TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

i know this sounds so silly but do you think theres a reasonable chance in getting a tc just from a direct tc route?

everywhere i look its the norm to have a vs first or if they do get a tc the applicant has so much previous experience

i just dont want to pour my efforts on more applications for it not to be worthwhile, considering im a fresh graduate

Hiya @ohnoselim

That doesn't sound silly at all - I asked myself the question several times at the end of my first vacation scheme cycle, having failed to secure any. It's also a question that many candidates ask themselves, particularly if they've graduated without an offer. I've known several candidates who've secured TCs in exactly this way, though I should note that they've done so particularly at British firms. While vacation schemes are obviously quite popular, I've found that firms generally understand that they aren't always accessible or practical for everyone (e.g. like international candidates or career changers who can't easily take time off). In fact, I got my first training contract directly without extensive previous commercial law experience, which should reassure you that this is entirely realistic.

In my experience, though, it's important to be pragmatic/realistic if you're taking this route. It doesn't require you to necessarily have done a vacation scheme before, but some firms might have a slightly higher bar for direct TC applicants. I've often found that they can expect strong commercial awareness, excellent research into the firm, and well-developed communication skills. However, I wouldn't let the high bar discourage you. These skills are very learnable.

Given that you have several months until firms start their assessment centres for direct TCs, I'd encourage you to focus your efforts on learning how to write high-quality applications and build up your commercial awareness. Invest time in thoroughly researching the firms, practising written and verbal communication, and familiarising yourself with common case study scenarios. The effort you put into refining these skills now will pay off significantly when assessments begin around early summer.

Please do consider applying and good luck!

 

[ohnoselim]

It certainly happens with MC firms. I’d focus on yoke transferable skills. Shearman used to have this video. It listed the skills you need. I’d say try to find that. Lots of skills you can mention. What’s your work experience like now?

I have a part time retail role atm, i do some charity volunteering every week too

in the past ive done some intern work at uni, intern work at a high street firm, and the rest is just open day experiences

thanks so much for your reply

 

[ohnoselim]

Hiya @ohnoselim

That doesn't sound silly at all - I asked myself the question several times at the end of my first vacation scheme cycle, having failed to secure any. It's also a question that many candidates ask themselves, particularly if they've graduated without an offer. I've known several candidates who've secured TCs in exactly this way, though I should note that they've done so particularly at British firms. While vacation schemes are obviously quite popular, I've found that firms generally understand that they aren't always accessible or practical for everyone (e.g. like international candidates or career changers who can't easily take time off). In fact, I got my first training contract directly without extensive previous commercial law experience, which should reassure you that this is entirely realistic.

In my experience, though, it's important to be pragmatic/realistic if you're taking this route. It doesn't require you to necessarily have done a vacation scheme before, but some firms might have a slightly higher bar for direct TC applicants. I've often found that they can expect strong commercial awareness, excellent research into the firm, and well-developed communication skills. However, I wouldn't let the high bar discourage you. These skills are very learnable.

Given that you have several months until firms start their assessment centres for direct TCs, I'd encourage you to focus your efforts on learning how to write high-quality applications and build up your commercial awareness. Invest time in thoroughly researching the firms, practising written and verbal communication, and familiarising yourself with common case study scenarios. The effort you put into refining these skills now will pay off significantly when assessments begin around early summer.

Please do consider applying and good luck!

Thank you for the response! you mentioned british firms are you referring to regional/national firms only?

 

[Chris Brown]

Thank you for the response! you mentioned british firms are you referring to regional/national firms only?

I think it might just mean UK-HQ firms, including the magic and silver circle. I think if a firm has a larger intake of trainees and recruits a significant number of TC candidates through the DTC route (50% or above), then it’s more likely for people to secure TC, as opposed to a US firm like Orrick which has a very small trainee intake and recruits mainly from its VS. For example, Clifford Chance take on around 100 trainees a year and I think at least half are taken from DTC route.​

 

[RaniaH062002]

Cappfinity this year - Used by a lot of firms so should be more familiar

If you struggle with those, then consider asking, but they usually are personality tests more than anything else with a minority also including a grammar review task (Always about a travel agency takeover ''SetSail LLC'')

While the cappfinities have these attachments and voicemails etc, you can usually answer the question without looking at them.

Is there a numerical element involved?

 

[A worried graduate]

Usually not

Might be in a minority of them

 

[wantatc]

Applied for OC’s DTC and they offered me Vac Scheme, will accept but still feel a little dissapointed

 

[RaniaH062002]

Anyone have any tips on where I can practice tests similar to Ashurst for free?

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Anyone with any insight into Mishcon's assessment centre ? Could you please message me
I can provide insight into many many law firms

 

[Tintin06]

Hogan Lovells is testing our love. Anyone hear from the firm today? I was watching their videos yesterday. Might be getting my hopes up.

 

[aphelion]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

 

[username10341034]

Can anyone who has applied for Mayer Brown TC help me? My request to complete the Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test went to my junk mail, so I initially missed it. I have until Monday to do the tests. Do they include any video questions? It seems unclear from the guide that they sent me. Thanks!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

Hiya @aphelion

In previous years, I've noticed that White & Case has held assessment centres for direct training contract candidates in August, with many of these also taking place in September. I'd recommend keeping an eye out for communications from graduate recruitment or contacting them directly if you need a better estimate for when they intend to hold assessments centres this year.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Can anyone who has applied for Mayer Brown TC help me? My request to complete the Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test went to my junk mail, so I initially missed it. I have until Monday to do the tests. Do they include any video questions? It seems unclear from the guide that they sent me. Thanks!

From previous experience, Mayer Brown's Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test did not include any video interview questions. Of course it's possible this could have changed, but based on what I've seen from other forum users this cycle, it still seems to be the case. Good luck with your tests!

 

[Tintin06]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

Yes plenty of time before ACs. “…applications are reviewed after the deadline of 13 July 2025”. Have you already applied to W&C?

 

[aphelion]

Yes plenty of time before ACs. “…applications are reviewed after the deadline of 13 July 2025”. Have you already applied to W&C?

No not yet, planning to apply on the deadline. Was mainly thinking about timings if I end up getting an offer from one of my summer vac schemes and W&C are progressing me at the same time.

 

[legalgrad]

Hi- has anyone heard back from Kennedys? It’s been a while…

 

[OliverTwist]

What sort of candidate does W&C usually go for, are they hell-bent on a certain 'type' for want of a better word?
I have never applied to them before and am considering the Direct TC route. Also, is the direct route a well-trodden one with W&C or do they hire mainly through VS'?

 

[Naskimovski]

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard back from Hogan Lovells after completing the WG?

 

[sibs23]

What sort of candidate does W&C usually go for, are they hell-bent on a certain 'type' for want of a better word?
I have never applied to them before and am considering the Direct TC route. Also, is the direct route a well-trodden one with W&C or do they hire mainly through VS'?

This is based only on people I know, but I have noticed that they tend to like people with an international element to their profile. Whether that be someone who has worked abroad for a while, speaks different languages, grew up in a different country.