TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Zaraa.x]

Applied 28 Nov... just got my PFO a few min ago 💔

Omgggg so sorry to hear😭😓!! I applied first week of Nov and still nothing…

 

[Anon1111]

Please can someone help me, should I expect a PFO if people received an AC for Kennedys

have you received a response yet?

 

[Amiyrerose]

Any response?

Nope 😭 none at all

 

[Broadwater]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker

If you failed to progress 2 ACs, then it’s not your profile on paper that’s lacking. It’s your ability to perform well on the tasks at the ACs which requires improvement.

Also, if you’re not passing application stages with your profile then your application writing skills need improvement.

Perhaps arrange for an application review from TCLA or a mentor and if you have an AC coming up arrange a mock interview.

Writing applications and passing ACs is a skill in itself that is almost entirely separate from the quality of your profile on paper