TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Jessica Booker]

Just wondering, does it make you look more appealing to firms if you have already started the GDL?

And if you start the GDL without getting a TC but get an offer halfway through your GDL studies, would the firm still pay for the GDL?

Hope that make sense, basically just wondering whether it is worth me paying to start the GDL with my own money or whether this is a massive gamble.

I don't think it automatically makes you more appealing - you could be an appealing candidate anyway without it.

However, it can show a commitment to a legal career at the same time.

It will depend on the firm as to whether your course gets funded if you have already started it of your own accord. Some firms pay back fees retrospectively whether you have started or completed the course. Others may pay a pro-rata amount for the time you have left on the course. Others will not pay back anything.

The interesting thing is that the GDL is no longer a requirement - its not like you have to do it anymore. Therefore to me it is a bit of a gamble just because it isn't necessary to complete it. For some firms, they won't put future trainees through the GDL, instead opting to just do an SQE prep course.

 

[ssolicitorz]

sending good luck to everyone this week!

 

[born&raised]

Anyone still waiting to hear from Macfarlanes? I applied a month prior to the deadline. I see that a lot of people have got replies after applying closer to the deadline - don't know what to make out of this.

 

[LEL]

Just wondering, does it make you look more appealing to firms if you have already started the GDL?

And if you start the GDL without getting a TC but get an offer halfway through your GDL studies, would the firm still pay for the GDL?

Hope that make sense, basically just wondering whether it is worth me paying to start the GDL with my own money or whether this is a massive gamble.

There are some firms that will pay your GDL fees retrospectively. Here is the list from a previous thread:

Retrospective Funding

Good day, I had a look around google and the forum to see if there was some comprehensive list of firms that fund the LPC (and perhaps even GDL) retrospectively, but I couldnt find one. I found that DWF Edwin Coe DLA Nabarro (up to 50%) Osborne Clarke (if you have completed less than half of...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

anyone heard from Latham yet?

 

[AvniD]

Does anyone know how law firms assess written assessments and how much weight is put on them? I just finished a written assessment for a direct TC assessment centre and I was panicking because I found out I failed to pinpoint a few mistakes..... @Jessica Booker

I once had a written assessment where I missed a key issue that was right in front of my eyes- took me 5 minutes to find it while the interviewer sat in silence while I frantically scanned the assessment for answers! I still got the job 😅 Sometimes what an employer is looking for is whether you're enthusiastic and your instincts are spot on. You'll likely miss a few things and get a few things wrong- that's generally fine. What's more important is whether you're willing to approach the assessment head-on, accept where you've made a mistake or missed something, improve on this and move on.

 

[kmax301]

Has anyone heard good news from NRF? I have not received anything but thought I did quite poor at the WG despite getting very high marks/percentile all the time

 

[lw2000]

Anyone heard from boodle/trowers yet 🥲 feel like I’m losing my mind here

 

[therealellewoods]

Hi, does NRF send out PFOs in batches? I haven't got the PFO or WG, have they forgot ab me lol?

 

[born&raised]

Also, does anyone know till when Dentons are holding ACs? Had my TI on 21st July, radio silence since then.

 

[Jammo58]

Has anyone heard good news from NRF? I have not received anything but thought I did quite poor at the WG despite getting very high marks/percentile all the time

I only just submitted my WG as the deadline is tomorrow. Have people already received rejections following WG? I assumed all of the rejections from today were post-application, not post-WG. I haven't heard anyone get invites to telephone interviews yet, which is the next stage. So I think you've got time.

 

[kmax301]

I only just submitted my WG as the deadline is tomorrow. Have people already received rejections following WG? I assumed all of the rejections from today were post-application, not post-WG. I haven't heard anyone get invites to telephone interviews yet, which is the next stage. So I think you've got time.

Yeah you might be right, I’ll get my pfo later))

 

[quitestressed]

Does anyone have experience with/tips for the Stephenson Harwood 1st interview? Thank you )

 

[legallybrunette22]

Has anyone heard back from Penningtons Manches Cooper yet?

 

[Adrian_S]

For those who received PFOs from NRF, do you remember when you submitted your application? I'm getting a little loopy with all this radio silence.

 

[Brodie]

Has anyone heard back from RPC since the WG. (2024 direct intake)

Been weeks now ...

 

[Han.louise]

Has anyone heard from Burges Salmon after the final interview?

 

[AnxiousApplicant]

Anyone heard from boodle/trowers yet 🥲 feel like I’m losing my mind here

Waiting to hear back from Trowers, too.

Maybe it will take now longer since they extended the deadline.

 

[k3086]

has anybody heard from Covington?

 

[Life&Law]

HL pfo. On to the next I guess 🤷