TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[xMontmorency]

Hello! Long time lurker here, I'm a non law career changer and have done about 10 applications for TCs or VSs, heard back from a couple with PFOs so haven't really felt the need to post anything yet.

However I've just had an interview invite from Slaughter and May! Has anyone got experience with their interview process and what I should prepare? Any advice for this would be fantastic and greatly appreciated, it's my first interview for any legal role and I am bricking it!! 😰

I did the S&M AC for direct TC in October.

One thing I'd say is, unless they've changed it, the written exercise was very challenging for me. You have to write a report on a company's business strategy. There's not a lot of time to think (you have an hour to read different materials, prepare and write the report), and I think it's very easy to fall into the trap of regurgitating information without adding nuanced opinions.

Interviews were bog standard. I personally think the interviewers were a bit unfriendly, but that's luck of the draw.

Hope that helps.

 

[rain2801]

The gap ahead of your degree will not be an issue.

Many firms do not heavily assess A-level equivalents and so would look much more favourably at your degree results, which as you have said you is a strong result, so you will have a chance.

It is challenging for international candidates, and especially those with no experience (educational or work related) in the U.K. - that will be a bigger barrier than academics for many, but at the same time plenty of international candidates manage to secure TCs so it shouldn’t be something that stops people from trying to secure something.

Thank you for this response! I just had a follow up- I do have work experience in the legal field though not in the UK. How do you suggest I can best translate this in my application?

 

[NJS]

Has anyone had a delay in received the Osborne Clarke test/not received it… I applied last night

 

[doglover123]

Hi, I applied to CMS on the DL for apps, and only completed my VI Friday 3rd Jan, so it might be that they're reviewing all?
What office did you apply for?

Do you mind me asking which office you applied for? I applied for London

 

[AfVio24]

Has anyone who did a CMS VI in/around December heard back? Saw some AC's were given late November but was wondering if there had been anything since?

 

[andrecsaa]

Anyone applied to direct TC to any of these firms and have received a return (pfo or invite for next stages)?

Stephenson Harwood
Norton Rose Fulbright
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
White & Case

I understand they are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, but not will not shortlist candidates or make offers until the deadlines have passed.

Given the deadlines in February, March and July, I don’t know if I should worry to apply now as the firms are prioritising VS apps, or if I can take one month for each application.

 

[Mug Fan]

Anyone applied to direct TC to any of these firms and have received a return (pfo or invite for next stages)?

Stephenson Harwood
Norton Rose Fulbright
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
White & Case

Given the deadlines in February, March and July, I don’t know if I should be worried to apply now as the firms are prioritising VS apps.

I’ve applied to W&C and SH already but haven’t heard back. Pretty sure BM and NRF aren’t even open yet for direct TC.

I am assuming they are slow because they will assess what spaces they have left over for direct TC after seeing what the SV talent pool was like?

 

[Ricky]

Gowling AC 😁

 

[nyanchan22]

Clyde & Co Dubai VI invite!

 

[JessicaTC27]

Thought I wrote the most horrendous app to Goodwin and got VI invite today. Any advice for the Goodwin VI for direct TC? would really appreciate it

Congrats! Out of curiosity when do you have to sit it/deadline

 

[andrecsaa]

I’ve applied to W&C and SH already but haven’t heard back. Pretty sure BM and NRF aren’t even open yet for direct TC.

I am assuming they are slow because they will assess what spaces they have left over for direct TC after seeing what the SV talent pool was like?

Thank you! Yes, you are right, BM and NRF open on the 1st and 3rd of February.

I believe they will proceed with reviewing TC applications as soon as they select people for the VS. At least Ashurst, SH, and W&C read all the applications on a rolling basis but shortlist candidates just after the deadline.

In the last cycle, some firms held AC for direct TC between May and August. For example, I read here in the TCLA that Addleshaw Goddard held AC for VS in January and February and TC in July, August and September.

 

[Synapser]

Anything from the BBC? I think they said ~mid January - does the 9th count?😅

 

[CallumJR]

Gowling AC 😁

Hold on! Is this Ricky Emery the TLT paralegal?

 

[Iwanobealawyer]

Has anyone received a CMS AC invite?

 

[VMS]

Anything from the BBC? I think they said ~mid January - does the 9th count?😅

No and no, haha! But I asked in Dec if anyone had heard anything, so I think we're both overly eager to know 🤣

 

[Ricky]

Hold on! Is this Ricky Emery the TLT paralegal?

I have previously worked at TLT, yeah...

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

has anyone who applied to kirkland via the direct tc route heard back?

 

[Samridhi Jain]

Congrats! Out of curiosity when do you have to sit it/deadline

Thanks! The deadline passed. I got the invite on 3rd Jan and was told to complete it by 7th Jan.

 

[CanOz]

CMS rejection today, after VI last month

 

[mariistm]

CMS rejection today, after VI last month

Very sorry to hear that and hope you have more luck with your other applications!
What office was this for if you don’t mind me asking?