TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[norothrow324]

I was recently rejected for a legal role.

One of the feedback points was that at the end of the video call interview after everyone said goodbye, I ended the call straight away and that this came across as abrupt.

Is there a certain etiquette that needs to be followed when ending a video call? I have always thought that it is normal to hang up after everyone says goodbye.

I work as counsel abroad and whilst there is no rule, there is a certain gap you leave between saying goodbye and clicking on the end call button. This doesnt have to be long but a second and a smile actually makes a bit of a difference than just hanging up right away. Sounds silly, I know, but it can make a difference in terms of perception...

 

[jen lala]

anyone applied for Al Tamimi Training Contract?

 

[p2bv]

anyone heard from TLT or BCLP?

 

[charlotte1704]

has anyone heard back from withers SJT?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

anyone heard from TLT or BCLP?

People have had BCLP rejections (although possibly only automatic ones for failing the test) but not seen anyone progress - they apparently take 30-40% through the direct TC route so I’m sure they’ll take at least SOME people from it this year so genuinely one of the only ones where I’m not taking the silence as a bad sign

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

WFW PFO 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

This cycle has been brutal omg

 

[leaaa2023]

anyone hear from Mayer Brown for direct tc? 🥲

 

[norothrow324]

Does Macfarlanes have a healthy direct TC intake?

 

[evianmineral]

Does Macfarlanes have a healthy direct TC intake?

yes approx 50% from direct tc

 

[charlottelauu]

is it worth trying for addleshaw goddard direct tc now? think they are rolling and deadline is end of july ..

 

[adrk1234]

is it worth trying for addleshaw goddard direct tc now? think they are rolling and deadline is end of july ..

not sure if they are rolling as I applied weeks ago and still yet to hear back

 

[norothrow324]

is it worth trying for addleshaw goddard direct tc now? think they are rolling and deadline is end of july ..

To be honest by the sounds of it, few firms are actually really rolling to the extent that it should prevent from applying. Applying is always better than not!

 

[K99]

Hi! Is this for the tc?

Hi, yes it was for the direct tc

 

[lawyerletsgo]

which firms have a healthy direct intake? and is it better for me to just wait for vac scheme applications now then instead of get PFO from firms and have to wait a cycle to apply?

 

[Szofi66]

which firms have a healthy direct intake? and is it better for me to just wait for vac scheme applications now then instead of get PFO from firms and have to wait a cycle to apply?

Wouldn’t the new vacation scheme cycle be a different one from the current?

 

[SolicitorHopeful]

Do you think it's worth emailing Wedlake Bell about when we'll hear a response to our TC applications? Their deadline was 1st May :')

 

[sunnyd]

Do you think it's worth emailing Wedlake Bell about when we'll hear a response to our TC applications? Their deadline was 1st May :')

They have responded to me with an invite for the first stage interview! This was yesterday.

 

[TC seeker]

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!

So Freshfields have same number of intake through VS and TC? Is it possible to secure Freshfields' TC even if I haven't done a vacation scheme before?

 

[Jessica Booker]

So Freshfields have same number of intake through VS and TC? Is it possible to secure Freshfields' TC even if I haven't done a vacation scheme before?

Very much so - historically around 50% of their trainees have not done a VS with the firm.