TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I've just made a TC application for Freshfields which I've just realised their personal statement word limit was 850 words, which I have gone over the word limit. What should I do?

You can try and send a revised statement that is 850 words, but I wouldn’t be overly surprised if they have to take your first application. How much it will impact your applications review with it being over the 850 words is hard to determine unfortunately though.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I attended an application masterclass by Freshfields a few weeks ago, in this the grad rec rep mentioned that we weren't required to provide GCSE grades for the Trainee Associate Programme, however, on the vantage form there is a page for secondary education results (GCSEs), is this the same reason as why it's there for the CV upload option? @Jessica Booker

Thanks in advance!!

Vantage is a broader application used across firms, so it maybe that Vantage are asking you for this but Freshfields don’t need it.

I would potentially see if you can complete your application without the need to submit GCSE details. It might just be optional.

 

[sxw517]

Vantage is a broader application used across firms, so it maybe that Vantage are asking you for this but Freshfields don’t need it.

I would potentially see if you can complete your application without the need to submit GCSE details. It might just be optional.

I see, thank you!

I have realised that I cannot submit without uploading them, so I will

 

[seferiades]

Anyone heard back from slaughter and may non-law TC? Wondering if I should email them to ask when we will find out the outcome.

Did you end up contacting them?

 

[BuddingLawyer1211]

Has anyone heard for Pinsent Masons Direct TC Manchester Office?

Yh, think it came Tuesday x

 

[hannah04]

just submitted my freshfields app and realized that in my personal statement I spelt it "trainee associate program" rather than "trainee associate programme" as they do on the website. does this matter as both spellings are technically grammatically correct?

 

[FutureTS13]

does anyone know what time the Freshfields TC application closes tomorrow (18 Jan)?

I have the same question! Does anyone know?

 

[aspiringlawyer27]

I have the same question! Does anyone know?

Pretty sure it says 23:59 on Vantage

 

[FutureTS13]

Pretty sure it says 23:59 on Vantage

Nice!! Still have a full day then to finish the personal statement! Thanks a lot

 

[FutureTS13]

I attended an application masterclass by Freshfields a few weeks ago, in this the grad rec rep mentioned that we weren't required to provide GCSE grades for the Trainee Associate Programme, however, on the vantage form there is a page for secondary education results (GCSEs), is this the same reason as why it's there for the CV upload option? @Jessica Booker

Thanks in advance!!

To add onto this, do we need to provide our A-level grades?

 

[Seven]

just submitted my freshfields app and realized that in my personal statement I spelt it "trainee associate program" rather than "trainee associate programme" as they do on the website. does this matter as both spellings are technically grammatically correct?

Not a problem. What's more important is staying consistent with your spelling.

 

[Seven]

To add onto this, do we need to provide our A-level grades?

If it's on their platform, yes. Everything needs to be filled in before it will allow you to submit. There are no optional sections of the application other than the diversity disclosures.

 

[Jessica Booker]

just submitted my freshfields app and realized that in my personal statement I spelt it "trainee associate program" rather than "trainee associate programme" as they do on the website. does this matter as both spellings are technically grammatically correct?

Technically program is not correct as it’s a US spelling rather than U.K. - so it would be similar to spelling something like color or organize. Alternatively program in the U.K. refer to a set of computer code.

But I very much doubt it will be something that solely leads to your application being unsuccessful. Back in the day 99% of the trainees recruited would have a least one error like this in their application form - and those were the people recruited.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just realised that in my Freshfields PS, I accidentally used program once and everywhere else used ‘programme’. I am hoping this won’t be picked up or they will be lenient with typos. Thoughts? @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

See my above post. I wouldn’t say the firm is lenient on typos generally - the more there are the more it will be an issue, but if this is truly the only error, it is unlikely to have a major impact on your application.

 

[axelbeugre]

Just realised that in my Freshfields PS, I accidentally used program once and everywhere else used ‘programme’. I am hoping this won’t be picked up or they will be lenient with typos. Thoughts? @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

I would not worry too much about this, chances are they will not even notice so do not dwell on it and I am sure you wrote an amazing personal statement.

Things like these happen all the time so do not panic and be hopeful!

Good luck with the application!

 

[Zaidoz10]

Simmons (ME) PFO after doing the blended assessment

When did you hear back? I haven’t heard anything and I did the assessment in October I believe.

 

[BNBlawyer]

Bristows post app?

 

[Lawuser2000]

Has anyone heard back from Addleshaw Goddard?

 

[Abbas J]

Will not uploading my CV for Freshfields put me at a disadvantage?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Will not uploading my CV for Freshfields put me at a disadvantage?

No - you can completely ignore this.