TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[TheTCcommune]

has anyone heard from curtis at all?

nope, just as in the dark...

 

[inspiron]

AC invite from HL (for next week!)

 

[lawyering]

Is it possible to have assessment centres online if you are working abroad?

I think it depends on the firm - some are fine with it, some do a flexible approach, some will just say no.

if you are already in a process, worth asking them now. If you haven’t applied yet (eg direct TC) and you know you’ll be abroad at the time of ACs, worth checking beforehand as some firms are really strict about this and you don’t want to have wasted an application

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it possible to have assessment centres online if you are working abroad?

It is a possibility - it’s worthwhile checking with the firm if invited to that stage or whether they would cover your travel/accommodation if they need to do it in person.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

It is a possibility - it’s worthwhile checking with the firm if invited to that stage or whether they would cover your travel/accommodation if they need to do it in person.

Just a small question here please. Do firms cover all expenses for ACs or do they cover a small portion like they do for open days? Thanks.

 

[Untilwinter]

What are

It is a possibility - it’s worthwhile checking with the firm if invited to that stage or whether they would cover your travel/accommodation if they need to do it in person.

I am trying to plan what I am going to do upon graduation this summer in terms of living expenses, visa, and career stuff. I didn't secure any TC or vac scheme this cycle and I want to have a go at another application cycle but unsure how that's going to roll out.

I am an international student, so I am thinking about moving back to my country where I can do paralegal work and save money instead of spending on London housing. Or I might stay in London and maybe work if I am lucky and just write apps for the winter since they say apps are a basically a full time job.

How do most graduates apply? I know loads of trainees have done paralegal work before but how do they manage to write apps, go to interviews?

Also, what are timelines for tc apps that are due in summer like? Do most people get results by late August or early September?

Sorry if this is too much😅

 

[BM99]

Any Baker VIs released?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just a small question here please. Do firms cover all expenses for ACs or do they cover a small portion like they do for open days? Thanks.

Depends on the total costs and the firm’s policy. Capping it at somewhere between £100-300 is common.

 

[Jessica Booker]

What are

I am trying to plan what I am going to do upon graduation this summer in terms of living expenses, visa, and career stuff. I didn't secure any TC or vac scheme this cycle and I want to have a go at another application cycle but unsure how that's going to roll out.

I am an international student, so I am thinking about moving back to my country where I can do paralegal work and save money instead of spending on London housing. Or I might stay in London and maybe work if I am lucky and just write apps for the winter since they say apps are a basically a full time job.

How do most graduates apply? I know loads of trainees have done paralegal work before but how do they manage to write apps, go to interviews?

Also, what are timelines for tc apps that are due in summer like? Do most people get results by late August or early September?

Sorry if this is too much😅

Plenty of people manage applications alongside full time work. It’s not easy - but plenty of people do it - I am sure many of our members will be able to explain their strategy. But generally I think they become 1) selective (eg fewer applications); 2) make sure the opportunities are the rights ones for them (eg VS versus TC applications - working out whether you can do any vacation scheme a first of all can help focus your application strategy) and 3) play the long game - set the strategy out over many months/a full academic year rather than just focusing on immediate deadlines. Spreading the load can help.

Generally timelines are - applications are open between May and July.

Interviews take place July through to September and finish ahead of the next cycle starting in October.

 

[IT7]

Is it possible to have assessment centres online if you are working abroad?

Yes, lots are very flexible about conducting the AC online. But send the firm an email before you decide to apply to them, and ask if they are open to virtual ACs - some firms have moved towards an exclusively offline model now and it's better to know this before you spend time writing an application!

 

[Law1099]

What are

I am trying to plan what I am going to do upon graduation this summer in terms of living expenses, visa, and career stuff. I didn't secure any TC or vac scheme this cycle and I want to have a go at another application cycle but unsure how that's going to roll out.

I am an international student, so I am thinking about moving back to my country where I can do paralegal work and save money instead of spending on London housing. Or I might stay in London and maybe work if I am lucky and just write apps for the winter since they say apps are a basically a full time job.

How do most graduates apply? I know loads of trainees have done paralegal work before but how do they manage to write apps, go to interviews?

Also, what are timelines for tc apps that are due in summer like? Do most people get results by late August or early September?

Sorry if this is too much😅

I didn’t get my TC until I was in full time work. And I think my applications got better once I was working and gained experience. And I worked long hours as a paralegal (around 10 hours a day). It’s definitely do-able. Honestly the fact that I could spend less time on apps probably made my apps better as I didn’t overthink them or get ‘writers block’.

 

[Untilwinter]

so many answers from everyone!!! Thank you that really cheered me up😭😭😭

 

[spamelinazoid]

Is it ok to ask for WG advice for prep on here? or is there another thread for that?

 

[islay6_5]

Does anyone know what the NQ salary for Arnold and Porter is? I can't find it anywhere online

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know what the NQ salary for Arnold and Porter is? I can't find it anywhere online

Many firms choose not to disclose NQ salaries, particularly if they are not fixed or are ending reviewed.

 

[Estupiña Colada]

Hi @Jessica Booker long time lurker first time questioner! Are there any do's and don'ts when talking about a deal which has interested you/is significant to the firm you are applying too?

 

[jomar]

Question for Bakers - is VI automatic after WG? Or do you have to pass WG in order to receive VI? Just finished up WG.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Question for Bakers - is VI automatic after WG? Or do you have to pass WG in order to receive VI? Just finished up WG.

You have to pass.

 

[BM99]

Does anyone know if Bakers operate a threshold for the WG test?

 

[kmo20]

Anyone heard from BCLP post test for TC?