TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Szofi66]

Is the test not automatic? I didn't realise that.

I'm pretty sure it is. I received the test both last year and this year right after submitting the application form.

 

[cjwx]

Hi! I also did the Ashurst test and found it very difficult. For the block part I think I only completed 2 or 3 out of 7, so trust me you're not alone. I think everyone else will be in the same boat with having struggled in various games, so I wouldn't count yourself out just yet.

The block one was horrible and I cant gauge how I did on the others because it would all go so quickly. With the proof reading I could not possibly get all the mistakes that were listed in the time.

 

[A worried graduate]

Is the test not automatic? I didn't realise that.

Not for advancing no.

Yes if you mean for getting it

 

[A worried graduate]

I'm pretty sure it is. I received the test both last year and this year right after submitting the application form.

I meant with advancing.

Some firms eliminate based solely on test scores while Ashurst view them with the application simultaneously.

The pro is that it gives everyone a chance but the negative is that the wait is longer

 

[Hanna Reeves]

Does anyone know what the threshold to pass for Ashurst cognify test is, because that was so hard. If I did well in the emotify but not in the cognify, do I have a chance? Also do we get the results for the test in May/June with the response to our application as a whole or do we get the results earlier?

I went to a grad rec fair where they said the threshold to pass the test was not particularly high, they put more weight on the application itself. I don't think I did too well on the cognify games at all. Think I performed slightly better in emotify but I guess only time will tell!

I got an email stating they no longer recruit on a rolling basis but I applied on the deadline. Does anyone know when to expect to hear back - as in do they send out PFOs much earlier than the AC invites in May/June?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

London

Sorry to hear that you’re rejected Can I know when you applied for HL’s TC? I applied on the deadline (31/1) and haven’t heard back

 

[A worried graduate]

Hello - has anyone received the test invite post TC application for Baker McKenzie? How many days do you usually get to complete the test, Any idea?

I haven’t had it

 

[ccfuturetraineesolicitor]

Can people please drop suggestions on where to find a grad job in law/job titles to search for? Can’t seem to find anything and paralegal jobs either pay you not enough to live on or ask for 50000 years of experience

From my personal experience, just apply to anything you think looks interesting (even if they ask for a minimum amount of years of experience) - if the recruiter thinks you’re a good fit, they will consider you, irrespective of the “mandatory requirements”

 

[PFODEFEATER]

Hey guys, can anyone give an insight into the first initial call with GR for Blake Morgan?

 

[A worried graduate]

Can people please drop suggestions on where to find a grad job in law/job titles to search for? Can’t seem to find anything and paralegal jobs either pay you not enough to live on or ask for 50000 years of experience

Try sites like realm recruit

 

[RonRod13]

Can people please drop suggestions on where to find a grad job in law/job titles to search for? Can’t seem to find anything and paralegal jobs either pay you not enough to live on or ask for 50000 years of experience

Or you could just apply for any grad job but do some pro bono volunteering at a legal clinic or do your own legal project on the side.

 

[Kate.maier]

Lewis Silkin pfo 😭

what does PFO mean

 

[ikeRoss]

Hi all - I am currently seeking some advice and appreciate anything in advance!

I graduated from my LLB in June 2023 with a First Class from a non-RG uni, I have been working as a Paralegal at a small firm for over a year and have extensive work experience prior to that in technology retail and account management as well as restaurant jobs etc.

I have quite poor A-Levels (DD Distinction) so have been focusing on firms without such requirements and direct TC routes due to annual leave requirements etc. I have only made it to VI stage this cycle and submitted around 3 apps so far but have a lot of Direct TC apps lined up.

I have always wanted to work in the city and specialise in corporate or IP, compared to the range of matters I deal with in a Litigation dept at my current firm.

My current firm offers no sponsorship for SQE/LPC but have already informally offered a route to qualification e.g. TC as long as I self-fund.

I am not really in a position to self fund and also don't want to settle for less and give up my corporate city lawyer dream but I am unsure if I am passing an opportunity I should be grasping with both hands?

Any advice on the above and my situation in general is greatly appreciated!

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

what does PFO mean

Forum slang that refers to receiving a rejection from a job application - the acronym (and supposedly more polite version) of saying "Please f**k off".

 

[Jessica Booker]

Can people please drop suggestions on where to find a grad job in law/job titles to search for? Can’t seem to find anything and paralegal jobs either pay you not enough to live on or ask for 50000 years of experience

Such roles won't necessarily pay much more than paralegal jobs.

Anything with the word assistant or administrator will be similar to a paralegal role but not necessarily have that title but will be geared towards entry level candidates:

Legal Assistant
Conveyancing Assistant
Compliance Assistant
AML Assistant (Anti Money Laundering)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all - I am currently seeking some advice and appreciate anything in advance!

I graduated from my LLB in June 2023 with a First Class from a non-RG uni, I have been working as a Paralegal at a small firm for over a year and have extensive work experience prior to that in technology retail and account management as well as restaurant jobs etc.

I have quite poor A-Levels (DD Distinction) so have been focusing on firms without such requirements and direct TC routes due to annual leave requirements etc. I have only made it to VI stage this cycle and submitted around 3 apps so far but have a lot of Direct TC apps lined up.

I have always wanted to work in the city and specialise in corporate or IP, compared to the range of matters I deal with in a Litigation dept at my current firm.

My current firm offers no sponsorship for SQE/LPC but have already informally offered a route to qualification e.g. TC as long as I self-fund.

I am not really in a position to self fund and also don't want to settle for less and give up my corporate city lawyer dream but I am unsure if I am passing an opportunity I should be grasping with both hands?

Any advice on the above and my situation in general is greatly appreciated!

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

Is you firm offering you an LPC training opportunity or a SQE training opportunity (if self-funded)?

 

[ikeRoss]

Is you firm offering you an LPC training opportunity or a SQE training opportunity (if self-funded)?

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for your reply - it would be my choice whether to do the LPC or SQE they are happy with either route but no funding of course

 

[maya123]

Has anyone else applied to DAC Beachcroft?

yeh do you know when were hearing back?

 

[maya123]

has anyone heard from Blake Morgan post second interview?

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi all - I am currently seeking some advice and appreciate anything in advance!

I graduated from my LLB in June 2023 with a First Class from a non-RG uni, I have been working as a Paralegal at a small firm for over a year and have extensive work experience prior to that in technology retail and account management as well as restaurant jobs etc.

I have quite poor A-Levels (DD Distinction) so have been focusing on firms without such requirements and direct TC routes due to annual leave requirements etc. I have only made it to VI stage this cycle and submitted around 3 apps so far but have a lot of Direct TC apps lined up.

I have always wanted to work in the city and specialise in corporate or IP, compared to the range of matters I deal with in a Litigation dept at my current firm.

My current firm offers no sponsorship for SQE/LPC but have already informally offered a route to qualification e.g. TC as long as I self-fund.

I am not really in a position to self fund and also don't want to settle for less and give up my corporate city lawyer dream but I am unsure if I am passing an opportunity I should be grasping with both hands?

Any advice on the above and my situation in general is greatly appreciated!

@axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

Hey @ikeRoss,

Thank you so much for sharing this.

I think the choice is quite personal and it really depends on a number of different factors and I would not want to give you my opinion without knowing all the things that might be important to you. I usually am all for following your dream and what you actually want to do, however practicality is also very important and if I was in your shoes I do not know what I would have chosen, especially because the self-fund option would have been tempting but I would not have had the money to do it.

I think that regardless of what you choose, as long as you do it consciously, it is going to be the right decision for you. The only thing I would highlight is that even if you qualify at your current firm, nothing will stop you from moving to the city after that, especially given your experience in the sector.

I wish you good luck with your decision!