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

[djqb]

Just wondering if anyone knows what the 'white' vs 'grey' boxes mean on LCN for TC's and Vac's.
Is it that there are very few places left or if they are 'rolling'?

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I think they have more info for the firms in white boxes as opposed to the grey ones - like in their firm profile section on LCN?

 

[NS95]

Has anyone heard from Freshfields post-AC?? It's been a while now 🤪

 

[TChopeful]

Finally got my PFO from CRS. Happened to be on my birthday, but any communication is better than none, so we go again. Onwards and upwards, still many more TCs open this season.

 

[Cantab_95]

Finally got my PFO from CRS. Happened to be on my birthday, but any communication is better than none, so we go again. Onwards and upwards, still many more TCs open this season.

Same! Bizarre how long it took - thought that was a strong app too!

 

[TChopeful]

Same! Bizarre how long it took - thought that was a strong app too!

I agree, a long time of radio silence. My application wasn’t very strong in all honesty. The good news is if yours was strong then you have it all there and you’ll find another TC elsewhere. I have learned a lot from that process and shall produce a better application next time. Either way, we’ll both make it. Good luck!

 

[A L]

still nothing from freshfields

Can I ask if it is post-app, post-WG, or post-AC?

 

[A L]

Has anyone's Freshfields portal not been updated since submitting the direct TC application?

Me. Can I ask about the status of your FF application now?

 

[Fil]

Has anyone heard from Bakers TC?

 

[Cantab_95]

No - I think they get back to everyone in April, they say they are rolling but when I spoke with GR they said you’d have the same odds if you applied this month as last

 

[NaimK]

Anyone working on the app for Ashurst?

Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, your achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst (750 words)

This is one of the questions. It's not the usual cover letter structure of why law, why X firm and why me.

I intend to spend half the word count (~375 words) on "why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst" i.e. why Ashurst.

Not sure how to tackle the first part and how to divide word count between talking about myself, my skills and achievements.

 

[j.s.cox]

Anyone working on the app for Ashurst?

Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, your achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst (750 words)

This is one of the questions. It's not the usual cover letter structure of why law, why X firm and why me.

I intend to spend half the word count (~375 words) on "why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst" i.e. why Ashurst.

Not sure how to tackle the first part and how to divide word count between talking about myself, my skills and achievements.

I would actually disagree and say that from the above question why law, why the firm, why you is the exact right structure.

They ask you you to:

- 'tell us about yourself, your skills, your achievements' - this is why you
- 'why you want to train as a solicitor' - this is why law
- why you want to...work at Ashurst' - this is why the firm

Other people may have a different opinion, but I would approach this the same way as a cover letter.

 

[NaimK]

I would actually disagree and say that from the above question why law, why the firm, why you is the exact right structure.

They ask you you to:

- 'tell us about yourself, your skills, your achievements' - this is why you
- 'why you want to train as a solicitor' - this is why law
- why you want to...work at Ashurst' - this is why the firm

Other people may have a different opinion, but I would approach this the same way as a cover letter.

Interesting. I took the train + work at Ashurst as a singular thing, but I originally associated the question with the usual structure as you've laid it out.

I could always adopt my 'why law' answer and add an extra element for why I want to be a solicitor specifically (rather than barrister). The 'why Ashurst' stuff is self-explanatory.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

 

[hopefullylaw2000]

Interesting. I took the train + work at Ashurst as a singular thing, but I originally associated the question with the usual structure as you've laid it out.

I could always adopt my 'why law' answer and add an extra element for why I want to be a solicitor specifically (rather than barrister). The 'why Ashurst' stuff is self-explanatory.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

I recently attended the Vantage even with Ashurst and I got the impression that the structure of the answer is more focused around you rather than a traditional cover letter with equal components. So for example, an introduction into why law, then why ashurt then why you, however the why law and you should be more blended throughout the answer. Further, it appeared that they are very interested in getting to know you. I personally would approach this around 25% why law then 25-30% why Ashurst, then the rest blended about the things you have done and the qualities you can bring. Not sure if that makes sense but that is just the impression I have got! As always, I think these sorts of q's can be structured in a variety of ways and be successful so in a sense go with your gut and what you think flows well!

 

[NaimK]

I recently attended the Vantage even with Ashurst and I got the impression that the structure of the answer is more focused around you rather than a traditional cover letter with equal components. So for example, an introduction into why law, then why ashurt then why you, however the why law and you should be more blended throughout the answer. Further, it appeared that they are very interested in getting to know you. I personally would approach this around 25% why law then 25-30% why Ashurst, then the rest blended about the things you have done and the qualities you can bring. Not sure if that makes sense but that is just the impression I have got! As always, I think these sorts of q's can be structured in a variety of ways and be successful so in a sense go with your gut and what you think flows well!

Very helpful - much appreciated 🙏

Makes complete sense.

 

[James Carrabino]

Interesting. I took the train + work at Ashurst as a singular thing, but I originally associated the question with the usual structure as you've laid it out.

I could always adopt my 'why law' answer and add an extra element for why I want to be a solicitor specifically (rather than barrister). The 'why Ashurst' stuff is self-explanatory.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!

I do not think you need to go into too much detail about why solicitor over barrister. Also, I would not say that the 'why Ashurst' stuff is self-explanatory - you should spend a reasonable amount of your answer explaining it to the reader.

Also, if you are going to take the 'train at and work at Ashurst' as a singular thing then I would still ensure that you consider them separately. For example, you can explain why you are seeking a career at Ashurst, but you should also make sure to add specific details about why Ashurst's training programme in particular appeals to you.

I hope that all helps

 

[Abgaal]

Has anyone heard back from FF post AC

 

[NS95]

Has anyone heard back from FF post AC

I know one person heard on Monday but I haven't personally. My AC was on the 10th of March.

 

[bppgdlgrad]

I know one person heard on Monday but I haven't personally. My AC was on the 10th of March.

Was it a positive outcome for them? Worried that not hearing back yet is a negative sign

 

[NS95]

I'm not sure if they only started calling on Monday. Given that today is Wednesday and they are still carrying out ACs, I wouldn't think so. It seems that most people haven't heard back. I guess we should know soon!

 

[Jooooopp7]

Has anyone had experience with a fieldfisher telephone interview? - Could I ask what sort of stuff they ask and what I should be preparing?