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

[Jessica Booker]

It's been nearly 6 weeks since I did a second round interview and I haven't heard anything (other than an email asking where I'm up to with my other ACs at the beginning of february). My chaser email from a couple of weeks ago didn't get a reply. Other people have had calls receiving offers 1-2 weeks ago so my assumption is that I wasn't successful - especially as the scheme is fast approaching (4 april start).

Is it still worth calling to check when I will hear back?

Yes - I would call given the timeframes

 

[M777]

Yes - I would call given the timeframes

Meant to put this one in the "ask a graduate recruiter" thread - long day at work... thank you for your answer!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Meant to put this one in the "ask a graduate recruiter" thread - long day at work... thank you for your answer!

Haha - no worries, know the feeling!

 

[TCinpipeline]

You could try and attend more networking events and webinars with firms who are known to have a transactional focus/prowess. This could help you better gauge whether you're simply intrigued by this area or if you're potentially interested in engaging in transactional work.

Ultimately, a narrower focus while making applications is generally better as you're able to develop and demonstrate your motivations more deeply. But if you find that even after putting in the legwork to understand what you like better that you're equally interested in both areas, then you could consider applying to firms in both areas and seeing where you have more luck.

TC applications on a rolling basis i.e. where firms assess applications on an on-going basis even while having an advertised deadline could mean one of two things- either that firms review applications on a rolling basis or they offer TCs on a rolling basis.

With rolling basis deadlines is often better to apply earlier in the cycle to have better chances for encountering less competition for each place and avoiding the possibility of the deadline being brought forward or places filling up before the deadline. That being said, your application will most likely be considered regardless of when you apply so don't let the 'rolling basis' wording mislead you into thinking that the early days of the cycle is the only 'right' time to apply.

I hope this helps

 

[TCinpipeline]

Hi - thank you for your reply. I should have pointed out that I currently work in the banking in a large international law firm and the transaction work consists of lots of documents (some very large over 100 pages) and I can vouch that that kind of work does not interest me. Therefore, although the construction work sounded interesting, the partner did say they work on long and short documents so I guess the work itself will not be to my liking in context. I am aware all sectors will have some document work involved but construction does sound like there will be lots of documents which is the case in banking, corporate, asset finance, etc. I am surprised if there has not been other discussions on transaction and advisory work in this context on TCLA? I've not read every thread or are trainees not aware of this until they start doing their training contract? I will have a look at the Clifford Chance videos and try networking.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi - thank you for your reply. I should have pointed out that I currently work in the banking in a large international law firm and the transaction work consists of lots of documents (some very large over 100 pages) and I can vouch that that kind of work does not interest me. Therefore, although the construction work sounded interesting, the partner did say they work on long and short documents so I guess the work itself will not be to my liking in context. I am aware all sectors will have some document work involved but construction does sound like there will be lots of documents which is the case in banking, corporate, asset finance, etc. I am surprised if there has not been other discussions on transaction and advisory work in this context on TCLA? I've not read every thread or are trainees not aware of this until they start doing their training contract? I will have a look at the Clifford Chance videos and try networking.

My opinion (it may not be actual fact) is the more complicated the work you are doing, the more documents there will be and the longer those documents will be. I think that is the case for most practice areas though, and won't be unique to transactional areas.

What will be different is the transaction teams will act more as project management departments and will be coordinating documents/advice from other specialists teams. In contrast, if you are in a specialist area like tax, you probably don't really need to read all the IP or Employment documents. However, the transactional team might and therefore the total volume of documents could be very different because of that.

If document review is not really your thing, you may want to look at firms that outsource or near-shore/off-shore admin work though as that might be less document review work just where it is given to specialist teams to do.

 

[AB]

I was wondering if anyone knows whether Freshfields only update applications they plan on taking further. I have applied to Freshfields a few times and every time my application is only updated the day after I submit it, even when I receive a rejection they don't update. I believe they said they read every application so I am just a little confused.

 

[SCN]

I was wondering if anyone knows whether Freshfields only update applications they plan on taking further. I have applied to Freshfields a few times and every time my application is only updated the day after I submit it, even when I receive a rejection they don't update. I believe they said they read every application so I am just a little confused.

I have this exact same question - I remember someone saying that an update could mean anything like 1. grad rec have viewed application 2. grad rec have actioned on the app. Assuming they read all applications, it does make sense that update = action. Then again, people receive WG invites a few weeks/months after their portal was last updated but surely if GR have already decided to progress, why wait a month later to send WG/AC invites? They definitely have their own way of working but as a non-GR member, the entire process is so confusing!!!

 

[Legalmel_99]

HCR - first interview!!

 

[syw]

Has anyone who applied to Dentons Direct TC (2022/2023) heard back/received a WG invite? I emailed them in early Feb and they emailed back saying they review on a rolling-basis but I still have not yet received any update/WG...

 

[gaininglaw]

Freshfields AC

Freshfields AC!!! 🤩

Hi congrats! Can i ask what dates they were offerings AC's up to?

 

[NS95]

I’ve completed my freshfields WG 29 Jan and scored in the 60s percentile. Should I assume it’s a pfo?

Hi! How did you find out about your score? I have been invited to Freshfields' AC but have no clue how much I scored. I would love to know as I've never passed one before!

 

[gaininglaw]

Hi! How did you find out about your score? I have been invited to Freshfields' AC but have no clue how much I scored. I would love to know as I've never passed one before!

Hi! I hope you don’t mind me asking but i was wondering when you were invited to AC and when the dates were running till! thanks

 

[NS95]

I was wondering if anyone knows whether Freshfields only update applications they plan on taking further. I have applied to Freshfields a few times and every time my application is only updated the day after I submit it, even when I receive a rejection they don't update. I believe they said they read every application so I am just a little confused.

Hi! I hope you don’t mind me asking but i was wondering when you were invited to AC and when the dates were running till! thanks

No problem! I received the email this Wednesday around 4pm. I would try not to stress too much about it (I know it is easier said than done!) as I checked this thread that day and some people had just received their WG invite.

If I remember correctly AC dates run from Mon 28th Feb to Thu 10th March.

 

[NS95]

I have this exact same question - I remember someone saying that an update could mean anything like 1. grad rec have viewed application 2. grad rec have actioned on the app. Assuming they read all applications, it does make sense that update = action. Then again, people receive WG invites a few weeks/months after their portal was last updated but surely if GR have already decided to progress, why wait a month later to send WG/AC invites? They definitely have their own way of working but as a non-GR member, the entire process is so confusing!!!

Hi there - I wouldn't rely too heavily on updates to the application portal. I've been invited to the AC and my profile has not updated since they invited me to the WG (beginning of February). I do get your point, I had no clue when they would be reaching out. Best of luck with your applications!

 

[JSM123]

Anyone heard from Ashurst direct TC (I.e AC invite)?

 

[S30]

Anyone heard from Ashurst direct TC (I.e AC invite)?

They are non-rolling I believe! We will hear back after 31st March

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi everyone, I have just posted a new thread that I intend to update weekly about my personal experiences with different components of the law firm interview process - my post for Week 1 was about my experiences with video interviews! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions

 

[relentlesspursuit]

Fieldfisher 2023 TC AC invite

 

[IT7]

Does anyone have any link that compiles upcoming training contract application dates?