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

[Adrian_S]

Bird & Bird VI. If anyone has suggestions, I’d be really grateful to hear about them.

 

[Polaranu]

Hiya!

Has anyone heard back from Pinsent Masons or Orrick post TC app?

 

[LauraAlturaCoaching]

Hey @John Abram,

I am not sure I am going to be very helpful with this question honestly. But would be happy to be a sounding board. What are your thoughts so far? I know that @LauraAlturaCoaching has a lot of experience doing D&I work, so perhaps she would be a good person to help (if she has the time to reply and sees this!).

For context, what is this an application for? And where is the job?

@George Maxwell I'm so sorry I've only just seen this. @John Abram, if you would like to reach out to me about D&I, I'd be delighted to help. My email is [email protected]

 

[Scandi]

Bird & Bird interview invite 🥳

This appears to be a short pre-recorded video interview. Does anyone have tips on how to succeed?

 

[Vacationschemeapps]

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

Yeah, it's a law degree but not QLD

 

[IT7]

My VS application was rejected at a particular firm, but I am applying to them again in the same cycle through the Direct TC route. I was wondering, to what extent should I change my application answers for this second application?

I went through my VS application again, and I understand certain parts were not great and need changing. I will also get the application reviewed by other people and make those additional changes. However, I still think a major part of the application would remain the same for me, including the phrasing and content of the answers. And except for certain changes, I think my current application is relatively strong, since I've got through to the AC stage in other firms with similar phrased answers (not including the firm-specific differences in each answer).

So is it fine if I re-use certain paragraphs of my VS application, and just change small parts of that application that I think can be improved? Or should I re-write the entire application for the TC and change everything majorly? Further, do firms ever re-check prior applications and compare the two?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Yeah, it's a law degree but not QLD

Sorry for the questions - I just think it impacts the advice given. Have you done core law modules (eg contract/tort) but are just missing some that making it a QLD or is it something like a Scottish law degree? Just trying to work out what modules you have studied and how much overlap there would be with the GDL.

 

[Ameliaa]

Bird & Bird VI!

If anyone has any suggestions or information about the type of questions etc I will be eternally grateful! This is usually the part of the application process that I fail miserably

 

[s.k.o]

I have Dentons' telephone interview coming up Any tips or advice would be really appreciated

Hi! How long did it take for them to reply you post telephone interview ?

 

[lawcurious]

Bird & Bird VI!

If anyone has any suggestions or information about the type of questions etc I will be eternally grateful! This is usually the part of the application process that I fail miserably

I did their vac scheme VI and i think the TC VIs are similar - they were competency and motivational questions. I'd suggest learning their core competencies that they value/look for in a trainee and keeping your motivations for why law/commercial law for the VI for sure
edit: if i remember right there were 5 questions in total!

 

[Gs4]

Has anyone heard anything from Bevan Brittan for the direct TC? How long do they usually take to send out test invites if successful?

 

[Ameliaa]

I did their vac scheme VI and i think the TC VIs are similar - they were competency and motivational questions. I'd suggest learning their core competencies that they value/look for in a trainee and keeping your motivations for why law/commercial law for the VI for sure
edit: if i remember right there were 5 questions in total!

Thank you so much for the information! I'll make sure to practice my competency/motivational question method.

I was wondering if there were any commercial awareness questions? I'm quite worried about how to answer such a question in a limited timeframe 😅

 

[lawcurious]

Thank you so much for the information! I'll make sure to practice my competency/motivational question method.

I was wondering if there were any commercial awareness questions? I'm quite worried about how to answer such a question in a limited timeframe 😅

Not that i remember (but i did this in November last year so don't count on my memory) but id say try and show commercial knowledge in any answer you can anyway?? eg when explaining why commercial law i mention smth demonstrating my commercial awareness and interlink that with why i want a career in commercial law

 

[psr23]

Does anyone know if GDL grads are considered law grads for the Hogan Lovells summer TC application window? Can’t find the answer anywhere on their website. I know freshfields considers GDL grads as law grads, and Slaughters doesn’t!

 

[Ameliaa]

Not that i remember (but i did this in November last year so don't count on my memory) but id say try and show commercial knowledge in any answer you can anyway?? eg when explaining why commercial law i mention smth demonstrating my commercial awareness and interlink that with why i want a career in commercial law

Ahh I see! Thank you very much

 

[Strugglinglawstudent]

Anyone heard from slaughters post app yet? Applied two weeks ago

 

[Brandon93]

Seeing some people on here got through to the Bird & Bird VI so I'll share my experience so everyone can see. This is from 2020 so may be outdated.

My VI was four questions with approximately 1 minute 30 seconds to answer.

The questions were: 1 motivational question, 1 question on legal tech and 1 competency question.

 

[sibs23]

Hi! How long did it take for them to reply you post telephone interview ?

I'm still waiting, unfortunately. I did the TI on the 24th of May. If anybody knows when I should expect to hear back, please do let me know

 

[NaimK]

Can anyone say anything about what to expect with the case study or group exercise for Clyde & Co's AC?

 

[tt_xo]

Does anyone know when Norton Rose Fulbright will open direct tc applications for penultimate years (the one open is only for finalists and graduates)