TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I think they allow you to make 2 applications per cycle so I’d suggest apply to the vac scheme and then if unsuccessful apply for the dtc again.

Can someone also confirm this as I remember last year we could make 2 applications per cycle.

I was going to apply for the vac scheme but literally missed the deadline by like 3 mins as I was working on it. All good tho- applied for DTC so we shall see

 

[flamingocelot]

I think they allow you to make 2 applications per cycle so I’d suggest apply to the vac scheme and then if unsuccessful apply for the dtc again.

Can someone also confirm this as I remember last year we could make 2 applications per cycle.

I’d like to know this too please !!

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

If you’re eligible for reasonable adjustments then I guess yeah you can but otherwise nah lmao.

It’s worthwhile speaking to grad rec at the firm to discuss it with them if you need adjustments.

 

[Applicant7874652]

For anyone who applied to McDermott - when do you think they will do AC invites?

 

[HasRez]

For anyone who applied to McDermott - when do you think they will do AC invites?

I applied to McDermott back in October and heard nothing from them. Did you get a response?

 

[livelaughlawve]

Can you bring notes into an interview for an AC like bullet points half a page ?

I have reasonable adjustments but was rejected on this

 

[livelaughlawve]

Interview related - Can anyone point me in the direction of a "model answer" for interviews for a "why this firm" question. I have been told in previous interviews that my reason for rejection is not being firm-specific enough. I think I have improved on this, but I really have nothing to compare it to...

 

[Rads]

After every Capp assessment, I ensure to get a confirmation email now, so sus of them lol

 

[cooked2000]

for Paul Hastings, is the DTC non-rolling or rolling, if its rolling, how fast is the rolling...

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

for Paul Hastings, is the DTC non-rolling or rolling, if its rolling, how fast is the rolling...

 

[cooked2000]

really ugh, hate the waiting game

 

[Rads]

Why is Slaughter and May delaying getting back to non law TC applicants so much? Is it a PFO or not? Should we be emailing them?

 

[Maddy]

When can we expect to hear back regarding AC from Pinsent Masons ME?

 

[Bread]

Any insight into the Greenberg Traurig application? I think they used to use allhires but their new portal is confusing me about what I need to include lol. Regarding grades, are we supposed to upload our transcripts? And regarding work experience, do we fill out the boxes or will the CV be enough?
Thanks x

 

[msclm]

Interview related - Can anyone point me in the direction of a "model answer" for interviews for a "why this firm" question. I have been told in previous interviews that my reason for rejection is not being firm-specific enough. I think I have improved on this, but I really have nothing to compare it to...

Hi for the firm I got my tc with, on the feedback call they mentioned they liked my honesty on the question “why this firm”.

I essentially said I could get the same experience at 5 other us firms and that at a trainee level objectively the work would be the same. The way I differentiated why Sidley over say Kirkland or PW etc was that I went really in on my experience so far with the firm and how the cultural fit fits me a lot more. Obviously in my answer I had just done the vac so had examples to point to to where I experienced the firms culture which might be harder to pinpoint on a dtc route. In this context you could mention the direct contact you’ve had with grad recruitment, the partners interviewing you, any trainee exposure you got etc

Edit* I got a tc this cycle as well from a SC firm through their DTC route and used this approach. I did end up going for the firm I did my vac with but my answer remained largely focused on culture for both processes

 

[nicoledm]

Anyone heard from CMS?

 

[Bread]

Hi for the firm I got my tc with, on the feedback call they mentioned they liked my honesty on the question “why this firm”.

I essentially said I could get the same experience at 5 other us firms and that at a trainee level objectively the work would be the same.

girlie got the TC by actually saying what we're all thinking

 

[user123987]

Has anyone emailed CMS about when regional applicants expect to hear back?

 

[msclm]

girlie got the TC by actually saying what we're all thinking

If it works, it works lol