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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

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
858
2,065
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
202
566
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
 
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A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
315
190
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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Logan1101

Distinguished Member
  • Jul 16, 2022
    66
    100
    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.
    Oxon should give you a leg up, consider applying for US firms. I also have a low 2.1(RG) but a low 2.1 from Oxford is probably worth more.

    It's a rigged game, you just have to learn how to play it. I actually abhor the whole recruitment process but this is what firms are forced to do as applications far exceed spaces. I have friends who have never made it to an AC after over a hundred applications, and know people who have been unemployed for months looking for a secretary/paralegal role. It's a cruel Neoliberal world that we live in.
     

    ilovegardening1111

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 12, 2024
    38
    8
    Hi all, would you say it’s a good idea to train in-house at a financial/insurance firm? And there’s a chance you will undertake one seat (litigation) in private practice during your time there at a reputable commercial law firm. Could I go back to private practice? Even though I’ve only done one seat in it
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,304
    21,379
    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.
    To me, graduate apprenticeships are no different to training contracts - you just do your SQE training alongside working rather than ahead of the TC. Otherwise they are the same opportunity.
     
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    norothrow324

    Legendary Member
    Apr 11, 2023
    211
    189
    did anyone receive an email post completing the SJT for Ashurst?
    Haven't received anything and wondering if it even got recorded (i went till the end and it said the assessment was over but just overthinking it)
    I got my feedback report (if you can really cal it that, quite short and pretty boiler plate). Nothing else before though so you should be fine so long as you clicked submit. Took a day to get the report
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,304
    21,379
    Hi all, would you say it’s a good idea to train in-house at a financial/insurance firm? And there’s a chance you will undertake one seat (litigation) in private practice during your time there at a reputable commercial law firm. Could I go back to private practice? Even though I’ve only done one seat in it
    I think its good if you want to work in-house long term, and especially if you have an interest in financial services or the insurance industry.

    Moving to private practice is not going to be straight forward if your experience is mainly in-house, even with a six-month secondment to a private practice firm. You will be competing in a job market where people have mainly worked in private practice. Those people will have worked with a broader range of clients, have gained work experience across practice areas and got used to more private practice process knowledge like business development, time recording etc.

    It is not to say it will be impossible, it just will be more difficult than if you have trained in private practice. It may be more possible for firms that have a financial services/insurance sector focus, because your sector knowledge may be in more demand.

    People may think it might be easy to impress on a six month secondment to the private practice firm and potentially be hired by them, but sometimes there are terms in secondment agreements that restrict firms/in-house teams from nabbing talent from one another.
     


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