TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

How long should the Perkins Coie cover letter be for the LBA programme?

Hi, do u know how long is their programme? Checking because my visa might expire before the scheme ends and I don’t want to waste my time applying if it does as they don’t sponsor for this from what I read online

 

[xMontmorency]

Hey guys, my mate and I were discussing about their TC decision that I would love to hear your thoughts as I’m personally on a different path (my goal is mid size firms with niche seats so I don’t really have much to contribute).

For context, my mate got an offer from a US firm. But the thing is - this US firm is not the “popular” ones like Kirkland/latham/etc. I do see people applying to this US firm on here but tbf it is quite under-hyped for its reputation. My mate’s current career has people moving in TCs all the time, and they always move to Magic Circle firms for their TCs. Their concern is whether it would be an issue with moving firms from “non-popular” US firm and whether the “reputation” is comparable to MCs?

I appreciate all constructive discussions but please refrain from comments like “your mate should be grateful etc etc”. I have seen my mate work hard and build their CV so please be nice.

I know many will ask and I received permission to share about my mate’s background: did law, initially did not pursue law as progression at their current role was promised to be quicker, pivoting back as their role was not as fast-paced/challenging.

Side note (for myself!) anyone heard back from IM?

I'm guessing goodwin / orrick / debevoise / dechert / FF / jones day / V&E / willkie / mayer brown / paul hastings / akin / cooley / K&S / W&S?

All good options - depending on what firm and what career preferences exactly. Accept then keeping looking for other TCs.

 

[hopeful33]

Hi, do u know how long is their programme? Checking because my visa might expire before the scheme ends and I don’t want to waste my time applying if it does as they don’t sponsor for this from what I read online

the LBA is a one-year programme then you start the TC after that (from what I understand). So I am assuming the TC is another year post-LBA

 

[AP2000]

Out of curiosity, has anyone had any luck getting any current Perkins Coie LBAs to respond to their messages on LinkedIn? Reached out/connected with a couple but there's only been radio-silence, and I'm a bit concerned if this is reflective of the firm's culture in general. Like, come on, I get a bunch of messages/connection requests for people applying to my current company and I always respond or have a call with them.

 

[Z48]

Out of curiosity, has anyone had any luck getting any current LBAs to respond to their messages on LinkedIn? Reached out/connected with a couple but there's only been radio-silence, and I'm a bit concerned if this is reflective of the firm's culture in general. Like, come on, I get a bunch of messages/connection requests for people applying to my current company and I always respond or have a call with them.

They are probably busy/have a lot of people messaging, or could also be on holiday. I wouldn’t say it’s indicative of the firm’s culture. I spoke to one of the LBAs last year, she was really helpful, and spoke positively about the culture

 

[radssss]

the LBA is a one-year programme then you start the TC after that (from what I understand). So I am assuming the TC is another year post-LBA

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

 

[elisenatasha]

Any Goodwin VIs for DTC?

.Yes received an invite for VI earlier this week

 

[hopeful33]

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

They said work authorisation required so i'm not sure! I believe they do fund the SQE, given you work with them while doing it. Don't quote me on this, I would double-check their brochure or send them an email

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

Would you/anyone else have any advice on the drafting emails, client pitches etc. type of questions, or be able to guide me to such advice on the forum? Thanks!

Hi there. In regards to drafting emails and client pitches. Generally, the golden rule is that clients value being clear and concise above all. The easier the email/pitch is to read and understand the better. They often won't have any legal insight at all, so keeping information to that of what non-lawyers can understand is a very valuable skill. Tone is important, but generally, formality (but not dismissive) will depend on what you are doing. Contacting a client or partner for the first time, a small introduction and explanation of why you are contacting them sets a nice tone. Communicating an update in the latter stages of a transaction or with a client or partner you have worked with for a while, it can be less formal and more focused on being concise. Don't forget the norms of politeness, but don't be a robot. Bullet points are more than welcomed, try not to draw your sentences on too long (like I am here) and focus on communicating information in order of importance.

Client pitches can be slightly different. They are almost completely focused on effective and efficient communication of information. The shorter, easier to understand and suggestive the better. Take the initiative to introduce different pathways and explore other ideas, but don't deviate from what you think the client will want to hear. It's quite important not to waste their time, you are billing them for the minutes after all.

Others may disagree, but ChatGPT can often be a good starting point if you're having any trouble with specifics. Obviously don't use it during VI's or assessed tasks but using it as a tool to refine information and/or adjust tone and formality can be quite useful. Most firms these days will expect if not encourage you to use in-house AI for more medial tasks, so demonstrating that you are able to effectively use it outside of those limited circumstances can be good. Just don't forget that you are expected to have those skills regardless of AI, so email drafting and client pitching is going to be a given.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Oh I see, do u know if they sponsor the visa for the tc and fund the sqe?

Thank you!

I had reached out the Head of Recruitment last year when I was considering applying for the LBA programme and they had mentioned that they can't sponsor. Any candidate must have the full right to work for the entire duration.

 

[lawninja00!]

Has anyone heard back from AG following the WG/CT for the voice interview? Should I just give up hope now?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Goodwins VI!! Would really really appreciate any insight 🙏

 

[Laur2cj]

does anyone know how many questions and time you have (and prep time) for Kennedys VI please? Also would appreciate if anyone had an insight to what type of questions to expect - dm me if any insights please!!

 

[hopeful33]

Should I add one line in the work experience section describing what the firm/company etc is?

 

[i really like clouds :)]

is it okay for me to send emails to grad rec to follow up on my application? i applied to mischon when they opened and haven't gotten the amberjack test yet so i want to check if it is a pfo

 

[BM99]

is it okay for me to send emails to grad rec to follow up on my application? i applied to mischon when they opened and haven't gotten the amberjack test yet so i want to check if it is a pfo

Ngl, they will probably just say 'We are in the process of reviewing application....We will let you know the outcome as soon as possible....Thank you for your patience'.

 

[Prudentia]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie, I know I've asked a similar question before, but would be grateful for any insight you might have into this! I'm debating whether to apply for White & Case's vacation scheme or direct training contract. I'm undecided because as a career changer, I would rather use my annual leave for firms that recruit exclusively from their vac schemes. W&C seem to recruit around 80% of their DTCs from vac schemes. Can you advise? Also, my application currently has pre-populated with my answers for my application to the Open Day which I was not successful for. Should I tweak my responses to the question for the training contract/vac scheme?

Also, for this question 'Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc. These do not need to be White & Case specific' should we go into detail about the event in terms of what we learned from it or just list them?

Thanks so much!

 

[DavidJC]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie, I know I've asked a similar question before, but would be grateful for any insight you might have into this! I'm debating whether to apply for White & Case's vacation scheme or direct training contract. I'm undecided because as a career changer, I would rather use my annual leave for firms that recruit exclusively from their vac schemes. W&C seem to recruit around 80% of their DTCs from vac schemes. Can you advise? Also, my application currently has pre-populated with my answers for my application to the Open Day which I was not successful for. Should I tweak my responses to the question for the training contract/vac scheme?

Also, for this question 'Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc. These do not need to be White & Case specific' should we go into detail about the event in terms of what we learned from it or just list them?

Thanks so much!

I remember asking Grad Rec specifically about this question at a Legal Cheek event. They said to include 5 or 6 items in response to that answer, write in prose and explain very clearly what you learned or enjoyed (whether through doing something or otherwise). Ideally, the firm should be of similar calibre to W&C (probably practice areas/sectors too but I did not ask about this), without a need to link it back to being a trainee at W&C

 

[Prudentia]

I remember asking Grad Rec specifically about this question at a Legal Cheek event. They said to include 5 or 6 items in response to that answer, write in prose and explain very clearly what you learned or enjoyed (whether through doing something or otherwise). Ideally, the firm should be of similar calibre to W&C (probably practice areas/sectors too but I did not ask about this), without a need to link it back to being a trainee at W&C

Thank you so much for this!

 

[baj5]

anyone have any recs on how long the cover letter for Perkins LBA is supposed to be? And are we meant to answer just the two qs? I'm struggling to decide.