TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[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!

 

[adrk1234]

Are the inital tests for Mayer Brown (VRT AND SJT) automatic? I applied over a month ago and have been sent nothing. This is for direct TC. Would anyone suggets emailing GR team?

 

[trainingcontract26]

Has anyone heard from CRS London who did the direct TC application and have done the video interview?

 

[johnnn821]

Are the inital tests for Mayer Brown (VRT AND SJT) automatic? I applied over a month ago and have been sent nothing. This is for direct TC. Would anyone suggets emailing GR team?

I am on the same boat. From what I gathered the tests are automatic, but they sent them out manually and they still havent finished recruiting for their summer vac scheme, hence the delay in sending them out.

 

[mindlesshistory]

If an app asks for a CV, and then additionally for grades, shall I take these out of my CV and include something else instead?

 

[Jessica Booker]

If an app asks for a CV, and then additionally for grades, shall I take these out of my CV and include something else instead?

There is no need to include something else - but I would keep your degree in, but just don’t add the module grades if you are providing them elsewhere.

 

[A worried graduate]

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.

What do you mean by legal project here?

 

[A worried graduate]

Are the inital tests for Mayer Brown (VRT AND SJT) automatic? I applied over a month ago and have been sent nothing. This is for direct TC. Would anyone suggets emailing GR team?

Should be after a few days

 

[Solking456]

Does anyone know when NRF get back w outcome/ next stages post TC application ?

 

[random6035]

submitted my baker app last night and haven't got a confirmation email from the firm itself (only the one from CVmail). should i be concerned?

 

[RonRod13]

What do you mean by legal project here?

I was basically using it as an umbrella term to mean any sort of initiative to demonstrate your commitment to the field. Like any moot or debate competitions, legal essay competitions, any sort of legal reports, research, writing that you undertook in your spare time etc. Or you could start a social media page relating to law (even if it’s faceless content). These are just a couple examples I thought of from the top of my head but there are many many more of course.

 

[rashidmeher]

Anyone got or done Lewis Silkin's written pre selection exercises? Please do PM me!

 

[LegalLordLox]

Completed the Shoosmiths SBA yesterday. Not sure how I feel about it. Anyone who has completed please contact me to debrief.

Thanks

 

[Zaidoz10]

Anyone apply to Stephenson Harwood ME? Have you heard back?