TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[laby201]

Anyone know roughly what percentage of trainees Freshfields recruits from its direct TC application.

I'm not sure percentage wise, but isn't their VS only open to those in the penultimate year of university? I'm pretty sure it would have to be a sizeable chunk from direct applicants, otherwise they're selling themselves a bit short.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Anyone know roughly what percentage of trainees Freshfields recruits from its direct TC application.

Used to be about 50% and looking at their VS to TC numbers these haven’t changed much since then, so I would expect it to be around half.

 

[Shah74k]

Used to be about 50% and looking at their VS to TC numbers these haven’t changed much since then, so I would expect it to be around half.

Thank you 👍🏽

 

[KSV]

@Jessica Booker am I okay to add Forage work experience to the question: 'Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector.'? Grad rec say it's to demonstrate any research you've done into a career in law. This is for the Hogan Lovells application - there's no other questions asking 'why law'. Thank you!

 

[SS21]

Has anybody applied to the Pinsent Masons Dubai Gateway Programme, and has any insight on the online blended assessment?

I've just sent my application in. Do you know if the assessment needs to be done today or by the end of 7th Jan?

 

[abdskurts1]

I've just sent my application in. Do you know if the assessment needs to be done today or by the end of 7th Jan?

I believe the deadline is 7th Jan at 11:59pm UK time. Keep in mind though, it takes much longer than 1 hour despite what they say in the email

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker am I okay to add Forage work experience to the question: 'Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector.'? Grad rec say it's to demonstrate any research you've done into a career in law. This is for the Hogan Lovells application - there's no other questions asking 'why law'. Thank you!

Yes - I think this is a good section to add this type of detail in.

 

[19.mfjones]

Has anyone heard anything from kennedys?

 

[O]

In re Freshfields' TC app - do we need to use a specific template for the personal statement?

 

[shatu]

Hi guys and @Jessica Booker may I ask what the general position of law firms are regarding mitigating circumstances? Will it affect my application ?

I got a 2:1 overall for my degree but in my second year, I had a 56% overall percentage. Just prior to my exam period, my father was diagnosed with advanced primary glaucoma and he had to go through a series of surgeries and I was his primary caregiver at the time which of course affected my second year grades.

I am a bit concerned that dislosing it may seem like I am unable to cope along life's stress if I were a trainee. Please advise.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys and @Jessica Booker may I ask what the general position of law firms are regarding mitigating circumstances? Will it affect my application ?

I got a 2:1 overall for my degree but in my second year, I had a 56% overall percentage. Just prior to my exam period, my father was diagnosed with advanced primary glaucoma and he had to go through a series of surgeries and I was his primary caregiver at the time which of course affected my second year grades.

I am a bit concerned that dislosing it may seem like I am unable to cope along life's stress if I were a trainee. Please advise.

These forms of circumstances are not the same as life in a law firm, and so it won't be seen that you couldn't cope with life's stresses. It will be seen that you had to make a major commitment to something outside of your studies by being a primary caregiver.

These are definitely mitigating circumstances and in the vast majority of firms will seriously take them into consideration.

If your university was aware of the circumstances, then see if you can get a reference from your personal tutor/faculty office.

 

[shatu]

Ah great. Thank you Jessica

 

[thenublawyer]

Anyone heard back from kirkland?

 

[LillyandSilver]

Has anyone heard back from Irwin Mitchell after VI, I did mine in November and haven't heard anything.

 

[Legalstalker]

For anyone who has taken the Osborne Clarke assessment do you find it you’ve been unsuccessful if you don’t meet the benchmark straight away or do you get a PFO after the deadline? I’ve been meaning to do the test since November

 

[aether]

Anything from CMS post vi? London TC

 

[saqlain09]

Anything from CMS post vi? London TC

Not yet. I've only seen one person who said they received an AC invite for the Bristol office. I wonder what the delay is.

 

[Seven]

Not yet. I've only seen one person who said they received an AC invite for the Bristol office. I wonder what the delay is.

Ikr! It seems previously they took about 2 weeks following after the last VI batch last year. I think the last CMS VI’s was 29th?? So I guess maybe we should hear back this week or next.

 

[aether]

Ikr! It seems previously they took about 2 weeks following after the last VI batch last year. I think the last CMS VI’s was 29th?? So I guess maybe we should hear back this week or next.

Yes, im also anticipating something this week. Or early next week at the latest.

 

[SS21]

For Clyde & Co Middle East TC, there doesn't seem to be any space to input A level and University grades.

The form only has 2 text boxes asking about PGDL and SQE grades (which I haven't completed), with no option to add any more text boxes. Should I just write my A level and University grades there?

@Jessica Booker