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

[sxw517]

Feel free to point me towards resources should there be any relevant to this query, afaik there aren't currently on this forum any directly relevant.

I have two cover letters to write to support applications for two direct TC's and I want to check I am on the right path.

For the why law I have mentioned what first sparked my interest in law, coming from a non law back grounds. I have then gone on to mention a previous career accounting and finance and how this piqued my interest in comm law.

For the why this firm, I have mentioned an interest in project financing and DCM following two courses I have taken post uni and how this relates to the preeminent practice areas of the firm I am applying to. I have then mentioned a project financing and why the financial instruments used interest me.

For why me, I currently have three disparate attributes or skills, that I have linked back to the firm, is this too many? As the paragraph seems rather lengthy atm (do these skills necessarily need to be linked back to the firm, as atm the links back to the firm in the final para sound rather contrived.

Any feedback on this approach, length and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Feel free to point me towards resources should there be any relevant to this query, afaik there aren't currently on this forum any directly relevant.

I have two cover letters to write to support applications for two direct TC's and I want to check I am on the right path.

For the why law I have mentioned what first sparked my interest in law, coming from a non law back grounds. I have then gone on to mention a previous career accounting and finance and how this piqued my interest in comm law.

For the why this firm, I have mentioned an interest in project financing and DCM following two courses I have taken post uni and how this relates to the preeminent practice areas of the firm I am applying to. I have then mentioned a project financing and why the financial instruments used interest me.

For why me, I currently have three disparate attributes or skills, that I have linked back to the firm, is this too many? As the paragraph seems rather lengthy atm (do these skills necessarily need to be linked back to the firm, as atm the links back to the firm in the final para sound rather contrived.

Any feedback on this approach, length and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

That sounds like a good approach to me - I seem to have a good balance of the number of points raised without it being too many, and you are covering the three "whys" which is important unless these are covered in other aspects of the application.

 

[sxw517]

That sounds like a good approach to me - I seem to have a good balance of the number of points raised without it being too many, and you are covering the three "whys" which is important unless these are covered in other aspects of the application.

Thanks Jessica, ok I will stick to three points in the last para.

Is there a rule of thumb with regards to a word count for a cover letter, as different sources suggest anywhere between 1-2 A4 pages

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks Jessica, ok I will stick to three points in the last para.

Is there a rule of thumb with regards to a word count for a cover letter, as different sources suggest anywhere between 1-2 A4 pages

Not generally - some firms have a particular requirement of 1 page, while other firms go with a maximum word count, so it is worthwhile checking what the firm themselves state on this.

Generally, I'd aim for a page of A4 or no more than 800 words though - but that's just my opinion (and a generalisation).

 

[F12M34L]

Question for @Jessica Booker: If you're rejected from [x]'s firm direct TC, is it advisable to apply for any of their paralegal position?

If so, the reasons to apply at that firm would be more or less the same. Again is it advisable to re-use them in your cover letter?

 

[S87]

Question for @Jessica Booker: If you're rejected from [x]'s firm direct TC, is it advisable to apply for any of their paralegal position?

If so, the reasons to apply at that firm would be more or less the same. Again is it advisable to re-use them in your cover letter?

I am not Jessica, but from my knowledge the Graduate team is completely different and separated from the "traditional" HR hiring team.
When it comes to the cover letter, I personally believe that the structure of a cover letter for a paralegal role should be a bit different from the cover letter for a tc.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I am not Jessica, but from my knowledge the Graduate team is completely different and separated from the "traditional" HR hiring team.
When it comes to the cover letter, I personally believe that the structure if a cover letter for a paralegal role should be a bit different from the cover letter for a tc.

I agree with this as I got a paralegal role with a firm that I got rejected for a TC applicastion so don't worry about it.

 

[s.k.o]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons Post telephone interview?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Question for @Jessica Booker: If you're rejected from [x]'s firm direct TC, is it advisable to apply for any of their paralegal position?

If so, the reasons to apply at that firm would be more or less the same. Again is it advisable to re-use them in your cover letter?

If they are temp/contract paralegal roles, then yes this is not a problem at all. Be mindful that if you are applying for a permanent role though, the firm may question your long term motivations (sometimes firms want career paralegals, not people who will leave soon for law school/a TC).

I would expect the cover letter to be different though - although some elements will be the same (e.g. why the firm), I would expect the why the opportunity to be very different. You are applying for a paralegal role in a particular department, and your motivations will need to reflect that specialism. You may also want to focus your "why me" on the skills highlighted in the job description for the paralegal role which could be different to that for a TC.

 

[StudentOfLaw21]

Has anyone done an AC with Lester Aldridge?

 

[Scandi]

RPC Watson Glaser invite 🙏

 

[Ameliaa]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent Masons? I applied on the deadline, which was almost a month and a half ago and haven't received a response yet

 

[Polaranu]

PFO from Bates Wells post-WG

 

[lildumpling]

PFO from Bates Wells post-WG

Same here, PFO from Bates Wells post WG, hope other people have heard back with some more positive news!

 

[Polaranu]

Same here, PFO from Bates Wells post WG, hope other people have heard back with some more positive news!

🤞🏾 Wishing you the best with your other apps!

 

[lildumpling]

🤞🏾 Wishing you the best with your other apps!

You too!!!!

 

[Barnsworth]

I've received an Invitation from Bates Wells for the assessment day!

 

[John Travoni]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent Masons? I applied on the deadline, which was almost a month and a half ago and haven't received a response yet

I completed their online test last week and was told I should hear back soon. They said their ACs are scheduled on the week of the 18th July so quite near.

 

[Ameliaa]

I completed their online test last week and was told I should hear back soon. They said their ACs are scheduled on the week of the 18th July so quite near.

Ahh congratulations and thank you for the info! I'm assuming its a PFO then for me if the ACs are so close. But I guess I won't count myself yet till they email me a confirmation.

 

[malvern3142]

Ahh congratulations and thank you for the info! I'm assuming its a PFO then for me if the ACs are so close. But I guess I won't count myself yet till they email me a confirmation.

I'm assuming the person you're replying to applied for one of the regional offices. If you applied for the London office, don't worry they're still in the screening process and haven't contacted any applicants yet. I would expect a response if not at some point today, then certainly early next week.