TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Bclp pfo

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

If you want to apply to the firm, and it’s the only reasonable route for you, I would apply no matter what the perceived odds are. They will want to find candidates like yourself via a direct TC route - if they didn’t, they wouldn’t open applications for the opportunity.

Just one question, here. Do you think direct TC applicants already start behind and have a great disadvantage as most firms have few spots that they can offer to direct TC applicants anyway? I think I know the answer to this question myself but I am really looking for a different perspective as I feel I'm working towards something which has low odds of success to begin with. Thanks in advance.

 

[lawyerletsgo]

Bclp pfo

sorry to hear that mate wishing you luck for other applications - do u mind if i ask when u did ur test? i did mine at the end of may and still havent heard back

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

sorry to hear that mate wishing you luck for other applications - do u mind if i ask when u did ur test? i did mine at the end of may and still havent heard back

I did mine about a week ago.

 

[AS24]

Hi guys,

Is anyone able to tell me how does Freshfields recruitment process works? It seems that people get rejected after scoring a high percentile, is the application more important than the WG score?

 

[yasmars]

Hi guys,

Is anyone able to tell me how does Freshfields recruitment process works? It seems that people get rejected after scoring a high percentile, is the application more important than the WG score?

Yes. Once passing the WG they re-read your application again with your score and base AC invites on that

 

[Maddy]

Did Freshfields application open?

 

[AS24]

Yes. Once passing the WG they re-read your application again with your score and base AC invites on that

Thank you so much

 

[sunshine101]

Does anyone know if FF recruit on a rolling or non-rolling basis?

Thank You !

 

[Eeeazyyy8]

Hi, is freshfields open? I can’t seem to find the dates.

 

[Aaj03]

Does anyone know if FF recruit on a rolling or non-rolling basis?

Thank You !

Non-rolling

 

[Aaj03]

It opens on 17 June according to their website.

Did Freshfields application open?

Hi, is freshfields open? I can’t seem to find the dates.

 

[Eeeazyyy8]

Is it possible to have your training contract start earlier than the year you apply for if you’ve graduated and completed the sqe?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it possible to have your training contract start earlier than the year you apply for if you’ve graduated and completed the sqe?

It is sometimes possible - firms may have people renege on their offers, want to increase their trainee intake, people may fail the SQE and lose their TC, or sometimes people ask to defer their TC to a later intake.

Given it is dependent on so many factors though, there is no guarantee this will happen. You should speak to the firm you have an offer with and ask if there is any opportunity to start earlier.

 

[crl227]

No, but I know they are doing vac schemes this week so they are probably busy - my colleague advised that she didn't hear back (last year) until mid June ish so hopefully we hear soon!

Thanks so much for this!

 

[FTS209990]

What resources are best to prep for case study interviews?

 

[hannah04]

Just one question, here. Do you think direct TC applicants already start behind and have a great disadvantage as most firms have few spots that they can offer to direct TC applicants anyway? I think I know the answer to this question myself but I am really looking for a different perspective as I feel I'm working towards something which has low odds of success to begin with. Thanks in advance.

Not Jessica, but just in my opinion, it depends on the firm - though I wouldn't say in any case its a "great disadvantage". Some firms (like Freshfields) do recruit a fairly large proportion from direct TCs, and these candidates are not disadvantaged compared to the VS counterparts, especially because I'm fairly sure that their VS is only available for those who are penultimate years. Some other firms also advertise that both routes are equally viable and it is totally up to you which you prefer. But for other firms (tend to be the US firms/smaller trainee intakes) the direct TC is not as prevalent a route, and there are apparently a few firms who filled up their TC spots with VS students and closed their TC route. That said, I wouldn't say that they start behind or are greatly disadvantaged, if the application is still open, there will be people they recruit through this route!

 

[RiverJules]

I heard back today that I’ve been invited to first round interview. I know that last year they got back to everyone after this point

Hi, I have also been invited to first round interview. Although I did apply last year and was unsuccessful after application but they did let all candidates know the outcome of their application.
They also did provide advice on my application after I reached it following my rejection letter which I believe massively helped this year.

Hi, thank you so much for this! It is very reassuring to hear, as I was really hoping to get feedback from them.

Huge congrats on the interview invite!! Good luck with the rest of the application process, I hope it all goes well )

 

[RiverJules]

Farrer PFO (finally). Just happy to be rid of the uncertainty at this point!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

does anybody know what Wiggin’s VI looks like?