TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

I am growing increasingly frustrated because I have been applying to law firms for several years and have not managed to land a training contract or paralegal position. I genuinely feel let down by the education system in order to improve my career prospects. I feel trapped because getting employment (even non-legal) is tough and I want to move out of my area.
 

A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
165
77
I really am surprised by firms being off put from hiring someone for paralegal over commitment.

Firms always say they prefer applicants to have sat the SQE - but why would anyone put them selves through SQE to become a career paralegal?
They’re looking for internal TCs that they don’t have to fund.

SQE is even better as they can just keep them as a min wage paralegal and get an NQ
 

FRkit12

New Member
Feb 4, 2022
1
0
Still haven't heard anything from W&C post-application, do people think it's safe to assume that it's going to be a rejection given that people have been receiving VI invitations this week?
 

Thom&as

Active Member
Feb 27, 2024
13
15
Rejected by Slaughter and May for a direct TC post interview. Not ideal, especially since they are the firm that I have had the most experiences and interactions with, and this rejection essentially means they won't reinvite me to interviews on subsequent applications unless there's a significant difference in my application. Freshfields also rejected me without reaching the WG test even after I put a lot of effort into that application.

Been feeling a lot of self-doubt.

I'll probably apply to the A&O Shearman winter scheme next, does anyone know if it's a rolling application? Also would you still recommend applying when I have literally zero experiences with the firm?
 

Legalstalker

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Oct 9, 2023
    402
    1,721
    Rejected by Slaughter and May for a direct TC post interview. Not ideal, especially since they are the firm that I have had the most experiences and interactions with, and this rejection essentially means they won't reinvite me to interviews on subsequent applications unless there's a significant difference in my application. Freshfields also rejected me without reaching the WG test even after I put a lot of effort into that application.

    Been feeling a lot of self-doubt.

    I'll probably apply to the A&O Shearman winter scheme next, does anyone know if it's a rolling application? Also would you still recommend applying when I have literally zero experiences with the firm?
    I don’t think they’re rolling, last year they sent an automatic test to complete which was an SJT and VI. Once the deadline has passed they review - reject or invite to AC.
     
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