TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

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prospectiveswitcher

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"Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector" is one of the questions on the Hogan Lovells application form.
I have attended events related to a career at the Bar too, including open days at the Inns of Court - is it worth mentioning these? If only to use them as an example of why I chose the solicitor route instead?
 

Jessica Booker

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"Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector" is one of the questions on the Hogan Lovells application form.
I have attended events related to a career at the Bar too, including open days at the Inns of Court - is it worth mentioning these? If only to use them as an example of why I chose the solicitor route instead?
You may want to group them together rather than listing them all out - eg “I attended X, Y, Z events to find out more about alternative legal careers. Attending these events confirmed I was more suited to a career as a solicitor”
 

prospectiveswitcher

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Junior Lawyer
Aug 18, 2022
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242
You may want to group them together rather than listing them all out - eg “I attended X, Y, Z events to find out more about alternative legal careers. Attending these events confirmed I was more suited to a career as a solicitor”
Thanks Jessica.
Another small question, when mentioning open days / personal networking, is it appropriate to use acronyms (mainly to save on word count - I am about 10 words over) - e,g. NRF for Norton Rose Fulbright?
 

Jessica Booker

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Thanks Jessica.
Another small question, when mentioning open days / personal networking, is it appropriate to use acronyms (mainly to save on word count - I am about 10 words over) - e,g. NRF for Norton Rose Fulbright?
I personally wouldn’t unless the firm uses the acronym themselves.

This thread gives some useful examples of how you can save word count though in other ways:

 

lw2000

Distinguished Member
Aug 19, 2021
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I have an interview at Simkins - they said I didn't need to prep anything and we would just go through my application, but does anyone have any previous experience with them and tips on things likely to come up?
Hey I also have an interview, no previous experience but I've been going through my application and trying to come up with follow up questions they could ask based on the points I made
 
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CallumJR

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Has anyone NOT heard from Forsters / did people already hear back with PFO?

I am asking because my app was moved from VS to direct TC (was not eligible to apply for the VS) and I know they have already sent out AC invites.
 
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wz_13

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Jan 3, 2023
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What specifically are the SQE questions?

Sounds like the cover letter should be more motivational based. Are you being asked about why the firm in the application?
Sorry the sqe was a typo it was meant to be some! but the questions are:
  • Covering Letter -350 words
  • Work History – 250 words each
  • Legal Work Exposure (open days, vac schemes, shadowing, commitment to law)
  • How do I fill up my time outside work and studying and why? – 300 words
  • Positions of responsibility held and skills developed
  • What makes Farrer stand out – 300 words
  • Particularly challenging experience and how I dealt with it
 
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Phoebe123451

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    I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

    Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Sorry the sqe was a typo it was meant to be some! but the questions are:
    • Covering Letter -350 words
    • Work History – 250 words each
    • Legal Work Exposure (open days, vac schemes, shadowing, commitment to law)
    • How do I fill up my time outside work and studying and why? – 300 words
    • Positions of responsibility held and skills developed
    • What makes Farrer stand out – 300 words
    • Particularly challenging experience and how I dealt with it
    Cover letter should focus on your motivations then - there is a slight overlap with the what makes Farrer stand out question, but I think you can talk about things that are important to you but maybe don’t “stand out” in the cover letter as to why you applied to them.
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

    Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!
    Star Trek Applause GIF


    Amazing news - congratulations!
     
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    aspiringlawyerr

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    Oct 7, 2022
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    I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

    Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!
    So deserved!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🤩
     
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