TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I am looking to apply to Kennedys for a direct TC this cycle, but I have seen conflicting information, which states that graduates can only apply. I will be finishing my law degree in May 2025. @Jessica Booker do you have any insight into this? I have emailed HR to ask as well.

Unfortunately I can’t see anything on their website where they are not open yet and where their 2025 opportunities are now closed.

 

[erderlylars]

Anyone heard from Payne hicks beach today? Getting a bit close to the ACs now

 

[👩🎓]

Unfortunately I can’t see anything on their website where they are not open yet and where their 2025 opportunities are now closed.

No worries, hopefully I will hear back from graduate recruitment.

 

[VMS]

hey, when did u apply if u dont mind me asking

14th June

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

14th June

Ah so the order is completely random then!

 

[Zaidoz10]

@Jessica Booker why would a law firm look at a candidate’s LinkedIn profile? And how common is it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker why would a law firm look at a candidate’s LinkedIn profile? And how common is it?

Could be a whole host of reasons - it may not even be that they are an applicant.

I wouldn’t try to over analyse why someone could be looking.

 

[unemployedandneedadvice]

Many candidates apply to law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts, and there are only limited places at each firm.

This may not be the first or second cycle for applicants but their fifth or tenth cycle.

Applying for paralegal positions are as, if not more, competitive than vacation schemes and training contracts. Perhaps this may be because firms may think candidates are applying for a training contract and are not committed long term to the paralegal role.

I have a 2.1 at undergraduate level from a RG-university, passed the LPC and have an LLM from Oxbridge/Durham/UCL/LSE. I have also completed vacation schemes at international and national law firms.

What do people do in order to avoid unemployment and go on state benefits such as JSA or universal credit?

 

[lookingforaTC]

Many candidates apply to law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts, and there are only limited places at each firm.

This may not be the first or second cycle for applicants but their fifth or tenth cycle.

Applying for paralegal positions are as, if not more, competitive than vacation schemes and training contracts. Perhaps this may be because firms may think candidates are applying for a training contract and are not committed long term to the paralegal role.

I have a 2.1 at undergraduate level from a RG-university, passed the LPC and have an LLM from Oxbridge/Durham/UCL/LSE. I have also completed vacation schemes at international and national law firms.

What do people do in order to avoid unemployment and go on state benefits such as JSA or universal credit?

I really am surprised by firms being off put from hiring someone for paralegal over commitment.

Firms always say they prefer applicants to have sat the SQE - but why would anyone put them selves through SQE to become a career paralegal?

 

[fran2948]

Hi all,

I am planning to apply next intake but have been out of the legal waters a few years working abroad.
I am British and currently live overseas, so I assume direct TCs are my best option (since we are long past the COVID days of online VS). I did a VS back when assessment centres were online, but VS were in-person.
My main concern is if there is anything I will have to attend in-person, such as assessment days. Can anyone with experience help shed some light? Have assessment centres also transitioned back to being in-person? Or, if you have pre-covid experience, what was done in these situations then?

Many thanks

 

[TC seeker]

The best way to handle SJT tests is to choose the most chaotic and unpredictable answers possible. This will show you're not afraid to take risks and think outside the box. Also, completely ignore the company's core values—it's all about standing out! Maybe even consider giving answers that have nothing to do with the question. Good luck, and remember, there are no wrong answers, just wildly interesting ones!

Thank you!

 

[WhiskeyCharlie]

Many candidates apply to law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts, and there are only limited places at each firm.

This may not be the first or second cycle for applicants but their fifth or tenth cycle.

Applying for paralegal positions are as, if not more, competitive than vacation schemes and training contracts. Perhaps this may be because firms may think candidates are applying for a training contract and are not committed long term to the paralegal role.

I have a 2.1 at undergraduate level from a RG-university, passed the LPC and have an LLM from Oxbridge/Durham/UCL/LSE. I have also completed vacation schemes at international and national law firms.

What do people do in order to avoid unemployment and go on state benefits such as JSA or universal credit?

I don't entirely agree that firms question the commitment of the candidates with TCs secured. It feels more and more to me, like firms and recruiters are gatekeeping the jobs. How many postings do you see these days that state X experience required for an entry-level role (even asking for 3-6 months) or "paralegal role - TC SECURED / FUTUREE TRAINEE"??

It's frustrating, I've been there and it did feel a bit hopeless, why does a TC at a firm with non-related practice areas make another individual more qualified for a transactional RE role? Why does a 2 week vacation scheme somehow magically count as 3-6 months of experience in the eyes of recruiters?
I would say, the most important thing to avoid unemployment is keep applying. Also, networking, I cannot stress how important it is. If you know when a post is opening up and apply first, can have someone refer you etc. it makes all the difference these days, especially in this economy/ job market. I would also put particular emphasis in applying to firms that allow for internal TC application/promotion. Plenty US firms do as well as other international city outfits.
In my experience, most hiring managers know full well that most paralegals are not committed long term and are applying for training contracts. Its HR and recruitment who gatekeep the roles.

 

[TC Chaser]

White & Case video interview.
Received today, applied about an hour before the deadline for all those waiting.

Hi, received mine as well for the direct TC. Do you have any tips or links to resources for prep?

 

[Szofi66]

Hi, received mine as well for the direct TC. Do you have any tips or links to resources for prep?

Congrats when did you receive yours and when did you apply if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I really am surprised by firms being off put from hiring someone for paralegal over commitment.

Firms always say they prefer applicants to have sat the SQE - but why would anyone put them selves through SQE to become a career paralegal?

It used to be the same with the LPC - many paralegal roles would require the LPC which someone would have to have self-funded. I don't really agree with it, but it has been very common in the industry for decades.

 

[AlexJ]

I don't entirely agree that firms question the commitment of the candidates with TCs secured. It feels more and more to me, like firms and recruiters are gatekeeping the jobs. How many postings do you see these days that state X experience required for an entry-level role (even asking for 3-6 months) or "paralegal role - TC SECURED / FUTUREE TRAINEE"??

It's frustrating, I've been there and it did feel a bit hopeless, why does a TC at a firm with non-related practice areas make another individual more qualified for a transactional RE role? Why does a 2 week vacation scheme somehow magically count as 3-6 months of experience in the eyes of recruiters?
I would say, the most important thing to avoid unemployment is keep applying. Also, networking, I cannot stress how important it is. If you know when a post is opening up and apply first, can have someone refer you etc. it makes all the difference these days, especially in this economy/ job market. I would also put particular emphasis in applying to firms that allow for internal TC application/promotion. Plenty US firms do as well as other international city outfits.
In my experience, most hiring managers know full well that most paralegals are not committed long term and are applying for training contracts. Its HR and recruitment who gatekeep the roles.

Paralegals are generally hired quickly and cheaply, by only taking those with TCs they outsource the quality check part of the recruitment process and can hire on FTCs / for a defined length of time without upsetting either party. Not saying I agree with it, but you can understand why they do it

 

[Jessica Booker]

I don't entirely agree that firms question the commitment of the candidates with TCs secured. It feels more and more to me, like firms and recruiters are gatekeeping the jobs. How many postings do you see these days that state X experience required for an entry-level role (even asking for 3-6 months) or "paralegal role - TC SECURED / FUTUREE TRAINEE"??

It's frustrating, I've been there and it did feel a bit hopeless, why does a TC at a firm with non-related practice areas make another individual more qualified for a transactional RE role? Why does a 2 week vacation scheme somehow magically count as 3-6 months of experience in the eyes of recruiters?
I would say, the most important thing to avoid unemployment is keep applying. Also, networking, I cannot stress how important it is. If you know when a post is opening up and apply first, can have someone refer you etc. it makes all the difference these days, especially in this economy/ job market. I would also put particular emphasis in applying to firms that allow for internal TC application/promotion. Plenty US firms do as well as other international city outfits.
In my experience, most hiring managers know full well that most paralegals are not committed long term and are applying for training contracts. Its HR and recruitment who gatekeep the roles.

The "future trainee" criteria has been one used for decades too. It ultimately is sifting candidates out and ensuring the quality of candidate is likely to be high, because they have gone through a rigorous selection process with a firm. It is like applying an assessment without having to actually assess the candidate yourself. In these instances, the roles are likely to be fixed term contracts rather than permanent roles, which works for both sides.

It is the permanent paralegal roles that firms will want someone not currently looking to secure a TC. Paralegal roles have exceptional high turn over and employers want to try and ensure they aren't onboarding someone, only for them to leave less than 6 months later when they have secured a TC and need to start the LPC/SQE/TC,

 

[hannah04]

Hi all,

I am planning to apply next intake but have been out of the legal waters a few years working abroad.
I am British and currently live overseas, so I assume direct TCs are my best option (since we are long past the COVID days of online VS). I did a VS back when assessment centres were online, but VS were in-person.
My main concern is if there is anything I will have to attend in-person, such as assessment days. Can anyone with experience help shed some light? Have assessment centres also transitioned back to being in-person? Or, if you have pre-covid experience, what was done in these situations then?

Many thanks

Hi! In my experience, assessment centres and final stage interviews have now transitioned to being in-person. However, some firms do offer virtual assessment centre options, or, if they don't, might be open to offering you a virtual arrangement upon request if you cannot travel to the UK.

 

[abdskurts1]

Anyone else still not heard anything from Dentons post-app? I applied for the ME TC in March

 

[unemployedandneedadvice]

How do law firms view candidates who have been on state benefits such as JSA or universal credit?