TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[ADKM]

"Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor."
@Jessica Booker how do you think I should approach this question? The word limit is 300 and I am not sure how many points do I pick out for qualities of a successful commercial lawyer and challenges as a trainee solicitor. I'm worried if I mention 2-3 points for each, I won't have the word limit to properly justify my points. Any advice would help a lot!

 

[bonnax]

Anyone on the Shearman summer vs plz drop me a message

 

[Jessica Booker]

"Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor."
@Jessica Booker how do you think I should approach this question? The word limit is 300 and I am not sure how many points do I pick out for qualities of a successful commercial lawyer and challenges as a trainee solicitor. I'm worried if I mention 2-3 points for each, I won't have the word limit to properly justify my points. Any advice would help a lot!

I’d aim for at least two qualities and balance it with at least two challenges.

 

[ADKM]

I’d aim for at least two qualities and balance it with at least two challenges.

Thank you Jessica. Would you also say when I mention these qualities and challenges, I link it back to the firm or just describe what I did to overcome them?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you Jessica. Would you also say when I mention these qualities and challenges, I link it back to the firm or just describe what I did to overcome them?

There is no need to link it back to the firm.

Be mindful you don't need to describe anything you have overcome either though.

 

[S87]

Do you guys know if Freshfields is going to open their direct tc?

 

[Lord Sumption]

Do you guys know if Freshfields is going to open their direct tc?

Summer trainee associate programme application: 1 June to 13 July 2023 - summer interviews will be held in August 2023.

 

[LegalC]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

 

[S87]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

I have never heard of this

 

[ADKM]

There is no need to link it back to the firm.

Be mindful you don't need to describe anything you have overcome either though.

Thank you Jessica. Very helpful!

 

[p272]

Hi @Jessica Booker -one application is asking me to 'Argue the case for and against' a particular topic. I was wondering if is there a specific way I should be approaching this in terms of layout? or any other suggestions you would have of how to organise it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do you guys know if Freshfields is going to open their direct tc?

1st June

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker -one application is asking me to 'Argue the case for and against' a particular topic. I was wondering if is there a specific way I should be approaching this in terms of layout? or any other suggestions you would have of how to organise it?

There isn’t a specific approach to this really. Just stick to one side and don’t hedge your bets/sit on the fence too much.

 

[S87]

1st June

View attachment 4923

Literally spent one hour on the page and did not see it, I should really put my glasses on.
Thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[Momo]

For the Ashursts online test, what kind of tests should I be practising ? Should I practice verbal reasoning tests?

 

[vdktn]

Hey I got an invite a few months ago, but booked it for May! When is yours?

Also May! Congratulations, that’s exciting

 

[confusedstudent]

Mayer Brown still hasn't sent me anything (test invites etc.) after my application?

 

[Abii]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

Usually they are not negotiable. Especially if they have several TCs available a year because all trainees are paid the same - you are being offered the salary for the role you are applying for not the one you have. Sucks but I’m in the same boat taking a pay cut from my paralegal salary to my TC salary next year, I’m going to a US firm that’s pays the higher end of TC salaries. Long term though it’s a couple years pay cut for a much higher earning potential going forward as I’ve pretty much hit the paralegal salary ceiling now.

 

[jamesbaillie]

does anyone know any London direct TCs which are open?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

does anyone know any London direct TCs which are open?

Baker McKenzie is until April 1.