TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Lawstudentlookingforjob]

If you didn’t do anything in that year, it would be a bit of a red flag but as long as you are doing some form of work or self-development in that year (even if it is something like travelling), that is fine.

It doesn’t have to be an SQE prep course, but that could also be something to consider doing in the year if you don’t have any other plans.

That makes sense, thanks a lot jessica!

 

[Maddy]

Is Hogan Lovells very strict about academic scores? Do they primarily select candidates with a First or Upper Second Class?

 

[Lawstudentlookingforjob]

If you can, I would take a year off. I worked for a year but couldnt do vac schemes because of my contract and conflict and I didn't have time to apply because my job was intense. So I made a risky decision and quit in September last year, took the year off (worked part time for a few months), got two vac schemes and through to several ACs this application season. I did a winter vac scheme started working part time as a paralegal in March until June then did a summer vac scheme. This way I dont have huge gaps in my cv. Part time jobs are helpful because you can focus half of your time on apps/networking/ACs but also not be idle in terms of your CV

If you don't mind me asking, what part time jobs did you secure and how did you get the paralegal position? I am also leaning towards paralegal work as I have previous commercial law experience, but was wondering what the market is like for grads.

 

[Arvee Specktour]

Anyone received a WG test invite who recently submitted for Hogan Lovells?

Hi,

I was sent a WG today, applied approximately three weeks ago.

Was the consensus that the HL WG tests were automatically sent out?

 

[jmak]

If you don't mind me asking, what part time jobs did you secure and how did you get the paralegal position? I am also leaning towards paralegal work as I have previous commercial law experience, but was wondering what the market is like for grads.

The paralegal market is super competitive. Where I worked was not at a huge/known firm. It was a very small law firm and I found it through a post advertised on LinkedIn. I think any part time job is useful to just have something to do half of the week while focusing on apps the other half. Paralegal roles for most national and international firms are just as competitive as TC's now if not more. I submitted my CV to so many paralegal roles on LinkedIn and emailed recruiters but I never got an interview

 

[Maddy]

Is the HL WG test selective or automatic?

 

[mckelly]

HL test is pretty much automatic. Have always received it when applying for their direct TC, never made it through afterwards (of course though, my score could be bad)

 

[ThelawgraduateX]

Has anyone heard from PMC Direct TC? I applied in April and have heard nothing so far😂

 

[user3883930]

Hi, are we assuming PFO for Dentons if we haven't received the test?

 

[Iwantatcpls]

Still nothing from Slaughters?

 

[EzeLaylor]

just had a question about NQs - do firms generally take on NQs on a fixed contract or is it always a permanent contract.

I read an article re lower retention rates and that Linklaters didn’t take on NQs on fixed contract - that’s a good thing right?

Linklaters retention drops again to 78 per cent

Linklaters is retaining 46 of its 59 qualifying trainees for this autumn round, posting a retention rate of 78 per cent. No qualifiers will be kept on fixed-term contracts (FTC) unlike the previous…

www.thelawyer.com

 

[mckelly]

Still nothing from Slaughters?

Even though interviews supposedly start this week or maybe next...

 

[SamiyaJ]

Still nothing from Slaughters?

Slaughters emailed me a couple of weeks ago saying they’ve withdrawn my application as this cycle is for law graduates only, and advised me to apply again in September for 2027/2028 intake 😭

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi, are we assuming PFO for Dentons if we haven't received the test?

I am as I haven’t heard anything post app and I applied back in May…

 

[Mads91837]

Anything from RPC? AC is meant to be next week?

 

[maymays]

Anyone heard back from Hill Dickinson yet?

 

[Jessica Booker]

just had a question about NQs - do firms generally take on NQs on a fixed contract or is it always a permanent contract.

I read an article re lower retention rates and that Linklaters didn’t take on NQs on fixed contract - that’s a good thing right?

Linklaters retention drops again to 78 per cent

Linklaters is retaining 46 of its 59 qualifying trainees for this autumn round, posting a retention rate of 78 per cent. No qualifiers will be kept on fixed-term contracts (FTC) unlike the previous…

www.thelawyer.com

Most firms will offer permanent contracts to NQs, but fixed term contracts are still used especially when the department is going under change. For instance, I have seen firm offer FTCs when they have people on maternity/paternity leave or on sabbaticals/secondments but are due to come back, or when they are waiting for a new partner to join the department.

It is obviously better to have a permanent role as it provides a little more security, but FTCs are better than not receiving a role at all and often turn into permanent roles anyway.

 

[norothrow324]

I wouldn’t assume a PFO as I got a Pfo a while back already. I think they might have already sent out rejections and the test may come in batches.

When did you hear back from them?

 

[A worried graduate]

Has anyone given the Dentons online assessment yet?

I ain’t had it yet

 

[RiverJules]

anyone hear back from howard kennedy post-AC?