TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[lawyerletsgo]

What was your report like? 3 strengths and one weakness?

yep i assumed that layout was the same for everyone?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I think it's really poor that so many firms aren't opening their direct TC routes this year despite advertising that the route was available. Attending a vac scheme is not possible for certain demographics and this severely impedes access, plus some people may have relied on making an application through the direct route so didn't apply for VS. Just think it's so poor and doesn't even serve the firm as they may miss out on incredible applicants. Idk it feels like the system is set up in so many ways so only the privileged can succeed and this really isn't helping, especially when they say they will open them and then don't because it makes you feel like you have a chance and then it just gets ripped away from you

 

[bangarangbass39]

I think it's really poor that so many firms aren't opening their direct TC routes this year despite advertising that the route was available. Attending a vac scheme is not possible for certain demographics and this severely impedes access, plus some people may have relied on making an application through the direct route so didn't apply for VS. Just think it's so poor and doesn't even serve the firm as they may miss out on incredible applicants. Idk it feels like the system is set up in so many ways so only the privileged can succeed and this really isn't helping, especially when they say they will open them and then don't because it makes you feel like you have a chance and then it just gets ripped away from you

Which firms have reneged on providing direct TC when usually have?

 

[shatu]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons post app ?

 

[Jessica Booker]

is it safe to assume that applications close at 11:59pm on the deadline day if it doesn't say elsewhere on the website what time it closes?

I don’t think it’s safe to assume - we do know some firms close at the close of business on the day stated and won’t make that clear in their marketing materials.

However, I would say in 95% of cases it is a 23.59 deadline on the date stated.

 

[starbright]

I’ve been offered a TC with a firm and I’m over the moon! But I have an upcoming VS with another firm and I prefer that firm more. In my TC contract there is no mention of the possibility of reneging. I just wanted to check if this is a term usually included in the contact or not?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’ve been offered a TC with a firm and I’m over the moon! But I have an upcoming VS with another firm and I prefer that firm more. In my TC contract there is no mention of the possibility of reneging. I just wanted to check if this is a term usually included in the contact or not?

There typically won’t be a term about reneging unless you are accepting funding and then there could be a term about paying back and costs associated with sponsorship of law school fees or maintenance grants.

 

[starbright]

There typically won’t be a term about reneging unless you are accepting funding and then there could be a term about paying back and costs associated with sponsorship of law school fees or maintenance grants.

Oh I see, thank you Jess! Does this mean I could sign the TC and then renege if I get an offer from the second firm?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Oh I see, thank you Jess! Does this mean I could sign the TC and then renege if I get an offer from the second firm?

Yes - you can do this. You are obviously in breach of contract, but a firm isn't going to seek some form of compensation for you doing so, because there is little to no value in them doing so. They will just back fill your role.

Just be mindful that the moment you even start onboarding processes for the LPC/GDL/SQE, you maybe making a financial commitment to the firm (even if you haven't started the course). So that will typically be the point in which I recommend people make a decision to either commit or renege on a firm.

 

[Rhohia]

Has anyone done the Howard Kennedy VI before? Any tips would be really really great - I am not sure what to expect!

Hey how did you find it? What did they ask
?

 

[RiverJules]

Hey how did you find it? What did they ask
?

I found it a bit tricky, to be honest. It was mainly competence-based questions, and I prepared more for motivation-type questions. Good luck, I hope yours goes better than mine did!

 

[Rhohia]

I found it a bit tricky, to be honest. It was mainly competence-based questions, and I prepared more for motivation-type questions. Good luck, I hope yours goes better than mine did!

Thank you so much. So sorry you felt it didn’t go as planned, fingers crossed! Did it give you set time to prepare or was it the usual 30 seconds and starts recording?

 

[starbright]

Yes - you can do this. You are obviously in breach of contract, but a firm isn't going to seek some form of compensation for you doing so, because there is little to no value in them doing so. They will just back fill your role.

Just be mindful that the moment you even start onboarding processes for the LPC/GDL/SQE, you maybe making a financial commitment to the firm (even if you haven't started the course). So that will typically be the point in which I recommend people make a decision to either commit or renege on a firm.

That makes sense! Thank you so much!

 

[LegalLordLox]

Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths? Even though the email gives a date of 10 June, I thought they would have started the PFO's and AC offers this week.

 

[Lsc9013]

Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths? Even though the email gives a date of 10 June, I thought they would have started the PFO's and AC offers this week.

Someone said last year that they didn’t let them know until the deadline given.

I’m a paralegal at Shoosmiths, and last week they had the solicitor apprenticeship assessment centre so Emerging Talent will be busy with that right now.

 

[norothrow324]

Does anyone that has been contacted by them for a VI / passed test know when BCLP plans to have ACs? Or does anyone know how they went about it last year

 

[LegalLordLox]

Someone said last year that they didn’t let them know until the deadline given.

I’m a paralegal at Shoosmiths, and last week they had the solicitor apprenticeship assessment centre so Emerging Talent will be busy with that right now.

Thank you, very helpful!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Does anyone that has been contacted by them for a VI / passed test know when BCLP plans to have ACs? Or does anyone know how they went about it last year

Have people been getting video interviews already? I thought there had only been rejections

 

[icebear]

bclp pfo an hour ago lol (after test)

 

[LawEnthus]

Simkins interview invite! it will be my first in-person interview for a firm and I would be very grateful for any advice 🙏