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

[JadeWadey01]

TC interview for Harbottle & Lewis! Has anyone else heard back or interviewed with them?

Bit late but I haven't heard back from them yet. Has anyone else?

 

[RoughWood]

Hi all!
I have an AC with Pinsent Masons for a direct TC and they've asked us to prepare in advance a SWOT analysis document that we will present on the day. Anyone have any tips on the best way to go about this? I've never done a SWOT analysis before

Hey, Congrats on the AC! A basic SWOT is to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of whatever they are asking you to do it on.
For example, a SWOT for a brick and mortar retail business could be:
Strengths - established, local knowledge of business, USP of company
Weakness - brick and mortar so no online shopping offering for wider audience of potential customers
Opportunity - expand to online, could provide existing in-person customers a bonus or discount if recommending friends to shop online, potentially have reps for the business like body shop has with consultants
Threats - competition businesses, increased rates and overheads for brick and mortar store, economy issues

Hope this gives you a general idea and good luck!

 

[Hope4aVS]

Had anyone heard back from Penningtons Manches Cooper?

 

[John Travoni]

Is anyone who applied to ES direct TC London heard back yet??

 

[thefutureladylawyer]

Is anyone who applied to ES direct TC London heard back yet??

I don't think anyone has heard back from ES at all

 

[WAL007]

Has anyone heard back from Orrick post tc app?

 

[TCgrad]

How positive is being asked to let someone know if you receive any other offers at the end of an interview?

 

[samni]

I would separate like this - for experiences where I can give tangible examples of how my role changed or improved something and delivered results or was an award i’d put in the second.

if my position didn’t have a tangible result or I just participated I’d put in the first.

Thanks @Abii! This is really helpful

 

[samni]

There will be elements that only fit into one of these two questions, so be mindful to try and ensure those are in the right section. Also don’t miss things - people will often miss their general interests out on the first question, and I’d encourage people to include that.

For elements that could cross both (eg an extra curricular that also crosses into a PoR), I might explain different elements. Say for instance you have been a member of the law society and have benefitted from attending their career events, I’d put that in the first question. If they in my second/third year is joined the law society committee and was elected into a certain position, I’d mention that in the second question.

Same could apply if you have played a sport or been involved in the same activity (eg various choirs) over a long period of time and across multiple groups. Then I’d mention that more so in the first question, and then focus on any specific positions of responsibility related to them in the second.

Thank you Jessica, this is really useful! Will try to do this without repeating anything

 

[Adrian_S]

Has anyone heard back from Akin Gump or Addleshaw Goddard? Been well over a month since I applied, so thought I’d ask

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone heard back from Akin Gump or Addleshaw Goddard? Been well over a month since I applied, so thought I’d ask

Don't have any hopes on getting an update from Akin Gump. I did WG for their vacation scheme 16th January and am still waiting for my rejection.

 

[Adrian_S]

Don't have any hopes on getting an update from Akin Gump. I did WG for their vacation scheme 16th January and am still waiting for my rejection.

At what point is it okay to send grad recruitment a message asking for an update? And also, how long did it take to receive the WG after you’d applied? Still gobsmacked you haven’t heard back yet whew

 

[S87]

At what point is it okay to send grad recruitment a message asking for an update? And also, how long did it take to receive the WG after you’d applied? Still gobsmacked you haven’t heard back yet whew

I have not seen any messages about tc offers from either firms. For example, I know that DWF has made tc offers following vacation schemes so I would wait a few more days.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

At what point is it okay to send grad recruitment a message asking for an update? And also, how long did it take to receive the WG after you’d applied? Still gobsmacked you haven’t heard back yet whew

I applied 3 days before the deadline which was around 6th January I applied and I emailed graduate recruitment 2 times over the space of 4 months. I just leso after so am not waiting for my PFO.

 

[Scandi]

WFW AC secured!🥳


I would be eternally grateful if anyone could share some tips on how to succeed - either here or by DM🙏

 

[AvniD]

WFW AC secured!🥳


I would be eternally grateful if anyone could share some tips on how to succeed - either here or by DM🙏

Congratulations @Scandi! Linking some of our resources below to help you prep-

1. Avni's breakdown of ACs
2. Avni's tips on prepping for ACs
3. James' tips on prepping for ACs

 

[lolamcd1]

Is it worth making a speculative application to recruitment at firms. I have found a couple of boutique firms that I am particularly interested in. Is it worth taking the time to email their recruitment to see if there are any admin/ paralegal roles or work experience opportunities available there? Or is it not recommended to do so?!

 

[TC fiend]

Is it worth making a speculative application to recruitment at firms. I have found a couple of boutique firms that I am particularly interested in. Is it worth taking the time to email their recruitment to see if there are any admin/ paralegal roles or work experience opportunities available there? Or is it not recommended to do so?!

Absolutely. One of the paralegals in a different department sent a speculative email to my firm and he got his position that way. Never any harm I think

 

[MarianaMartins]

Absolutely. One of the paralegals in a different department sent a speculative email to my firm and he got his position that way. Never any harm I think

If you do not mind me asking, do you work in a large or small firm?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it worth making a speculative application to recruitment at firms. I have found a couple of boutique firms that I am particularly interested in. Is it worth taking the time to email their recruitment to see if there are any admin/ paralegal roles or work experience opportunities available there? Or is it not recommended to do so?!

Definitely worthwhile doing this if they are firms you have a particular interest in.