TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[yasmars]

1. Describe your proudest achievements and what challenges have you had to overcome? (200)
2. How could CMS use technology to help you further in your legal career? (CMS)
3. When have you delivered exceptional client service and how could this support you to be a successful trainee at CMS? (200)

Hey! If anyone has applied to CMS, could you tell me what the questions are on the application form? I haven't started yet and been wondering if I should apply there

 

[AlexJ]

How realistic is to get a direct TC as a non-law graduate at a firm that doesn't run a Vac Scheme like Fried Frank or King & Spalding when I haven't done a Vacation Scheme since 2020? Would doing their Open Day help? Any other advice?

At K&S you aren’t disadvantaged by being a non-law student. About 1/2 of current / future trainees are non law.

I would recommend attending the open day as it will help you learn more about the firm and develop your application!

 

[Tintin06]

At K&S you aren’t disadvantaged by being a non-law student. About 1/2 of current / future trainees are non law.

I would recommend attending the open day as it will help you learn more about the firm and develop your application!

Thank you. Did you get a TC at K&S?

 

[AlexJ]

Thank you. Did you get a TC at K&S?

yes happy to answer questions through DM if you have any

 

[app03]

Congratulations. May I ask are you still at uni or graduated ? If so, do you have legal experience? Just trying to understand chances of VS vs TC for this specific firm.

Thank you! I am in uni (decided to do masters). I do have legal work experience although nothing directly commercial like a VS. From what I have heard, the firm heavily recruits from VS however, it does a small portion from TC route regardless of the VS outcome as they emphasis some applicants not having the option to apply for their VS.

 

[wz_13]

if anyone has done the flex legal trainee VI/ online test and wouldnt mind giving me some insight it would be greatly appreciated! <3

 

[HLL]

Just went through the application portal for A&O direct tc and did not see a written application question? Is it the same for everyone else?

 

[laby201]

Just went through the application portal for A&O direct tc and did not see a written application question? Is it the same for everyone else?

There's no written questions in the application anymore. You do a very standard application with grades and work experience, then you get sent a link to a SJT and video interview questions. Should you be successful from there, then you have an assessment day

 

[aniraz]

Is the Hogan WG automatic? I applied a couple of weeks ago but haven't received a test yet.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

after doing the cc wg for direct tc, did anyone get any email about having passed the test or not?

 

[Legalstalker]

after doing the cc wg for direct tc, did anyone get any email about having passed the test or not?

Yes i got one the day after i failed

 

[Legalstalker]

Is the Hogan WG automatic? I applied a couple of weeks ago but haven't received a test yet.

TC WG get sent in December

 

[tillywizz98]

i got one two days later to say i passed & they'll be in contact mid Dec

Yes i got one the day after i failed

 

[lola15167]

Hi! Hope everyones doing well! For Gowling's application question "Why is ESG important to Gowling WLG, and how can lawyers proactively promote ESG best practices in the commercial world? (350 words)" How would one go about answering this? For the first part, should I talk about their clients and why ESG is important to them? and for the second part, again, should my answer revolve around their clients? Thank you!

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

i got it the day after. and no, i didnt get any results as such, just a blanket statement on the lines of how i wasnt a cultural fit.

Hey I’m so sorry to hear this! Was this test for this cycle? If so, which scheme?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Yes i got one the day after i failed

sorry to hear that, did they give you any percentile benchmark that was supposed to be met?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hey I’m so sorry to hear this! Was this test for this cycle? If so, which scheme?

it was for the direct tc route

 

[norothrow324]

Is CMS rolling?

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

it was for the direct tc route

Thank you! I’ve applied for both VS and TC, completed both the tests and got a feedback document for both. I was under the impression that they waited a bit before sending out rejections.

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

Has anyone heard back from the following places:
1. BCLP (post test)
2. Hogan Lovells (post test)
3. Squire Patton Boggs
4. Bank of England
5. Gowling WLG
6. Trowers & Hamlins
7. Accutrainee
8. Lloyd’s Marketing Association