On ideal number of TC applications, best law firm research methods, and the growing importance of video interviews
This week I will address the 3 most commonly asked topics I encountered when coaching aspiring lawyers in this application cycle.
(1) The "sweet spot" for TC application numbers?
Given that the competition for TC is so keen these days, should we submit 50 or even 100+ applications in a cycle?
Statistically this may sound like a good idea, but in practice candidates who shoot in the dark when it comes to TC applications rarely get the results they want.
I remember I've always been advising aspiring lawyers to submit as many high-quality TC applications as possible. Many people took this advice literally and applied for a training contract at every single firm, even those that were an obvious mismatch to their profile.
The key of that piece of advice lies in the word "high-quality," so what constitutes a "high-quality" application then?
It's not just about your law firm research and your drafting skill, but also about your actual fit.
A lot of candidates do in-depth research, name-drop dozens of high-value deals they found on each firm's website, meticulously outline each firm's outstanding achievements, and think they are preparing a very high-quality application.
But the truth is, most law firms know what they have achieved and don't need you to remind them, so simply doing in-depth research and citing firm-specific achievements won't necessarily get you anywhere.
So what really constitutes a "high-quality" application? Ultimately, your firm selection and fit play a crucial role in determining how strong your application will become.
Say if you've been working as a paralegal in personal injury and employees' compensation matters for the past 3 years, and you are suddenly telling me that your true passion lies in corporate M&A or private equity, it's so hard for an elite corporate-focused law firm to believe in you.
In reality, the more experiences you gain, the earlier you should start figuring out your specific interests. This doesn't mean you need to know exactly what type of lawyer you want to become today, but it does mean you need to understand which firms suit your profile best.
Using the last application cycle as an example, those I worked with closely who secured a training contract at a city law firm applied to around 5 to 25ish law firms at most. You don't need 100+ applications in one cycle to succeed; you need a clear firm selection strategy.
(2) How to look beyond the typical websites for law firm research?
How can you distinguish yourself from others when everyone else is using the same websites or resources for their law firm research?
It is a legitimate concern, and that's why sometimes we need to go above and beyond to gather information that aren't available on our typical websites like the Legal 500, Legal Cheek, or Chambers and Partners.
One of the best ways to acquire such information is by attending in-person events like open days, insight days and law fairs, where you can actually interact with lawyers from various law firms.
Each law firm has its own strengths or that "something" they are particularly proud of, and your task is to have a conversation with their people and identify what those "things" are, so that you can mention them as some of your reasons for applying to those firms.
It can be anything ranging from their practice area strengths, international strategies and innovative offerings to their specific sectors and clientele... to name but a few. For instance, for certain firms, if you don't mention their unique sectors, they won't even progress your application past the initial stage because you don't truly know them.
Bach when I researched for law firm applications, I even tried to look into various podcasts and interviews undertaken by partners at various law firms. For example, if I were to draft an application for a global law firm today, I would study various podcasts and magazine interviews in depth to identify things that really draw me to each of those firms (such as Interview with White & Case innovation chief, Dentons' five-year strategy, Osborne Clarke’s investment in sustainability, Interview with Baker McKenzie Head on Law Firm Billing).
(3) The growing importance of tackling pre-recorded video interviews in the TC process
Have you noticed that in this year's applications, more and more law firms are starting to ditch application questions and simply asking you to fill in your education and work experience sections?
In fact, some law firm recruiters are already expressing frustration over reading so much "AI slop" in training contract applications. At some point, I think more firms will realise that it's getting harder and harder to prevent candidates from using AI or technology to draft applications.
One of the solutions to this trend is to focus on assessments that do not allow candidates to use AI for assistance, such as pre-recorded video interviews.
In other words, your video interview performance will become more and more decisive when it comes to whether or not you are getting your next assessment centre invite.
If I were you, I would start recording my video interview answers and practicing my delivery on a weekly basis so that I would no longer be afraid of speaking confidently in front of a camera.
Also, from my experience working with various candidates, many put an obsessive amount of focus into drafting their applications but give only half as much attention to their interview technique — which in my opinion can be a big mistake.
Want to work with me to land a BigLaw offer that can completely change your life?
P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 2 super easy ways I can help you secure your dream legal roles: 1. Take my Free Application Templates & Interview Master Sheet [Get it here] 2. Watch my Free BigLaw Training Contract Application Masterclass [Watch it here]
🚨 Applications for the BigLaw Academy Winter Cohort Are Open‼️
Applications for my BigLaw Academy Winter Cohort opened two days ago.
I have been teaching my application and interview preparation framework to students one-on-one for a while now (which generated dozens of successful stories last cycle!), and I’m packaging it so more people can access it at a fraction of the price.
Based on the September 2026 cohort I'm running right now, I got quite a lot of positive feedback from my students, and that's why I've decided to launch a second cohort this winter to address the upcoming applications for Spring/Summer vacation schemes (and direct training contract applications).
You can check out more details HERE. I limit this programme to 8 - 12 candidates only (with 3 early-bird spots left).
Candidates are accepted on a rolling basis, so apply now to avoid disappointment.
Have a good week guys,
Gordon
