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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
684
1,730
A question about a few firms - when did people hear last year?

From Hogan Lovells post-Watson Glaser test; from King & Spalding post-application; from Fried Frank after applying there; after applying to Paul Hastings TC; from White & Case post-TC app?

Thank you so much in advance.
To my knowledge the latter 3 (Fried Frank, Paul Hastings and White & Case) are all non-rolling, and their deadlines are between May-July, so I think they would only start getting back to everyone that applied from June/July onwards. 🙂​
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
188
514
Hill Dickinson PFO
I've got US firms in the mix. I've attended AC's for magic and silver circle firms...but I really wanted HD or WFW...
PFO for both...I'm gutted 😭
It's happened to me a few times with some non-US/MC/SC firms this cycle (e.g. Addleshaws and Dentons) where I worked really hard on the application and didn't even get to a VI stage. I really was interested in these firms too. On the other hand, with US/MC/SC firms this cycle, I've not received a single post-app PFO (i.e. I always made it to the next selective stage, whether that's a VI or telephone interview, or AC). I am starting to think firms are making judgements based on whether they think I'd accept a TC with them sometimes? Like how do I convince them?? I promise I would????

Edit: Just to note, Addleshaws had a non-selective test so it's entirely possible that I failed that
 
Last edited:

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,164
21,125
It's happened to me a few times with some non-US/MC/SC firms this cycle (e.g. Addleshaws and Dentons) where I worked really hard on the application and didn't even get to a VI stage. I really was interested in these firms too. On the other hand, with US/MC/SC firms this cycle, I've not received a single post-app PFO (i.e. I always made it to the next selective stage, whether that's a VI or telephone interview, or AC). I am starting to think firms are making judgements based on whether they think I'd accept a TC with them sometimes? Like how do I convince them?? I promise I would????

Edit: Just to note, Addleshaws had a non-selective test so it's entirely possible that I failed that
If an application form suggests an interest in MC/US firms (e.g. previous open days, insight programmes, Forage programmes, events etc), there can be a question mark over why the applicant is now aiming for a firm that is very different to to them, especially when considering complexity of work and factors like salary - sometimes they get concerned that candidates are applying as a way down the list back up option rather than a firm they are prioritising.
 

andrecsaa

Esteemed Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    97
    71
    If an application form suggests an interest in MC/US firms (e.g. previous open days, insight programmes, Forage programmes, events etc), there can be a question mark over why the applicant is now aiming for a firm that is very different to to them, especially when considering complexity of work and factors like salary - sometimes they get concerned that candidates are applying as a way down the list back up option rather than a firm they are prioritising.

    Hi Jessica! One follow-up question...should I be concerned about this if the law firm I work for overseas has partnered with MC/US firms on cross-border litigation and transaction matters I participated in?

    Aside from my paralegal and regulatory internship experiences in London, my work experience overseas highlights my role in cases and deals with MC/US firms. However, I’m now aiming for SC and national firms (e.g., Macfarlanes, Ashurst, Addleshaw Goddard).
     

    billyonthespeeddial

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 21, 2023
    188
    514
    If an application form suggests an interest in MC/US firms (e.g. previous open days, insight programmes, Forage programmes, events etc), there can be a question mark over why the applicant is now aiming for a firm that is very different to to them, especially when considering complexity of work and factors like salary - sometimes they get concerned that candidates are applying as a way down the list back up option rather than a firm they are prioritising.
    Thank you so much for this. That all makes sense and it's what I suspected. I mean I can't say they're entirely wrong but I wish there was a way for me to actually have these as back-up options other than attending their events (which I can't because I'm in full-time employment). I realise that they're super competitive too, and can find candidates just as capable as me who are considering exclusively firms similar to them, but as a candidate I sometimes feel like it really should be an option for me to have options to "fall back" on, I mean, everyone outside of the legal sector always assumes that'd be the case
     

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