Yes, you can. At least I have. Or at least I was able to via the system! Imagine they'll just auto-reject me.
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Jessica Booker
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- Aug 1, 2019
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I agree with this.
Some firms put on networking opportunities for the future trainees, especially as part of their sponsored SQE pre courses. Some also do things like "careers fairs" where they get to meet people from the various departments before putting in seat preferences. These type of activities would be the best way to engage with departments before starting a training contract.
Does Ashurst give many direct TCs? What’s the case for Stephenson Harwood? Just wondering if it’s worth applying. Overall, both have high trainee intakes.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey there,
In my view, this question can go any way you want, so far as you answer why solicitor throughout. Ideally, so far as you don’t go on any tangents, you will be fine.
Your suggestion in the second paragraph is good. I personally always liked showing a contrast when answering it. I believe it makes your answer stronger overall, when you show your journey. This could involve showing a contrast between trying X field and then trying the solicitors route, where you subsequently found that you like XYZ about it. However, I have seen candidates indirectly touching not so great on other professions whilst doing this, which you may want to avoid. Just touching on the key traits of each profession, what you took from each one when you explored it, and why you preferred the solicitors route, is fine. You could also bring out stuff from say, the bar, which you liked and which you can get as a solicitor too, but bring in more reasons as to why the latter is of greater preference to you as a person.
Another thing is that commercial law does not always necessarily involve international matters. If you are working at a national boutique firm specialising on solely national work, working with clients that operate mainly/only in these jurisdictions, then international work may not come in so much. If you are working for a global law firm which works with international clients, then yes - intl work will come in. Thus, you will want to keep this in mind as you structure your answers, and clearly specify it. Another thing to be careful of is how you phrase this - it could come off as generic as many fields offer intl work, like investment banking, consulting, etc.
You also do not need to meet the 600 word count, in my opinion. So far as you answer why commercial law, embedding all your ideas with specific interest, you should be fine.
Best of luck! You’re on a great track!
- Sep 7, 2024
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I believe it‘s always worth applying regardless of the stats. If they have a direct TC portal still open, then they are more likely than not going to offer at least a few slots via that. You never know unless you give it a shot…
- Sep 7, 2024
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Yay! Huge congratulations! This is a great testament to how far your application writing skills have improved. You should be really proud of yourself.
I have provided some general tips on assessments below. So all these are a given, but ensuring you’re well prepared on these is a great first step for calming your nerves during the actual test:
- Have a good, stable internet connection. Forestalls issues which could be something in a timed assessment.
- Stay in a space, free from any distractions. You will want to try as much as possible to be in a quiet head space while taking these. You could also consider booking a study room in a library, or going to a silent study space, if that will help.
- Good sleep the night before. The mind works best when it has rested - we’re only human after all! Hahaha.
- If there’s a video interview component at the end, you may want to consider dressing quite formally for it. Doesn’t have to be anything too much though.
Best of luck on the exam.
You can do both as this would count as two separate cycles.
- Sep 7, 2024
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I know W&C is rolling, but I always say this - you never know unless you try.
Let‘s look at it from two angles.
- Angle 1: If you wait till the next cycle to apply for the winter VS, you will still have time to put in your application eventually. You could also spend the time before reading more about the firm, refining your application/ interview skills, and so on.
- Angle 2: If you apply for the direct TC and get it, that’s great. If you don‘t, the experience is not wasted. You will have certainly improved your written application skills (in time for the next cycle). If you progress to the later stages, you will have received feedback, which is always good, and help more for the next cycle.
Feedback is so important. One of the greatest things I appreciate is when I get feedback, no matter how direct it may seem. It shows a firm/person cares about your development enough to give you areas to improve on. I have had my fair share of PFOs, but the feedback kept me going. You will be able to gauge that X and Y is good, but I need to improve on H and Q for next time. It could also help in seeing that hmm, maybe if I do O and R next time, then I could tackle this stage of the application process better, and so on.
Bets of luck on the apps!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey there,
Just checked their website and saw they recruit 12-15 trainees each year, which is great. I have attached their GR website for more info -
Training Contract | Trainee Lawyers | Penningtons Manches Cooper
We introduce trainees to challenging cases and recognise the value of real responsibility and direct client contact with experienced solicitors are always ready to give support when needed.
www.penningtonslaw.com
@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu any thoughts on emailing grad rec to flag my upcoming vacation scheme at a similar firm where their application form specifically asked for future vacancies (but I've already sent it?)? tyWhat's the most natural/sophisticated way I can make Firm A, who I'm only at the application stage with for a Direct TC (app already sent), aware of my vacation scheme offer at Firm B? I know you mostly just don't do this, but these firms are very similar, which I think would make my application more competitive (Firm A specifically asks for applicants to state their future vacancies too). I wish I had my offer from Firm B before sending the application to Firm A. Is my only realistic move right now to pray for an interview at Firm A so I can mention my vacation scheme at Firm B? Thank you
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey there,
I am unsure about the specifics or timing surrounding these for HL. However, I presume this will likely be after VS ACs/places are concluded for spring (possibly summer), as well as any first-year schemes/open days. I could be wrong, as this differs from firm to firm, and on many things such as capacity.
- Sep 7, 2024
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does anyone know what to expect from the Brown Rudnick first stage interview please?
I have tagged this source I found from the firm to help. It is more tailored to the US, but should help, I believe. I have also linked a great source from Andrei.
The Interview Process
brownrudnick.com
A complete guide for competency interview preparation
This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
I don't know exactly when, but I know they plan to hold them before the summer schemes start, because I've been told that Direct TC offers are made before SVS TC offers
Just as a quick point, W&C is non rolling for DTC which makes it even better as far applying goes.
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