TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[K2002]

NRF WG and arctic shores- any tips?

 

[M0M007]

NRF WG and arctic shores- any tips?

Congrats that was quick for NRF, when did u apply if I may ask? Thanks and all the best!

 

[sxw517]

I think they could have sent an email explaining that it may be some time before they respond! I just think most firms (not just in the legal sector) have no respect for job applicants! It’s disgusting Wish I was born 50 years ago when people treated others with respect and decency! I once had a final interview for a VS at a US firm and was ghosted for weeks. Honestly, what the hell has gone wrong in this world! I would really like to see partners going through what we are all experiencing right now, most of them would not be sitting in their shiny offices

Back to the days of a paper application sent in the post followed by a 1-hour interview haha!

 

[K2002]

Congrats that was quick for NRF, when did u apply if I may ask? Thanks and all the best!

15th June x

 

[lolamcd1]

Anyone heard from Boodle Hatfield
?

 

[M0M007]

15th June x

Thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, @Jessica Booker. Hope you are doing well. I had emailed Chloe regarding the issue but looks like she's missed my email. I have my mock interview with her tomorrow. I'd be grateful if you could pass on this message to her if possible so that she could incorporate the clarification. Thanks in advance.

I have flagged to Jaysen and Chloe

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I have flagged to Jaysen and Chloe

Thank you so much. Just heard back from Chloe.

 

[laurabeaumont]

Would trying to learn a language in your spare time be considered a non-academic interest?

I would definitely say yes - especially if you take a course for this!

 

[laurabeaumont]

Hi, does anyone know where to start when preparing for a written exercise? Or have any other tips that helped them prepare? Thanks!

Hi @lolamcd1 ,

What kind of written exercise? All depends on context and time scale really, so let me know more about what you need to do

 

[laurabeaumont]

Grateful for any advice on this - I am starting a paralegal job on Monday and hoping to complete some applications for the 31st July deadline. I'm not too sure how to talk about this experience as I imagine I won't have a complete idea of my roles and responsibilities within the first week as it seems to be mainly meetings and induction tasks. I do really want to include this as it is legal work experience but not sure how to go about it. Thanks.

I would orient the discussion about the role about (1) what you have already done and achieved - ie work done and skills developed already (2) what I will be working on in the coming weeks/months - ie skills to be developed and work to be done - if you catch my drift?

 

[laurabeaumont]

Hello @Jessica Booker hope you are doing well. A slightly weird question to ask but when should a candidate look enthusiastic? Throughout the interview or only when being asked motivational questions? I have seen that while answering competency questions, I am not enthusiastic at all because my focus shifts to nailing the STAR structure. I have seen this with other questions too that require a great amount of detail. What would your advice be?

Thanks.

To add - the STAR method is a great structure to start with and apply, but slightly unrealistic with regard to the flow of a conversation. It can be a lot for you to be thinking about that rigid structure and keeping the conversation engaging for the interviewer. I am definitely not saying don't use a structure, but also cut yourself some slack in terms of applying it so rigidly. Talking about your experiences and what you have gained from them will come naturally if you have thought through them and what you developed before the interview!

 

[Cryingtiger]

I think they could have sent an email explaining that it may be some time before they respond! I just think most firms (not just in the legal sector) have no respect for job applicants! It’s disgusting Wish I was born 50 years ago when people treated others with respect and decency! I once had a final interview for a VS at a US firm and was ghosted for weeks. Honestly, what the hell has gone wrong in this world! I would really like to see partners going through what we are all experiencing right now, most of them would not be sitting in their shiny offices

HAHAHA THIS IS SO TRUE! Half of these partners I’ve encountered do not know basic conversions from word to pdf, it’s shocking! And they are on a ridiculous pay check! Woww

I took on a part time role during my second year of university as a legal assistant (at a US law firm) and three partners openly told me they just about passed their degrees and were handed their TCs back in the 80’s like it was water, honestly, it’s so tough now! But you got this!

 

[kmo20]

Has anyone heard from BCLP post-test or White & Case post-app?

 

[zizszhplum]

Does anyone know where I may be able to practise case studies? Have used all the extremely useful premium TCLA resources but looking for some more!

 

[sxw517]

Is the Stephenson Harwood online critical thinking test the usual Watson Glaser?

 

[bibss]

Orrick WG invite! Finally some positive news

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

To add - the STAR method is a great structure to start with and apply, but slightly unrealistic with regard to the flow of a conversation. It can be a lot for you to be thinking about that rigid structure and keeping the conversation engaging for the interviewer. I am definitely not saying don't use a structure, but also cut yourself some slack in terms of applying it so rigidly. Talking about your experiences and what you have gained from them will come naturally if you have thought through them and what you developed before the interview!

Thank you so much. This is exactly what I was struggling with.

 

[Fd321]

Anyone heard from Boodle Hatfield
?

I just got a really random call from HR asking for my LPC grades even tho I applied for their VS and was rejected. I applied for both at the same time months ago. They said they’ll let me know if I’ve gotten to the next stage in the next couple of weeks if that is helpful.

 

[Cryingtiger]

Is the Stephenson Harwood online critical thinking test the usual Watson Glaser?

Yes!