TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Jessica Booker]

For firms that allow you to submit for both vac schemes and TCs in the same year (and have the exact same questions for both), would you recommend changing the answers between the two applications?

Yes - I would update anything and refine anything, particularly making sure any motivational questions are more tailored to a TC vs a VS, and also as strong as they possibly can be as they are likely to be scrutinised more for a TC than a VS.

You should also try to showcase any development in knowledge or skills since your VS application, as given it was unsuccessful at some stage in the recruitment process, it will be important to show growth/development since you last applied.

 

[RonRod13]

PFO from Bristows following interview on Friday last week. Considering I did the interview with a severe jet lag and only 4 hours of sleep, I still count it a win that I even finished it.... Also the convo felt genuinely engaging and I could click with the partner, but I guess you could never really tell

Completely empathise with this, there’s nothing worse than coming out of an interview feeling like you smashed it and then getting hit with a fat PFO. It just makes you second guess yourself about future interviews too. Hopefully you get feedback though

 

[zoobla20]

Yes - I would update anything and refine anything, particularly making sure any motivational questions are more tailored to a TC vs a VS, and also as strong as they possibly can be as they are likely to be scrutinised more for a TC than a VS.

You should also try to showcase any development in knowledge or skills since your VS application, as given it was unsuccessful at some stage in the recruitment process, it will be important to show growth/development since you last applied.

Thanks Jessica!

 

[jplaw1010]

Anyone heard back from Bakers with a SJT?

 

[Izzy1026]

Completely empathise with this, there’s nothing worse than coming out of an interview feeling like you smashed it and then getting hit with a fat PFO. It just makes you second guess yourself about future interviews too. Hopefully you get feedback though

Thanks so much! Totally, I hope I can get feedback soon. My theory for the reason behind the PFO is that I did not prove to them sufficiently that I would have Bristows as my first choice. I have 1 VS coming up with a big law and they did ask for the details of that. I really don't know. But good luck to everyone else having their interviews soon, take my case as a lesson learnt haha

 

[stargazed]

Received an invite to Lewis Silkin's case study and interview a few days ago. Would appreciate any tips for case studies!!

 

[evianmineral]

Did anyone apply for Macfarlanes dinner w/ senior partner? And if so, have you heard anything - positive or negative?

Edit: PFO lol

 

[Future$trainee]

Did anyone apply to Blake Morgan TC - I've received an email asking me to arrange a call to discuss my application - Is this the next stage then?

hey, do you know what the first call consists of? is it a proper interview or just a general chat? I don't know what to expect

 

[Shreya Verma]

Is anyone attending the legal cheek Spring scheme?

 

[Lawuser2000]

Has anyone heard back from Addleshaw Goddard post video interview?

 

[spamelinazoid]

Any HL updates?

 

[Cherikon]

Anyone else going to RS insight day? PM pls

 

[LillyandSilver]

To Farrer or not to Farrer?
Any opinions on whether or not I should attempt an application for them when I haven't a vac scheme with them?

 

[lenalong02]

just got an invite to kennedy’s ac- if anyone has any top tips please let me know i’ve never gotten to an ac and i am STRESSED

 

[axelbeugre]

just got an invite to kennedy’s ac- if anyone has any top tips please let me know i’ve never gotten to an ac and i am STRESSED

Congratulations for securing an assessment centre!!! This is amazing!

Here is a list of top tips I shared which I think will be helpful: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2023-24.8037/post-167210

Congratulations once again and good luck!

 

[Jessica Booker]

To Farrer or not to Farrer?
Any opinions on whether or not I should attempt an application for them when I haven't a vac scheme with them?

Given a vacation scheme does not guarantee a TC interview (going by their Chambers profile) and they invite around 40 people to TC interview (and only have 20 vac schemers), I think the direct TC recruitment odds are pretty good.

 

[Legalstalker]

Given a vacation scheme does not guarantee a TC interview (going by their Chambers profile) and they invite around 40 people to TC interview (and only have 20 vac schemers), I think the direct TC recruitment odds are pretty good.

@LillyandSilver Jessica is right! VS doesn’t not give TC interview. I still have to do a TC application although I have a VS there.

If you’re successful on VS you’re fast tracked to 2nd interview. But realistically it’s a free for all. Put an application in!!

 

[BonanzaBih_]

I’m currently writing an application where there is no word limit to any of the questions. How should I approach this? I’m thinking of writing the standard 250-300 word answers I see a lot of applications have. I would appreciate any input @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’m currently writing an application where there is no word limit to any of the questions. How should I approach this? I’m thinking of writing the standard 250-300 word answers I see a lot of applications have. I would appreciate any input @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

How many questions are there?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

2nd cycle for me and I’m yet to get to an AC 🙁
Hoping that either HFW or HD come through for me in that respect. If anyone has any tips on improving yourself for situational judgement VIs or VIs in general then I’d be greatful.