TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Szofi66]

31st May? Or June? I only got 1 email after HR and fee earner interview stating latest would be 7 June COB. Have still not hear back so far.

Yes i got 7th june latest as well - this is post HR interview

 

[hannah04]

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?

 

[jmak]

Is it worth me applying for a Freshfields and White and Case Direct TC if I have never done a vacation scheme and have no prior work experience in law.
I received a 1st class at university and I have a lot of work experience having worked full time whilst studying but I just feel like even though they say experience in law is not required it is not necessarily the case.

TC's are generally for people who have experience working or have done vac schemes. I think apply for them if you have had a lot of exposure to the firm's (via vac scheme or events) or have worked (career changer or graduate).

 

[LegalLordLox]

Anyone want to discuss how the TI went with Browne Jacobson, private message me!

 

[AS24]

Anything from Farrer?

I was invited to the proofreading test

 

[norothrow324]

BCLP anyone?

 

[lawyerletsgo]

BCLP anyone?

just got the report back for the assessment but nothing else - does anyone know how long BCLP takes to get back after sending the report? the results were looking promising but I don't want to get my hopes up

 

[norothrow324]

just got the report back for the assessment but nothing else - does anyone know how long BCLP takes to get back after sending the report? the results were looking promising but I don't want to get my hopes up

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

 

[hannah04]

Does anyone know if RPC is non-rolling?

I'd also like to know!

 

[Solking456]

Hi- anyone who has done a Withers AC please could you PM me, would really appreciate it.

(Heard back mid-May a few days post initial TC interview)

 

[RiverJules]

I have done a tremendous amount of aptitude tests at this stage, being successful more often than not; however, that GLD verbal reasoning test was brutal. The time limits felt vicious.

Oh no that sucks!! Hope it went better than you think I haven't done it yet, quite nervous now... were the questions at least the standard style you can find on practice tests?

 

[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.