TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[A worried graduate]

Banking is quite open to law grads - I know two people (both law graduates) who switched to investment/corporate banking after doing vac schemes and not converting to a TC. The work is similar (and probably more interesting) as are the salaries.

Do they take on people from smaller universities and without any special qualifications for the industry?

 

[EzeLaylor]

Do you have more info on this?

Sure!

I asked a friend and here’s her advice:

I think the easiest way to transition is through grad schemes (1-2 year programmes). Banks like Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays etc all have graduate programmes open to all degrees.

If you check banking recruitment pages, you should find quite a few stream option (capital markets, private clients, IB, commercial banking etc).

I would also sign up to the mailing list so you’re notified when the scheme apps start and apply early as possible. She applied for a grad programme in May and was through the whole process by early June.

happy to help anyone out with more info - just PM me

 

[EzeLaylor]

Do they take on people from smaller universities and without any special qualifications for the industry?

Both my friends are from non-Russell group unis - also don’t think there are special qualifications needed.

 

[A worried graduate]

Both my friends are from non-Russell group unis - also don’t think there are special qualifications needed.

How do I find these jobs?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Yes.

How do you know this? I can't find it ANYWHERE on their website

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Also given how extensive K&L Gates' application is, should I do the optional cover letter? Idk why they wouldn't just make the 'why a solicitor' and 'why are you suited to K&L Gates' questions longer

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

How do you know this? I can't find it ANYWHERE on their website

I wouldn’t worry too much about it being rolling basis. I went to an open day with HL last year and grad rec said they recommend submitting apps about a week before the deadline.
I got the impression they only gave that recommendation for our sake too, ensuring we don’t face any technical difficulties etc.

 

[lawtc2026]

Has anyone applied for GLD TC and heard back post-video interview?

 

[Gday33]

Has anyone applied for GLD TC and heard back post-video interview?

Checked the timetable - we’ll hear back 25/26 so next week 😁

 

[adrian_nlh]

How do you know this? I can't find it ANYWHERE on their website

It's just known that HL do their applications for both cycles (Winter & Summer) on a rolling basis, it can also be found on other websites where the position is posted; they will say they review applications on a rolling basis.

Although it is not very nice of them to not make it obvious on their website, I really wouldn't worry. If you have a strong application, I'm sure it won't matter if it's on a rolling basis.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

It's just known that HL do their applications for both cycles (Winter & Summer) on a rolling basis, it can also be found on other websites where the position is posted; they will say they review applications on a rolling basis.

Although it is not very nice of them to not make it obvious on their website, I really wouldn't worry. If you have a strong application, I'm sure it won't matter if it's on a rolling basis.

I found a few websites saying non-rolling and a few saying rolling and the trainee I know there said she thought it was non-rolling + the TCLA list says non-rolling (confirmed by email). That's so annoying, I've had my application pretty much ready for a month but hadn't sent it in case I did ended up doing something I wanted to include in the time afterwards
WHY CAN'T FIRMS JUST SAY IT ON THEIR WEBSITE INSTEAD OF LEAVING YOU TO GUESS

(Thank you for letting me know though!)

 

[191919191]

is Macfarlanes Online test automatic?

Hii there, good morning! Would you please kindly share the type of questions in the OT? Just the SJTs or there are also online interview? Thanks so much!

 

[191919191]

Is test automatic for Macfarlanes? Also what type of test is it.

Hii there, good morning! Would you please kindly share the type of questions in the OT? Just the SJTs or there are also online interview? Thanks so much!

 

[191919191]

For Macfarlanes considering they are non-rolling I would presume that the test is indeed automatic.

Hii there, good morning! Would you please kindly share the type of questions in the OT? Just the SJTs or there are also online interview? Thanks so much!

 

[191919191]

Does Macfarlanes online test have a Benchmark or is it considered holistically with the online application?

Hii there, good morning! Would you please kindly share the type of questions in the OT? Just the SJTs or there are also online interview? Thanks so much!

 

[nliro85]

Dear XXX


Thank you very much for applying to HFW. This is to confirm that we have received your application and we will review it in due course.

As we receive a very high volume of applications we regret that we are unable to provide feedback at this stage of the recruitment process.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards.

The Early Careers Team at HFW

Does this mean they rejected me their wording is confusing lol.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Dear XXX


Thank you very much for applying to HFW. This is to confirm that we have received your application and we will review it in due course.

As we receive a very high volume of applications we regret that we are unable to provide feedback at this stage of the recruitment process.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards.

The Early Careers Team at HFW

Does this mean they rejected me their wording is confusing lol.

I think they are just trying to limit responses to the email, and that as they have said your application is under review and therefore still under consideration

 

[nliro85]

I think they are just trying to limit responses to the email, and that as they have said your application is under review and therefore still under consideration

Thank you

 

[AyoMal]

idk if i was imagining things, but i genuinely thought the freshfields TC deadline was the 1st of august so i completely missed it

in other news, i got invited for a VI at eversheds sutherland a few hours ago for their TC - you win some you lose some!

Not just you. I also thought the deadline was 1st of august. Some social charities that were sending reminders were publishing that it was 1st august then suddenly on 1st July decided to announce that it was that night

 

[nliro85]

Anyone heard from Withers