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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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Does anyone know if it's correct that we can apply to Macfarlanes for a direct TC if we were rejected for a vacation scheme after the situational test. I saw a couple people say so but haven't found anywhere on their website that says this.

Hiya @ysr567

Yes, I think you can do so. If you look through the eligibility section of their FAQ page, there's some helpful information about applying for the direct training contract in the same cycle. I'd definitely recommend applying, but would also encourage you to ensure that you've revised your application and tried to make some updates before doing so. Good luck!
 

Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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They are a nice firm but what can I talk about other than real estate as that’s not on my radar

Hiya @A worried graduate

If you're less interested in their real estate offerings, I wanted to flag that BCLP also offers sector specific training contracts in financial services that might find interesting. You can find more information about that specific training contract here. Let us know if there's anything else you'd like more information on 👀

Best of luck with your application!
 
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A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
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Hiya @A worried graduate

If you're less interested in their real estate offerings, I wanted to flag that BCLP also offers sector specific training contracts in financial services that might find interesting. You can find more information about that specific training contract here. Let us know if there's anything else you'd like more information on 👀

Best of luck with your application!
I was thinking about that but wondered how I could sell myself for it as a fresh grad

Any idea what the cohort size is vs a traditional tc?

Thanks
 

Pola123

Active Member
Nov 14, 2022
16
43
I think BCLP is also pretty good at Competition Law, M&A, Banking & Finance, Insurance and Dispute Resolution. I wrote about Competition, M&A and Dispute Resolution in my application (alongside Real Estate).

It’s worthwhile looking at Chambers & Partners to see which practice areas BCLP is ranked for and what Band each practice is in. For example, Real Estate and Planning are both ranked Band 1.

To my understanding, this means that BCLP is considered one of the best city law firms for Real Estate and Planning work. I have copied the link to the Chambers & Partners rankings below:

Yh the competition team has been on the rise for two years now. Two of the main drivers just left for hogan lovells though I think so I am not sure where that leaves them. But they did have a major cometition case in 2023. The DA and Royal Mail cartel case. Real estate Finance is also one of the best teams in the city if not the best tbh. The commercial litigation team is also rising up.
 
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A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
255
131
Yh the competition team has been on the rise for two years now. Two of the main drivers just left for hogan lovells though I think so I am not sure where that leaves them. But they did have a major cometition case in 2023. The DA and Royal Mail cartel case. Real estate Finance is also one of the best teams in the city if not the best tbh. The commercial litigation team is also rising up.
Commercial Litigation is worth a look so thank you :)
 
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Chris Brown

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Jul 4, 2024
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t-0147

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2022
21
30
Hi @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman and anyone who can help ,

A current TC app for an international commercial firm has the question "why you want to become a solicitor?". Can I talk about commercial law or international matters at all? Should I only speak about "why solicitor" generally, referencing the traits of a solicitor and why solicitor rather than other legal roles?

My thinking so far is to begin speaking about law generally, then why solicitor, then why not barrister, then specialising into commercial law / international matters and the normal response to the question "why commercial law?". Is this correct?

It is 600 words, so I was not sure what exactly the firm is after.

Thanks!
 

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