Applying for TC with no legal work experience and no previous VS

[TheGeek12]

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

The big question is it too late? What can/do I do?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @TheGeek12

Well done on getting to AC stage at Shoosmiths! It's a good sign that you made it to that stage. It’s definitely not too late to apply for direct training contracts. Many of the firms you've listed above consider their direct training applications on a non-rolling basis, meaning you still have time to put together strong submissions. Rather than rushing to send out multiple applications, I’d focus on ensuring each one is high quality, well-researched, and tailored to the firm. This is often where candidates have the most work to do, and many applicants who think they've produced a tailored application often fail to see that their applications can benefit from further tailoring. So please do give these applications a proper vetting and, if you're unsure, feel free to make use of the application review service here at TCLA.

You’re not alone in applying without prior legal work experience. I've met many candidates who have successfully secured training contracts this way. However, what often sets them apart is the strength of their applications, their understanding of the firms they’re applying to, and their commercial awareness. Firms are making a significant investment when offering a direct TC, so they tend to be more rigorous in assessing candidates. Unlike with a vacation scheme, they don’t have a chance to see how you work in a professional setting before committing to you as a trainee. That means your ability to demonstrate strong written communication, problem-solving skills, and commercial thinking in applications, written exercises, group exercises, and interviews becomes even more important.

It’s great that you’re joining a pro bono team and doing virtual work experience. I think these experiences will definitely help strengthen your applications and give you more to discuss in interviews. I’d encourage you to continue engaging with firms at events where possible, as it can help you build useful insights and with graduate recruitment so that you can understand how best to approach the various aspects of the application at the firms you've mentioned above.

Overall, I think it's definitely possible to secure a training contract without a vacation scheme, and would definitely recommend applying to direct training contracts if you have the time.

Best of luck with the rest of your applications!