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

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Rob93

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Dec 29, 2020
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Anyone else having login trouble with freshfields? Trying to bang out an 11th hour app and keep getting locked out when going to reset my password.

Relatedly, would anyone be keen to share the cover letter prompt so I can at least get cracking on that locally while troubleshooting? (Would also be grateful if anyone knows the word count on their work experience sections & how many entries are allowed)

TIA!
 

Rob93

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Dec 29, 2020
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Does anyone know how long Latham's behavioural test is and how many questions are likely to be there?
Don't recall exactly but iirc it took me 30-45 minutes - that said I didn't spend loads of time on the answers and tended to go with my gut (this did not go well for me but i think that is more due to how i thought at the time about the role and the expectations than anything else).
 
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Asil Ahmad

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  • Mar 29, 2020
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    Anyone else having login trouble with freshfields? Trying to bang out an 11th hour app and keep getting locked out when going to reset my password.

    Relatedly, would anyone be keen to share the cover letter prompt so I can at least get cracking on that locally while troubleshooting? (Would also be grateful if anyone knows the word count on their work experience sections & how many entries are allowed)

    TIA!
    Here you go
     

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    Adrian_S

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    Anyone else having login trouble with freshfields? Trying to bang out an 11th hour app and keep getting locked out when going to reset my password.

    Relatedly, would anyone be keen to share the cover letter prompt so I can at least get cracking on that locally while troubleshooting? (Would also be grateful if anyone knows the word count on their work experience sections & how many entries are allowed)

    TIA!

    Hi friend! So re: work experience, there doesn't seem to be any word count, but I wouldn't go over 250 words for each work experience you list in the section.

    Regarding personal statement, make sure you answer the following 3 questions: (1) Why are you interested in a career in commercial law? (2) Why are you interested in a career at Freshfields specifically? and (3) Why are you a good fit for Freshfields and what skills do you have which would make you a great trainee at the firm?

    Overall, quite straightforward! You got this!
     
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    Rob93

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    On the topic of SJTs and similar, in case of interest, if you're anything like me your instinct might be to sort things yourself as much as possible and only select answers that involve leaning on other people in like really fringe cases. Having now spent a few months in a City firm this is really not it! Delegate clerical and admin tasks to support staff, ask senior solicitors sensible questions in the first instance rather than spending countless hours banging your head against the desk trying to figure things out on your own, communicate when you do not have capacity for something! It will make your life easier and make your team more efficient both internally and from the perspective of clients (who do not want to pay for time you spend on low-value tasks or where you are overextended and not operating effectively).

    This way of thinking/acting does not come naturally to a lot of people (I would hazard a guess that working class folks are especially disinclined to delegate) but it's important to realise that trainees are a few rungs up the ladder even if it's your first job out of uni (or if, like me, you have gotten used to being the bottom of the totem pole in previous jobs). Rely on the people around you and, equally importantly, treat them well and show them that they can also rely on you.
     

    Rob93

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    Here you go
    Hi friend! So re: work experience, there doesn't seem to be any word count, but I wouldn't go over 250 words for each work experience you list in the section.

    Regarding personal statement, make sure you answer the following 3 questions: (1) Why are you interested in a career in commercial law? (2) Why are you interested in a career at Freshfields specifically? and (3) Why are you a good fit for Freshfields and what skills do you have which would make you a great trainee at the firm?

    Overall, quite straightforward! You got this!
    Stupendous, thank you both.
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    Anyone else having login trouble with freshfields? Trying to bang out an 11th hour app and keep getting locked out when going to reset my password.

    Relatedly, would anyone be keen to share the cover letter prompt so I can at least get cracking on that locally while troubleshooting? (Would also be grateful if anyone knows the word count on their work experience sections & how many entries are allowed)

    TIA!
    You don't need to write it in a cover letter format - the personal statement doesn't need the formalities of a cover letter.

    The intro to the statement is:

    Personal Statement


    Please write about yourself in the space provided below. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience and any achievements, interests and personal qualities which are relevant. Please also state briefly why you are making this application.

    You must stay within the word limit for the vacancy that you are applying for:
    • 850 words: Training Contract; London-Asia Training Contract; Vacation Scheme
    • 400 words: Workshop; Open Day; Spring Scheme
     
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    lawnoob

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    Jan 15, 2021
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    For slider SJT exercises, is it ok to put my slider in the middle for most answers (about 60-40, only slightly leaning to one side)? I would have a mixed approach for most scenarios in reality.

    Or do firms want to see a more solid answer like 90-10/80-20?
     

    Jessica Booker

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    For slider SJT exercises, is it ok to put my slider in the middle for most answers (about 60-40, only slightly leaning to one side)? I would have a mixed approach for most scenarios in reality.

    Or do firms want to see a more solid answer like 90-10/80-20?
    There won't be a set answer to this. Some answers are likely to need a stronger spectrum response, while others will be expected to be more in the middle. It really depends on the scenario.
     
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    mome101

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    I'm a bit confused about whether I should put my high school education, seeing as I finished schooling outside of the UK and there aren't clear fields for this information on the Freshfields' direct TC application. Please help me :)
     

    Jessica Booker

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    I'm a bit confused about whether I should put my high school education, seeing as I finished schooling outside of the UK and there aren't clear fields for this information on the Freshfields' direct TC application. Please help me :)
    I would include it if you can. They will want to see your pre-university/high school grades.
     

    Law2022

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    May 3, 2020
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    If anyone received a WFW video interview invite, please could you forward me the link if it is not specific to you? I can no longer access my email and I’m worried grad recruitment won’t get back to me before the 15th. TIA
     
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