TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[born&raised]

Hi! If anyone has done the AC for Freshfields previously - how would you recommend preparing for the article interview?

I have not done any case study or article interview before, so would you recommend doing specific M&A, Private Equity, or any other area of law prep? (not sure about this as it's an article interview and not a case study). Also, for broader commercial concepts (apart from news), is there any source I can refer to?

Would be super grateful for any help. Thanks! 😄

 

[futureTS2025hopeful]

Hi! If anyone has done the AC for Freshfields previously - how would you recommend preparing for the article interview?

I have not done any case study or article interview before, so would you recommend doing specific M&A, Private Equity, or any other area of law prep? (not sure about this as it's an article interview and not a case study). Also, for broader commercial concepts (apart from news), is there any source I can refer to?

Would be super grateful for any help. Thanks! 😄

Hey! Have you got the email to book a slot yet?

 

[born&raised]

Hey! Have you got the email to book a slot yet?

Not yet, I’m hoping we get it tomorrow!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

should i apply for a direct TC if i haven't done a vac scheme w a firm?

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

should i apply for a direct TC if i haven't done a vac scheme w a firm?

I have… I’ve heard it’s alright if you show a genuine interest in law

 

[BM99]

Can anyone confirm that if you are rejected by FF, your application will automatically move to 'inactive' section, showing 'complete'?

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

Can anyone confirm that if you are rejected by FF, your application will automatically move to 'inactive' section, showing 'complete'?

I can check if you like?

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

I can check if you like?

Edit: yep mine says complete and inactive for Freshfields

 

[BM99]

Edit: yep mine says complete and inactive for Freshfields

Thanks for checking! Just wondering if people's applications will do be like this as well, if rejected post -WG

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

Thanks for checking! Just wondering if people's applications will do be like this as well, if rejected post -WG

Ah apologies I thought you meant in general! Someone who’s done the WG can check then

 

[spamelinazoid]

Haven't recieved an update yet but still hopeful...did the FF WG on the deadline - anyone who did it then receive an AC invite yet?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Also isnt it strange to be asking people to interview for 2026? That's 3 years from now, most firms let you even start early...

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Also isnt it strange to be asking people to interview for 2026? That's 3 years from now, most firms let you even start early...

6 months until September
Then the final year of a degree
A year of doing an SQE course + assessments

And if you are a non-lawyer, the GDL for another year too.

The time can easily be taken up!

 

[spamelinazoid]

6 months until September
Then the final year of a degree
A year of doing an SQE course + assessments

And if you are a non-lawyer, the GDL for another year too.

The time can easily be taken up!

I graduated law in 2022. I wonder if they're approaching uni students for now?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I graduated law in 2022. I wonder if they're approaching uni students for now?

Yes - the reason why they are recruiting so far in advance is because they are recruiting penultimate year law undergraduates and final year non-law graduates to training contracts. It’s been this way for decades.

 

[psr23]

I just logged on to the BCLP Vantage page to apply for the direct TC and its saying no roles available - is it possible they've closed their apps early? They were there on Friday, and the deadline was 31 May...

 

[wiinghann]

When did you get your AC invitation? I finished my initial call a month ago has haven't heard anything since then. Thanks

One month.

 

[wiinghann]

Those who got a FF WG invite - did you declare previous VS experience in your application?

No

 

[newtothis]

I just logged on to the BCLP Vantage page to apply for the direct TC and its saying no roles available - is it possible they've closed their apps early? They were there on Friday, and the deadline was 31 May...

I attended their open day recently and they said they are currently doing AC’s for their vac schemes and will not be viewing TC applications until after the vac scheme AC’s.

I’ve found that the ATS they use isn’t the best. So I’d advise that you try to apply using a different browser or on a different day. Additionally you could also call/email their emerging talent team.

 

[BM99]

Does FF usually release invitations at 5 pm?