2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[JoeyTr]

Has anyone heard back from AS regarding the Harbottle and Lewis TC interview??

nothing yet

 

[hopefullawyer123]

Received the email from Mayer Brown saying that all direct TC places are filled. I applied on 29 January and didn't even have the links to the online tests...well 🥱

Hi! I’m sorry to hear this. Was it an automatic email or in response to an email you sent?

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

Got rejected post Womble Bond online tests today...

And Mayer Brown ...

And Winckworth Sherwood post video interwiew...

Rough day T_T

 

[CJCH]

Hi! I’m sorry to hear this. Was it an automatic email or in response to an email you sent?

Hey, I think it is just a generic email with the subject "Update regarding your application to Mayer Brown". It didn't address to me / reply to any inquiry. Good luck with your app!

 

[Jedward87]

Has anyone heard back from Hill Dickinson post VI?

 

[Celestie]

Got rejected post Womble Bond online tests today...

And Mayer Brown ...

And Winckworth Sherwood post video interwiew...

Rough day T_T

Oh my gosh I am so so sorry. You are so strong and keep going. <3

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Got rejected post Womble Bond online tests today...

And Mayer Brown ...

And Winckworth Sherwood post video interwiew...

Rough day T_T

Reach out if you want someone to talk to as I know what it feels like as I got 3 rejections and bad uni results all in 1 day so know what it feels like.

 

[Anon 11031]

I'm currently filling out a TC application form and wonder if someone could help with how to approach a question. I've been asked this on a couple of occasions. Essentially, the question I always struggle with is "why would a client pick x firm?" or "what do clients look for in a law firm?". I am struggling to relate the question back to the firm because, presumably, they're looking for commercial awareness here - I don't really know what to put down as key qualities clients might look for.

@Jessica Booker - maybe you have some insight into this? I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has answered something similar and had success with it!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I'm currently filling out a TC application form and wonder if someone could help with how to approach a question. I've been asked this on a couple of occasions. Essentially, the question I always struggle with is "why would a client pick x firm?" or "what do clients look for in a law firm?". I am struggling to relate the question back to the firm because, presumably, they're looking for commercial awareness here - I don't really know what to put down as key qualities clients might look for.

@Jessica Booker - maybe you have some insight into this? I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has answered something similar and had success with it!

I am useless with the commercial questions - @Dheepa or @Jacob Miller might be better placed on this one.

 

[JoNo]

Anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie yet? I know their deadline is today. When are we likely to hear back? I’m assuming mid April?

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

Got rejected post Womble Bond online tests today T_T

Oh my gosh I am so so sorry. You are so strong and keep going. <3

Yeah been feeling a bit deflated since yesterday ngl.. But thank you..It's nice a feeling knowing that there are others out here showing support ❤️

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

Reach out if you want someone to talk to as I know what it feels like as I got 3 rejections and bad uni results all in 1 day so know what it feels like.

Hi Asil,

Thank you. It means a lot. I'll message you

 

[M&M]

Hey guys!

I had applied for a VS and a TC with Hogan Lovells during the 2019-2020 cycle and I want to try again but on their website, it says that students are only able to apply to the firm twice. Does anyone know if they're strict about this? should I apply anyway?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hi Asil,

Thank you. It means a lot. I'll message you

Hope you are well. What tries to get my motivation back is watching Suits and aspire to be a corporate lawyer is still on.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hey guys!

I had applied for a VS and a TC with Hogan Lovells during the 2019-2020 cycle and I want to try again but on their website, it says that students are only able to apply to the firm twice. Does anyone know if they're strict about this? should I apply anyway?

They are strict with this I know someone applied a second time and they said that is strike 2. you are out.

 

[Abbie4329]

Anyone heard back from Baker McKenzie yet? I know their deadline is today. When are we likely to hear back? I’m assuming mid April?

Nope, I’ve heard nothing!

 

[M&M]

They are strict with this I know someone applied a second time and they said that is strike 2. you are out.

That's disappointing They were one of my top firms so I was hoping I'd have another shot

 

[Jacob Miller]

I'm currently filling out a TC application form and wonder if someone could help with how to approach a question. I've been asked this on a couple of occasions. Essentially, the question I always struggle with is "why would a client pick x firm?" or "what do clients look for in a law firm?". I am struggling to relate the question back to the firm because, presumably, they're looking for commercial awareness here - I don't really know what to put down as key qualities clients might look for.

@Jessica Booker - maybe you have some insight into this? I'd appreciate advice from anyone who has answered something similar and had success with it!

Hey,

I think the key thing to remember here is not to overcomplicate it.

When approaching questions like this, I would generally consider the following factors (pretty much in this order, too):

1. Ability: the firm has to be able to provide legal and commercial advice in the given area to solve the client's problem. First and foremost, this is about identifying what practice areas a firm has which can solve XYZ issues.
2. Cost factor: Obviously good legal advice doesn't come cheap, but the firm must provide good value for money. What sort of billing structures can be considered? Could alternative fee arrangements be used?
3. Added value etc: what can X firm give, on top of the other areas discussed, that others can't? If the client is looking for a panel firm, could the firm give them some trainees on secondment? Also consider other things here in terms of parallel or converging ethos and 'business morals' - these sorts of ethical decisions are being taken more and more seriously by more and more clients now.

Hope this helps some

 

[LeilaScott]

For the Pinsent Mason's Application, it says 4000 characters including spaces, is that a firm count or can we fall slightly below? Not sure if I should try and fill out my answers more

 

[Anon 11031]

Hey,

I think the key thing to remember here is not to overcomplicate it.

When approaching questions like this, I would generally consider the following factors (pretty much in this order, too):

1. Ability: the firm has to be able to provide legal and commercial advice in the given area to solve the client's problem. First and foremost, this is about identifying what practice areas a firm has which can solve XYZ issues.
2. Cost factor: Obviously good legal advice doesn't come cheap, but the firm must provide good value for money. What sort of billing structures can be considered? Could alternative fee arrangements be used?
3. Added value etc: what can X firm give, on top of the other areas discussed, that others can't? If the client is looking for a panel firm, could the firm give them some trainees on secondment? Also consider other things here in terms of parallel or converging ethos and 'business morals' - these sorts of ethical decisions are being taken more and more seriously by more and more clients now.

Hope this helps some

Hey,

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I really appreciate it. Would you say that in regards to each of these points you should try and find information specifically about the firm that relates? Or is that maybe taking it a step too far considering it's not easy to get hold of information regarding billing structures etc?

Thank you again! ☺️