TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Jessica Booker]

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

Does your TC or VS offers have any terms in them that stop you from doing the scheme if you have accepted the TC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

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?

There is not really any difference between a legal internship and a vacation scheme apart from the name. It sounds like you have enough legal experience and a lot of non legal work experience and so I would say you should have no hesitations in applying for TC/Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships

 

[Solking456]

Anyone who has done an interview with Withers would appreciate any insights !!

 

[T_Law]

Anyone who has done an interview with Withers would appreciate any insights !!

Hey, congrats! Was this for the TC, and if so, when did you hear back after the test?

 

[Solking456]

Hey, congrats! Was this for the TC, and if so, when did you hear back after the test?

I heard back today and did the test a few weeks ago

 

[Luckyleaf]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst post case study?

 

[LillyandSilver]

I heard back today and did the test a few weeks ago

Is Withers rolling? I haven't applied yet but I thought I had until the end of the month

 

[Quistclose]

Anyone know what to expect for a first round interview with Hunters Law LLP?
Also, can't find anything re their TC salaries - anyone have any insights?

Thanks!

 

[Aaj03]

Can anyone who has done a Baker McKenzie AC pm me please?

 

[bangarangbass39]

There is not really any difference between a legal internship and a vacation scheme apart from the name. It sounds like you have enough legal experience and a lot of non legal work experience and so I would say you should have no hesitations in applying for TC/Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships

Thank you very much for clarifying that. I thought recruiters would have looked at it differently because I cant say that it was a vacation scheme. However, I realised that I was completing a lot of work during the work experience. I ended up being given more work to do compared to the vac schemers I completed the internship with.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

If anyone has a successful Arnold and Porter application I could see then I would be very very grateful

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you very much for clarifying that. I thought recruiters would have looked at it differently because I cant say that it was a vacation scheme. However, I realised that I was completing a lot of work during the work experience. I ended up being given more work to do compared to the vac schemers I completed the internship with.

They really won’t look at it any differently just by name. They will look at what you did on the scheme as an indicator of its value.

 

[Seville123]

Any updates on Ashurst post case study? Is it safe to assume it’s a pfo at this point?

 

[LceoH]

Any updates on Ashurst post case study? Is it safe to assume it’s a pfo at this point?

I received the In Person Interview invite 30 minutes ago! I guess they’re just getting back to everyone

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

I received the In Person Interview invite 30 minutes ago! I guess they’re just getting back to everyone

I haven’t even heard anything post-app 😂

 

[Talia43]

Nothing from Mayer Brown still and apparently they have already has a couple of ACs.

 

[Szofi66]

I received the In Person Interview invite 30 minutes ago! I guess they’re just getting back to everyone

Same, got the invite an hour ago for the in person interview.

 

[Ishi.2324]

If you have applied for a 2026/27 Direct TC in the last few months and have been unsuccessful, are you not allowed to apply for the 2024 winter vac scheme at the same firm?

 

[jplaw1010]

If you have applied for a 2026/27 Direct TC in the last few months and have been unsuccessful, are you not allowed to apply for the 2024 winter vac scheme at the same firm?

Usually you are able to apply as it would be classed as a new recruitment cycle (sept-aug).

 

[Gday33]

Nothing from Mayer Brown still and apparently they have already has a couple of ACs.

Also haven’t heard anything after the online test…no update online when I log in either so 🤷🏼‍♀️