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

[kmax301]

Hey, does anyone know if you can apply for NRF's direct TC if you were rejected last Autumn for a WVS?

 

[djqb]

Hey, does anyone know if you can apply for NRF's direct TC if you were rejected last Autumn for a WVS?

Yes!



Source: TCLA's latest Instagram post

 

[Adrian_S]

Yes!

View attachment 4136

Source: TCLA's latest Instagram post

MY FACE ON A TCLA INSTAGRAM POST 😭

 

[AvniD]

MY FACE ON A TCLA INSTAGRAM POST 😭

Very, very well deserved!

 

[lildumpling]

Received a WG invite from bates wells 🥹 surprised but definitely delighted as I love the firm, I’ve struggled with WG tests in the past so if anyone could share their favourite resources they like to use for practice I’m all ears!

 

[NaimK]

Has anyone heard back form Clyde & Co post VI?

Yes, I got invited to the AC. FYI, I did the VI last Sunday and received an email inviting me to AC 2 days ago.

 

[NaimK]

Clyde & Co AC

It consists of an interview, a case study, and group exercise.

If anyone has insight into any or all of these activities that would be much appreciated.

My AC date is this coming Tuesday (21 June).

 

[lolamcd1]

i've just gotten rejected from a paralegal position for a firm that I was considering applying for a training contract for? Would this have any impact / would you recommend that I still apply for a direct training contract at the firm?

 

[Jessica Booker]

i've just gotten rejected from a paralegal position for a firm that I was considering applying for a training contract for? Would this have any impact / would you recommend that I still apply for a direct training contract at the firm?

I would still apply - the recruitment process are very different. Firms can be quite particular with paralegal roles, and it’s highly likely what they are looking for will be different to a training contract role.

 

[Barnsworth]

Received a WG invite from bates wells 🥹 surprised but definitely delighted as I love the firm, I’ve struggled with WG tests in the past so if anyone could share their favourite resources they like to use for practice I’m all ears!

I just completed the WG test for BW - it wasn't too bad! Here's a good resource: https://digestiblenotes.com/law/legal_guides/watson-glaser.php

 

[Vacationschemeapps]

Hello @Jessica Booker and team,

I'm on a non QLD. My TC law firm does not need me to sit for PGDL but is asking only that I do a foundation course tied into my SQE preparation. I was surprised to see however that quite a lot of firms still need people like me to do a PGDL+SQE!!

Do you think there will be any detriment to this? Should this impact my decision of choosing between two TC offers? (Where the other firm has PGDL+SQE route)

 

[lolamcd1]

If a paralegal role has the option of uploading a cover letter (only a CV is compulsory) - is it necessary to write one?

 

[KimchiPajeon]

If a paralegal role has the option of uploading a cover letter (only a CV is compulsory) - is it necessary to write one?

For me, I would definitely write one as I feel like this is something that will instantly set you apart from other candidates.

 

[Jessica Booker]

If a paralegal role has the option of uploading a cover letter (only a CV is compulsory) - is it necessary to write one?

I would suggest writing one so you can explain why you are applying to that role.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello @Jessica Booker and team,

I'm on a non QLD. My TC law firm does not need me to sit for PGDL but is asking only that I do a foundation course tied into my SQE preparation. I was surprised to see however that quite a lot of firms still need people like me to do a PGDL+SQE!!

Do you think there will be any detriment to this? Should this impact my decision of choosing between two TC offers? (Where the other firm has PGDL+SQE route)

Are you doing a law degree, it is just that it is a non QLD?

 

[George Maxwell]

MY FACE ON A TCLA INSTAGRAM POST 😭

@Adrian_S it's the least we could do! The forum wouldn't be the same without you ☺️

 

[AvniD]

Received a WG invite from bates wells 🥹 surprised but definitely delighted as I love the firm, I’ve struggled with WG tests in the past so if anyone could share their favourite resources they like to use for practice I’m all ears!

Hey @lildumpling, linking my post on WGs here to help you prep! ✌️

 

[Brandon93]

Has anyone been able to apply to Hogan Lovells TC? I'm trying but the page still has the link for Jan applications.

 

[WAL007]

[I have copied the same post in the vacation scheme forum]

Hi Guys, hope everyone is well.

I have a TC interview coming in and for it, I need to do a written exercise, a presentation and an interview. I am little bit worried about the written exercise as when I was speaking to future trainees and trainees solicitors, they said the written exercise will be a statement made like an exam type question and we will have 55 minutes to assess both sides of argument and draw own conclusion. Has anyone in this forum been exposed to this sort of written exercise and can you kindly provide tips as to how I can prepare for this? Also, it would be really helpful if anyone can please send a copy of a exercise that is similar to the one I have which I can then practice on?

Many thanks,

AT

 

[George Maxwell]

[I have copied the same post in the vacation scheme forum]

Hi Guys, hope everyone is well.

I have a TC interview coming in and for it, I need to do a written exercise, a presentation and an interview. I am little bit worried about the written exercise as when I was speaking to future trainees and trainees solicitors, they said the written exercise will be a statement made like an exam type question and we will have 55 minutes to assess both sides of argument and draw own conclusion. Has anyone in this forum been exposed to this sort of written exercise and can you kindly provide tips as to how I can prepare for this? Also, it would be really helpful if anyone can please send a copy of a exercise that is similar to the one I have which I can then practice on?

Many thanks,

AT

Hi @WAL007,

I haven't heard of this format of WE before honestly. However, I don't think that your approach to this should be substantively any different (in terms of structure) to a normal WE. I would advise that you do an executive summary and conclusion as normal. Employ subheadings too. For example, if you want to be very formulaic about it, you could write the following:

Argument 1 (replace with appropriate sub-title)
Summary
For
Against
Evaluation

Repeat for Argument 2

You could also pursue a SWOT/PESTLE analysis.

@James Carrabino has written some fantastic content on things to consider in evaluating different arguments, such as this.

In terms of how to practice, I would consider having a look at the written part of the Oxford University Thinking Skills Assessment. From what I remember it was very similar to this and I am sure there are practice questions online. This is a resource produced by Christ Church on the TSA which might be helpful.

I hope that you find this useful AT. Let me know if you could like any further thoughts 🏆