2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[nisadee]

Do you think it's worth applying to my fave firms in the summer window (where chances are much slimmer) or should I wait till next cycle opens in Autumn?

 

[kls]

Do you think it's worth applying to my fave firms in the summer window (where chances are much slimmer) or should I wait till next cycle opens in Autumn?

Unless the firms have a policy where you can’t reapply there is really nothing to lose applying in the summer window I think

 

[Holly]

Do you think it's worth applying to my fave firms in the summer window (where chances are much slimmer) or should I wait till next cycle opens in Autumn?

Well if you don’t apply this summer “where your chances are slimmer”, your chances become zero!

 

[E.A]

Did you get WG invite.

I haven't heard back yet after submitting my application. Have you?

 

[Law2022]

Submitted my app to BCLP and 1 hour later I received the test link! Hoping I perform well on this test!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I haven't heard back yet after submitting my application. Have you?

No but I prefer it is next week or later as I need some time to let the TS rejection sink in haha.

 

[M1999]

Is anyone applying to direct TC without legal work experience? I am struggling to get work experience shadowing at this point, and I don’t know if it’s worth it.

 

[Law2022]

Is anyone applying to direct TC without legal work experience? I am struggling to get work experience shadowing at this point, and I don’t know if it’s worth it.

I would say so! I submitted a successful application to NRF for direct TC and the only 'legal' work experience I have completed was online. An internship, insidesherpa etc but no formal vac scheme or solicitor shadowing for example. However, I think if you have non-legal work experience and really explain the transferable skills that will benefit you on your TC then I think you will be fine! (Just my opinion)

 

[to law or not to law?]

Anyone heard from Macfarlanes for direct TC?

 

[M1999]

I would say so! I submitted a successful application to NRF for direct TC and the only 'legal' work experience I have completed was online. An internship, insidesherpa etc but no formal vac scheme or solicitor shadowing for example. However, I think if you have non-legal work experience and really explain the transferable skills that will benefit you on your TC then I think you will be fine! (Just my opinion)

Thanks so much

 

[nisadee]

Well if you don’t apply this summer “where your chances are slimmer”, your chances become zero!

I fear that because my chances are slim and i do apply and get rejected, I’d have reapplied too soon without much changing in my app and “missed my chance” with that firm :/

 

[Holly]

I fear that because my chances are slim and i do apply and get rejected, I’d have reapplied too soon without much changing in my app and “missed my chance” with that firm :/

1. If you reapplied and the application questions stay the same in autumn, then you already have some kind of draft to work with.

2. Autumn is also a pretty busy time of year where you could attend virtual law fairs or open days with the firm in question, which could strengthen your knowledge of the firm and therefore strengthen your summer app answers.

3. You could also take a look at your summer app with “fresh eyes” and find there are ways you could improve the app including grammar. You could also send the app to friends who can offer you feedback on how to improve the app.

This is all assuming you get rejected post-app which hopefully you don’t. If you did, you could look at the rejection as a form of feedback that the app wasn’t strong enough *in the firm’s eyes*. This gives you a chance to improve it for autumn. I believe this is better than submitting the app in autumn for the first time just to be rejected anyways!

Finally, if the firm recruits on a rolling basis and the application questions are the same, then you would have a better chance of submitting a stronger application early (if you worked on improvements during the summer), than if you were to submit an application for the first time in autumn.

I really hope this helps. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to be afraid of rejection. Rejections really are a redirection! Best of luck

 

[AlRJ]

Hi,

Can anyone let me know, if they know, when are ACs for BCLP direct TC candidates held? I believe the deadline for BCLP TC app is May and so the AC should be sometime in Summer but like what month?

They are normally in August for direct TCs

 

[nisadee]

1. If you reapplied and the application questions stay the same in autumn, then you already have some kind of draft to work with.

2. Autumn is also a pretty busy time of year where you could attend virtual law fairs or open days with the firm in question, which could strengthen your knowledge of the firm and therefore strengthen your summer app answers.

3. You could also take a look at your summer app with “fresh eyes” and find there are ways you could improve the app including grammar. You could also send the app to friends who can offer you feedback on how to improve the app.

This is all assuming you get rejected post-app which hopefully you don’t. If you did, you could look at the rejection as a form of feedback that the app wasn’t strong enough *in the firm’s eyes*. This gives you a chance to improve it for autumn. I believe this is better than submitting the app in autumn for the first time just to be rejected anyways!

Finally, if the firm recruits on a rolling basis and the application questions are the same, then you would have a better chance of submitting a stronger application early (if you worked on improvements during the summer), than if you were to submit an application for the first time in autumn.

I really hope this helps. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to be afraid of rejection. Rejections really are a redirection! Best of luck

Thank you so much!!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Anyone heard from Baker McKenzie yet post application for a direct training contract.

 

[Anon 11031]

Hey guys!

I'm feeling a little deflated and wondering if anyone had any advice or tips. I'm currently I'm my last semester of uni (full time), working full time (42 hours a week but I'm salaried so some days more) and also trying to get the motivation to complete TC applications. I can't really do VS apps because of work commitments and I just don't have the time.

Does anyone have any tips on motivation? Or how many firms to apply for in these circumstances? I just feel like I'm not doing enough - you know? I've picked maybe 6-8 firms to apply for but I'm worried that not being able to complete like 20 applications is seriously hurting my chances.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble, I just feel lost and drained!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

What do you lot think about doing direct training contract application to Gibson Dunn and Crutcher. I know @Daniel Boden said that they don't recruit much from direct applications. I saw their application open.

 

[Abbie4329]

What do you lot think about doing direct training contract application to Gibson Dunn and Crutcher. I know @Daniel Boden said that they don't recruit much from direct applications. I saw their application open.

Personally, I wouldn’t bother applying to any elite US firm with a small intake for a direct TC. Most of them will take all their applicants from the vac scheme. You could try and email grad rec at the firms you’re interested in and ask them, realistically, what are the chances they’ll offer a TC to anyone via the direct TC route.

 

[RoughWood]

Hey guys!

I'm feeling a little deflated and wondering if anyone had any advice or tips. I'm currently I'm my last semester of uni (full time), working full time (42 hours a week but I'm salaried so some days more) and also trying to get the motivation to complete TC applications. I can't really do VS apps because of work commitments and I just don't have the time.

Does anyone have any tips on motivation? Or how many firms to apply for in these circumstances? I just feel like I'm not doing enough - you know? I've picked maybe 6-8 firms to apply for but I'm worried that not being able to complete like 20 applications is seriously hurting my chances.

Sorry if this is a bit of a ramble, I just feel lost and drained!

I completely feel you, Im studying the GDL and working full time (salaried) as well so I completely understand how draining it is when you add TC apps to the list to. I would just focus on the firms that you would regret not applying to and if you can do anymore then great but it's not the be all and end all if you cant.

Ive got an excel spreadsheet listing the firms I am interested in and the closing dates so I can make sure that my top picks are submitted in time. I look at the rest by their closing date so try to just do little and often on applications (I tend to spend my lunch break on them as straight to study when I finish work).

I have seen a fair few people be successful when they only submit a few applications per cycle, quality of application, not quantity! (and make time for yourself, easier said than done I know but it makes a real difference just having an hour or two with no pressures)

Good luck!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Personally, I wouldn’t bother applying to any elite US firm with a small intake for a direct TC. Most of them will take all their applicants from the vac scheme. You could try and email grad rec at the firms you’re interested in and ask them, realistically, what are the chances they’ll offer a TC to anyone via the direct TC route.

True they have a small intake yes only 6 for Gibson. Yes I know I should see if they recruited from VS all or not but on their website they said they recruit on a rolling basis. Thank you for this appreciate it.