TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Haris]

Freshfields PFO post-WG

 

[macala russell]

Very strange day. Had an AC for HL for a direct TC. They called me saying I was below standard on 2 of my assessments but they really liked my partner interview, so are offering me a VS instead. Don’t know what to make of it…

 

[James Carrabino]

Very strange day. Had an AC for HL for a direct TC. They called me saying I was below standard on 2 of my assessments but they really liked my partner interview, so are offering me a VS instead. Don’t know what to make of it…

Take this as a positive - clearly they really liked you but you didn't quite tick the box in the other assessments and so they are giving you another chance to prove your capabilities on the vac scheme If you can get some feedback then that would be really helpful and I am sure you are going to ace the vac scheme!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I received same this morning, but they said the actual link for the test will come in a few days.

It does take a few days don't worry I remember for VS they sent WG link like a week later so don't worry just celebrate right now and practise.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Very strange day. Had an AC for HL for a direct TC. They called me saying I was below standard on 2 of my assessments but they really liked my partner interview, so are offering me a VS instead. Don’t know what to make of it…

They don't do things like this if they didn't feel like you couldn't potentially perform to a stronger standard.

The vacation scheme offer is just your opportunity to demonstrate that stronger performance.

They can't offer you if you don't meet the necessary standards (especially across two assessments) but they could offer you if they see a strong performance during the vacation scheme instead.

Take this as a massive positive, just an unexpected one. They basically hope you will perform well on a different day/with slightly different assessment processes.

 

[bppgdlgrad]

Has anyone heard anything back this week from Freshfields post-AC?

 

[20_AH]

Has anyone heard back from Latham after the SJT? This is for their direct TC application!

 

[John Travoni]

I thought they r non rolling?

They are. But their direct TCs for 2022 and 2023 closed on the 27th of last month.

 

[TC fiend]

They are. But their direct TCs for 2022 and 2023 closed on the 27th of last month.

Out of curiosity, what were the application questions?

 

[John Travoni]

Had anyone done an AC with a company called MJ Hudson? Any help would be appreciated pls

 

[chi.c]

Freshfields offer too! I had truly given up with applications this cycle 😭 (2nd year applying)

I got a call this week (Tuesday) with an offer. I had already lost hope but they still are calling people. They were very apologetic about the delay. You really never know

My candidate portal was actually updated on 31 March but I guess they were quite busy and only managed to call this week. Good luck everyone!

Hey, huge congrats btw!! May I know when you did you AC? I did mine on 18 March but I haven't heard back yet.

 

[Barnsworth]

Received a WG test invite for Howard Kennedy yesterday!

Just received a VI from Howard Kennedy today!

 

[NS95]

Hey, huge congrats btw!! May I know when you did you AC? I did mine on 18 March but I haven't heard back yet.

AC 10th March

 

[psr23]

For BCLP's direct TC, does anyone know the benefit of applying for their sector focused training contract over their normal training contract? Don't know which one to apply for - if I don't apply to a sector specific, would normal trainees still be able to complete seats in those areas?

 

[John Travoni]

Just received a VI from Howard Kennedy today!

When did you receive the VI invite ?

 

[Limanehious]

For BCLP's direct TC, does anyone know the benefit of applying for their sector focused training contract over their normal training contract? Don't know which one to apply for - if I don't apply to a sector specific, would normal trainees still be able to complete seats in those areas?

I'm personally applying for the Manchester office, which you can't do Spector specific, but if I was applying for London, if would think about the following:

1. Do I have a genuine interest in the sector?
2. Do I have evidence/experience backing this experience up? (ie if Real Estate, have you been a paralegal in Real Estate)
3. Is there a strong, firm chance that I will want to qualify in this area?

I think for BCLP especially, they see the trainees as the future of the firm, and so will want real specific interest in the sector to apply. If I was in your position, I would personally 1. Email Grad Recruitment with your question (esp. about opportunities to do seats in other sectors), but mostly likely I would 2. Apply for the Real Estate sector specific. Its a tough one though, as it can put your eggs in one basket, but in my experience, me showing my firm love and background in RE has not hindered me in any application (even in a firm where they aren't strongly RE) but helped me go into the depth of the firm that they are looking for.

Hope this helps and let me know what you decide!!!

 

[Barnsworth]

When did you receive the VI invite ?

Yesterday late afternoon

 

[Brodie]

Not sure if anyone has applied for RPC direct TC here, but I've just received an online test link

Hey, have you heard anything back since doing the test?

 

[Zacher]

Anyone had any offers or rejections from freshfields this week? With the easter break starting its going to be almost 6/7 weeks from AC, still haven't heard anything at all

 

[psr23]

I'm personally applying for the Manchester office, which you can't do Spector specific, but if I was applying for London, if would think about the following:

1. Do I have a genuine interest in the sector?
2. Do I have evidence/experience backing this experience up? (ie if Real Estate, have you been a paralegal in Real Estate)
3. Is there a strong, firm chance that I will want to qualify in this area?

I think for BCLP especially, they see the trainees as the future of the firm, and so will want real specific interest in the sector to apply. If I was in your position, I would personally 1. Email Grad Recruitment with your question (esp. about opportunities to do seats in other sectors), but mostly likely I would 2. Apply for the Real Estate sector specific. Its a tough one though, as it can put your eggs in one basket, but in my experience, me showing my firm love and background in RE has not hindered me in any application (even in a firm where they aren't strongly RE) but helped me go into the depth of the firm that they are looking for.

Hope this helps and let me know what you decide!!!

Thank you for this!! I'm going to apply for their normal TC, as I can't say at this stage that I want to only be in real estate or finance! Would like to explore these practice areas, and others, during a TC ☺️