TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SueD]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Kingsley Napley or Farrer&Co? Thanks!

Farrer is end of May

 

[choicefox212]

It's really irritating - I did the AC last year and they didn't let me know until the Thursday evening - 6 days before the assessment day. Awful communication, lovely firm

I just had a call from recruitment at PHB telling me they had inadvertently sent me a rejection email on Friday, and I was actually supposed to be going to the assessment centre today...

Buzzing with the news and excited to go in a couple of days, but also wtf I had a three hour breakdown after the rejection

 

[adfs456]

Hey, does anyone have any tips for S&M DTC (non-law interview)?
Have it in a couple weeks and am really kicking myself over a DTC rejection today, so any advice is welcome (please help me from spiralling into a pit of self-doubt)

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Harbottle & Lewis PFO. At last, they've put me out of my misery! I think I probably applied too late in the cycle.

 

[rain2801]

Might be a dumb question, but I completed Forage and Legal Cheek events with my university mail address and applying to firms with another email ID. I can still list the completed events right? Or should I add a note indicating its with a different email address, in case the firm can't find it due to the different email ID? All other details such as name, insti name, etc. are the same.

 

[silonthesofa]

Might be a dumb question, but I completed Forage and Legal Cheek events with my university mail address and applying to firms with another email ID. I can still list the completed events right? Or should I add a note indicating its with a different email address, in case the firm can't find it due to the different email ID? All other details such as name, insti name, etc. are the same.

I’d just list it without any disclaimer. It’s factually true that you completed it. And I doubt any firm will bother looking into it at all because no one cares enough to dedicate effort to it at CV stage and after that, I doubt it’s relevant compared to other things they’d be more interested in.

 

[lucky2]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you are having a nice day! I’m a bit stuck with this application question: “Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you?“.

I’m unsure how to approach this question because it asks about a specific instance? The word limit is around 400 words. If I were to pick a specific instance, like a deal they’ve worked on, etc, how could I used up the word count?

Also this questions feels different from “why this firm” question, where you pick 2-3 reasons behind your interest in the firm. Am I correct in saying that they just want me to pick one reason/instance and then talk about that?

 

[amb303]

KN email was a jumpscare but nice to have an update even if holding email

 

[HMajesty]

So approximately how many TC applications would W&C, Reed Smith, etc. be receiving via the Direct Training Contract route? The websites all say different numbers ranging from 1500-4500+. Somewhere in between?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do you avoid repeating the same points between a cover letter and separate application questions like “Why commercial law?” or “Why Orrick”?

In that context, what should the cover letter focus on instead? @Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I wouldn't worry too much about avoiding all overlap - it is completely normal for there to be some repetition, because ultimately you'll have to discuss very similar elements across both to show fit and motivation for the firm. However, I would try to differentiate them by ensuring that each part of your application is doing a slightly different job.

In practice, the application questions are where you want to be really direct and targeted. For something like "why commercial law?" or "why Orrick?", you should focus on clearly answering the question, showing specific research, and giving evidence-based reasons to back up your points. Essentially, this is your chance to show that you understand the firm and the areas of law that they work in, and that your interest is well thought through.

The cover letter, on the other hand, is less about answering specific questions and more about telling your overall story. Therefore, rather than repeating the same points in the same way, I would use it to bring everything together - how your interest in law developed, how your experiences link, and the insights and skills you have gained from them. It should feel more like a narrative that shows your progression and motivations over time, and how that has led you to applying to this specific firm.

You can still mention the same experiences, but the key is to add a slightly different angle - for example, focusing more on reflecting on the skills and insights you gained, rather than just using them for why commercial law or that specific firm.

I always found that a good way to think about it is that the application questions show your research and reasoning, while the cover letter shows who you are and how everything fits together (i.e. why you are a good fit for the firm / law based on your experiences so far). As long as each part has a slightly different purpose, I think some overlap is absolutely fine!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you are having a nice day! I’m a bit stuck with this application question: “Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you?“.

I’m unsure how to approach this question because it asks about a specific instance? The word limit is around 400 words. If I were to pick a specific instance, like a deal they’ve worked on, etc, how could I used up the word count?

Also this questions feels different from “why this firm” question, where you pick 2-3 reasons behind your interest in the firm. Am I correct in saying that they just want me to pick one reason/instance and then talk about that?

Hey!

This is a great question, and I would agree and say that this is slightly different from a typical "Why this firm?" answer. When they say "a specific instance", I would take that to mean that they are wanting you to focus on one example, rather than trying to cover multiple reasons - it is more about depth than breadth here.

The best way to approach it is to pick one strong instance (e.g. a deal, event, or conversation) and then really unpack it. You can use the word count by going beyond just describing what happened, and instead focusing on:

• What specifically stood out to you
• What you learned from it about the firm, and
• Why that made the firm feel like the right fit for you personally

I'd say that reflection part at the end is key - it is what differentiates this from a standard "why this firm" answer. Therefore, I would think of it more like telling a short and focused story about the moment that solidified your interest in Burges Salmon.

So yes, I think you are definitely on the right track with picking one instance and developing it fully