TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[kokoprep]

Hey

The email they send is:

You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025after the application window has closed.

Thank you so much, very helpful

 

[Mug Fan]

Bristows pfo. Spent ages on this app and knew a trainee who showed her app. So sad.

Same! 2 x PFO's today! 🤣

 

[Tintin06]

Hi - Nothing about a date is said on the website anymore, I did remember seeing 27th the online test would be sent (which is removed now). Does anyone have any idea?

This is what Freshfields’ email said: “You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025 after the application window has closed.”

 

[lillypad321]

Has anyone else heard positively from the BBC other than @gimmeavacschemepls ? Wondering if they sent out all their acceptances today and Mon will be PFOs, or if there may be another batch to come out.

i Heard positively, Got sent the written assessment today

 

[LB24]

Has anyone else heard back from DWF? Should I be worried if I haven’t?

I got invited for the VI last week and the deadline for mine was tonight

 

[lucy_p]

Received invite for Bristows VI. Any tips greatly appreciated!

 

[koruiwa]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting on this forum and also my first time ever getting a VI invite!! Please could I get any tips on Bristows VI? or any tips in general on how to prepare, what kind of questions to prepare, etc.? Thank you so much and I wish everyone all the best!! <3

 

[Chris Brown]

Will i be more successful if i apply to SH through the direct TC route or if i apply for a vac scheme? Does anyone have any takes?

I read somewhere that SH recruit roughly 50% of their trainees from VS and 50% from direct TC applications. On this basis I don’t think either route will guarantee a higher rate of success. 🥲

However I am not entirely sure what the total number of applicants is from both routes. It could be they recieve more applications from VS or TC. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I think if you have more legal experience then apply for the direct TC, otherwise apply for the VS.

Best of luck with your application to SH!! 😄

 

[24aa2001]

Any graduates who are full time working, do you quit your job for vac schemes? Or is that the plan? Would you book annual leave for a vac scheme but is that unethical?

 

[neveroblah]

Got invited for a Bristows VI! First time poster so any tips would be hugely appreciated

 

[andrecsaa]

Any graduates who are full time working, do you quit your job for vac schemes? Or is that the plan? Would you book annual leave for a vac scheme but is that unethical?

Annual leave. Just think about conflicts in the VS firm and your current employer.

I don't think it is unethical, as your career goal is to become a solicitor. If your employer does not offer training toward this goal, you will definitely look elsewhere.

 

[t-0147]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

 

[Tattyasha]

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is coping ok and getting through this cycle as best you can 💖

Just wondering if anyone, past or present, progressed with Ropes and Gray and might be able to give any pointers on the application. It’s a real favourite of mine but my grades are poor (reasons for it but still…). My USP is work experience but that isn’t presentable. How do I write an answer compelling enough to get through to next stages with naff grades? I need to work extra hard in my answer to stand out positively so would really appreciate any insight or guidance at all.

Thank you so much in advance 🙏 unfortunately I’ve not progressed beyond app really so can’t share much by way of insights but I’ll happily offer moral support in abundance! X

 

[kokoprep]

This is what Freshfields’ email said: “You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025 after the application window has closed.”

thank you so much!

 

[cjwx]

Does anyone know if it’s smart to apply to SH’s Direct TC even without much legal experience? Or if they do not really consider that.

 

[yk1906]

Hi everyone! How would you advise to complete the Freshfields' work experience section? Is it alright to list my duties as "engaged in.... assited in..." ? Also, do you think it is a big issue if my motivational letter is 870 instead of 850 words?

 

[kokoprep]

do I still have time to write a good freshfields app😭

 

[M_m]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

They do. I did one last year. Just email grad rec about it.

 

[andrecsaa]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

According to their website, the assessment centre are held in person in the London office (https://uk-graduates.bakermckenzie.com/support/application-process/).

If you cannot travel to the UK, you can ask for arrangements. Global firms like Baker might be open to offering you a virtual AC.

 

[Chris Brown]

do I still have time to write a good freshfields app😭

If you are starting it from scratch now then I’m not sure because the deadline is tomorrow. 😭

I guess it depends on how fast you are able to write a good application. 🥲

I decided against applying myself because of the short time frame that was left. 🥲