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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

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! :)
Thanks so much, Abbie! Glad to have this reassurance since I ended up going with exactly what you described haha
 
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Decided to skip White & Case application. What I am wondering is, how would you frame fails in your uni degree? I have 3 fails and 1 retook course in undergrad, in a country where you need to take around 50 courses. I had documented health issue and a leave of absence during these fails. Yet, I managed to go to a exchange in one of the best unis in Europe, as well as finishing my uni with a high 2:1 -- which highly regarded as the best in my country. Unfortunately, same problem recurred during the master's and I finished my MSc at LSE with only a pass. I feel like these are no goes for US firms, which make me pessimistic about my chances, and I genuinely feel worse after each application due to this. Any feedback is highly appreciated.
 
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Reactions: Matt Murdock

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