to demonstrate your potential, which would increase your chances of securing a TC in a city law firm (from the DTC route). If you don’t have a VS, perhaps another form of legal work experience would be good. I think every firm with a DTC route would want to see a lot of legal and non-legal work experience to showcase all of the transferable skills (given they wouldn’t be assessing you through their own VS). 🙂​

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

does freshfields have a second cycle for the direct TC program between June-July? if yes, are you allowed to apply to that if you have failed the one in Jan post SJT?

 

[Chris Brown]

does freshfields have a second cycle for the direct TC program between June-July? if yes, are you allowed to apply to that if you have failed the one in Jan post SJT?

I think Freshfields got rid of their summer DTC because they introduced the WVS (for finalists and graduates). I also think you can only send one application per cycle to Freshfields, so if you applied for the winter DTC, you would need to wait for the next cycle. The WVS (Dec 2025) is for next application cycle so you can apply for that or the winter DTC (Jan 2026). 🙂​

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

I think Freshfields got rid of their summer DTC because they introduced the WVS (for finalists and graduates). I also think you can only send one application per cycle to Freshfields, so if you applied for the winter DTC, you would need to wait for the next cycle. The WVS is for next application cycle so you can apply for that or the winter DTC (Jan 2026). 🙂​

is there any other firm which has a summer DTC and allows you to re-apply?

 

[Chris Brown]

is there any other firm which has a summer DTC and allows you to re-apply?

I think BCLP, Macfarlanes and White & Case have a DTC route open until May-July. If you applied for the VS and were unsuccessful after application stage, then you can apply for the DTC in the same cycle. White & Case only recruit 20% of their trainees from DTC (10/50 per year), so I imagine it’s a lot more competitive. I’m not sure what other firms allow you to re-apply for DTC. There might be other firms that allow it. 🙂​

 

[Pardisj]

Hi all, I've seen some people receive PFOs and interview invites from Greenberg Traurig, has anyone else not heard anything at all?

 

[efm99]

Hi all, I've seen some people receive PFOs and interview invites from Greenberg Traurig, has anyone else not heard anything at all?

I have not heard anything either!

 

[Katy12345]

DWF PFO post app for direct TC - did anyone else's PFO email include this:

"... However, we believe your skills and experience could be a strong fit for other opportunities within our organisation.

We would love to stay connected and add you to our talent pool so we can reach out when relevant roles arise. This will allow us to keep you informed about upcoming opportunities that align with your skills and ambitions..."

curious to know if they sent this to everyone!

Assuming they did as I received the same!

 

[B97x]

DWF PFO post app for direct TC - did anyone else's PFO email include this:

"... However, we believe your skills and experience could be a strong fit for other opportunities within our organisation.

We would love to stay connected and add you to our talent pool so we can reach out when relevant roles arise. This will allow us to keep you informed about upcoming opportunities that align with your skills and ambitions..."

curious to know if they sent this to everyone!

I got the same email!