TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[B101]

Does anyone know if you can apply to White & Case DTC if you were unsuccessful with their vacation scheme this cycle?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Does Penningtons Manches Cooper have a healthy TC intake?

 

[SS21]

Is anyone still waiting for Links PFO?

 

[Hal_07]

Brabners test invite! Has anyone got any tips for it? Would be greatly appreciated !

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

What's the most natural/sophisticated way I can make Firm A, who I'm only at the application stage with for a Direct TC (app already sent), aware of my vacation scheme offer at Firm B? I know you mostly just don't do this, but these firms are very similar, which I think would make my application more competitive (Firm A specifically asks for applicants to state their future vacancies too). I wish I had my offer from Firm B before sending the application to Firm A. Is my only realistic move right now to pray for an interview at Firm A so I can mention my vacation scheme at Firm B? Thank you

 

[lawbear123]

has anyone done the bristows first round interview?

 

[lawelmo]

i applied a week before the deadline!

Congratulations! Which office did you apply for?

 

[Tintin06]

What's the most natural/sophisticated way I can make Firm A, who I'm only at the application stage with for a Direct TC (app already sent), aware of my vacation scheme offer at Firm B? I know you mostly just don't do this, but these firms are very similar, which I think would make my application more competitive (Firm A specifically asks for applicants to state their future vacancies too). I wish I had my offer from Firm B before sending the application to Firm A. Is my only realistic move right now to pray for an interview at Firm A so I can mention my vacation scheme at Firm B? Thank you

I think just tell them, honestly.

 

[Mug Fan]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mug Fan]

Does anyone know if you can apply to White & Case DTC if you were unsuccessful with their vacation scheme this cycle?

Yes, you can. At least I have. Or at least I was able to via the system! Imagine they'll just auto-reject me.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this.

Some firms put on networking opportunities for the future trainees, especially as part of their sponsored SQE pre courses. Some also do things like "careers fairs" where they get to meet people from the various departments before putting in seat preferences. These type of activities would be the best way to engage with departments before starting a training contract.

 

[norothrow324]

I don't think they've invited anyone to the video interview and work scenario element as of yet, let alone to the final AC. I may be wrong though!

That’s what I thought too - was very surprised so thought to ask haha

 

[jta227]

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

Thank you!

 

[Tintin06]

Does Ashurst give many direct TCs? What’s the case for Stephenson Harwood? Just wondering if it’s worth applying. Overall, both have high trainee intakes.

 

[Hal_07]

Has anyone hear back from Ward Hadaway post video interview?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman and anyone who can help ,

A current TC app for an international commercial firm has the question "why you want to become a solicitor?". Can I talk about commercial law or international matters at all? Should I only speak about "why solicitor" generally, referencing the traits of a solicitor and why solicitor rather than other legal roles?

My thinking so far is to begin speaking about law generally, then why solicitor, then why not barrister, then specialising into commercial law / international matters and the normal response to the question "why commercial law?". Is this correct?

It is 600 words, so I was not sure what exactly the firm is after.

Thanks!

Hey there,

In my view, this question can go any way you want, so far as you answer why solicitor throughout. Ideally, so far as you don’t go on any tangents, you will be fine.

Your suggestion in the second paragraph is good. I personally always liked showing a contrast when answering it. I believe it makes your answer stronger overall, when you show your journey. This could involve showing a contrast between trying X field and then trying the solicitors route, where you subsequently found that you like XYZ about it. However, I have seen candidates indirectly touching not so great on other professions whilst doing this, which you may want to avoid. Just touching on the key traits of each profession, what you took from each one when you explored it, and why you preferred the solicitors route, is fine. You could also bring out stuff from say, the bar, which you liked and which you can get as a solicitor too, but bring in more reasons as to why the latter is of greater preference to you as a person.

Another thing is that commercial law does not always necessarily involve international matters. If you are working at a national boutique firm specialising on solely national work, working with clients that operate mainly/only in these jurisdictions, then international work may not come in so much. If you are working for a global law firm which works with international clients, then yes - intl work will come in. Thus, you will want to keep this in mind as you structure your answers, and clearly specify it. Another thing to be careful of is how you phrase this - it could come off as generic as many fields offer intl work, like investment banking, consulting, etc.

You also do not need to meet the 600 word count, in my opinion. So far as you answer why commercial law, embedding all your ideas with specific interest, you should be fine.

Best of luck! You’re on a great track!

 

[Amma Usman]

Does Ashurst give many direct TCs? What’s the case for Stephenson Harwood? Just wondering if it’s worth applying. Overall, both have high trainee intakes.

I believe it‘s always worth applying regardless of the stats. If they have a direct TC portal still open, then they are more likely than not going to offer at least a few slots via that. You never know unless you give it a shot…

 

[Amma Usman]

brabners test invite! happy about this one as i got rejected post app for them last year

Yay! Huge congratulations! This is a great testament to how far your application writing skills have improved. You should be really proud of yourself.

I have provided some general tips on assessments below. So all these are a given, but ensuring you’re well prepared on these is a great first step for calming your nerves during the actual test:

• Have a good, stable internet connection. Forestalls issues which could be something in a timed assessment.
• Stay in a space, free from any distractions. You will want to try as much as possible to be in a quiet head space while taking these. You could also consider booking a study room in a library, or going to a silent study space, if that will help.
• Good sleep the night before. The mind works best when it has rested - we’re only human after all! Hahaha.
• If there’s a video interview component at the end, you may want to consider dressing quite formally for it. Doesn’t have to be anything too much though.

Best of luck on the exam.

 

[JasmineM9]

Would it be wiser to apply for the direct TC with W&C or wait and apply for the winter vacation scheme?

 

[James Wakefield]

Would it be wiser to apply for the direct TC with W&C or wait and apply for the winter vacation scheme?

You can do both as this would count as two separate cycles.