TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[CR7]

How long since your call?

It sounds like the firm doesn’t have a preferred supplier and so sounds like you will pay for the LPC and then get the amount reimbursed . Depending on the LPC provider, they might be able to send the invoice directly to the firm (which is another way of doing it).

Ultimately I wouldn’t do anything until you have signed and returned your paperwork. The only issue is many of the LPC courses have either started or will start soon and therefore you may need to push for the paperwork to be sent soon, but that depends how long it’s been since the call.

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for the quick response.

Do you know which LPC provider can send the invoice directly to the firm?

It's been about 2 days. I called up ULaw today who have confirmed that they still have spaces for the LPC on my preferred campus and the deadline is 23 Sep, so hoping to submit an application to them in the next day or two as there is time-pressure on this.

Are you saying I shouldn't apply until I get the paperwork?

 

[Bradley Draper]

Passed the first interview stage of Travers Smith's Direct TC application! The next stage involves an individual piece of work that we are given two weeks to complete, followed by a virtual half day where an associate will lead us in an assessment which we are then given five days to complete.

If anyone has any advice or knows anything about this stage, please contact me!!! I would be eternally grateful

 

[NaimK]

Keep a level head and try to have fun with it. It is not super technical and the interviewers will try to guide you towards a discussion of the points that are salient for assessment purposes. I believe there are particular things that they are looking for you to address but I think there are also points for raising interesting/relevant comments even if it's 'off book' so to speak. When reading the article, focus in the first instance on making sure you understand what's going on in it at a fairly granular level BEFORE thinking about what you might want to say about it.

Thanks for this. Are there any sort of general commercial awareness concepts that I'm likely to encounter?

It seems like I'll have to be able to summarise whatever article I've been given to the interviewers.

 

[Bradley Draper]

Congratulations! Could I ask if this is the telephone interview or the interview following that?

Thank you! No telephone interview for the direct TC process. It was an hour-long virtual interview with a partner (However, I think it can sometimes be with a senior grad rec member)

 

[samni]

Thank you! No telephone interview for the direct TC process. It was an hour-long virtual interview with a partner (However, I think it can sometimes be with a senior grad rec member)

Thank you and congrats again! Have had radio silence since submitting so have even forgotten the stages hahah

 

[LegalC]

I am bit concerned now since I also applied for the Birmingham office but got nothing other than the email telling me they are still reviewing applications last Wednesday. I guess it is a silent no then.

Waiting for Birmingham

Has anyone else received anything, either AC invite or PFO for the Birmingham office?

I had an AC invite last Friday for Birmingham

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for the quick response.

Do you know which LPC provider can send the invoice directly to the firm?

It's been about 2 days. I called up ULaw today who have confirmed that they still have spaces for the LPC on my preferred campus and the deadline is 23 Sep, so hoping to submit an application to them in the next day or two as there is time-pressure on this.

Are you saying I shouldn't apply until I get the paperwork?

I don't know - but even if I did, it would also be down to the law firm.

2 days is no time at all - paperwork could easily take a week or two.

You could apply now but personally I would wait until you have your paperwork.

Maybe email the Graduate Recruitment team and explain that you are keen to ensure you have enough time for onboarding for the LPC but also have some questions about how the LPC fee process would work and therefore can you arrange a call with them.

You could then get all your questions answered on that call (e.g. how long the paperwork would take and how the paying the LPC fees work, plus anything else you want to know). You can explain given the LPC deadlines you'd be keen to catch up this week if possible.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for this. Are there any sort of general commercial awareness concepts that I'm likely to encounter?

It seems like I'll have to be able to summarise whatever article I've been given to the interviewers.

Not general commercial awareness concepts unfortunately - the articles typically are not commercially law focused.

 

[Valenok]

So sorry to hear that! What office did you apply for? If you don’t mind me asking- I’m awaiting to hear back

No not at all, and thank you. I applied for the London TC

 

[Landgate]

Has anyone heard back from Freshfields for direct TC apps post interview yet?

 

[sc29]

I can't believe I'm posting this but I got a call today from Freshfields with a TC offer! It came at 7 am ish so I was lowkey thinking it was a prank call haha After all these rejections I really can't believe this is happening! :')

 

[LokieLow]

I can't believe I'm posting this but I got a call today from Freshfields with a TC offer! It came at 7 am ish so I was lowkey thinking it was a prank call haha After all these rejections I really can't believe this is happening! :')

Massive congratulations! How long after the AC did you hear back if you don’t mind me asking

 

[Jessica Booker]

I can't believe I'm posting this but I got a call today from Freshfields with a TC offer! It came at 7 am ish so I was lowkey thinking it was a prank call haha After all these rejections I really can't believe this is happening! :')

Congratulations! This is amazing news

 

[sc29]

Congratulations! This is amazing news

Thank you Jessica!! Honestly could not have gone through the process without TCLA and your help so thank you!!! )

 

[sc29]

Massive congratulations! How long after the AC did you hear back if you don’t mind me asking

Thank you so much!! I did my AC on Monday so three days-ish? I know it took some people more time so I think it depends!

 

[traineedreamer]

PFO from Travers Smith. Apologising for the delay, stating that they've filled all spaces for the next stage of the process and won't be holding anymore interviews.

I know it's not personal at all and part of the process but it's just so frustrating having this outcome when they had started giving calls for the next stage 2 weeks ago. I wish a firm would just take a chance on me 😩 (rant over)

 

[the english lawyer]

travers pfo but it was acc an apologetic email - anyone else feel like their grad rec team are having a mental breakdown?

 

[the english lawyer]

PFO from Travers Smith. Apologising for the delay, stating that they've filled all spaces for the next stage of the process and won't be holding anymore interviews.

I know it's not personal at all and part of the process but it's just so frustrating having this outcome when they had started giving calls for the next stage 2 weeks ago. I wish a firm would just take a chance on me 😩 (rant over)

re-apply to them. they've opened their winter vac scheme and i'm sure you could basically use the cover letter with a couple of changes to any recent work they've been doing/ awards they have won. don't give up with them or anyone else - it's a numbers game. the more you try, the greater your odds are!

 

[traineedreamer]

re-apply to them. they've opened their winter vac scheme and i'm sure you could basically use the cover letter with a couple of changes to any recent work they've been doing/ awards they have won. don't give up with them or anyone else - it's a numbers game. the more you try, the greater your odds are!

It's true, thank you! Think I was almost having a moment too because it's unclear whether it was a rejection based on filling spaces or a rejection based on my application not being good enough. People who applied after me got interviews though so I suppose it may be the latter. Still, we go again!

 

[MontereyPK]

Travers PFO too ✌️