TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone. I am applying for a direct training contract at Payne Hicks Beach, and the only application question on the form is: 'Please write a short statement in support of your application (600 words)'

I was thinking of writing equal parts of why law, why PHB and why me (basically the standard cover letter structure). I just wanted to confirm whether my approach is okay, or since it's a personal statement, I should focus more on me and less on the firm.

Thanks for your help!

I think your approach is the right one. Depending on the other evidence in your application, you may need less of the "why law" (for instance, this doesn't necessarily need a lot of focus if you have studied law and worked in the profession before, compared to someone who may have not studied the subject and has less experience with the sector) which could then allow you to focus more on the "why you" and "why the firm" - to me the latter is very important though, you need to explain your motivations for the firm specifically and why they are a good fit for your career aspirations.

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Hi, in need of some advice please! If a firm is known for one thing e.g private equity for example, but you read that they undertook efforts to reorganise the firm to deviate from being known as a PE firm and becoming more full service. When answering the 'tell us about a commercial story that impacts the firm etc' would it be better to choose one which focuses on what the firm is known for despite their efforts? or to write a story on a lesser known practice area which interests me? @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, in need of some advice please! If a firm is known for one thing e.g private equity for example, but you read that they undertook efforts to reorganise the firm to deviate from being known as a PE firm and becoming more full service. When answering the 'tell us about a commercial story that impacts the firm etc' would it be better to choose one which focuses on what the firm is known for despite their efforts? or to write a story on a lesser known practice area which interests me? @Jessica Booker

There is no right or wrong approach here. You could choose either and it sounds like it could be relevant to the firm.

I would choose something that interests you but just be mindful that if there is lots of other evidence of this interest in the rest of your application, this question provides you with an opportunity to show you have a breadth of interests. For instance, if you had lots of evidence of your interest in PE, then this question could be a good opportunity to show your interest in something else. Vice versa, say your application form has lots of evidence of litigation interests/activities, it maybe better for this question to show something like an interest in PE (given the firm's expertise in this area) rather than focusing on a litigation story and there being even more evidence of you having a more specialist line of interest.

 

[BonanzaBih_]

There is no right or wrong approach here. You could choose either and it sounds like it could be relevant to the firm.

I would choose something that interests you but just be mindful that if there is lots of other evidence of this interest in the rest of your application, this question provides you with an opportunity to show you have a breadth of interests. For instance, if you had lots of evidence of your interest in PE, then this question could be a good opportunity to show your interest in something else. Vice versa, say your application form has lots of evidence of litigation interests/activities, it maybe better for this question to show something like an interest in PE (given the firm's expertise in this area) rather than focusing on a litigation story and there being even more evidence of you having a more specialist line of interest.

Thank you so much!

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Has anyone heard from WFW or contacted them?

 

[Zaidoz10]

Has anyone heard from WFW or contacted them?

I think people got VI invites last week so until they’re done with everyone we’ll start hearing back.

 

[latome19]

Does anyone have any info re S&C’s timeline? I got a holding email that I might be shortlisted after the deadline had passed, but I was wondering if anyone has received an interview invite or anything further to the holding email? Just trying to understand what chance I have for getting an invite, given the holding email was sent after the deadline, maybe someone with experience can advise.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Does anyone have any info re S&C’s timeline? I got a holding email that I might be shortlisted after the deadline had passed, but I was wondering if anyone has received an interview invite or anything further to the holding email? Just trying to understand what chance I have for getting an invite, given the holding email was sent after the deadline, maybe someone with experience can advise.

Think people have been getting rejections everyday this week so far if that helps.

On that, is anyone else still waiting on Morgan Lewis or BCLP post app (/post passing test for BCLP)??? It seems like mass rejections went out but I’m still waiting and don’t know whether I should be cautiously optimistic or setting myself up for disappointment

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Also anyone heard further from RPC? I remember seeing a few next stages and rejections but silence so far on my end

 

[Szofi66]

Also anyone heard further from RPC? I remember seeing a few next stages and rejections but silence so far on my end

Same, havent heard anything

 

[NGM4321]

WFW AC Invites out

 

[sunshine101]

Does anyone with previous Freshfields experience know the timeline?

I think they send WG in batches - but I don’t think there’s a specific timeline they follow. It could be taking longer due to an increase of applications ?

 

[charlotte1704]

anyone heard from RPC or withers post-test?

 

[Arvee Specktour]

Hi all,
I was wondering (hoping) if anyone had any advice/guidance on the Orrick AC? 😅🤞

 

[Gday33]

Also anyone heard further from RPC? I remember seeing a few next stages and rejections but silence so far on my end

Also haven’t heard anything

 

[_shims_]

I think your approach is the right one. Depending on the other evidence in your application, you may need less of the "why law" (for instance, this doesn't necessarily need a lot of focus if you have studied law and worked in the profession before, compared to someone who may have not studied the subject and has less experience with the sector) which could then allow you to focus more on the "why you" and "why the firm" - to me the latter is very important though, you need to explain your motivations for the firm specifically and why they are a good fit for your career aspirations.

Thank you Jessica!

 

[Mads91837]

anyone heard from RPC or withers post-test?

anyone heard from RPC or withers post-test?

Haven’t heard anything back yet post test for RPC - did it on Saturday!

 

[desaesis]

Has anyone paralegalled for Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett? Bit worried about the work-life balance news stories I read online, just wondering if it is as bad as it seems?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Wh

WFW AC Invites

WFW AC Invites out

congrats! When did you complete the VI?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Think people have been getting rejections everyday this week so far if that helps.

On that, is anyone else still waiting on Morgan Lewis or BCLP post app (/post passing test for BCLP)??? It seems like mass rejections went out but I’m still waiting and don’t know whether I should be cautiously optimistic or setting myself up for disappointment

Scratch that, Morgan Lewis rejection today. Stings extra hard because they literally published a report today on the news issue I discussed in one of my answers making the same points I was and I’ve coincidentally been reading resources made by them at work when researching something for a client. I don’t know what more I can do or how closer aligned with a firm I can be - what do I have to do to get a TC interview somewhere?