• Are you a future trainee?

    We're hiring at TCLA. Apply by midnight on 31 March 2025.

    Apply Now

TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

wanttosolicit

Active Member
Nov 12, 2024
10
29
I'm thinking of applying to the Ashurst Direct Training Contract even though I got to the Summer Vacation Scheme final AC last year. I know that many firms don't invite candidates that they've interviewed before but I feel that I really didn't know what I was doing back then and know that my skills and commercial awareness have totally transformed since. Their feedback was massively encouraging and helpful - it made me like the idea of them much more and I think they were really unique!
Is this the point in the application to acknowledge this?

Have you previously interviewed for a Vacation Scheme or Direct Training Contract with us before? If yes, please provide detail of the programme and when this took place. *
No​
Yes​
If yes, please provide details:*​
 

andrecsaa

Esteemed Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    97
    71
    I'm thinking of applying to the Ashurst Direct Training Contract even though I got to the Summer Vacation Scheme final AC last year. I know that many firms don't invite candidates that they've interviewed before but I feel that I really didn't know what I was doing back then and know that my skills and commercial awareness have totally transformed since. Their feedback was massively encouraging and helpful - it made me like the idea of them much more and I think they were really unique!
    Is this the point in the application to acknowledge this?

    Have you previously interviewed for a Vacation Scheme or Direct Training Contract with us before? If yes, please provide detail of the programme and when this took place. *
    No​
    Yes​
    If yes, please provide details:*​

    You should. They will know you applied in the last cycle anyway (cross checking name, email, etc).

    I don’t see any cons as Ashurst officially says:

    Can I reapply for a vacation scheme or Direct Training contract if I was previously unsuccessful?
    • We only permit one application within each recruitment cycle. If you do wish to reapply we encourage you to complete a new application form in the next recruitment cycle and include any skills and experience you’ve gained since you last applied.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: wanttosolicit

    desperateTCseeker1998

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 1, 2023
    420
    489
    Hi everyone, @Jessica Booker , @Amma Usman , would appreciate some help with Mayer Brown! Is it necessary to tailor each work experience to the firm and/or highlight skills developed in the work experience section? considering that the word count is only 150. (same Q for the Additional Info/Extracurriculars section). At the same time, they don't have any additional questions on the app form so i suppose they'd like to see some kind of link with the firm besides just listing tasks and responsibilities. Thank you in advance!
    Seconding this
     

    3000to1shoteverytime

    Legendary Member
    Dec 9, 2023
    172
    207
    I usually take this to mean 2:1, 1st etc
    I don't think they are looking for both. They are looking for what you achieved at your specific uni. They recognise unis grade differently.

    At mine it was a % eg 72%
    At a friend's their modules were graded A-D.
    The classification usually is required when they ask for year 1, year 2 etc.

    They don't look for the equivalents to be entered just have the options there to cover that unis way of grading. If it won't let you move without filling a box then you put N/A if you can or leave it blank if it does let you move on.

    Edit- sorry I meant to reply to @IntoLaw
     

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.