TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Inquisitive]

They got back to me in around a day! You mean their pre-AC three stage online assessment right?

Yep that one. I just got an email saying my application is under review. Does this mean anything in relation to the test? I'm so nervous lol

 

[gw9]

Yep that one. I just got an email saying my application is under review. Does this mean anything in relation to the test? I'm so nervous lol

I did it earlier this afternoon - I got a first email saying "your application is currently under review and we will be in touch after the deadline to advise on the outcome of your application," and then a second email saying "I can confirm that you have reached the benchmark on our online test and your application is now under review" about an hour or so later.

 

[Inquisitive]

I did it earlier this afternoon - I got a first email saying "your application is currently under review and we will be in touch after the deadline to advise on the outcome of your application," and then a second email saying "I can confirm that you have reached the benchmark on our online test and your application is now under review" about an hour or so later.

I see, many thanks and congratulations! Hope I get some good news too

 

[Inquisitive]

I passed it! one of the most nerve racking moments in a good while hahah

 

[samni]

I know this can differ by firm, but does time to respond post-AC impact on how successful you're likely to be? With investment banking summer internships, for example, if you don't hear back within 2-3 days of the AC, you can standardly expect that you didn't secure an offer (rejections are sent later). Might be overthinking as that might not be the case for law firms, but would be interested to know if there's a correlation!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I know this can differ by firm, but does time to respond post-AC impact on how successful you're likely to be? With investment banking summer internships, for example, if you don't hear back within 2-3 days of the AC, you can standardly expect that you didn't secure an offer (rejections are sent later). Might be overthinking as that might not be the case for law firms, but would be interested to know if there's a correlation!

Sometimes, but not always. Some firms wait until all candidates are interviewed before making offers.

 

[Hani]

They got back to me in around a day! You mean their pre-AC three stage online assessment right?

Hi, i thought HSF didnt recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[daisy_yawn]

Hi, i thought HSF didnt recruit on a rolling basis?

Yeah we were talking about the online assessment the one everyone has to take!

 

[nialljames]

Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've soaked up the guidance on these threads for over three years, when I first decided to move to London after graduation and began applying for TCs here. I secured two vacation schemes (which ended up being virtual) whilst at uni but then failed to convert, both with little to no feedback. I made the move to London anyway and started work as a paralegal at a top 20 firm. I realised how much I enjoyed the work, and somewhat surprisingly, that I was good at it. I received strong feedback from colleagues and clients and applied internally for the TC, but then got rejected. Over the past three years, I have made well over 100 applications and completed 12 ACs. I'm sure so many of you can understand how I felt - wondering whether there was something intrinsically wrong with me that these people could see that I couldn't, something that told them that I would be a terrible lawyer. Over the last few months, I had given up hope that it would ever happen for me and began to consider moving home, where a TC would be far more easily attainable.

Last week, I received two TC offers (one from an international firm, and one from a US). Both agreed to bring my start date forward - I will be studying for the SQE for the next year, and starting at the US firm next September.

I have read so many of these posts over the years, and admit to rolling my eyes when anyone would say that you just have to trust that it will happen - but it will. If you have the resilience to keep up with this (often unrelenting) process, whilst managing whatever other responsibilities you have - you will get there.

If I can be of assistance to anyone, particularly those applying having not studied in the UK, please do let me know!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've soaked up the guidance on these threads for over three years, when I first decided to move to the London after graduation and began applying for TCs here. I secured two vacation schemes (which ended up being virtual) whilst at uni but then failed to convert, both with little to no feedback. I made the move to London anyway and started work as a paralegal at a top 20 firm. I realised how much I enjoyed the work, and somewhat surprisingly, that I was good at it. I received strong feedback from colleagues and clients and applied internally for the TC, but then got rejected. Over the past three years, I have made well over 100 applications and completed 12 ACs. I'm sure so many of you can understand how I felt - wondering whether there was something intrinsically wrong with me that these people could see that I couldn't, something that told them that I would be a terrible lawyer. Over the last few months, I had given up hope that it would ever happen for me and began to consider moving home, where a TC would be far more easily attainable.

Last week, I received two TC offers (one from an international firm, and one from a US). Both agreed to bring my start date forward - I will be studying for the SQE for the next year, and starting at the US firm next September.

I have read so many of these posts over the years, and admit to rolling my eyes when anyone would say that you just have to trust that it will happen - but it will. If you have the resilience to keep up with this (often unrelenting) process, whilst managing whatever other responsibilities you have - you will get there.

If I can be of assistance to anyone, particularly those applying having not studied in the UK, please do let me know!

This is amazing news - congratulations on your offers!

 

[Inquisitive]

Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've soaked up the guidance on these threads for over three years, when I first decided to move to the London after graduation and began applying for TCs here. I secured two vacation schemes (which ended up being virtual) whilst at uni but then failed to convert, both with little to no feedback. I made the move to London anyway and started work as a paralegal at a top 20 firm. I realised how much I enjoyed the work, and somewhat surprisingly, that I was good at it. I received strong feedback from colleagues and clients and applied internally for the TC, but then got rejected. Over the past three years, I have made well over 100 applications and completed 12 ACs. I'm sure so many of you can understand how I felt - wondering whether there was something intrinsically wrong with me that these people could see that I couldn't, something that told them that I would be a terrible lawyer. Over the last few months, I had given up hope that it would ever happen for me and began to consider moving home, where a TC would be far more easily attainable.

Last week, I received two TC offers (one from an international firm, and one from a US). Both agreed to bring my start date forward - I will be studying for the SQE for the next year, and starting at the US firm next September.

I have read so many of these posts over the years, and admit to rolling my eyes when anyone would say that you just have to trust that it will happen - but it will. If you have the resilience to keep up with this (often unrelenting) process, whilst managing whatever other responsibilities you have - you will get there.

If I can be of assistance to anyone, particularly those applying having not studied in the UK, please do let me know!

Super inspirational!

 

[LegalC]

What’s the etiquette of applying to the same firm in another cycle, and using the same/similar answers as the ones you used in the previous cycle if the applications questions are the same/similar? Especially on questions like why the firm/why commercial law, seeing as my motivations for those would be the same. Just curious!

 

[Jessica Booker]

What’s the etiquette of applying to the same firm in another cycle, and using the same/similar answers as the ones you used in the previous cycle if the applications questions are the same/similar? Especially on questions like why the firm/why commercial law, seeing as my motivations for those would be the same. Just curious!

I think any application can always be refined from previous years based on the things you have subsequently done, the things you have learned since and even by critically evaluating your written style. The general themes might be similar but how it is presented could always be updated and refined.

 

[LegalC]

I think any application can always be refined from previous years based on the things you have subsequently done, the things you have learned since and even by critically evaluating your written style. The general themes might be similar but how it is presented could always be updated and refined.

That’s very true, would the firm be able to see what answers you put in your previous application too?

 

[Jessica Booker]

That’s very true, would the firm be able to see what answers you put in your previous application too?

Potentially yes, depends on their data retention policy.

 

[Sc924]

Anyone heard from Travers about final stage interviews?

 

[samni]

Has anyone heard back from a W&C AC/remember when we can expect to? I think I remember grad rec saying around end of last week but am not 100% sure

 

[gigglingsquid]

Has anyone heard back from a W&C AC/remember when we can expect to? I think I remember grad rec saying around end of last week but am not 100% sure

They always say it'll be around a week till you hear back but it often takes longer. My friend who applied for their direct TC last year only got his offer in December and so did a majority of the people who were on his AC. Try not to worry!

 

[samni]

They always say it'll be around a week till you hear back but it often takes longer. My friend who applied for their direct TC last year only got his offer in December and so did a majority of the people who were on his AC. Try not to worry!

Thanks so much for this! Hope we’ll have it a bit quicker this time haha
Did your friend mention the gap between AC and the final partner interview?

 

[gigglingsquid]

Thanks so much for this! Hope we’ll have it a bit quicker this time haha
Did your friend mention the gap between AC and the final partner interview?

They got back to him 3 weeks later from what I recall but it can be different this year and I'm sure it depends on other circumstances too.