TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[cjwx]

Does anyone know if it’s smart to apply to SH’s Direct TC even without much legal experience? Or if they do not really consider that.

 

[midnightcobras]

Hi everyone! How would you advise to complete the Freshfields' work experience section? Is it alright to list my duties as "engaged in.... assited in..." ? Also, do you think it is a big issue if my motivational letter is 870 instead of 850 words?

 

[chrisbrown]

Hi everyone! How would you advise to complete the Freshfields' work experience section? Is it alright to list my duties as "engaged in.... assited in..." ? Also, do you think it is a big issue if my motivational letter is 870 instead of 850 words?

It might be better to explain exactly what you did in the role and what transferrable skills you gained as a result.

By saying “engaged in” and “assisted in”, it is probably not going to show what contribution you made, or what your duties actually were, in an effective and accurate way. 🙂

I also think it’s better to stick to the word count for the personal statement. Given it is 20 words over, making minor changes to the phrasing of sentences might be a good idea. 🙂

Best of luck with your Freshfields application!!

 

[kokoprep]

do I still have time to write a good freshfields app😭

 

[M_m]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

They do. I did one last year. Just email grad rec about it.

 

[andrecsaa]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

According to their website, the assessment centre are held in person in the London office (https://uk-graduates.bakermckenzie.com/support/application-process/).

If you cannot travel to the UK, you can ask for arrangements. Global firms like Baker might be open to offering you a virtual AC.

 

[chrisbrown]

do I still have time to write a good freshfields app😭

If you are starting it from scratch now then I’m not sure because the deadline is tomorrow. 😭

I guess it depends on how fast you are able to write a good application. 🥲

I decided against applying myself because of the short time frame that was left. 🥲

 

[midnightcobras]

It might be better to explain exactly what you did in the role and what transferrable skills you gained as a result.

By saying “engaged in” and “assisted in”, it is probably not going to show what contribution you made, or what your duties actually were, in an effective and accurate way. 🙂

I also think it’s better to stick to the word count for the personal statement. Given it is 20 words over, making minor changes to the phrasing of sentences might be a good idea. 🙂

Best of luck with your Freshfields application!!

Thank you!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Any graduates who are full time working, do you quit your job for vac schemes? Or is that the plan? Would you book annual leave for a vac scheme but is that unethical?

Annual leave or unpaid - it’s not unethical because you will likely have to tell them anyway since most contracts include a clause saying you can’t undertake paid employment elsewhere without consent

 

[0livia.pope]

Has anyone had experience writing a brief for a written assessment task? This is for the BBC solicitor apprentice role and I am struggling on how I can prepare.. would it be similar case study style task but with a media law focus?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated !

 

[midnightcobras]

By the way, how would you recommend preparing for the SJT test? Any resource recs would be appreciated!