TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[A worried graduate]

Anyone else here got the holding email from Hill Dickinson?

 

[BillSikes]

Anything from Winckworth? Said they’d get back to us by 17th…

 

[Hal_07]

I havnt yet! Have you?

Yes today I got a phone call for invite for assessment centre 🫶🏽

 

[Hal_07]

Anything from Winckworth? Said they’d get back to us by 17th…

No I haven’t

 

[User5678]

Anything from Winckworth? Said they’d get back to us by 17th…

I haven’t and was wondering the same! Hopefully they’d get back to us soon 🤞🏻!!

 

[Tintin06]

Yes today I got a phone call for invite for assessment centre 🫶🏽

Which firm is this for please?

 

[B101]

Does anyone know Orricks intake for direct TC’s? Trying decide whether it’s worth applying

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone know Orricks intake for direct TC’s? Trying decide whether it’s worth applying

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!

 

[MaryAra299]

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?

 

[ohnoselim]

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

 

[Tintin06]

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

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?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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!

 

[ohnoselim]

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 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

 

[ohnoselim]

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!

Thank you for the response! you mentioned british firms are you referring to regional/national firms only?

 

[Chris Brown]

Thank you for the response! you mentioned british firms are you referring to regional/national firms only?

I think it might just mean UK-HQ firms, including the magic and silver circle. I think if a firm has a larger intake of trainees and recruits a significant number of TC candidates through the DTC route (50% or above), then it’s more likely for people to secure TC, as opposed to a US firm like Orrick which has a very small trainee intake and recruits mainly from its VS. For example, Clifford Chance take on around 100 trainees a year and I think at least half are taken from DTC route.​

 

[RaniaH062002]

Cappfinity this year - Used by a lot of firms so should be more familiar

If you struggle with those, then consider asking, but they usually are personality tests more than anything else with a minority also including a grammar review task (Always about a travel agency takeover ''SetSail LLC'')

While the cappfinities have these attachments and voicemails etc, you can usually answer the question without looking at them.

Is there a numerical element involved?

 

[A worried graduate]

Usually not

Might be in a minority of them

 

[wantatc]

Applied for OC’s DTC and they offered me Vac Scheme, will accept but still feel a little dissapointed

 

[RaniaH062002]

Anyone have any tips on where I can practice tests similar to Ashurst for free?

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Anyone with any insight into Mishcon's assessment centre ? Could you please message me
I can provide insight into many many law firms