I don't know what that question is specifically asking for, but for these type of tasks, I would always firstly use PESTLE to figure out the broader ramifications of the deal and then in a structured approach go through the main practice areas and discuss how they may have been involved in the deal, it would be beneficial and you could show off your research by discussing W&C unique teams or approaches to work who may have played a part in the deal e.g if it is an energy deal does W&C have a specific energy transition team or do they take a broader ESG approach.
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Hi, what kind of written exercise? After the VI did you receive the critical thinking test invite? or do you mean that as the CT?
Hey, thanks so much for this! I'm having difficulty narrowing down what to write, since every deal has so many dimensions. I think the PESTLE method would do me well here. Also, may be off topic, but since the question just asks for a deal W&C worked on, is it okay to pick one that did not involve the London office of the firm? @Jaysen Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith
are there any reapplicants for the reed smith direct tc? I applied by the 28th and still have yet to hear anything back.
Hello, for non-CV applicants for Baker McKenzie, have you guys been able to login to your profiles? I seem to have not been able to do so.
You submit an initial application form which is just grades and work experience (no questions). Then you are sent the SJT/VI. If successful then you are sent the written application questions.
Omg that macfarlanes job sim was absolutely vile whenever I thought i could predict the questions based on the sources it’d surprise me with smth completely different lol
How did it go? i still haven't heard anything back from them. i will deffo have to email on monday. do they just not email at all if they don't want you?
In the test invite email they said ACs are in July so expect to hear back by June 30th. So it’s gna be a while to go yet to hear back from MB…
WFW VI invite.. Can't wait to go through another VI knowing full well I'll fumble it and end up with a rejection 
My track record with VIs is not pretty but WFW’s VI was the first VI I got through this cycle so don’t count yourself out. Best of luck with it!WFW VI invite.. Can't wait to go through another VI knowing full well I'll fumble it and end up with a rejection
Hi!
From my understanding, you can only apply in the same cycle if you were rejected at the application stage - I ran into a similar situation last year! Therefore, it may be that the system won't allow you to apply for the DTC as you made it to the VI stage
Hey!
I have previously shared some advice on how I would approach this question - I have pasted it below!
I’d say that this is a slightly more focused version of the classic ‘commercial awareness’ prompt. Instead of choosing any issue or development, they’re asking you to explore it through the lens of a specific deal that the firm has worked on, ideally one from the last two years.
They are mainly trying to assess your commercial awareness, analytical skills, research ability, and motivation for applying to the firm. They will want to see in your answer that you understand why the deal was significant beyond the legal work itself, including any wider market, political, or regulatory implications. It is also a good opportunity to demonstrate that you can identify a deal/transaction that interested you and connect it to White & Case's strengths or areas of focus.
At the same time, I'd also say that they are looking at how well you can analyse the situation. Therefore, rather than simply describing the deal, you should be able to explain the issues involved, what the client's main objectives are, and how White & Case helped navigate those issues and add value. The questions is also a great opportunity to subtly show why the firm interests you, so it is always worth choosing a deal that aligns with your own interests or an area where the firm is particularly well-regarded.
A helpful structure could be:
- Introduction: briefly explain the deal, who was involved, and why it was significant
- Main Body: discuss the key commercial or strategic considerations, such as regulatory hurdles, political risks, or broader market implications
- Conclusion: reflect on how White & Case advised on the transaction, what this demonstrates about the firm's strength's, and how this links to your own reasons for wanting to train there
I think using PESTLE as a method of building your answer is a good idea, as it helps stop the answer from becoming too descriptive and ensures that you are analysing it. You definitely do not need to cover every dimension of the deal, and it is more about selecting 2-3 of the most commercially interesting aspects and analysing those well.
In terms of whether you can discuss a deal that doesn't involve the London office, I think this should be fine. The question asks about a White & Case deal generally, so I would just make sure that it focuses on whether the transaction reflects the firm's wider strengths, international reach, or practice areas you are interested in. If you can link the deal back to the London office in some way, I think that would strengthen your answer even further - for example, mentioning by briefly mentioning London's role in the relevant practice area or the office's broader involvement in cross-border work
I hope that assists, and best of luck with your application!
Hey!
If I was approaching this question, I would focus less on finding the "biggest" deal and more on finding one that gives you strong and clear points to analyse. The best answers will go beyond just describing the transaction and instead explain the commercial context and key challenges involved.
When picking a deal, I'd look for something with clear strategic considerations. For example, this could be cross-border elements, regulatory issues, political risk, financing challenges, or interesting market conditions. It also helps if it is an area that White & Case is known for, such as energy, project finance, or cross-border M&A.
In the answer itself, I would avoid trying to cover everything and focus on 2-3 key complexities to analyse them properly. This also gives you enough space to explain how White & Case helped navigate those issues, which is likely the core of what the question is testing.
I also think it can be a good opportunity to subtly show why the firm interests you, so it helps if the deal links to an area you genuinely find interesting too!
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