2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[Msh123]

I broadly agree with this and just thought to give it a boost and add my two cents.

Looking at data published by Chambers Student and AllAboutLaw, there are approximately 5,500 available training contracts total in the U.K. every year. In the Chambers Student 2020, there were 82 firms listed. For argument's sake, let's assume that these are the 'top-82' (however you want to define that) commercial law firms in the U.K. In total, these 82 firms offered approximately 1,357 training contracts. This means that over 75% of training contracts in the U.K. come from outside of those firms!

Now, whilst it might be rich for me to advocate applying to smaller firms/regional firms, etc. when I didn't, I do think candidates give themselves a tough time when they only apply for the highest bracket, and don't even consider those who aren't (for argument's sake) in the MC/SC/Elite U.S. bracket. I knew of an associate at an Elite U.S. firm, who trained at a low-mid market firm. They then moved to an SC firm, and then moved to the U.S. firm.

I should add that you don't have to make those moves! You should focus on doing the kind of work you want, at the place that you want! Prestige shouldn't be your main focus in this day and age - that will not make you (or the firm you work for!) happy. Rather, you should focus on your attraction to the career, what kinds of work you like/would like doing, and what environment is best for you. Likewise, some might say that they know the MC/Elite U.S. is the best place for them, which is equally fine and valid.

Anyway, I think the main point is just to echo what @Matt_96 has said, and encourage candidates to focus on the career and the work ahead, rather than to get bogged down with obsessing over one firm, or 'prestige'. And, if that one firm/prestige really matters to you, there are countless examples of individuals who have worked they way up and achieved it - that path always remains open.

I suppose it depends on the individual - and if smaller firms aren't for someone, they aren't for someone (eg would rather go into IB/another industry) - as you said yourself, focus on the work you want at the place you want and if smaller firms aren't what someone's after that should also be fair enough. Especially given the need to wait 2 years to start a TC and then another 2 years spent training where you don't want to be. Sorry I found his comment pretty condescending.

 

[Anon08]

I suppose it depends on the individual - and if smaller firms aren't for someone, they aren't for someone (eg would rather go into IB/another industry) - as you said yourself, focus on the work you want at the place you want and if smaller firms aren't what someone's after that should also be fair enough. Especially given the need to wait 2 years to start a TC and then another 2 years spent training where you don't want to be. Sorry I found his comment pretty condescending.

It's often hard to know what tone someone comments in; however, I think all interactions here, including the previous comment and the posting member, has got everyone's best interests at heart.

Anyway, let's keep it positive, everyone - this cycle has been a rough one, and I think everyone could do with a bit of a boost!

 

[Daniel Boden]

I broadly agree with this and just thought to give it a boost and add my two cents.

Looking at data published by Chambers Student and AllAboutLaw, there are approximately 5,500 available training contracts total in the U.K. every year. In the Chambers Student 2020, there were 82 firms listed. For argument's sake, let's assume that these are the 'top-82' (however you want to define that) commercial law firms in the U.K. In total, these 82 firms offered approximately 1,357 training contracts. This means that over 75% of training contracts in the U.K. come from outside of those firms!

Now, whilst it might be rich for me to advocate applying to smaller firms/regional firms, etc. when I didn't, I do think candidates give themselves a tough time when they only apply for the highest bracket, and don't even consider those who aren't (for argument's sake) in the MC/SC/Elite U.S. bracket. I knew of an associate at an Elite U.S. firm, who trained at a low-mid market firm. They then moved to an SC firm, and then moved to the U.S. firm.

I should add that you don't have to make those moves! You should focus on doing the kind of work you want, at the place that you want! Prestige shouldn't be your main focus in this day and age - that will not make you (or the firm you work for!) happy. Rather, you should focus on your attraction to the career, what kinds of work you like/would like doing, and what environment is best for you. Likewise, some might say that they know the MC/Elite U.S. is the best place for them, which is equally fine and valid.

Anyway, I think the main point is just to echo what @Matt_96 has said, and encourage candidates to focus on the career and the work ahead, rather than to get bogged down with obsessing over one firm, or 'prestige'. And, if that one firm/prestige really matters to you, there are countless examples of individuals who have worked they way up and achieved it - that path always remains open.

Very well said mate!

 

[tractor12]

Still nothing from FF.... I can't see them getting back to everyone by the end of tomorrow

 

[InNeedofaTC]

Hoping to hear back from WBD next week. This time a few years ago they responded to applicants post pymetrics exactly a week later. Maybe it’ll be the same this year 😂

 

[LeilaScott]

Anyone heard from Baker McKenzie yet?

 

[TT98]

Has anyone heard back from Kennedys after the VI (for London TC 2022)?

 

[Amy_22]

For those that have completed the BCLP test, how soon after completion did you receive your report? Thanks

 

[Anon 11031]

I'm still waiting to hear back from DAC Beachcroft. Their applications closed on the 29/01/2021. Is it reasonable for me to ask them for an update? Is there anyway I can email them without sounding too rude?

 

[Matt_96]

I'm still waiting to hear back from DAC Beachcroft. Their applications closed on the 29/01/2021. Is it reasonable for me to ask them for an update? Is there anyway I can email them without sounding too rude?

I would also like to know what's going on too, although I'm not really holding out hope for my app as I submitted it rather late in the day.

It's not unreasonable to ask for an update at all. Just say that the firm was one that you were very interested in learning more about and you're keen to know the outcome - and that any info graduate recruitment could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[northernlawstud]

Just got an email from WBD, they're taking longer to get back to applicants because they had 75% more applications. Hoping to let everyone know by the end of March

 

[Anon 11031]

Just got an email from WBD, they're taking longer to get back to applicants because they had 75% more applications. Hoping to let everyone know by the end of March

Same. I can't say that fills me with much hope haha.

 

[northernlawstud]

Same. I can't say that fills me with much hope haha.

*sighs and opens up yet another Apply4law web address*

 

[Anon 11031]

*sighs and opens up yet another Apply4law web address*

Yeah, I'm not expecting a great deal from this. I felt like my application question was pretty weak. And the areas I stood out in, in the pymetrics test, were effort, attention and learning. Which I haven't seen much about. I'd be shocked if I got an interview.

Onward we push though!

 

[s.k.o]

Still nothing from FF.... I can't see them getting back to everyone by the end of tomorrow

Still waiting too 😭

 

[s.k.o]

Has anyone else not heard back from Freshfields?

Yes me

 

[Matt_96]

Hey! Have you not emailed them yourself yet either? Were you planning on doing it?

Yeah, I mean I start a job full-time with HMRC at the end of this month and will also be studying my law degree full-time too. So I'm trying to get things sorted before then because I imagine I'm not going to have an awful lot of time haha.

I haven't emailed them yet, no. But eventually I'll get round to it. Still have a LOT of firms I'm waiting on as many of the direct TCs I applied to didn't have deadlines until may anyway.

Congrats on your new role!

 

[WRM19]

For those that have completed the BCLP test, how soon after completion did you receive your report? Thanks

Hey, received mine tonight - didn’t say much about getting to the next stage! I wonder if they review alongside the written app?

 

[AW_08]

Has anyone applied to the Gibson Dunn TC? If so, how long did it take to hear back? I know they're recruiting on a rolling-basis!

 

[LawGrad19]

Bird & Bird interview invite !! Anyone with any information on it please do PM me. I can't seem to find any information on this cycle or the last. I am happy to give help with any other interviews people may have.