TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[adrk1234]

is it worth trying for addleshaw goddard direct tc now? think they are rolling and deadline is end of july ..

not sure if they are rolling as I applied weeks ago and still yet to hear back

 

[norothrow324]

is it worth trying for addleshaw goddard direct tc now? think they are rolling and deadline is end of july ..

To be honest by the sounds of it, few firms are actually really rolling to the extent that it should prevent from applying. Applying is always better than not!

 

[K99]

Hi! Is this for the tc?

Hi, yes it was for the direct tc

 

[lawyerletsgo]

which firms have a healthy direct intake? and is it better for me to just wait for vac scheme applications now then instead of get PFO from firms and have to wait a cycle to apply?

 

[Szofi66]

which firms have a healthy direct intake? and is it better for me to just wait for vac scheme applications now then instead of get PFO from firms and have to wait a cycle to apply?

Wouldn’t the new vacation scheme cycle be a different one from the current?

 

[SolicitorHopeful]

Do you think it's worth emailing Wedlake Bell about when we'll hear a response to our TC applications? Their deadline was 1st May :')

 

[sunnyd]

Do you think it's worth emailing Wedlake Bell about when we'll hear a response to our TC applications? Their deadline was 1st May :')

They have responded to me with an invite for the first stage interview! This was yesterday.

 

[TC seeker]

Not Jessica, but just in my opinion, it depends on the firm - though I wouldn't say in any case its a "great disadvantage". Some firms (like Freshfields) do recruit a fairly large proportion from direct TCs, and these candidates are not disadvantaged compared to the VS counterparts, especially because I'm fairly sure that their VS is only available for those who are penultimate years. Some other firms also advertise that both routes are equally viable and it is totally up to you which you prefer. But for other firms (tend to be the US firms/smaller trainee intakes) the direct TC is not as prevalent a route, and there are apparently a few firms who filled up their TC spots with VS students and closed their TC route. That said, I wouldn't say that they start behind or are greatly disadvantaged, if the application is still open, there will be people they recruit through this route!

So Freshfields have same number of intake through VS and TC? Is it possible to secure Freshfields' TC even if I haven't done a vacation scheme before?

 

[Jessica Booker]

So Freshfields have same number of intake through VS and TC? Is it possible to secure Freshfields' TC even if I haven't done a vacation scheme before?

Very much so - historically around 50% of their trainees have not done a VS with the firm.

 

[Yesss]

They have responded to me with an invite for the first stage interview! This was yesterday.

They have responded to me with an invite for the first stage interview! This was yesterday.

Congratulations! Have they responded to anyone else who has done the 2026 TC application?

 

[sunnyd]

Congratulations! Have they responded to anyone else who has done the 2026 TC application?

Hiya! I'm not sure, I haven't had the chance to speak to anyone else who has. Hope that helps

 

[Tclarocks123]

Hi, has anyone heard from Haynes Boone?

not yet. Have you heard?

 

[SemperParatus]

Anyone heard from Slaughter and May?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Has anyone heard from WFW post-VI

 

[Gday33]

anyone hear from Mayer Brown for direct tc? 🥲

No but I’ve emailed them today as I’ve heard nothing post WG 3 months ago…

 

[SemperParatus]

I sent my slaughter and may application on Wednesday... starting to think I sent it too late, any thoughts?

 

[F12M34L]

Does anyone know if WFW is rolling or not rolling

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

Does anyone know if WFW is rolling or not rolling

I think they are. I received a PFO a few days ago and I know some people have received VI

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Does anyone know what the word limits are for Fried Frank? There don't seem to be any for the questions except for for the cover letter? If there aren't limits then what would be a good amount to aim for? 300?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know what the word limits are for Fried Frank? There don't seem to be any for the questions except for for the cover letter? If there aren't limits then what would be a good amount to aim for? 300?

How many questions are there, are they competency questions, and what’s the word limit for the cover letter?