TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[billyonthespeeddial]

Noticed a big application mistake today. Put 2021 as GDL start date. I haven’t done the GDL though. But then elsewhere it says 2025. That’s for the SQE start date. Am I cooked because of this?

I've found that grad rec are very understanding when you email to correct more factual details like this

 

[Amma Usman]

Noticed a big application mistake today. Put 2021 as GDL start date. I haven’t done the GDL though. But then elsewhere it says 2025. That’s for the SQE start date. Am I cooked because of this?

Most application systems provide an opportunity to submit additional comments after the application has been completed, where you can clarify any errors. Alternatively, you could email the graduate recruitment team to explain the situation. They may allow you to re-submit your application or update your candidate profile accordingly. I do not think this mistake would have a material impact on your application.

 

[A worried graduate]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

 

[Amma Usman]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

I know some firms have a policy where you can’t apply twice in the same cycle. I have checked the FAQ section of W&C‘s website and unsure about this. I recommend emailing the GR team to confirm this before proceeding with the application.

 

[Chris Brown]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

If you are rejected post application for the VS, you can re-apply for DTC. If you are rejected post VI or AC for VS, then you have to wait until the next application cycle. 🥲​

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I got my Baker McKenzie report...I am convinced I failed the online test. It sucks because the questions were not timed and they were all situational and I am fairly certain I made the right 'judgments'. It's really annoying because someone has read the application form and decided to move it forward and now this stupid online test is going to jeopardise my chances. :/ Ugh.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

I got my Baker McKenzie report...I am convinced I failed the online test. It sucks because the questions were not timed and they were all situational and I am fairly certain I made the right 'judgments'. It's really annoying because someone has read the application form and decided to move it forward and now this stupid online test is going to jeopardise my chances. :/ Ugh.

What were your results like? I feel like these test reports are an easy thing to overthink, you did your best and that’s all you can ask for

 

[Kodak123]

anything on how to convert VS into TC? Keep failing at last hurdle

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Congrats! When did you get the invite and which office if you don’t mind x

heyy, London office and I got the invite on the 25th

 

[TC129129]

GT final round!

 

[wanttosolicit]

If you are rejected post application for the VS, you can re-apply for DTC. If you are rejected post VI or AC for VS, then you have to wait until the next application cycle. 🥲​

Thank you for this info! Do you have a source for rejection post VI? Just wondering because I couldn’t find this on the firm website.

 

[Filia]

Has anyone applied for the LPC only DTC for White & Case and knows how the recruitment process will play out? Deadline is non rolling end of July and the start date is Sept 2025, so I’m wondering if the whole recruitment process will take place during August 2025 and how is that possible given there’s about 3 stages post app.

 

[gazdgazd11]

CRS reserve list for AC

 

[mandamasochist]

Got put on the CRS reserve list - should I effectively see this as a PFO? Or does going beyond this to an AC happen from time to time?

Cheers!

 

[tomofsiobhans]

Hi everyone! Would really appreciate any tips on how to go about preparing for a Direct TC AC as a penultimate year law student.

Basically I was able to switch to Firm A's DTC process (from their VS process) after accepting a VS offer elsewhere that overlaps with Firm A's VS dates.

I know that many Direct TC applicants have some work experience under their belt and are generally mature applicants; will being a penultimate year student with minimal legal work experience (at the time of AC) disadvantage me? And is there anything in particular I should focus on during AC prep in order to gain an equal footing?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Kinda weird CRS puts all of us on a reserve list- how many people drop out of your ACs lol

 

[LillyandSilver]

Just browsing the thread, I always assumed it was because they think some people will get offers for TC's from spring and will drop out or because loads of ACs seem to be happening at the moment, people will have clashes. I have known several people who got off the reserve list.

Kinda weird CRS puts all of us on a reserve list- how many people drop out of your ACs lol

 

[Chris Brown]

Thank you for this info! Do you have a source for rejection post VI? Just wondering because I couldn’t find this on the firm website.

W&C Grad Rec have said it in several of their virtual events (e.g., Legal Cheek Law Fairs) and it has been mentioned previously on the forum by other users. 🙂​

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Got put on the CRS reserve list - should I effectively see this as a PFO? Or does going beyond this to an AC happen from time to time?

Cheers!

Its definitely not a PFO. They would have just turned you down if that was the case.

Some candidates will not accept their invitation to the AC and when that happens, the firm will contact people on the reserve list to fill the remaining places.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone! Would really appreciate any tips on how to go about preparing for a Direct TC AC as a penultimate year law student.

Basically I was able to switch to Firm A's DTC process (from their VS process) after accepting a VS offer elsewhere that overlaps with Firm A's VS dates.

I know that many Direct TC applicants have some work experience under their belt and are generally mature applicants; will being a penultimate year student with minimal legal work experience (at the time of AC) disadvantage me? And is there anything in particular I should focus on during AC prep in order to gain an equal footing?

I wouldn't say that direct TC applicants are generally mature applicants - there will be other penultimate year students going for direct TCs too, especially candidates like you who have secured vacation schemes in this cycle (so do have direct legal work experience).

My advice wouldn't really be any different for a penultimate year undergraduate than it would be for someone coming into this at a much later stage of their academics or career.