TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
902
2,150
it’s so peak interviewing at a firm and you realise half the candidates interviewing there are internal paralegals
Many paralegals also don't get interviews. For example, a previous Vac Scheme. There was one paralegal doing it. Other two applied but no dice. So paralegals aren't always successful.
 

User5678

Legendary Member
Aug 16, 2024
299
407
Many paralegals also don't get interviews. For example, a previous Vac Scheme. There was one paralegal doing it. Other two applied but no dice. So paralegals aren't always successful.
I agree, I know a paralegal who gave the ac 4 times at the same firm and didn’t get a tc (she was very good at her work). She eventually left the firm.
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
223
616
it’s so peak interviewing at a firm and you realise half the candidates interviewing there are internal paralegals
Green flag for the firm, a paralegal who has generated value for the firm for months or years and knows they are a good fit for the firm's culture absolutely does deserve to be at the very least interviewed. I am surprised half of the trainee interviewees being paralegals *isn't* the norm.
 

optimistic_undergrad

Active Member
  • Mar 30, 2025
    18
    19
    AnYtHiNg FrOm HoGaN lOvElLs ToDaY tHeN?
    Attended the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair today. An early career member of HL said that they haven't gotten back to ANYONE after the WGT. This is quite contradictory to what many have posted on this thread, right? Like so many people have stated about receiving PFO post the WGT from HL. I don't know what to make of this. Plus, the early career member said they are still going through many applications and are not done reviewing them, and therefore, they will start getting back in the next few weeks.
     

    wannabe_solicitor

    Standard Member
    Apr 1, 2025
    7
    9
    I'd say focus on their values. There's not much else to do. There was a good video once. It was top 10 trainee skills. Paul Gascoyne made it, IIRC. I don't know where it's gone.

    This video could be helpful though.


    I do think being consistent helps. Especially on those sliding answer questions.
    This is helpful, thanks!! also kinda panicking, does the Ashurst test include WGT- like questions? going through the practice ones and Cappfinity has some WGT in there?! o_O
     
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    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
    902
    2,150
    Thoughts on the graduate apprenticeship route? Running out of TC applications here. Are they much harder to get? Just started thinking about this option.

    Also anything from Hogan Lovells today? Would also like to manage expectations. What are my chances with HL? A few VSs and work experiences. A-Level grades: AAA; GCSEs were: ABBBBCCC. Mitigating circumstances were for GCSEs. Degree: 62.5% (History and Politics - Oxford).

    I often get imposter syndrome honestly. So none of this = humble brag.
     

    billyonthespeeddial

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 21, 2023
    223
    616
    What are my chances with HL? A few VSs and work experiences. A-Level grades: AAA; GCSEs were: ABBBBCCC. Mitigating circumstances were for GCSEs. Degree: 62.5% (History and Politics - Oxford).
    I could never figure out what HL is looking for, even having attended their VS. I think you have a shot just as much as anyone
     

    A worried graduate

    Legendary Member
    Mar 25, 2024
    321
    198
    Thoughts on the graduate apprenticeship route? Running out of TC applications here. Are they much harder to get? Just started thinking about this option.

    Also anything from Hogan Lovells today? Would also like to manage expectations. What are my chances with HL? A few VSs and work experiences. A-Level grades: AAA; GCSEs were: ABBBBCCC. Mitigating circumstances were for GCSEs. Degree: 62.5% (History and Politics - Oxford).

    I often get imposter syndrome honestly. So none of this = humble brag.
    Personally, Grad apprenticeships seem slightly easier to get than TCs as those who have taken SQE1 can’t apply and in-house roles tend to be less competitive in general as they aren’t advertised

    Still will be hard though
     
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