TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[AS24]

While I am a bit sad about RPC PFO after WG (two months of waiting was a sign, lol), I am worried about being unable to pass the written assessment during my interviews, I was thinking of hiring a tutor to learn how to perfectly nail written assessments because I am tired of rejections.
What do you guys think?

 

[yellowponytwin]

Has anyone else done the Foot Anstey VI for direct TCs - I don't think mine went very well!

I haven't applied yet as I thought deadline was 21st March for DTC... now feeling somewhat confused!

 

[👩🎓]

I haven't applied yet as I thought deadline was 21st March for DTC... now feeling somewhat confused!

It is but i submitted the application a few weeks ago and then heard back, so I'm assuming GR review apps on a rolling basis?

 

[yellowponytwin]

It is but i submitted the application a few weeks ago and then heard back, so I'm assuming GR review apps on a rolling basis?

Yeah that must be the case, thank you! At least knowing this will mean I'll shift my behind into gear and send it off (ie stop faffing with the details) !

I'm sure your VI was not anything like as average/poor as you thought - I (and a lot of people) finish application stages feeling I could have done better so that's a totally normal thing to worry about. Best way forward is to try to keep it off your mind as there's nothing that can be done now anyway. Good luck with your application!

 

[Tintin06]

While echoing @Chris Brown that you don't need 1000 words, I think writing that much wouldn't be that difficult. I think it's best to use the word count for the "Why this firm" section. On the other hand, I try to keep "Why commercial law" quite brief no matter the word count. So I'd go with 150-500-350 words for the three sections (why law - why this firm - why me). I think this structure has worked well for me in the past, and it's not difficult to write once you've extensively researched the firm. I actually often really struggle to confine "Why this firm?" to 300 words. Of course, none of this is rigid, just make sure you're really selling yourself and your motivation.

I used all 1,000 words lol. Thanks for the tips on this.

 

[👩🎓]

Yeah that must be the case, thank you! At least knowing this will mean I'll shift my behind into gear and send it off (ie stop faffing with the details) !

I'm sure your VI was not anything like as average/poor as you thought - I (and a lot of people) finish application stages feeling I could have done better so that's a totally normal thing to worry about. Best way forward is to try to keep it off your mind as there's nothing that can be done now anyway. Good luck with your application!

No worries, I never knew they were rolling so it was quite a surprise to get the test invite!

Thank you so much, I defo agree with you. I feel like everyone will always believe they could have done better.

Good luck with your application too! Happy to provide insight into the VI when you receive the invite.

 

[Chris Brown]

I used all 1,000 words lol. Thanks for the tips on this.

That’s actually impressive tbh. I was struggling to get past 800 words lmao. 😂

I think my split was around 125 for why commercial law, 375 for why White & Case and then 250 for why me (750 words in total). 🥲

The remaining 50-75 words were for short introductory and concluding sentences e.g., dear early careers team, my name is (X) and I studied LLB Law at (Y). I am writing to express my interest in (Z).

Not sure if this is the best way to start a cover letter but it seemed okay for me. I guess the main thing is to keep it concise but still give enough detail and analysis for each point. 🥲​

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

afaik, bakers is the only firm that doesnt mandate non law grads to undertake the pgdl (it just has some law foundation thing which takes 1-2 months before the actual sqe prep). Also, its sqe prep can be done 100% remotely, without being physically present in the UK. does anyone know of similar firms? @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu thanks

Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor

You’re absolutely right. Baker McKenzie doesn’t require non-law grads to complete the PGDL and instead offers a shorter Law Foundation Course before SQE prep. This is because they use BARBRI as their SQE provider, which delivers courses entirely online. I have a few friends who are currently set to join the firm and have had mixed feelings about this particular approach to preparing for the SQE. While Baker McKenzie stands out for this approach, other firms also partner with BARBRI and allow their trainees to complete their SQE prep remotely. Some of these firms include Fried Frank and Vinson & Elkins (although this might have changed since my last application cycle).

It's also worth noting that other providers like BPP and ULaw also offer remote SQE courses. However, firms that partner with these last two providers generally prefer their trainees to attend in-person. If remote study is a key factor for you, it’s worth double-checking firm policies and whether they provide flexibility.

You can also find more detailed information at this site, which tries to set out which course providers firms are partnered with and how much financial support they will offer to their future trainees. Hope this helps!

 

[A worried graduate]

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 😭

Interesting indeed

Did you mention both the TC seat and route in that question as I think they wanted both in that one question

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor

You’re absolutely right. Baker McKenzie doesn’t require non-law grads to complete the PGDL and instead offers a shorter Law Foundation Course before SQE prep. This is because they use BARBRI as their SQE provider, which delivers courses entirely online. I have a few friends who are currently set to join the firm and have had mixed feelings about this particular approach to preparing for the SQE. While Baker McKenzie stands out for this approach, other firms also partner with BARBRI and allow their trainees to complete their SQE prep remotely. Some of these firms include Fried Frank and Vinson & Elkins (although this might have changed since my last application cycle).

It's also worth noting that other providers like BPP and ULaw also offer remote SQE courses. However, firms that partner with these last two providers generally prefer their trainees to attend in-person. If remote study is a key factor for you, it’s worth double-checking firm policies and whether they provide flexibility.

You can also find more detailed information at this site, which tries to set out which course providers firms are partnered with and how much financial support they will offer to their future trainees. Hope this helps!

thanks for going into this level of detail ram.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I want to ask, for TCs stationed in the middle east like CMS Dubai, do we have to be an Arab national to apply? Do they people who are not a middle-east national. I can read and write in arabic, though I am not a national, if that helps.

Hiya @MaryAra299

@Jessica Booker might have more to say here, but I don't think your nationality should be a barrier to applying for a Middle East-based training contract. I've met associates and trainees from firms in the Middle East and have noticed they very often recruit a diverse range of candidates. From what I’ve seen with other applicants, I think the key factors tend to be a strong academic record, fluency in Arabic (both written and spoken), and a demonstrated connection to the region. The only other thing I'd say is that firms often look for candidates who can show a long-term commitment to practising in the Middle East, just because they invest significant resources in training and developing lawyers who will stay in the region.

I think your ability to read and write Arabic will definitely work in your favour, as language skills are a major asset in the market. If you also have experience living, studying, or working in the Middle East (or can demonstrate a strong understanding of the region’s legal and business environment) that could further strengthen your application. If applications are still open, I’d definitely encourage you to apply. Best of luck with the process!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Interesting indeed

Did you mention both the TC seat and route in that question as I think they wanted both in that one question

I passed and I didn’t do that tbh

 

[SS21]

@Jessica Booker
I’ve been made redundant from my paralegal role. I have two questions please..

1) When applying to direct TCs, is this going to reflect badly on me? It was a layoff - not performance related - but I’m unsure of how firms view these cases.

2) I now obviously need another job to put food on the table. I might apply for a teaching assistant role in the law department of a university (as this role has just opened). I will still also look for paralegal roles but I can’t be too picky atm.

Will (temporarily) stepping into an academic role be looked at disfavourably by firms?

I still want to qualify as a lawyer and am worried they might think this is too much of a pivot away from practicing law. I have nearly 4 years of paralegal experience though + a MC vac scheme.

Thank you in advance.

Lastly, if anyone reads this and has any advice for me, pls reach out because my whole world has collapsed and I’ve spent the whole day sobbing lol

 

[Eajob]

Anyone heard back from bristows post WE ?

I had a first round interview yesterday

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker
I’ve been made redundant from my paralegal role. I have two questions please..

1) When applying to direct TCs, is this going to reflect badly on me? It was a layoff - not performance related - but I’m unsure of how firms view these cases.

2) I now obviously need another job to put food on the table. I might apply for a teaching assistant role in the law department of a university (as this role has just opened). I will still also look for paralegal roles but I can’t be too picky atm.

Will (temporarily) stepping into an academic role be looked at disfavourably by firms?

I still want to qualify as a lawyer and am worried they might think this is too much of a pivot away from practicing law. I have nearly 4 years of paralegal experience though + a MC vac scheme.

Thank you in advance.

Lastly, if anyone reads this and has any advice for me, pls reach out because my whole world has collapsed and I’ve spent the whole day sobbing lol

I am sorry to hear about the redundancy - they are always difficult and emotional situations to deal with. Please do take care of yourself at this time as you are allowed to feel upset by what has happened.

Firstly, redundancy is not a reflection of you or you performance, so it is not an issue to demonstrate that is why your role has come to and end. Redundancy is a common reason for people leaving companies and even high performers can leave if the role is considered surplus to need. I would not worry about this. You can also highlight redundancy was the reason for leaving in your description if you feel this is appropriate.

It also will not be an issue to move to a different type of role. Firms are aware that people move around different type of roles because they need to fund the basics of living. I was at a legal event last night and was talking to people about what we called “squiggly careers” where a career path is not a straight one and people move around and do different things. This is actually quite formal these days - on average people will have 7 careers in their lifetime.

Plus although a teaching role, the role would give you a lot of transferable skills and knowledge. As you have probably considered already, when applying you may just need to think about demonstrating why this change happened in your applications or when describing your motivations.

 

[anonymouscatboy]

FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

 

[CallumJR]

GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

living the dream, congratulations

 

[Genericuser]

CMS Dubai AC invite or should i assume PFO?

I'm in the same boat as you, did my VI in early December.

 

[Chris Brown]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

Huge congrats. 🥳