TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
213
605
hello everyone!
I hope you’re doing okay, this application cycle has been brutal :)

I'm starting a legal internship in March and was wondering how long I should wait before sending my other DTC applications. I was thinking of sending them by the beginning of May, but I'm worried that some firms might close their application windows early, like NRF did this year.

Any advice or insights is greatly appreciated!!
NRF didn't close their application window early, they never opened it. They advertised that they would open it at a certain date, but never did. That's very different than closing applications early. Even rolling firms rarely do the latter (only Jones Day has for their WVS)
 

jta227

Legendary Member
Nov 10, 2024
145
280
Northridge confirmed AC this afternoon - partner interview, group task, written exercise - sports law specific firm. Any hints or tips or anything to particularly prepare would be so helpful!
This firm looks interesting 👀 good luck!

Apart from obviously prepping lots of commercial sports knowledge and sports news stories that might affect their business. Maybe read a 1-2 CAS hearings. I reckon showing a genuine interest in sports might help build a rapport in the partner interview too.

The tasks might involve M&A, negotiation, something to do with player transfers etc., sports arbitration, employment, commercial contracts and areas like this.
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
552
1,981
NRF didn't close their application window early, they never opened it. They advertised that they would open it at a certain date, but never did. That's very different than closing applications early. Even rolling firms rarely do the latter (only Jones Day has for their WVS)
I wonder why they didn’t open for DTC this year. Have they permanently axed it, meaning they’ll only ever recruit from VS in future? 🥲​
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
185
230
I wonder why they didn’t open for DTC this year. Have they permanently axed it, meaning they’ll only ever recruit from VS in future? 🥲​

I think I read somewhere they said that due to the increase in number of applications to their vac schemes they were confident they would be able to fill all TC vacancies from those applicants so would not therefore be opening a direct TC route this year.
 
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TheGeek12

Standard Member
Feb 17, 2025
8
7
Hello all,
Now, don't boo me for this thread but I did want to ask this question about my specific situation. I am doing a PGDL currently and I am applying to TCs but without any previous legal work experience to back it up. I just got a rejection for the Shoosmiths VS and I have a sinking feeling that my other VS will be rejected as well. If possible, I would like to get a TC this cycle and not wait until the next one. I have already considered my transferable skills from previous/current jobs and I have attended law fairs & events when I can. I am not sure what I could do to make my application stand out more - I am joining a pro bono law team and I am also trying to do some virtual work experience. Is there anything that I can/should do or is it something that I should just not bother with at this stage. For further info, the firms I am considering applying to for direct TCs are:
- White & Case
- Sullivan & Cromwell
- Farrer & Co.
- Macfarlanes
- Kingsley Napley
- NRF
- BCLP
- Baker Mackenzie
 

Mug Fan

Esteemed Member
Dec 15, 2024
92
167
Hello all,
Now, don't boo me for this thread but I did want to ask this question about my specific situation. I am doing a PGDL currently and I am applying to TCs but without any previous legal work experience to back it up. I just got a rejection for the Shoosmiths VS and I have a sinking feeling that my other VS will be rejected as well. If possible, I would like to get a TC this cycle and not wait until the next one. I have already considered my transferable skills from previous/current jobs and I have attended law fairs & events when I can. I am not sure what I could do to make my application stand out more - I am joining a pro bono law team and I am also trying to do some virtual work experience. Is there anything that I can/should do or is it something that I should just not bother with at this stage. For further info, the firms I am considering applying to for direct TCs are:
- White & Case
- Sullivan & Cromwell
- Farrer & Co.
- Macfarlanes
- Kingsley Napley
- NRF
- BCLP
- Baker Mackenzie
Do you have any non-legal (but still professional work experience)? This is my first cycle so I’m not an expert but most of these are not exactly “easy firms” to get into, even with work experience.

Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from applying anyway. Gotta be in it to win it. And worst case scenario you’ll have a stack of applications to draw ideas from if you need to do another cycle.
 

TheGeek12

Standard Member
Feb 17, 2025
8
7
Do you have any non-legal (but still professional work experience)? This is my first cycle so I’m not an expert but most of these are not exactly “easy firms” to get into, even with work experience.

Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from applying anyway. Gotta be in it to win it. And worst case scenario you’ll have a stack of applications to draw ideas from if you need to do another cycle.
Yeah - I have a ton of non legal work experience that I have been drawing transferrable skills from in my application. I did think that these aren't "easy" firms but it seems hard to find firms that might be "easier" or less stringent if you know what I mean.
 
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