TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[maz12]

Been invited to Shoosmiths TC next stage, any tips for the online assessment?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

BM WG invite. Does anyone have any BM specific tips (if any)? This is the first time that I've cleared the application stage in 3 years of trying.

 

[jomar]

BM WG invite. Does anyone have any BM specific tips (if any)? This is the first time that I've cleared the application stage in 3 years of trying.

Is this Bakers? When did you submit your application?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Is this Bakers? When did you submit your application?

Yes this is Bakers. I submitted my app on the 21st of March.

 

[The Lincoln Lawyer_66]

Just an FYI to all Baker McKenzie applicants. They are sending first batch invites for the Watson Glaser. The email told me that the test will follow shortly and we will have 7 days to complete from when we receive the test.

 

[Momo]

BM WG invite. Does anyone have any BM specific tips (if any)? This is the first time that I've cleared the application stage in 3 years of trying.

Same just got WG invite and it’s my first time getting past the written application stage. Any advice to ace the WG?

 

[O]

I did my VI for Dentons direct TC (Dubai office) two months ago. I know that they running the same process for London office as well.
Does anyone have been invited for an AC or get a rejection ?
Thanks.

They havent held any ACs for the London route as far as I am aware. Btw did your route include their new test or was it a WG?

 

[newtothis]

I’ve received an email from Baker McKenzie saying that they will be sending me the Watson Glaser test in the next couple of days. This is for the direct TC application.

Does anyone know if this automatic?

 

[jomar]

I’ve received an email from Baker McKenzie saying that they will be sending me the Watson Glaser test in the next couple of days. This is for the direct TC application.

Does anyone know if this automatic?

Nope - you have been moved to the following round if I believe correctly

 

[newtothis]

Nope - you have been moved to the following round if I believe correctly

Thank you for confirming

 

[Fuelled By Caffeine]

For anyone who has recently done the Ashurst tests, have people received an email confirming that the tests have been received?

 

[jomar]

For anyone who has recently done the Ashurst tests, have people received an email confirming that the tests have been received?

No but my CVMAIL portal says they were confirmed and completed and I got the report sent to me right after.

 

[Humanoidlawyer]

Guys, require some advice. Received the mail from BM re: the WG. It says, "If you wish to receive an adjusted version of this assessment due to a disability or a health condition..." Now I have come across several applications which provide this option but I'm never really sure if I can take it. I am neurodivergent, but only recently diagnosed so never had any adjustments made ever before. But I think this can help me. Should I mail them asking for an adjustment, and is it ok to do so whenever there is a provision like this in applications?

 

[Fuelled By Caffeine]

No but my CVMAIL portal says they were confirmed and completed and I got the report sent to me right after.

Ah okay. Mine says they have been completed; however, I didn't receive a report in my email.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

I'm applying to a firm for a direct TC - they specifically say that they'll only consider apps from people who couldn't have made their VS. In my cover letter, do I need to address why I couldn't have attended their VS? @Jessica Booker any thoughts would be great

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'm applying to a firm for a direct TC - they specifically say that they'll only consider apps from people who couldn't have made their VS. In my cover letter, do I need to address why I couldn't have attended their VS? @Jessica Booker any thoughts would be great

I personally would include this for clarity - but I would just keep the reference very brief/to the point.

 

[ADKM]

Is it advisable to mention the same commercial story when applying to different law firms considering they have strengths in similar practice areas? @Jessica Booker

 

[mome101]

No but my CVMAIL portal says they were confirmed and completed and I got the report sent to me right after.

How long did it take for you to receive your report? I finished my test a couple of hours ago and haven't received anything yet.

 

[mome101]

Guys, require some advice. Received the mail from BM re: the WG. It says, "If you wish to receive an adjusted version of this assessment due to a disability or a health condition..." Now I have come across several applications which provide this option but I'm never really sure if I can take it. I am neurodivergent, but only recently diagnosed so never had any adjustments made ever before. But I think this can help me. Should I mail them asking for an adjustment, and is it ok to do so whenever there is a provision like this in applications?

Yes, definitely. I have ADHD and I don't think asking for reasonable adjustments will hamper your chances. Remember that this is not about getting an unfair advantage but having an equal playing field. You can search up some of the normal adjustments given for your neurodivergence, such as extra time, different format, etc., and then email the grad rec about that. I emailed Baker and they immediately responded with the adjustments that were suitable for me. Hope this helps.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it advisable to mention the same commercial story when applying to different law firms considering they have strengths in similar practice areas? @Jessica Booker

You can mention the same story if you think it is equally as relevant to the different firms - I don't see the harm in repeating it as the firms wouldn't know you have said it to other firms (whether in an application or interview).

However, I would encourage people to not be over-reliant on one story. Even in one interview, you could easily be asked about multiple stories/subjects, and so I think it is worthwhile having a few to hand, particularly over the course of a recruitment cycle across multiple firms.