TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock I just finished a vac scheme at a firm and was told I will find out if I got it in July. However, I have a TC offer that expires next week at another firm. The vac scheme firm is my first choice, is it appropriate to email and say I have another offer and if possible can I please know ASAP?

Hey!

Congratulations on completing the vacation scheme, and for your existing TC offer!

Yes, I think that is perfectly appropriate and quite common in this situation - I had a similar situation last cycle when I was still waiting back post-VS for one firm, and had a TC offer from another.

I would email the graduate recruitment team and explain that you have recently completed the vacation scheme at the firm, which is your preferred choice, but you have another training contract offer that expires next week. You can then politely ask whether they are able to provide any update on the timing of their decision making process.

I would avoid framing it as a demand for an immediate decision, as they may still need time to complete their assessments. However, making them aware of your deadline gives them the opportunity to see whether they can expedite your application or provide some other further guidance.

I think it is important to bear in mind that they may not be able to accelerate the process, particularly if they are still making their way through the assessment process. However, I don't think there is any downside in asking politely and professionally, and at least you'll know either way. Graduate recruitment teams are used to candidates managing competing offers and deadlines, so I'm sure they've been asked similar questions before!

Wishing you the best of luck - I hope it works out for you!

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone know whether the Joelson video response is automatic?

 

[neverdidiever]

What is the prep time given for WFW VI? and how long are the answers supposed to be for?

 

[cs3008]

They phoned me to set an interview for next week

When did you submit your app and is this for the DTC?

 

[User22022002]

When did you submit your app and is this for the DTC?

day before deadline, and yes, I don't think they have VS apps running rn.

 

[cs3008]

day before deadline, and yes, I don't think they have VS apps running rn.

Oh okay, I applied on 12/05 - haven’t received anything yet. Probably in the pile of PFO. Nonetheless, congrats to you and good luck for the AC! Get that TC!!!!

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Oh okay, I applied on 12/05 - haven’t received anything yet. Probably in the pile of PFO. Nonetheless, congrats to you and good luck for the AC! Get that TC!!!!

I applied the day before deadline too. Haven’t heard anything.

 

[User22022002]

Oh okay, I applied on 12/05 - haven’t received anything yet. Probably in the pile of PFO. Nonetheless, congrats to you and good luck for the AC! Get that TC!!!!

Thank you! Don't give up hope as it really hasn't been that long. The variety in time different firms take in responding makes it easy to think you have been rejected. I remember applying to McDermott in October, and I got the next stage in feb!

 

[cs3008]

Thank you! Don't give up hope as it really hasn't been that long. The variety in time different firms take in responding makes it easy to think you have been rejected. I remember applying to McDermott in October, and I got the next stage in feb!

Thank you so much for your kind words.

 

[DesperateStudent]

Is there anyone still waiting on Bakers post SJT? I saw they sent a new batch of VIs this week and a wave of PFOs (post SJT), but still nothing for me…​

Hi
When did they send another batch of VI? I haven’t seen any posts.

 

[givemeaTCalreadyT^T]

Hi, I’ve an upcoming AC on Tuesday with a partner interview based on a case study. I find myself to be fumbling quite a bit with it in mocks, and am unsure of how to approach technical and commercial questions on the spot and sometimes I end up using terms I can’t fully explain. How should I approach technical questions in partner case studies? If anyone has any advice, now is the time @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

 

[nicoledm]

I have a panel interview with 5 partners for a final dtc interview? ANy tips on how to approach, especially with asking questions at the end

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi all! If I failed to meet BCLP's benchmark for the test, would the email mention that I have failed to meet the benchmark or that my overall application was unsuccessful?

 

[Filia]

Does Dorsey respond on a rolling basis?

 

[LH4]

Hi!

I have a question about video interviews. If you get a similar question to something that was in the application, is it okay to use the same example or should you come up with something else?

For example, if you were asked about a time you received constructive criticism. I have a strong example from something that occurred during my placement year, and this was the first time I've ever really received valuable constructive criticism. I spoke about this in my application so I'm not sure if it would be okay to repeat as an example, but it's the only example I really have.

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!

@Abbie Whitlock

 

[nicoledm]

Has anyone done the final king and spalding interview?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I’ve an upcoming AC on Tuesday with a partner interview based on a case study. I find myself to be fumbling quite a bit with it in mocks, and am unsure of how to approach technical and commercial questions on the spot and sometimes I end up using terms I can’t fully explain. How should I approach technical questions in partner case studies? If anyone has any advice, now is the time @Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I completely get this feeling, and I always used to find case study interviews quite challenging as I wasn't sure on the level of technical knowledge required.

One thing that helped me was remembering that they are usually more interested in how you think rather than whether you know every technical concept. If you are asked a technical or commercial question, I would focus on working through your reasoning out loud rather than rushing to give the "perfect" answer.

I would also avoid using terminology unless you are comfortable explaining it further. In my previous interview/AC experiences, if you mention a concept, there is always a chance that the interviewer will ask you to expand on it to confirm that you know what it means. It is often much better to explain something clearly in plain English than to rely on technical language that you are not fully confident with. That said, if you know the topic in advance of the AC, it is definitely helpful to research the key concepts and terminology online so that you aren't caught off guard in the AC.

For commercial questions specifically, I found it helpful to keep bringing myself back to the key stakeholders involved, the commercial objectives that they are trying to achieve, and the risks that they might face in the process. Even if you are not familiar with the specific industry, I've found that that framework can usually help you structure an answer that still analyses the situation in a commercial way.

Finally, don't be afraid to take a moment to think before answering. It is completely normal to pause, organise your thoughts, and then talk through your analysis step-by-step. This will come across much stronger than if you were to jump straight into an answer that is slightly all over the place (which I have done many times before!).

Wishing you the best of luck for Tuesday - just remember that you have made it to the AC stage for a reason, and you are more than capable of converting this into an offer!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I have a panel interview with 5 partners for a final dtc interview? ANy tips on how to approach, especially with asking questions at the end

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I haven't had a panel interview with quite that many partners, but from my own experience with panel interviews, I'd keep in mind that it is still ultimately a conversation rather than five separate interviews. I'd try to engage with whoever is asking the question, while also maintaining eye contact with the rest of the panel where it feels natural.

In terms of preparation, I'd make sure that you are particularly comfortable discussing your motivations, experiences on previous schemes/work experience, commercial awareness, and why this firm specifically. As this is a DTC process, they are often assessing whether they can see you as a future trainee and colleague, and you need to make sure your enthusiasm comes across in a way that you'd usually be able to on a vacation scheme.

For questions at the end, I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to come up with something incredibly unique or technical, and just ensure that it isn't something that you could find online yourself. I've found that the best questions are often the ones that you are genuinely interested in hearing the answer to. If you know who will be interviewing you, you can definitely tailor some questions to particular partners and their practice areas. Equally, you can ask questions to the panel as a whole. In the panel interviews I've completed, they often just take it in turns answering, which can give you some really interesting insights into different perspectives across the firm.

I would also prepare a few more questions than you think you will need, as there is always a chance one or two get answered naturally during the interview.

Wishing you the best of luck - reaching the final DTC interview is an amazing achievement, and I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi!

I have a question about video interviews. If you get a similar question to something that was in the application, is it okay to use the same example or should you come up with something else?

For example, if you were asked about a time you received constructive criticism. I have a strong example from something that occurred during my placement year, and this was the first time I've ever really received valuable constructive criticism. I spoke about this in my application so I'm not sure if it would be okay to repeat as an example, but it's the only example I really have.

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

Personally, I think it is absolutely fine to reuse an example if it is genuinely your strongest one and directly answers the question. In fact, I'd usually rather use a strong example twice than force in a weaker example just for the sake of variety.

It is also worth remembering that different stages of the process are often assessing slightly different things. In a written application, the focus is usually on the content itself and how well you have evidenced a competency or motivation. In a video interview, they are also assessing your communication skills, how you structure your thoughts, and how you present your experiences verbally.

If you do end up using the same example, I would have a think about whether there are any additional reflections, lessons learned, or details you didn't have space to include in the application. That way, even if the underlying example is the same, you are still providing a slightly different perspective on it.

If you have another example that answers the question well, it can sometimes be helpful to demonstrate a broader range of experiences. However, I wouldn't worry if this placement year example is the only one that genuinely fits the question, and I've definitely reused examples in a similar way before and still progressed to the next stage.

Best of luck with the VI!

 

[LH4]

Hi!

Personally, I think it is absolutely fine to reuse an example if it is genuinely your strongest one and directly answers the question. In fact, I'd usually rather use a strong example twice than force in a weaker example just for the sake of variety.

It is also worth remembering that different stages of the process are often assessing slightly different things. In a written application, the focus is usually on the content itself and how well you have evidenced a competency or motivation. In a video interview, they are also assessing your communication skills, how you structure your thoughts, and how you present your experiences verbally.

If you do end up using the same example, I would have a think about whether there are any additional reflections, lessons learned, or details you didn't have space to include in the application. That way, even if the underlying example is the same, you are still providing a slightly different perspective on it.

If you have another example that answers the question well, it can sometimes be helpful to demonstrate a broader range of experiences. However, I wouldn't worry if this placement year example is the only one that genuinely fits the question, and I've definitely reused examples in a similar way before and still progressed to the next stage.

Best of luck with the VI!

This is really helpful abbie thank you so much!