TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[jacksollaf]

To those who applied to Deloitte, have you heard anything since applying? I applied about two months ago and did not even receive an email confirming this... I then logged on into the application portal and saw "Continue your Immersive Online Assessment", even though I havent received anything at all... Is this normal? (Summer VS)

 

[Tintin06]

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.

Sorry to hear about your rejections. However, you have a positive attitude. I’m sure you’ll get something ultimately.

 

[andrecsaa]

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?

Hey! I know this feeling, I am also an international student (qualified overseas and completed an LLM in the UK).

After reading a lot of FAQs and speaking with some grad rec, I honestly believe that a PGDL is not advantageous. Firms primarily look at your undergraduate grades, and the PGDL won't compensate lower grades. Additionally, for TC purposes, you are considered a non-law candidate, which means that if a firm selects you, they will fund both the PGDL and the SQE.

Similar to LLM courses, the PGDL can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a solicitor and your interest in English law. However, unless you plan to move to the UK to build your network and attend firm events while studying in person or extend your stay with a graduate visa, I would not recommend self-funding the PGDL.

I would consider looking for a paralegal role to gain work experience, studying another undergraduate degree, or even pursuing a two-year LLB.

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

Hey! I know this feeling, I am also an international student (qualified overseas and completed an LLM in the UK).

After reading a lot of FAQs and speaking with some grad rec, I honestly believe that a PGDL is not advantageous. Firms primarily look at your undergraduate grades, and the PGDL won't compensate lower grades. Additionally, for TC purposes, you are considered a non-law candidate, which means that if a firm selects you, they will fund both the PGDL and the SQE.

Similar to LLM courses, the PGDL can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a solicitor and your interest in English law. However, unless you plan to move to the UK to build your network and attend firm events while studying in person or extend your stay with a graduate visa, I would not recommend self-funding the PGDL.

I would consider looking for a paralegal role to gain work experience, studying another undergraduate degree, or even pursuing a two-year LLB.

Doing another undergraduate degree or even a two-year law degree could be exorbitantly expensive, especially for an international student; the PGDL, however, is a very financially viable option - all courses cost under the £15,000 mark. Many people who have qualified abroad and hope to work in the UK opt for the PGDL.