TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[random6035]

Is it standard practice to ask a firm for a paralegal role in the meantime if they offer you a TC starting in 2026/27? How/when would you go about doing this -- after all the contracts have been signed or to ask when they first give you the TC offer? @Jessica Booker

 

[tealzeal]

I’m now thinking that they may not have realised it would be bank hol today when they originally set up the timeline (I’m hoping lol)

True I almost forgot today was a bank holiday! It'd prob come out tmr then because I doubt anyone would be in the office today lol

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it standard practice to ask a firm for a paralegal role in the meantime if they offer you a TC starting in 2026/27? How/when would you go about doing this -- after all the contracts have been signed or to ask when they first give you the TC offer? @Jessica Booker

You can ask for them to keep you in mind for any vacancies that may come up before you start (assuming you don’t have to complete the SQE before your TC starts). There are absolutely no guarantees they can give you a role though, but they can keep you in mind if anything suitable comes up. You can mention this at any time - but if you are going to accept the TC it makes sense to just wait until you have accepted the TC offer in writing.

 

[Aliceczernia]

Do people think it’s a PFO for Ashurst now? Last year people heard back up to 10th May?

 

[spamelinazoid]

How do people handle situations where you cant attend an AC day? Due to e.g. a pre-planned vacation that cannot be moved (plane and train tickets, hotels ect)

Does GradRec usually accommodate requests to move an AC or is that likely to piss them off?

 

[Jessica Booker]

How do people handle situations where you cant attend an AC day? Due to e.g. a pre-planned vacation that cannot be moved (plane and train tickets, hotels ect)

Does GradRec usually accommodate requests to move an AC or is that likely to piss them off?

It’s not going to piss them off - the worst that is going to happen is they don’t have any other availability for alternative dates. But you are not going to anger them by asking in case they do have alternatives.

 

[LawfulRust00]

I received a 2024 training contract offer in early March, which I accepted. I haven’t received the contract or any other related documentation yet. I have chased once or twice, as it was mentioned that I would have it by now. Should I be concerned?

 

[Legal111]

Anyone heard from Kingsley Napley today?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I received a 2024 training contract offer in early March, which I accepted. I haven’t received the contract or any other related documentation yet. I have chased once or twice, as it was mentioned that I would have it by now. Should I be concerned?

I don't think you need to be concerned. I would just contact your point of contact in HR/Graduate Recruitment and ask when you could expect a written offer to be sent to you.

 

[LillyandSilver]

If a firm says "describe yourself in three words" should you just pick three words or explain why?

 

[Szofi66]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst post virtual case study?

 

[give.me.a.tc]

I don't think you need to be concerned. I would just contact your point of contact in HR/Graduate Recruitment and ask when you could expect a written offer to be sent to you.

Also @LawfulRust00 check your spam folder.

 

[Legal111]

Anyone heard from Kingsley Napley today?

AC invites are out!

 

[OllieCockman]

🥳

 

[Jessica Booker]

If a firm says "describe yourself in three words" should you just pick three words or explain why?

I would explain why. They won’t really care about the words as such - it’s more the explanation of why you have picked what you have.

 

[kawanm1]

Does anyone know when Orrick will start getting back to applicants?

 

[zara elles]

Is it safe to assume no reply from Ashurst is a pfo at this point?😔

 

[greentyboo]

I just got a TC offer from a firm, but have a VS with another firm lined up for the summer. Ideally I would like to accept the TC and also complete the VS. Any ideas how to navigate this conversation with the firm I have a TC offer from? @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

 

[bangarangbass39]

Hi, I'm thinking of applying for a training contract for a law firm. I'm wondering if this is a good idea considering my limited legal experience. Perhaps it's better that I wait for more legal work experience or next year for a vacation scheme?

I have done bar work for two years during university, mentoring and tutoring for over a year, and I'm currently a researcher volunteer for an education NGO. Just to clarify I ahve graduated with an MA in a non law degree.

In terms of legal work experience, I have completed a two week legal internship which was essentially like a vacation scheme. I also have an a week long insight/internship scheme coming up in the summer and I'm awaiting feedback for two internships this summer that will also last a week. I'm confident that one of the interviews went well.

I realise because I haven't done a formal vacation scheme there is a bit uncertainty about my experience, however from speaking to grad rec, vac schemers, etc at the places I completed work at, many of them have said that what I have completed should be communicated like I completed a vacation scheme because of the length scheme and series of tasks that I completed. I will be applying for a different law firm that I haven't completed a vacation scheme for. I know time is not an important factor, it is the work that you have completed, insight you have gained and how you communicate that. But I have noticed that the internship I completed is longer than the vac scheme that the firm I am applying for offers. Also, it's very likely that I will have more experience by the time summer comes. Should I hedge my bets or wait for more legal work to come in to apply for their TC/Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship?

 

[livelaughlaw]

Has anyone heard back from Tamimi?