TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Tintin06]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

 

[Bread]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?

 

[Tintin06]

Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?

I've fixed this more recently, yes.

Not motivated for VS apps, honestly. So probably didn't check those much.

The TC apps had more checking. All apps went through Grammarly, IIRC.

 

[James Wakefield]

I've fixed this more recently, yes.

Not motivated for VS apps, honestly. So probably didn't check those much.

The TC apps had more checking. All apps went through Grammarly, IIRC.

I know its expensive, but have you considered getting your applications read by the admins on here and getting feedback?

 

[Tintin06]

I know its expensive, but have you considered getting your applications read by the admins on here and getting feedback?

Getting them read by others yes.

 

[Chris Brown]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​

 

[Tintin06]

Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​

For TCs yes that’s been happening. Ideal approach is open day first. However, that isn’t always an option. Scatter gun approach worked last year. Honestly wish it was like UCAS. If only five applications was enough.

 

[trainee4u]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Do you mean 40 apps this year? Or 40 apps total since 2017?
If it's 40 apps total, it seems you should expand your circle, as it looks like you're applying only to magic circle and US firms, whereas perhaps it would be better to qualify somewhere slightly less prestigious and you can always move post-Q.
I have made 100+ apps this year, I don't yet have a TC, but I can see that my employability is better at less prestigious firms, and perhaps whatever is causing you to fall at the final hurdle for these global elite firms would be non-fatal at lower ranking firms.

 

[Tintin06]

Do you mean 40 apps this year? Or 40 apps total since 2017?
If it's 40 apps total, it seems you should expand your circle, as it looks like you're applying only to magic circle and US firms, whereas perhaps it would be better to qualify somewhere slightly less prestigious and you can always move post-Q.
I have made 100+ apps this year, I don't yet have a TC, but I can see that my employability is better at less prestigious firms, and perhaps whatever is causing you to fall at the final hurdle for these global elite firms would be non-fatal at lower ranking firms.

40 apps for this application cycle. 100+ apps is seriously impressive though.

 

[legal18]

Is the Watson Farley & Williams TC rolling?

 

[lawyersum]

Hi everyone, sorry for the silly question but just to clarify: Slaughter and May's CV does not need all your module grades listed, that's what the application form is for?

 

[TC129129]

Anyone still waiting on GT post AC? They have handed out multiple TCs so I just want them to put us out our misery asap 🙏

 

[yk123489]

Hi everyone, sorry for the silly question but just to clarify: Slaughter and May's CV does not need all your module grades listed, that's what the application form is for?

yes, no need to list them in CV.

 

[Tintin06]

Quick question for you, please, @ReedSmithBecca. Apologies if this was already answered. How many TCs are available directly? Do most go to VS students? Thank you very much in advance.

 

[lawyersum]

yes, no need to list them in CV.

Thank you very much!

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (Ashurst rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅❌
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅❌
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Ashurst* ✅📝❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅❌
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Reed Smith* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅❌
Morgan Lewis ✅📞❌
Paul Hastings* ✅
White & Case* ✅
Morgan Lewis* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅📝❌
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅❌
Arnold & Porter ✅❌
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅❌
Winston & Strawn ✅❌
Morrison Foerster ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell* ✅
Stephenson Harwood* ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 📞 = TI; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Guys when's the Dentons deadline tomorrow, is it midnight?

 

[wannabe_solicitor]

Finally got my Ashurst PFO!!!! lol #we #move

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Note to all but especially those who self funded SQE and haven't secured a TC


Birketts has opened new offices in Bristol and Sevenoaks.

They are recruiting trainees to start in September 2025 in Bristol.

And also 2026 for both new offices.

Deadline early July. Saw it online earlier for anyone interested.

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable (Fried Frank rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅❌
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅❌
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Ashurst* ✅📝❌
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅❌
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅❌
Reed Smith* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅❌
Morgan Lewis ✅📞❌
Paul Hastings* ✅
White & Case* ✅
Morgan Lewis* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅📝❌
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅❌
Arnold & Porter ✅❌
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅❌
Winston & Strawn ✅❌
Morrison Foerster ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell* ✅
Stephenson Harwood* ✅

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 📞 = TI; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications.

34 rejections - six applications left outstanding.