2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[Bugsy Malone]

I can't remember.. All I remember is that it had a smaller critical thinking part at the end. So draw assumptions and your reasoning was one of them. Sorry I can't be of more help!

Great, thank you!

 

[AT12]

Yeah sure! If you message me we can chat on dms/linked in if that’s okay?

Hi Gus - just sent you a message separately! Thanks so much!

 

[MLF]

Hello, I have a quick question, I wonder whether, in an application, it is better to use "unlawful" instead of "ultra vires". Ultra vires is obviously legal jargon and it fits better with my answer but at the same time I don't want it to sound too pretentious for lack of a better word.

Many thanks!

 

[Anon 11031]

Hello, I have a quick question, I wonder whether, in an application, it is better to use "unlawful" instead of "ultra vires". Ultra vires is obviously legal jargon and it fits better with my answer but at the same time I don't want it to sound too pretentious for lack of a better word.

Many thanks!

I reckon sticking with "unlawful" is better. Most house writing styles are very much avoidant of legal jargon now, and there's a massive shift away from using overly complicated language as lots of people feel it makes the law inaccessible.

But that's just my opinion!

 

[karinny]

Heard back from Browne Jacobson today, invite to tests!

Unsure whether this is sent to everyone who applied or shortlisted, would love to know if anyone else heard back too!

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

Heard back from Browne Jacobson today, invite to tests!

Unsure whether this is sent to everyone who applied or shortlisted, would love to know if anyone else heard back too!

I got the tests invite too! I’m not sure if they screen before sending them out - I’d like to know that as well!

 

[Daniel Boden]

Hello, I have a quick question, I wonder whether, in an application, it is better to use "unlawful" instead of "ultra vires". Ultra vires is obviously legal jargon and it fits better with my answer but at the same time I don't want it to sound too pretentious for lack of a better word.

Many thanks!

Yeah, I always went by the rule of 'if I included this would a client with no legal knowledge understand what it means?' If the answer's no then I would use a simpler term. In this case, I'd use unlawful for that reason

 

[MLF]

I reckon sticking with "unlawful" is better. Most in house writing styles are very much avoidant of legal jargon now, and there's a massive shift away from using overly complicated language as lots of people feel it makes the law inaccessible.

But that's just my opinion!

Yeah, I always went by the rule of 'if I included this would a client with no legal knowledge understand what it means?' If the answer's no then I would use a simpler term. In this case, I'd use unlawful for that reason

Thank you both, really helpful!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Yeah, I always went by the rule of 'if I included this would a client with no legal knowledge understand what it means?' If the answer's no then I would use a simpler term. In this case, I'd use unlawful for that reason

I’d echo this for any jargon/acronym, not just legal speak.

 

[John Travoni]

Has anyone still not heard back from Fieldfisher post online tests? I was told I would hear back within 7 days but it’s been longer

 

[Anon 11031]

Has anyone still not heard back from Fieldfisher post online tests? I was told I would hear back within 7 days but it’s been longer

I got a follow-up email shortly after outlining that it would be up to 14 working days now!

 

[Anon 11031]

Anyone fancy taking one for the team and emailing DACB at this point? 😂

 

[MLF]

Anyone fancy taking one for the team and emailing DACB at this point? 😂

No sorry haha

 

[Anon 11031]

Tbh, I actually want to know when their vac scheme is because work have told me I need to put in provisional dates for annual leave asap. Reckon it's okay to email them and ask that? And just tag at the end, when are we likely to receive an outcome?

No sorry haha

 

[SamTam99]

Tbh, I actually want to know when their vac scheme is because work have told me I need to put in provisional dates for annual leave asap. Reckon it's okay to email them and ask that? And just tag at the end, when are we likely to receive an outcome?

Are they even definitely having a vac scheme? I know in previous years they’ve said that the vac scheme forms part of their final assessment for the TC, but there has literally been no mention of a vac scheme happening this year, or any dates given, and the application was for a direct TC. I’m very confused at this point 🥴

 

[karinny]

Are they even definitely having a vac scheme? I know in previous years they’ve said that the vac scheme forms part of their final assessment for the TC, but there has literally been no mention of a vac scheme happening this year, or any dates given, and the application was for a direct TC. I’m very confused at this point 🥴

On their careers portal and trainee solicitor job description it has a heading of 'vacation scheme' and at the end it says 'DAC Beachcroft runs a combined application process, with the vacation scheme forming part of the assessment process for training contract place.'

But honestly, considering how the deadline was literally ages ago I don't know how they've left it this long to even start inviting people to ACs let alone VS!

 

[Anon 11031]

Are they even definitely having a vac scheme? I know in previous years they’ve said that the vac scheme forms part of their final assessment for the TC, but there has literally been no mention of a vac scheme happening this year, or any dates given, and the application was for a direct TC. I’m very confused at this point 🥴

On their careers portal and trainee solicitor job description it has a heading of 'vacation scheme' and at the end it says 'DAC Beachcroft runs a combined application process, with the vacation scheme forming part of the assessment process for training contract place.'

But honestly, considering how the deadline was literally ages ago I don't know how they've left it this long to even start inviting people to ACs let alone VS!

I feel the same way. My work are probably not going to be happy if I have to take loads of time off without a great deal of notice!

 

[Anon 11031]

I sent an email and will update you if they reply. I really need to know when they're likely to hold the vac scheme/whether they are having one!

I also just asked when we're likely to know the outcome of the VI!

 

[karinny]

I sent an email and will update you if they reply. I really need to know when they're likely to hold the vac scheme/whether they are having one!

I also just asked when we're likely to know the outcome of the VI!

Thank you for taking one for the team <3

I really hope they do reply...in a timely manner...😭 😂

 

[Veep9]

Hello all! It’s been a bit of a stressful time at the day job so I had checked out of TC applications. Coming back to them now, and I see that I’ve missed several deadlines. I know that the answer is likely to be if you don’t apply, you don’t have a chance, but, realistically, is there any point is stressing over applications this late in the game? Some of the remaining firms have quite small intakes too - like Boodle Hatfield, Withers, Penningtons. Any insight / thoughts would be great!

PS: I see Dentons is still taking applications? I don’t know why I thought they had finished their recruitment. Does anyone know if they review on a rolling basis?