TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock, it would be good to get your thoughts on whether it’s worth applying for the VS at Sullivan & Cromwell or waiting until DTC applications open in May 2026. I’m a career changer currently working in a legal-adjacent field for one of the big banks. Work experience isn’t an issue for me, but I wonder if I will be at a disadvantage if I don’t apply for one of their VS cohorts. I understand Sullivan & Cromwell have a very small trainee intake, and they haven’t said that they recruit exclusively from VS. I’m also conscious about VS and annual leave (as I work full-time), and I would rather leave my VS applications for firms that recruit exclusively through them. Any insight would be appreciated!

Hi!

I can see in previous years (on this thread) that Sullivan & Cromwell hires from their vacation scheme in the first instance, and the direct TC route is typically used if they do not fill all of the spots with the vacation scheme. Whilst this may have changed for this year, I would keep that in mind when deciding which to apply for!

Given you're a career changer already in a legal-adjacent role, your work experience is likely to be a clear advantage, particularly if you are wanting to apply for the direct TC route. Another thing to consider is the timing, and the leave issue you mentioned. Since you're working full-time, it makes sense to prioritise VS applications for firms that solely require from their VS. S&C doesn't fall strictly into that category, so it's reasonable to focus your limited annual leave elsewhere.

If you feel you could put in a strong application later on, waiting for DTC apps in 2026 is a completely valid strategy - and one that I'm sure plenty of successful S&C candidates have taken. I think the most important consideration is how motivated you are to apply to S&C, and whether you'd prefer to maximise your changes by applying for their vacation scheme rather than DTC.

I hope that offers some assistance!

 

[flower1]

Mine currently says “in review”. Am I looking in the right place?

Mine also says the same - I can't see 'archived' anywhere yet

 

[Prudentia]

Hi!

I can see in previous years (on this thread) that Sullivan & Cromwell hires from their vacation scheme in the first instance, and the direct TC route is typically used if they do not fill all of the spots with the vacation scheme. Whilst this may have changed for this year, I would keep that in mind when deciding which to apply for!

Given you're a career changer already in a legal-adjacent role, your work experience is likely to be a clear advantage, particularly if you are wanting to apply for the direct TC route. Another thing to consider is the timing, and the leave issue you mentioned. Since you're working full-time, it makes sense to prioritise VS applications for firms that solely require from their VS. S&C doesn't fall strictly into that category, so it's reasonable to focus your limited annual leave elsewhere.

If you feel you could put in a strong application later on, waiting for DTC apps in 2026 is a completely valid strategy - and one that I'm sure plenty of successful S&C candidates have taken. I think the most important consideration is how motivated you are to apply to S&C, and whether you'd prefer to maximise your changes by applying for their vacation scheme rather than DTC.

I hope that offers some assistance!

This was so helpful, thank you so much!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

For those wondering what it looks like. Either it means a decision has been made on our application or just that we’re cooked

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

I'm so sad about A&O, i'm assuming as i did not receive the "application under review" email, i'm probably out of the race. I will still be positive about it but wow

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock. Have a bit of a judgement question to ask. After how long is it reasonable to email a firm asking for an application update? HL is rolling and their first stage - an online assessment - is automatic. My understanding, however, is it still needs to be manually sent out. It's now coming up on two months since I submitted my application and I've received nothing. The DTC is open till the end of January, but again, they are famously rolling, so it makes me question why I rushed to submit the application early if it wasn't going to be looked at.

Thanks in advance!

Hey!

Whilst I'm not 100% sure on the general timelines for HL, I would say that two months is definitely on the longer side - although this could be due to them handling the vacation scheme applications first. If I were in your position, I'd be inclined to send a brief and polite email just to double-check the status of your application.

I'd keep it very simple, for example:

"I'm writing to kindly check on the status of my Direct TC application submitted on [date]. I completely appreciate the high volume of applications, particularly with the vacation scheme applications as well, but I just wanted to confirm whether there are any updates or anything further required from my side".

I'd say it's totally normal to send something like this, and it might help flag if anything has been missed. Hopefully you hear back soon!

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

View attachment 7420
For those wondering what it looks like. Either it means a decision has been made on our application or just that we’re cooked

I just asked chatgpt and she said its most likely a rejection. I just deleted her, i'm not here for negativity right now

 

[Prudentia]

Adopting Watson Glaser thinking will help a lot of you navigate this process without second guessing yourself. Until you hear an explicit PFO, assume you’re still in the running!

 

[Bread]

On the day of the deadline since it wasn't rolling, i didn't see the need to apply much earlier.

Did you have to take the WG? i think I recall seeing that the WG still needed to be done before the deadline.

 

[Amgrad]

I'm so sad about A&O, i'm assuming as i did not receive the "application under review" email, i'm probably out of the race. I will still be positive about it but wow

I'd be glad if they weren't jump scared like you, literally they sent to me that email every day!

 

[Singh241]

For all those who can see 'Archived' as the CC status- I mailed the grad team.

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

I'd be glad if they weren't jump scared like you, literally they sent to me that email every day!

Really? i never received any email, thank you for restoring my hope

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

For all those who can see 'Archived' as the CC status- I mailed the grad team. View attachment 7421

What does your application status say?

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Did you have to take the WG? i think I recall seeing that the WG still needed to be done before the deadline.

I applied last year and passed the wg so i didn't have to retake it fortunately

 

[Prudentia]

I just asked chatgpt and she said its most likely a rejection. I just deleted her, i'm not here for negativity right now

I asked GPT and it said it might be a backend process where the application has been moved out of the “active work queue” temporarily. Some people who progressed in previous years had their apps briefly show as archived.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

For all those who can see 'Archived' as the CC status- I mailed the grad team. View attachment 7421

imo they’re lying, or rather, avoiding the truth. In theory, our applications are ‘active’ until the point of rejection. I hate fussing over these things so I don’t really care, but I reckon it’s a PFO tbh. No way that ‘archived’ is in any way positive lol.

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

I asked GPT and it said it might be a backend process where the application has been moved out of the “active work queue” temporarily. Some people who progressed in previous years had their apps briefly show as archived.

Really?

 

[Bread]

Some people who progressed in previous years had their apps briefly show as archived.

Did ChatGPT say this or actual people?

 

[Singh241]

What does your application status say?

'Archived'

 

[Prudentia]

Did ChatGPT say this or actual people?

GPT. I wouldn’t read into an archived message until they’ve told you the outcome either way. It’s pointless. CC have also confirmed that the outcomes will be communicated either this week or next week.