2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[RkRk0681]

My main suggestion is not to overcomplicate it - these sorts of presentations are best kept straightforward and simple, with plenty of signposting and a clear, easy to follow line of argument with some nuance in analysis. Bear in mind time constraints, practise speaking to time and build in time for interruptions if necessary, research well but equally don't drown yourself in data.

Remember that, even though you have to come to a conclusion, you should avoid being enormously political here - easy for me to say that, it's one of the debates I'm absolutely the most passionate about - but you need to bear in mind your assessors may fall on either side of the debate and, frankly, you don't want to give someone an excuse not to assess you in a good light.

Finally, remember to relate key points back to the firm - it's easy to get caught up in the politics and arguments, but if you forget the law firm part you're making yourself fight a massively uphill battle.

This is very helpful, thank you for your guidance

 

[Noodles52]

Anyone heard from Akin Gump, Gibson Dunn, White & Case or Harbottle and Lewis? My remaining firms before this cycle is finished. Thanks in advance

 

[TC fiend]

Anyone heard from Akin Gump, Gibson Dunn, White & Case or Harbottle and Lewis? My remaining firms before this cycle is finished. Thanks in advance

Waiting for GD and W&C as well!

 

[Penelope]

Anyone heard from Akin Gump, Gibson Dunn, White & Case or Harbottle and Lewis? My remaining firms before this cycle is finished. Thanks in advance

I’ve heard from Harbottle, a few others have too

 

[Imababysolicitor]

I’ve heard from Harbottle, a few others have too

Hi, can I ask if it was positive news?

 

[Penelope]

Hi, can I ask if it was positive news?

Yep, I was offered the TC! Hope you hear soon

 

[Noodles52]

Yep, I was offered the TC! Hope you hear soon

How long ago did you hear from them? Slightly confusing as they didn't say anyone was doing interviews or whatever until this month, even though their deadline was May.

 

[Penelope]

How long ago did you hear from them? Slightly confusing as they didn't say anyone was doing interviews or whatever until this month, even though their deadline was May

I applied in May and was invited to first interview a week later (I posted on here at the time). The firm recruits on a rolling basis

 

[M777]

Do Freshfields send out WG invites at once or in batches?

 

[hrb_pg]

Do Freshfields send out WG invites at once or in batches?

Batches. Don't worry, if you haven't heard yet, you aren't out of the running. Last cycle I knew someone who got a WGT invite straight after the deadline , and I got mine 3 weeks later.

 

[N.9]

Has anyone heard positively from Macfarlanes? And does anyone know from past experience etc. when their ACs for TCs are usually held, please?

 

[Noodles52]

I applied in May and was invited to first interview a week later (I posted on here at the time). The firm recruits on a rolling basis

Ahh fair enough, I also applied in May (or end of April I think) so I assume I was unsuccessful. Nevermind, thank you for the update!

 

[Legalmel_99]

Do firms take on less people at each stage for direct TC now in comparison to the vacation scheme?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do firms take on less people at each stage for direct TC now in comparison to the vacation scheme?

Depends on the firm. Ratios of assessments to candidates will be about the same at each stage from interview onwards, but it just depends on whether the firm recruits more heavily from vacation schemes or not. Some do, some don’t.

 

[Irena]

Has anyone recently completed the Dentons AC who might be willing to give advice on how to prepare? I've heard it's fairly theoretical and I'm just not sure of the most effective way to research...
Thanks in advance!

Do you mind asking, how long have you waited for an invitation after the WG?

 

[Sabotage]

Received a call today from a partner and was informed that I got a TC at Slaughter and May!!

I feel super happy especially given that I was an international student and it was extremely difficult to get through the applications stage.

I applied for 2 cycles and after literally dozens of rejections only a few applications were successful. Anyway, what is important is only getting only one right and it's amazing to achieve something like this despite the odds.

Many thanks to the forum for a lot of advice that I was able to pick up here and also for motivational stories that kept my head high whenever I started doubting myself.

On to the TC adventure!

 

[SS1]

Received a call today from a partner and was informed that I got a TC at Slaughter and May!!

I feel super happy especially given that I was an international student and it was extremely difficult to get through the applications stage.

I applied for 2 cycles and after literally dozens of rejections only a few applications were successful. Anyway, what is important is only getting only one right and it's amazing to achieve something like this despite the odds.

Many thanks to the forum for a lot of advice that I was able to pick up here and also for motivational stories that kept my head high whenever I started doubting myself.

On to the TC adventure!

Well done!! Congratulations 🎉🥳🥳🎉

 

[Sebastian Clark]

Rejection from TLT post AC - oh well, would have been a bit of a big result to get a TC from my first AC 😂

Not too worried tbh - just started a new job at a law firm as a compliance executive so another dimension to add the apps. We go again next cycle, allez 🤙

 

[Jessica Booker]

Received a call today from a partner and was informed that I got a TC at Slaughter and May!!

I feel super happy especially given that I was an international student and it was extremely difficult to get through the applications stage.

I applied for 2 cycles and after literally dozens of rejections only a few applications were successful. Anyway, what is important is only getting only one right and it's amazing to achieve something like this despite the odds.

Many thanks to the forum for a lot of advice that I was able to pick up here and also for motivational stories that kept my head high whenever I started doubting myself.

On to the TC adventure!

Congratulations! Amazing news

 

[sm2020]

Received a call today from a partner and was informed that I got a TC at Slaughter and May!!

I feel super happy especially given that I was an international student and it was extremely difficult to get through the applications stage.

I applied for 2 cycles and after literally dozens of rejections only a few applications were successful. Anyway, what is important is only getting only one right and it's amazing to achieve something like this despite the odds.

Many thanks to the forum for a lot of advice that I was able to pick up here and also for motivational stories that kept my head high whenever I started doubting myself.

On to the TC adventure!

Massive congratulations! Can I DM you for some advice as I have my interview with them coming up?