TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
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Has anyone gotten past the application stage for a direct TC despite having minimal legal experience/ career experience more generally?
I know someone who has gotten a TC from a mid-market UK firm and their only legal work experience was an informal internship at a not very well known law firm in a foreign country (which in practice was more of a shadowing experience), while the only non-legal work experience consisted of summer jobs in the hospitality sector. Also, their grades were in the low 2.1 region. Because of this they considered their direct TC applications to be quite speculative, but, to their own surprise, it ended up working out. As such, I think for many firms it is definitely worth a shot even if you do not have the strongest CV work experience-wise.
 

Legallywhatever

Distinguished Member
Jan 29, 2025
57
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I know someone who has gotten a TC from a mid-market UK firm and their only legal work experience was an informal internship at a not very well known law firm in a foreign country (which in practice was more of a shadowing experience), while the only non-legal work experience consisted of summer jobs in the hospitality sector. Also, their grades were in the low 2.1 region. Because of this they considered their direct TC applications to be quite speculative, but, to their own surprise, it ended up working out. As such, I think for many firms it is definitely worth a shot even if you do not have the strongest CV work experience-wise.
Wow, that is motivation alright!

Thank you for the response!!
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
892
2,133
Slaughter and May interview for non law route, any tips will be very much appreciated. I'm also an international graduate and my interview will be virtual, i don't know if that deters my chances.
Make sure you can debate well. Watching WUDC finals may help you. Really know your CV inside out. Anticipate questions about your CV accordingly.
 

RS Sanjanaa

Distinguished Member
Jan 11, 2025
74
47
Slaughter and May interview for non law route, any tips will be very much appreciated. I'm also an international graduate and my interview will be virtual, i don't know if that deters my chances.
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
 

A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
319
194
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
 

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