TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[PSharon]

Very disappointed in the Freshfields rejection. I have a cover letter format that worked well for many firms. Plus the firm has a big intake, non-rolling, good direct TC intake. Not sure what to change, the frustration is setting in.

 

[Kseh05]

I heard back yesterday morning!

Hi Hannah, did you get an AC invite? If yes, when is it?

 

[Zaidoz10]

I emailed RPC and they responded today to confirm they are still reviewing apps and will be in touch 👍🏻🤞🏻

Did they say by when?

 

[daniyalmmirza]

Freshfields PFO. I don’t know what to do now. I have put in a lot of effort applying to Freshfields each cycle for the last couple of years. I have tweaked my application every time, gained new experiences in the time since i first applied two cycles ago. However, I have been rejected every time. I have had an external service review one of my apps (not this one) and helped me to understand how to sell myself better in my app but still no change. I don’t understand where I am going wrong.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Freshfields PFO

(and then there were 7)

 

[Gday33]

Did they say by when?

No just ‘soon’, I imagine they’re rammed

 

[Jessica Booker]

Freshfields PFO. I don’t know what to do now. I have put in a lot of effort applying to Freshfields each cycle for the last couple of years. I have tweaked my application every time, gained new experiences in the time since i first applied two cycles ago. However, I have been rejected every time. I have had an external service review one of my apps (not this one) and helped me to understand how to sell myself better in my app but still no change. I don’t understand where I am going wrong.

From my experience, Freshfields have a slightly different approach to reviewing applications. Yes, they are looking for similar characteristics as other firms but they really want to get a sense of who you are and your individuality that I feel other firms don't necessarily value or assess in the same way.

There was typically more of an "is this an interesting candidate" concept when reviewing forms anyway.

If their approach to reviewing applications is the same, it may also be an element of the psychometric testing too though.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I got a PFO from Freshfields. It's super annoying too because I spent so much time on the application. I thought I stood a chance (more than any other firm because of the high intake), so I spent about 2 weeks on the application. I edited my work experience, and thought I drafted a researched and tailored statement that demonstrated my personality. I fully treated it like I did my uni dissertation lol. Now I just feel a bit silly and think I've wasted my time.

It doesn't give me much hope either. I think this next cycle will technically be my 4th year of applying to vac schemes and 5th year overall (including applying to open days and first-year schemes). It's so difficult knowing this is the career I want, but not being able to get anywhere with it.

 

[daniyalmmirza]

From my experience, Freshfields have a slightly different approach to reviewing applications. Yes, they are looking for similar characteristics as other firms but they really want to get a sense of who you are and your individuality that I feel other firms don't necessarily value or assess in the same way.

There was typically more of an "is this an interesting candidate" concept when reviewing forms anyway.

If their approach to reviewing applications is the same, it may also be an element of the psychometric testing too though.

I understand. I have changed the way I write my application to better show my competencies and strengths. Maybe its just a case of Freshfields and I not being the right fit I guess.

 

[sunshine101]

Freshfields PFO - joining the boat! Can defo relate to a lot of people because I believe I really sold myself this time around !

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown?
They closed at the end of March...

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown?
They closed at the end of March...

And claimed to be rolling 😂

 

[LillyandSilver]

Newbie here with two quick qs -

1. Whilst I am an incoming final year law student, I have zero legal work experience (e.g., vac schemes). Am I correct in understanding that I should exclusively be applying for VSs and that no firm would think me an appropriate candidate for direct TCs?

2. If I secure a winter vac scheme for firm A, is it worth me applying (after securing the VS) for firm B's TC?

Thank you. Whilst I'm pretty aware of the recruitment processes etc. I am still struggling to wrap my head around the various cycles and timeframes of qualification etc.

I was in a similar position to you going into my final year. During my third year, I applied for non-assessed vacation schemes and work experience, which are often a little less competitive and have a shorter application process. I guess you could do the same with assessed vacation schemes. I then on the back of the work experience applied to two direct training contracts (I made sure I chose firms which didn't do a vacation scheme) and it was pretty successful for a first cycle. Even just writing that I had upcoming work experience was enough to get an assessment day.

 

[Iwantatcpls]

Freshfields PFO...

To the remaining 6, please please please please please (I can't handle another app cycle 😪)

 

[Gday33]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown?
They closed at the end of March...

I emailed them for an update and they got back to me 09/07 to say I should expect an update in the next 2-3 weeks - another weekish to go (hopefully) 🤞🏻

 

[lawtc2026]

Has anyone done anything on Forage? Have you felt this helped your applications at all?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Freshfields PFO...

To the remaining 6, please please please please please (I can't handle another app cycle 😪)

Ditto...also thought this was my best app.

 

[RonRod13]

How do you answer "what skills contribute to the success of a solicitor?" Do you also link this to yourself and talk about times that youve demonstrated those skills? Theres already a section asking me "Why should we offer you a Training Contract?" So i dont want to be repeating myself.

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Has anyone done anything on Forage? Have you felt this helped your applications at all?

I did one with Kennedys and I think it helped get me to the sjt stage

 

[Niall]

Has anyone heard from Mayer Brown?
They closed at the end of March...

some people got next stage today but not seen pfo's sent out yet