TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[SamiyaJ]

Their website says: If you are successful following the application stage, you will be invited to complete an online strengths based assessment. But someone on this forum said it is automatic.

Confusing! But I’ll try my luck with the damned assessment anyways 💀

 

[zonnonomo]

SPB AC 😨 i was so sure i had bombed the VI

 

[yk1906]

Confusing! But I’ll try my luck with the damned assessment anyways 💀

Good luck!

 

[Gflow0211]

tomorrow!

Wow best of luck! Please let me know how it went!

 

[Jessica Booker]

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.

 

[law_junkie]

Hey! Has anyone who submitted the King & Spalding application earlier today received a confirmation of receipt email from their Recruitment Team yet?

I have, just received it today

 

[andrecsaa]

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).

 

[HappyHippo]

Goodwin news after video interview? Did this nearly two months ago.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

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

 

[OliverTwist]

Has anyone heard from Brown Rudnick / applied in a previous cycle and know how long it takes for them to get back to an applicant?

 

[yk1906]

Has anyone heard from Withers, Mayer Brown, Dentons, BCLP post-app/SJT? Any interview or AC invites? For DTC

 

[norothrow324]

Has anyone heard from Withers, Mayer Brown, Dentons, BCLP post-app/SJT? Any interview or AC invites? For DTC

Nothing from Mayer so far. only the feedback report after the automatic STJ

 

[lawlover123]

CMS Dubai AC invite or should i assume PFO?

 

[yk1906]

Okay, just received my BCLP feedback. Strengths are Credibility, Growth mindset and Active Collaborator. Weaker side is tendency to be less critical of the information...

 

[norothrow324]

Nothing from Mayer so far. only the feedback report after the automatic STJ

has anyone heard otherwise?

 

[MaheeVohra]

Hey! Has anyone who submitted the King & Spalding application earlier today received a confirmation of receipt email from their Recruitment Team yet?

I submitted it sometime in January and received an acknowledgement from the Recruitment Team within a week.

 

[Gflow0211]

Anyone completed their Irwin Mitchell AC?

 

[AveragePoster]

Hi, anyone heard from Freshfields post-DTC AC today?

 

[l3gal]

I have completed an AC today which involved a group exercise. I think our group may have misinterpreted the instructions about how to allocate time throughout the task. Is this a deal breaker and automatic fail? I acknowledged the potential error during the group exercise with the interviewers at the end. The other group member also interpreted the timings the same way I did, so perhaps the instructions weren't the clearest. Is this issue alone a reason why you may fail an AC? I'm worried as all AC advice says how important time keeping is. I'm disappointed we misunderstood our instructions and would hate for this small error to hinder any TC chances with the firm. I'd appreciate your thoughts please @Jessica Booker or anyone else who may be able to help. Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have completed an AC today which involved a group exercise. I think our group may have misinterpreted the instructions about how to allocate time throughout the task. Is this a deal breaker and automatic fail? I acknowledged the potential error during the group exercise with the interviewers at the end. The other group member also interpreted the timings the same way I did, so perhaps the instructions weren't the clearest. Is this issue alone a reason why you may fail an AC? I'm worried as all AC advice says how important time keeping is. I'm disappointed we misunderstood our instructions and would hate for this small error to hinder any TC chances with the firm. I'd appreciate your thoughts please @Jessica Booker or anyone else who may be able to help. Thanks!

No - this wouldn’t be a reason for failing an exercise, and especially if you did reference you thought it had been misinterpreted/should have been done differently.