TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Jessica Booker]

This is what I think is super odd about saying you’re not rolling, I would take that to mean at a minimum that you’re not disadvantaged for applying later?

A lot of firms work on the basis of non-rolling being that they do not make any offers until they have reviewed all applications, but that they start the earlier stages during the application window so it isn't a manic rush at the end.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know the direct tc/vs intake ratio at Weil?

I would expect it to be heavily leaning towards converted VS where they take 30 vac schemers a year but only have up to 15 TCs.

 

[User5678]

Big love to Womble Bond Bond Dickinson for letting me spend time on my studies instead of answering application questions all day.

Hi, hahah, love that!

Just wanted to ask if you know what are the grade requirements for Womble Bond. I can’t seem to find details on their website but I read somewhere that it has no grade requirements and only needs an undergrad degree for tc?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

I read somewhere that it has no grade requirements and only needs an undergrad degree for tc?

Yeah legal cheek agrees with that so that’s my understanding too.

 

[jta227]

Maybe. I know some people did receive WGs after applying on the deadline, don’t know if these are London though. I applied 5 days before.

All I know is my CMS application was a lot better than last year but didn’t get through for some reason.

Another thing I heard (completely conspiracy) is that some firms usually only give you one "chance" even when they say you can reapply, or that they are much more lenient the first time. Again, couldn't say whether this is true or not.

Either way, best of luck with your other apps 🙏

 

[User5678]

Another thing I heard (completely conspiracy) is that some firms usually only give you one "chance" even when they say you can reapply, or that they are much more lenient the first time. Again, couldn't say whether this is true or not.

Either way, best of luck with your other apps 🙏

I think the above may be the case if a candidate reaches the AC/interview stage of the recruitment process and is then rejected. I feel when it comes to the first stage i.e, the application form, firms may give a chance if the candidate has more work experience and better answers

Also think it differs across various firms!

But again I’m just assuming😂

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Yeah legal cheek agrees with that so that’s my understanding too.

Is there a direct training contract route for WBD? I read on the website that there is a work placement as part of the application process. Is that the equivalent to a VS? I’m a bit confused

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Is there a direct training contract route for WBD? I read on the website that there is a work placement as part of the application process. Is that the equivalent to a VS? I’m a bit confused

Work placement and vacation scheme are the same thing in WBD vocabulary. I don’t think they do a direct TC route.

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Work placement and vacation scheme are the same thing in WBD vocabulary. I don’t think they do a direct TC route.

Oh okay, I see. Thanks!

 

[TC seeker]

Anyone heard back from Slaughter and May?

 

[rjay]

Anyone heard back from Slaughter and May?

Not yet, applied through the non law TC

 

[abcdefg12]

Is anyone else's linklaters application only allowing them to input 3 pieces of work experience?

 

[M_m]

Anyone heard back from Slaughter and May?

Speaking from personal experience, I applied for their TC last cycle in November and received a rejection 6 months later. They really do know how to play with your feelings.

 

[elsx]

Hi,
I am going to take the video interview/written assessment for the BBC solicitor apprenticeship this week and I was wondering if someone could tell me how long it took them (just to know where to put it in my schedule).
Thanks

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Amma Usman hope you are doing well. Could you please clarify the differences between the latter part of the first question and the second question which form a part of Kirkland's app. (1) Your letter should be addressed to Graduate Recruitment and include why you want to be a lawyer, what skills you can bring to the role of a trainee solicitor, and why you are applying to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis; and (2) Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? My guess is that latter part of Q1 wants us to talk about the specifics of K&E however the second question wants us to discuss transactional work in general. Is that correct? Thanks.

Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor


Just wanted to add to the great response by @Amma Usman! You’re absolutely on the right track with how you’ve approached the distinction between the two questions. Wanted to add a bit more clarity and guidance to help you structure your answers.

For the first question, when talking about why you’re applying to Kirkland & Ellis, focus on specifics that make the firm stand out. Kirkland is particularly known for its private equity practice, and you may want to focus mainly on the areas that it's widely reputed for (e.g. buyouts, fund formation, and out-of-court restructuring and insolvency matters). You could highlight how the firm’s reputation in these areas aligns with your interest/motivations. Essentially, this is your chance to demonstrate a strong understanding of Kirkland, and why you're a good fit.

The second question shifts the focus to transactional work more broadly. Here, you should articulate why transactional law appeals to you, independent of Kirkland. Many applicants often mention the 'fast-paced, deadline-driven environment' but I've generally found this point to be overused. I'd try to focus on some of the specific ways that joining a transactionally focussed firm would allow you to impact businesses, whether it's by enabling their growth through mergers/acquisitions, securing funding for innovation and strategic investment, or rescuing companies in need of restructuring. Again, try to identify some of the ways transactionally focussed firms require lawyers to deliver practical, commercially focused solutions and think about the wider implications of them doing so.

Hope this is helpful and good luck! 😊

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi everyone,

I missed the first half of the Freshfields application masterclass due to a work meeting, but made on time for the Q&A, is anyone comfortable to share notes on the first half ?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Does the Linklaters assessment have a VI component

 

[yasmars]

Does the Linklaters assessment have a VI component

Hey it doesn’t so no need to worry. All the assessments are also untimed so it’s quite an inclusive process x

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Is anyone else's linklaters application only allowing them to input 3 pieces of work experience?

Yes... very annoying considering there aren't even other questions to work it into

 

[VMS]

Has anyone else applied to the BBC Level 7 Solicitors Apprenticeship? I did the VI and written question yesterday and have mixed feelings about how I did, so I was wondering what other people thought!

(P.S, please don't PM me asking about the questions. I always say I don't share the questions as I don't think it's fair for other candidates to go in blind while others have inside knowledge).