TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker. If a firm asks you to describe your proudest achievement in an application question, would it be sufficient to say securing a vac scheme this year was an achievement or do you think it should be something quite different/unique (an award or something). It does also mention discussing any challenges you faced.

I would avoid this in all honesty.

Firstly, it is not necessarily a unique achievement - hundreds of other candidates would be able to claim the same. The challenge you had to secure the vacation scheme is also what pretty much most candidates would be able to state.

Secondly, the evidence of securing the VS is elsewhere on your application. You will have it referenced in your work experience section and may also leverage the experience when talking about your motivations.

Thirdly, it feels like it is a good answer because it is connected to law, but the firms do not care about this. They are going to see lots of other evidence of your interest in law elsewhere in your application.

So instead, I would try to show something else that is different to what other candidates will state and also different to other evidence within your application.

 

[👩🎓]

I would avoid this in all honesty.

Firstly, it is not necessarily a unique achievement - hundreds of other candidates would be able to claim the same. The challenge you had to secure the vacation scheme is also what pretty much most candidates would be able to state.

Secondly, the evidence of securing the VS is elsewhere on your application. You will have it referenced in your work experience section and may also leverage the experience when talking about your motivations.

Thirdly, it feels like it is a good answer because it is connected to law, but the firms do not care about this. They are going to see lots of other evidence of your interest in law elsewhere in your application.

So instead, I would try to show something else that is different to what other candidates will state and also different to other evidence within your application.

Thank you @Jessica Booker, this is really helpful!

 

[missiontotank]

Bird & Bird PFO 2 days after submitting app :/

 

[M_m]

Bird & Bird PFO 2 days after submitting app :/

I’m so sorry to hear that. But do you think they have they already filled all their slots??

 

[Andrei Radu]

"Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? 200 words"

Does anyone know an example which would signal a good experience using such technologies? All I can think of using an AI review tool for my university essays/vac scheme application. I don't think they will suffice as a relevant demonstration of competency when using technical skills.

To be honest this is a difficult question to answer without having to go on a bit of a stretch - as the vast majority of applicants will be in the same position as you, having only used this tech for reviewing and rephrasing purposes. However, given the time-limited circumstances, I don't think there's a realistic option for you to try to use the technology in any new ways at this point and then mention that in the application. Rather, I would try to be creative in discussing indirect personal developments resulting from this more limited use.

I gave recently gave some examples of this to someone else who was asking about it:

Since you haven't used AI for anything substantial, it will be difficult to get to a conclusion that it improved your personal development directly. However, if you are willing to be a bit flexible with your writing, I think you can tie your use of Grammarly to some indirect resulting personal developments. Off the top of my head, I can think of:

1. By using it, you have saved significant amounts of time you would have normally spent reviewing and rephrasing your writing. This enabled you to invest more time and effort into improving your understanding of the subject matter of your coursework and into improving your understanding of the law firms you were applying to. The, you could give concrete examples of this and/or explain the outcomes: did your academic/professional interests change in any way? did you obtain better results - more success in application or better grades?
2. By using it to assess your manner of writing, you have been able to notice patterns in the errors you make when writing. This has allowed you to enhance your attention to detail and also improve your understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in your ability to articulate your thoughts. Then, you can explain how this progressively led to you improving your capacity to use language precisely. This arguably does not only also betters your capacity to express yourself both verbally and in writing, it also improves your ability to minimize ambiguity in thought itself (as the very act of reasoning involved representing concepts in language). Granted, this point might be a bit of a stretch, but I don't think it's impossible to make it fit for an application form answer if you can illustrate it by using some practical examples.

The other point I wanted to mention is that the application question says 'AI or other technologies'. As such, maybe you can think of some other new technology besides AI that you have used recently - perhaps some smarter search engine when looking for further resources in your research for the coursework?

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

Slaughters AC! Does anyone have any insights/tips?

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Slaughters AC! Does anyone have any insights/tips?

Congrats - law or non-law?

 

[sammm10101]

Slaughters AC! Does anyone have any insights/tips?

good luck !!

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

Congrats - law or non-law?

Non-law

 

[BM99]

Slaughters AC! Does anyone have any insights/tips?

When did u apply?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

When did u apply?

+ what dates have they given for the AC?

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

When did u apply?

Applied 16 Sept

+ what dates have they given for the AC?

24th Oct

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Applied 16 Sept

24th Oct

did u ask the firm to have your application fast tracked (if you have a TC elsewhere)? asking since I applied on 3rd sept and i haven't heard back

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

did u ask the firm to have your application fast tracked (if you have a TC elsewhere)? asking since I applied on 3rd sept and i haven't heard back

I wish I had another TC going! — was just a normal application

 

[Amjaya]

If slaughters asks me for more information ie submit breakdown of final grade on this course is this a good sign? @Jessica Booker

 

[sunshine101]

HSF PFO after the SJT - My application was beautiful though

 

[Jessica Booker]

If slaughters asks me for more information ie submit breakdown of final grade on this course is this a good sign? @Jessica Booker

It may just be a standard process to ask people for this information if they haven’t provided it so they can make a clear judgement on your application with all the necessary information.

 

[Amjaya]

It may just be a standard process to ask people for this information if they haven’t provided it so they can make a clear judgement on your application with all the necessary information.

Thank you!!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I’m so sorry to hear that. But do you think they have they already filled all their slots??

Last year they said when this was the case in the rejection email...

 

[M_m]

Last year they said when this was the case in the rejection email...

Did you apply for the 2025/26 training contract or the VS this year?