TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Sxvpr]

Has anyone received a response from Linklaters for the direct TC? My portal status is still ‘On Hold’, no idea what this means

 

[Deleted member 3712]

How is everyone getting their % scores for Ashurst’s cognify and emotify? Is it an email which comes a few days later after you complete the assessments?

 

[F99]

Anyone know the pass mark/percentile for Baker McKenzie WG?

 

[hopefullawyer123]

Hi all, for those who submitted the fieldfisher application, did you insert your individual module results for your degree or just the overall qualification result ( 2:1 etc)?

 

[jomar]

Just submitted FF TC 2025 app. However no confirmation email, and when I go back to check submission, a few parts are just outright missing. Example: undergraduate grades, mitigating circumstances, and the personal statement upload. Anyone have insight on this?

 

[average_jo123]

Just submitted FF TC 2025 app. However no confirmation email, and when I go back to check submission, a few parts are just outright missing. Example: undergraduate grades, mitigating circumstances, and the personal statement upload. Anyone have insight on this?

I just submitted mine too and it's the same for me. I'm fairly certain that all these elements were there on the final review page before submitting so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[AmakaWrites]

I checked, there’s nothing anywhere, and no reply from Grad Rec…

When did you apply? And when was your application status last updated?

 

[Ald]

Do you have to complete freshfields Watson glaser by the deadline (5th jan) or does it get sent to everyone after the deadline has passed??

 

[gw9]

Do you have to complete freshfields Watson glaser by the deadline (5th jan) or does it get sent to everyone after the deadline has passed??

As far as I know, you only get sent the WG once your application has been reviewed so I would assume not - but I haven’t applied yet myself so can’t say for sure!

 

[LawIsInTheAir]

When did you apply? And when was your application status last updated?

7th of December. Grad rec replied to my email with a rejection though, so the wait is over :')

 

[Equal_Rites]

Hi everyone! This is my first app cycle, have applied to 6 vac schemes in total and my one response thus far, Reed Smith, have deemed me good enough to advance to the next stage I understand that a number of firms recruit directly from their TCs so my question is whether or not it would be worth applying for direct Training Contracts given that I only really made the switch to law in July (am a graduate). Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy New Year to anyone reading this and may all your TC related dreams come true!🎉

 

[tofu]

does anyone know if we can apply for dentons vac scheme and TC in the same cycle? thank you!

 

[mkap]

I am a bit confused how to interpret the following question:
Please outline the reasons why you wish to pursue a career in commercial law at Osborne Clarke.

I was wondering would I need to talk about my motivations for pursuing a career in commercial law first then discuss why I chose Osborne Clarke.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am a bit confused how to interpret the following question:
Please outline the reasons why you wish to pursue a career in commercial law at Osborne Clarke.

I was wondering would I need to talk about my motivations for pursuing a career in commercial law first then discuss why I chose Osborne Clarke.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be first, but I would make it clear why you specifically want to be a lawyer at the firm in your answer. If your answer could equally apply to someone in a non-legal job, then the answer would not be specific enough to commercial law.

To me, this question is also about the longer term career, not just the opportunity you are applying to.

 

[daisy_yawn]

Hi everyone! This is my first app cycle, have applied to 6 vac schemes in total and my one response thus far, Reed Smith, have deemed me good enough to advance to the next stage I understand that a number of firms recruit directly from their TCs so my question is whether or not it would be worth applying for direct Training Contracts given that I only really made the switch to law in July (am a graduate). Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Happy New Year to anyone reading this and may all your TC related dreams come true!🎉

If you have some legal work experience think it's worth a go! Some firms require a minimum number of weeks' experience in commercial law for you to apply to their direct TC (can't remember which!) so check that you satisfy these first.

 

[Tintin06]

Is it worth re-applying to a firm that offered you a Vac Scheme place you didn't accept (this was in 2019)?

 

[jomar]

Looking for advice: I've got a place on a summer vac scheme at a firm this summer. However, not sure if I will get a TC out of it. What is the best way to articulate to firms that recurit direct TCs that you have secured a spot to show your value in the market?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Looking for advice: I've got a place on a summer vac scheme at a firm this summer. However, not sure if I will get a TC out of it. What is the best way to articulate to firms that recurit direct TCs that you have secured a spot to show your value in the market?

You just need to include it in your application form. If you can add a future work experience entry you can add it in there with a description of which department you will be sat in (if you know). But alternatively a brief reference in a motivational question or in an extra information section is usually a better way to do this.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it worth re-applying to a firm that offered you a Vac Scheme place you didn't accept (this was in 2019)?

If you were successful last time, there is a decent chance that you would be successful again. However, if you turned them down for other firms they may want to see a clear reason why you are applying to them again/have changed your mind.

However, there is a decent chance they don’t even remember you, especially if it was nearly four years ago (they probably aren’t holding an records/data of your previous application). That may even be more so the case if the recruitment team have changed since you applied.

 

[Momo]

Hello everyone I d like to ask a question, when answering the "why this law firm?" question. Is it a good idea to state your interest in one of the niche areas of law the firm is known for, however it is not their core practice area or practice area which generates the most revenue for them?

In my case, I have a strong interest in public international law due to past experiences in university but I find that it is simply a niche for most firms even though they are well-known for it. Furthermore, public international law is seen to be less commercial since it is dealing with mainly countries and organisations rather than businesses. Would appreciate an insight on this from anyone including @Jessica Booker. Thanks a lot!