Make sure you can debate well. Watching WUDC finals may help you. Really know your CV inside out. Anticipate questions about your CV accordingly.
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
- Start date
not at all, my bf gave the interview virtually and even with 2:2 grades in some subjects in non-law, got a TC with them this year. they are only going to ask questions based on your CV which helps them see the story behind you, and you will find their FAQs in TCLA threads of previous years. just prepare for them and you will be fine
Slaughters evolving for the better it seems
Anyone else here got the holding email from Hill Dickinson?
I haven’t and was wondering the same! Hopefully they’d get back to us soon
🤞🏻!!Does anyone know Orricks intake for direct TC’s? Trying decide whether it’s worth applying
- Sep 7, 2024
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- 1,020
Hiya @B101
From what I've observed in previous cycles, Orrick typically sources the majority of its trainees through its vacation schemes. Direct training contract offers have historically been quite rare. While some applicants have been invited to assessment centres via the direct TC route, it has generally proven challenging for candidates to secure offers this way. I've met various candidates who either did not receive offers or were placed on a reserve list, potentially to be considered if someone from the vacation scheme declined their position.
That said, applying directly could still be worth considering if you're particularly keen on the firm. However, given the length of their application form, I'd suggest carefully reflecting on whether the time and effort of a direct application aligns with your broader application strategy. Given the competitive nature of this route at Orrick, you might also want to think about prioritising other firms that have a clearer track record of hiring more trainees directly. If Orrick genuinely aligns closely with your interests, you might decide it's worth a shot, but it's also helpful to approach the decision by considering other equally impressive firms with good track records of accepting trainees through the direct TC route.
Hope that helps!
Does anyone have any idea when mayer brown's ac is supposed to take place. Can't find any timeline on their website. Also is it wise applying for a dtc with little legal experience. I worked as a legal advisor twice but both were at my uni's legal advice clinics. Does it count as sufficient legal experience or does it have to be at a law firm?
i know this sounds so silly but do you think theres a reasonable chance in getting a tc just from a direct tc route?
everywhere i look its the norm to have a vs first or if they do get a tc the applicant has so much previous experience
i just dont want to pour my efforts on more applications for it not to be worthwhile, considering im a fresh graduate
everywhere i look its the norm to have a vs first or if they do get a tc the applicant has so much previous experience
i just dont want to pour my efforts on more applications for it not to be worthwhile, considering im a fresh graduate
It certainly happens with MC firms. I’d focus on yoke transferable skills. Shearman used to have this video. It listed the skills you need. I’d say try to find that. Lots of skills you can mention. What’s your work experience like now?i know this sounds so silly but do you think theres a reasonable chance in getting a tc just from a direct tc route?
everywhere i look its the norm to have a vs first or if they do get a tc the applicant has so much previous experience
i just dont want to pour my efforts on more applications for it not to be worthwhile, considering im a fresh graduate
- Sep 7, 2024
- 437
- 1,020
i know this sounds so silly but do you think theres a reasonable chance in getting a tc just from a direct tc route?
everywhere i look its the norm to have a vs first or if they do get a tc the applicant has so much previous experience
i just dont want to pour my efforts on more applications for it not to be worthwhile, considering im a fresh graduate
Hiya @ohnoselim
That doesn't sound silly at all - I asked myself the question several times at the end of my first vacation scheme cycle, having failed to secure any. It's also a question that many candidates ask themselves, particularly if they've graduated without an offer. I've known several candidates who've secured TCs in exactly this way, though I should note that they've done so particularly at British firms. While vacation schemes are obviously quite popular, I've found that firms generally understand that they aren't always accessible or practical for everyone (e.g. like international candidates or career changers who can't easily take time off). In fact, I got my first training contract directly without extensive previous commercial law experience, which should reassure you that this is entirely realistic.
In my experience, though, it's important to be pragmatic/realistic if you're taking this route. It doesn't require you to necessarily have done a vacation scheme before, but some firms might have a slightly higher bar for direct TC applicants. I've often found that they can expect strong commercial awareness, excellent research into the firm, and well-developed communication skills. However, I wouldn't let the high bar discourage you. These skills are very learnable.
Given that you have several months until firms start their assessment centres for direct TCs, I'd encourage you to focus your efforts on learning how to write high-quality applications and build up your commercial awareness. Invest time in thoroughly researching the firms, practising written and verbal communication, and familiarising yourself with common case study scenarios. The effort you put into refining these skills now will pay off significantly when assessments begin around early summer.
Please do consider applying and good luck!
I have a part time retail role atm, i do some charity volunteering every week too
in the past ive done some intern work at uni, intern work at a high street firm, and the rest is just open day experiences
thanks so much for your reply
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