TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[law5tudent]

Hi, anyone here applied for the CPS training contract?

 

[cinnamonspice]

Just applied to Russell-Cooke, does anyone have any insight into their process?! How quickly they review etc?

 

[ghostyb]

Does anyone know if ashurst is strict on grades? 🙇‍♀️

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Arnold & Porter ✅
King & Spalding ✅
Paul Hastings ✅
White & Case ✅ 💼

Key: ✅ = application sent; 💼 = SJT.

 

[floral.tcla]

Heyy how much experience do you need to apply for a direct TC for a competitive application? I understand the more the better especially at large international firms but for those that are smaller and still open, how much experience do you need? Would appreciate peoples’ thoughts on this )
just trying to gauge whether it’s worth the effort or not haha

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Heyy how much experience do you need to apply for a direct TC for a competitive application? I understand the more the better especially at large international firms but for those that are smaller and still open, how much experience do you need? Would appreciate peoples’ thoughts on this )
just trying to gauge whether it’s worth the effort or not haha

I've seen people get Slaughter and May's TC with none. I'd say a general rule of thumb is that the higher paying firms would want more experience. Honestly though, I've got no clue - how does someone get a Training Contract at Fried Frank or King & Spalding or Paul Hastings when they have no Vac Scheme? I think some US firms (Simpson Thacher especially) have had a strong preference for paralegals. However. I've done three VSs and can't really afford to do them now so I'm just going to go for it.