TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[adrian_nlh]

Hi, has anyone done the Foot Anstey test/video interview? This is my first one, and I'm really unsure how to prepare/what to expect... I would really appreciate all and any help! Thanks youuuu

Yes I have. DM me.

 

[coachedtohighheaven]

Received a call from Kennedys this afternoon and I've been offered a TC! My AC was I think early Feb. Finally received a TC on my third year of trying!!

 

[legalgrad]

Received a call from Kennedys this afternoon and I've been offered a TC! My AC was I think early Feb. Finally received a TC on my third year of trying!!

Congratulations! 🙌🏻 May I ask for which office? You must be so so pleased

 

[Logan1101]

Received a call from Kennedys this afternoon and I've been offered a TC! My AC was I think early Feb. Finally received a TC on my third year of trying!!

Congrats. Could you discuss your interview strategy and how it went on the day? Were there competency questions?

 

[Tintin06]

Holding myself accountable again (K&S rejection)

CC* ✅📝❌
HSF ✅📝❌
NRF ✅📝❌
Weil ✅❌
Akin ✅❌
Sidley ✅❌
Orrick ✅❌
Willkie ✅🎥❌
Cooley ✅❌
Latham ✅❌
Milbank ✅❌
Kirkland ✅❌
Dechert ✅❌
Ashurst* ✅📝
Skadden ✅❌
Goodwin ✅❌
Covington ✅❌
Linklaters* ✅📝❌
Paul, Weiss ✅❌
Slaughters* ✅❌
Freshfields* ✅📝❌
Fried Frank* ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Macfarlanes* ✅📝
White & Case ✅❌
Morgan Lewis ✅📞❌
Paul Hastings* ✅
White & Case* ✅
Morgan Lewis* ✅
Hogan Lovells* ✅📝
Cleary Gottlieb ✅❌
A&O Shearman ✅📝❌
Vinson & Elkins ✅❌
Arnold & Porter ✅❌
Baker McKenzie ✅📝❌
King & Spalding* ✅❌
Winston & Strawn ✅❌
Morrison Foerster ✅❌
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅❌

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 📞 = TI; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection.

*Training Contract applications.

 

[Deleted member 31571]

K&S rejection too

 

[law_junkie]

K&S and WBD PFO, must be my lucky day 🤭

 

[Jessica Booker]

Received a call from Kennedys this afternoon and I've been offered a TC! My AC was I think early Feb. Finally received a TC on my third year of trying!!

Amazing news! Congratulations!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Tbh I was expecting at least a first stage interview from K&S, considering I had success with very similar firms this cycle. I wonder what was the reason. Oh well!

 

[Tintin06]

You run out of patience and hope after receiving so many rejections. You start to wonder whether your law degree is worth anything.

I can't even secure paralegal work as a temporary job, so I'm considering a career change at this point. Horrifically bad market right now.

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Not a law graduate but still. It's been a tough few months. Go follow Kate Green on LinkedIn. She could help with paralegal jobs.

Running out of patience quite possibly. Also running out of firms lol. Hopefully HL has some positive news.

 

[axele]

Is the deadline for Baker TC 23:59 tomorrow or 12pm?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Is the deadline for Baker TC 23:59 tomorrow or 12pm?

Really hope it’s midnight lol

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

And K&S rejection… really running out of firms here and worked really hard on my K&S app + thought it was quite good so that’s a bummer

 

[Tintin06]

And K&S rejection… really running out of firms here and worked really hard on my K&S app + thought it was quite good so that’s a bummer

Very few TCs to be fair. Plus they have no vac scheme. Lots of good firms still open. White & Case open until July. I’m sure that we’ll get there.

 

[mmm918]

Finally submitted my DTC application to Baker McKenzie - my first one ever! 😅

I am aiming to send around 8-9 more DTC applications from now to July. 🥲​

May I know which firms are you applying to? I am struggling to find firms that offer DTC and a healthy intake of trainees from DTC

 

[Amma Usman]

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam Hi! Starting a VS soon. I'm aware there's a lot of focus on quality of tasks submitted over the course of the VS. What are the usual tasks assigned/what skills do you reckon would be helpful to hone in on/develop prior to the VS?

Quality is crucial during a vacation scheme, as it reflects both attention to detail and understanding of complex concepts. This includes clear and structured writing, whether in prose or bullet points, demonstrating the ability to distill information effectively.

The tasks assigned are usually manageable within the given time frame, as firms don’t expect candidates to handle highly technical work. Common assignments may include legal research, drafting memos, or summarizing documents.

There’s not much specific preparation required, as tasks vary by firm and department. However, it’s helpful to ensure fundamental skills are polished - such as clarity in writing, structuring responses logically, and avoiding typos or formatting errors. These small details contribute significantly to the overall quality of your work.

 

[Amma Usman]

Finally submitted my DTC application to Baker McKenzie - my first one ever! 😅

I am aiming to send around 8-9 more DTC applications from now to July. 🥲​

Love to see it! You got this Chris Breezy…!

 

[Amma Usman]

What a week.

I’ve sent out applications to Ashurst, Baker McKenzie, Mayer Brown, Farrer & Co and Shoosmiths.

Now can enjoy a few hours break this evening. 😅🫡

Honestly, that’s so good. You’ve put in so much effort, and it’s great that you’re recognizing the importance of rest. Breaks are so necessary because, at the end of the day, we either take them willingly or our bodies force us to. You’ve smashed through those applications, and now you absolutely deserve to switch off for a bit. Enjoy your evening - you’ve earned it! ✨🙌🏽

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey everyone, I have an AC at King & Spalding next week and would really appreciate if anyone has advice please !

Anything would help!

Great news! I’ve pulled out an interview insight from 2021. Feel free to check the rest of the years for any more as well.

King & Spalding Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm. April 2021 Please specify what the interview was for. Direct Training Contract 2022 Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings. 9:30am – Introduction from Partner and Grad Rec 9:50am-10:20am – Trainee Meet & Greet 1...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amma Usman]

And K&S rejection… really running out of firms here and worked really hard on my K&S app + thought it was quite good so that’s a bummer

I know this one stings, especially since you put in so much effort and felt good about your application. But don’t let this shake your confidence - you’ve already proven your ability to secure top opportunities, and this is just one step in a much bigger journey.

Every rejection is tough, but it doesn’t define you or your future. You’ve come so far, and there are still firms out there that will see your value. Keep pushing forward, because your hard work will pay off. You’ve got this!