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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

norothrow324

Legendary Member
Apr 11, 2023
211
189
Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs
Well said.
 

Legallywhatever

Star Member
Jan 29, 2025
49
67
I think something to think about isn’t what the title/firm was but what transferable skills you gained.

With that said though, direct apps usually have experienced applicants (a lot of foreign trained jurists) so experience is definitely valued
Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs
Thanks both! Really helpful.

I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
202
567
Thanks both! Really helpful.

I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’
I think @Jessica Booker may be able to give a better view on this as someone who's recruited people for direct TCs
 
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MaryAra299

Star Member
Feb 2, 2025
32
29
Since the direct tc of baker mckenzie has a deadline of April 1st, I was wondering when would the rest of the assessments take place after that if selected and will they all be online and usually how many steps are there before securing a long contract. These are not written step by step in detail in the firm's website so I'm a bit confused. Insight of anyone who has worked at BM or received an AC from there in the recent years of anyone with any knowledge on this will be helpful and appreciated.
 
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norothrow324

Legendary Member
Apr 11, 2023
211
189
Since the direct tc of baker mckenzie has a deadline of April 1st, I was wondering when would the rest of the assessments take place after that if selected and will they all be online and usually how many steps are there before securing a long contract. These are not written step by step in detail in the firm's website so I'm a bit confused. Insight of anyone who has worked at BM or received an AC from there in the recent years of anyone with any knowledge on this will be helpful and appreciated.
on their site and email after sending the application:

-February 1st 2025 - Applications open.
-February 1st - April 1st 2025 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will be reviewed prior to online tests being sent out.
-April 1st 2025 - Application deadline.
-April 2025 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
-May 2025 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
-May - June 2025 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2027.
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
182
224
that's a bit strange cos not even a single soul on tcla has made it to the dtc ac then. id expect atleast 1-2 people here to make it to the AC stage
It doesn't mean they haven't. It just means they haven't posted. Previously I have posted but upon realising that at some there are so few applicants that I would be easily recognisable I no longer do because I want to retain my anonymity.
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
596
1,970
that's a bit strange cos not even a single soul on tcla has made it to the dtc ac then. id expect atleast 1-2 people here to make it to the AC stage
The only thing I can think of is that there might have been some people on TCLA who did get to the Linklaters AC but they chose not to post about it. 🤷🏾‍♂️​
 

futuretraineesolicitor

Legendary Member
Forum Winner
Dec 14, 2019
1,068
525
It doesn't mean they haven't. It just means they haven't posted. Previously I have posted but upon realising that at some there are so few applicants that I would be easily recognisable I no longer do because I want to retain my anonymity.
got it. but why wait so long to get back to people when ur gonna reject them ultimately? weird
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
596
1,970
is bakers actually rolling for dtc?
on their site and email after sending the application:

-February 1st 2025 - Applications open.
-February 1st - April 1st 2025 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will be reviewed prior to online tests being sent out.
-April 1st 2025 - Application deadline.
-April 2025 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
-May 2025 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
-May - June 2025 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2027.
I think they review on a rolling basis but don’t recruit on a rolling basis, based on the above. 🙂​
 
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