TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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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)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!!
I interviewed at Freshfields on the 14th and got a TC offer earlier this week
Good luck to those still waiting
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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.
congratulations and thanks for letting us know! must be good to feel a sense of relief
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? 🥲
They've been slowly transitioning into a vac scheme only firm I'm afraid
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.
Post AC anxiety really be worse than pre AC🫠
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
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.
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.
Thanks! I appied on Feb 18th and submitted my test around 22/23rd
To be completely honest, if you don't already have a vacation scheme under your belt, and you're not a paralegal / career changer either, you're better off applying to vacation schemes. You have a good profile for vacation schemes, and you may get a DTC, but it's a better use of your time to apply for a vacation scheme. Most firms wanna see all applications and consider them holistically, so they don't say you need legal work experience for a DTC, but imo it'll be really hard to convince them without this.
Regarding the Shoosmiths rejection, it happens. This cycle I got a VS at a silver circle firm but got rejected post application from Dentons. Just keep applying.
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