TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

Hello all! I have received a CMS Assessment Day invitation for a Direct TC and would be grateful for any tips please!!

Hey there @lulilucha11 ,

Well done on the AC! I’ve provided some tips below.

• Prepare for the components as you have been told. This will enable you to laser focus on a few key areas of revision, rather than everything that could possibly come out. The firm will likely have told you this, or will in due course. It is worth reaching out to future trainees to learn from their experiences and provide more firm-specific insights.

• Continue your commercial awareness journey. This is where it will be tested, challenged, and embraced more than at any other stage in the process. For case study and article discussions, you will find it beneficial to link even the tiniest matters to current affairs globally, and more industry-specific arenas if you have insights on that too. Now, it is also worth mentioning that commercial awareness in an interview setting also encompasses how well you can link the case discussion to the firm. In this, I mean how the firm’s practices or expertise could be utilised or affected. Doing so shows you not only understand businesses, but legal advisory as it applies to businesses. This approach has always served me well. I will note, however, doing so will enable your interviewers to challenge and question your thoughts - after all, you are mentioning the firm’s role in an advisory scope. In no way should this be viewed as a scary thing though - in fact, you are on the road to a colourful trophy if you expatiate on it well. Further, it will also be a nice opportunity to learn from your interviewers about their work too. At the end of the day, you are not only being assessed for a TC - you are surrounded by a plethora of legal talent. Utilise it and make the most of the learning opportunity. It will also turn the vibe from initially hot, to more cool.

• Be confident in how you communicate your answers, but avoid coming off as the negative opposite of that.

• Ask questions. There is no harm in asking for clarification when you are unsure on something. This is even more noble than making things up along the way, and your assessors will respect this.

 

[Legalitaly]

From my understanding, ROLLING means that they hand out TC offers before the official deadline... Non-rolling means (1) that they look at no applications until after the deadline, OR (2) they look at applications and move people onto the next stage, but do NOT hand out TC offers until all applications have been read and progressed to the end stage, hence giving everyone who applies before the deadline a chance.

From my understanding of what a rolling deadline is I would say point (2) falls within the rolling category instead of the non-rolling one. If a deadline is non-rolling then they should specify that they do, however, go through applications and progress people before the deadline is passed, as that is more of an exception to the rule rather than the norm.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

From my understanding of what a rolling deadline is I would say point (2) falls within the rolling category instead of the non-rolling one. If a deadline is non-rolling then they should specify that they do, however, go through applications and progress people before the deadline is passed, as that is more of an exception to the rule rather than the norm.

I disagree... If they get 3000 applications and there is a team of 5 + perhaps other Partner helpers, you cant blame them for wanting to get a head start. There is nothing wrong with reading an application and then progressing to the WGT and then VI and stopping there.

 

[lulilucha11]

Hi, congrats! When did you receive the invite?

And when did you complete the VI if you don’t mind answering?

Received the invite on Friday and did the VI week of 2nd Dec... but I am a Campus Ambassador so that may have affected the timing so don't worry if you haven't heard back!!

 

[lulilucha11]

Congratulations, that's amazing news! I am about to do my VI and was wondering if you would be willing to provide any insights, as I am s***ting my pants!

I would just say try answer the question as directly as possible and do a lot of firm research beforehand

 

[lulilucha11]

Hey there @lulilucha11 ,

Well done on the AC! I’ve provided some tips below.

• Prepare for the components as you have been told. This will enable you to laser focus on a few key areas of revision, rather than everything that could possibly come out. The firm will likely have told you this, or will in due course. It is worth reaching out to future trainees to learn from their experiences and provide more firm-specific insights.

• Continue your commercial awareness journey. This is where it will be tested, challenged, and embraced more than at any other stage in the process. For case study and article discussions, you will find it beneficial to link even the tiniest matters to current affairs globally, and more industry-specific arenas if you have insights on that too. Now, it is also worth mentioning that commercial awareness in an interview setting also encompasses how well you can link the case discussion to the firm. In this, I mean how the firm’s practices or expertise could be utilised or affected. Doing so shows you not only understand businesses, but legal advisory as it applies to businesses. This approach has always served me well. I will note, however, doing so will enable your interviewers to challenge and question your thoughts - after all, you are mentioning the firm’s role in an advisory scope. In no way should this be viewed as a scary thing though - in fact, you are on the road to a colourful trophy if you expatiate on it well. Further, it will also be a nice opportunity to learn from your interviewers about their work too. At the end of the day, you are not only being assessed for a TC - you are surrounded by a plethora of legal talent. Utilise it and make the most of the learning opportunity. It will also turn the vibe from initially hot, to more cool.

• Be confident in how you communicate your answers, but avoid coming off as the negative opposite of that.

• Ask questions. There is no harm in asking for clarification when you are unsure on something. This is even more noble than making things up along the way, and your assessors will respect this.

Thank you so much!!!

 

[lulilucha11]

I believe they are secretly rolling…

From a CMS Campus Ambassador who has asked this question a thousand times... They don't progress anyone to AC's before the deadline and everything progressed before is automatic if you receive above a certain score at WG I think?!

 

[TA281990]

Hi,

Has anyone been invited to book for the EYX day? Received mine some weeks ago, but haven't seen any available slots whenever I go on

 

[Legalitaly]

I disagree... If they get 3000 applications and there is a team of 5 + perhaps other Partner helpers, you cant blame them for wanting to get a head start. There is nothing wrong with reading an application and then progressing to the WGT and then VI and stopping there.

Then, respectfully, since it is a non-rolling deadline they should give a fair shot to everyone, even to that person that submitted an hour before the deadline. I am not saying they should not review applications as they come, but that they should still allow everyone to have their application considered despite the application potentially being submitted right before the deadline.

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

I am currently in the process of applying for DLA Piper's Summer Internship programme (Sheffield office). One of the application questions is:

'At DLA Piper, we believe great business can make a better world. We believe in being collaborative, bold, exceptional, and supportive. We are keen to hear what inspired your application. Why are you interested in starting a legal career at DLA Piper? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)'

I have written the following as a rough draft, but I'm not overly convinced by what I've written so far. It feels too generic. (?) I was also wondering whether applicants are expected to tailor their applications with the strengths of a specific office (i.e. Sheffield as opposed to London) in mind? Any feedback hugely appreciated!



DLA Piper genuinely substantiates its claim as a "global firm" with a 16% international secondment rate for trainees and operations across numerous jurisdictions. As a modern languages graduate, I value the opportunity to work for a firm that offers true international experiences. I am eager to apply my multilingual abilities, cross-border intellectual property experience, and diverse cultural knowledge to my legal career.

Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have earned a PGDL and worked in various roles, including management in hospitality, translation, and business intelligence research. This multi-disciplinary background aligns with DLA Piper's emphasis on individuality and diversity. My unique perspective allows me to approach problems differently from traditional law graduates, offering innovative, business strategy-oriented solutions that align with clients’ commercial goals.

My academic and professional experiences have fostered a strong interest in intellectual property, M&A, and private equity. DLA Piper’s consistent ranking as number one by deal count for global M&A over the past 14 years and its recognition as a top firm for global private equity are remarkable. With such high volumes of work, DLA Piper is the ideal place to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry-leading experts.

 

[Tintin06]

I am currently in the process of applying for DLA Piper's Summer Internship programme (Sheffield office). One of the application questions is:

'At DLA Piper, we believe great business can make a better world. We believe in being collaborative, bold, exceptional, and supportive. We are keen to hear what inspired your application. Why are you interested in starting a legal career at DLA Piper? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)'

I have written the following as a rough draft, but I'm not overly convinced by what I've written so far. It feels too generic. (?) I was also wondering whether applicants are expected to tailor their applications with the strengths of a specific office (i.e. Sheffield as opposed to London) in mind? Any feedback hugely appreciated!



DLA Piper genuinely substantiates its claim as a "global firm" with a 16% international secondment rate for trainees and operations across numerous jurisdictions. As a modern languages graduate, I value the opportunity to work for a firm that offers true international experiences. I am eager to apply my multilingual abilities, cross-border intellectual property experience, and diverse cultural knowledge to my legal career.

Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have earned a PGDL and worked in various roles, including management in hospitality, translation, and business intelligence research. This multi-disciplinary background aligns with DLA Piper's emphasis on individuality and diversity. My unique perspective allows me to approach problems differently from traditional law graduates, offering innovative, business strategy-oriented solutions that align with clients’ commercial goals.

My academic and professional experiences have fostered a strong interest in intellectual property, M&A, and private equity. DLA Piper’s consistent ranking as number one by deal count for global M&A over the past 14 years and its recognition as a top firm for global private equity are remarkable. With such high volumes of work, DLA Piper is the ideal place to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry-leading experts.

I respect you for posting this. The structure is pretty solid, overall. I would maybe add more evidence. The secondment rate is an example. How would you benefit from it? Impressively succinct for only 200 words.

 

[gggg]

Any news after CMS VI for those that have done the VI recently?

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

I respect you for posting this. The structure is pretty solid, overall. I would maybe add more evidence. The secondment rate is an example. How would you benefit from it? Impressively succinct for only 200 words.

Cheers! The 200 word limits for apps and 1 minute talking time limits for VIs are brutal 😰

 

[Tintin06]

Cheers! The 200 word limits for apps and 1 minute talking time limits for VIs are brutal 😰

I quite shorter words limits, honestly. It forces you to learn conciseness. It’s easier to edit too, IMO. VIs are an altogether different beast. But quite useful for actual interviews. You’re more used to answering questions.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

does anyone know when HL hold their ACs for direct tc? thanks

 

[Zaidoz10]

does anyone know when HL hold their ACs for direct tc? thanks

Have you heard back post-app? I still haven’t heard anything.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Have you heard back post-app? I still haven’t heard anything.

no i haven't. i was just asking to manage my expecations

 

[Mug Fan]

no i haven't. i was just asking to manage my expecations

It'll be a while yet, they still haven't even sent the online tests out for the TC group yet (I emailed and asked and they said it would be coming soon).

 

[M_m]

Hi everyone! I’m an international student who did both my schooling and law degree abroad. While I am applying for VS and TCs this year, I also want to have a firm backup plan. I’ve reached out to a few law firms, and given that my law degree is not a qualifying degree in the UK, they would require me to finish the PGDL. Do you think it would be wise for me to self-fund the PGDL this year in case I don’t get a TC? Would it be beneficial in any way?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi all,

I hope you’re all doing well!

Just wanted to give a random update on this cycle so far. Need to get back into it after I wrap up some exams in a couple of weeks:

VS

-NRF ❌
-W&C ❌
-Bird & Bird ❌ (post WG)
-HSF ❌
-Cleary ❌
-Covington ❌
-Linklaters ❌
- Sidley Austin ❌
- Jones Day ❌
-Reed Smith- SJT/VI completed
-Baker McKenzie Summer VS- -app submitted
-Gibson Dunn- app submitted
-Cooley- app submitted
-Womble Bond Dickinson- app submitted

TC

- Sullivan & Cromwell ❌
- Clifford Chance ❌
- CMS ❌ (post WG)
- AO Shearman ❌
- Freshfields- app submitted
- HFW- app submitted
- Goodwin- app submitted
- Mayer Brown- app submitted
- Greenberg Taurig- app submitted
- Trowers & Hamlins- SJT done

Thoughts: I am very happy to know that I am starting to move past the application stage for some firms! Also been working hard to understand the logic behind SJT/WG tests, just hope it fully clicks sooner rather than later.