TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Samridhi Jain]

For the Clifford Chance TC app - does someone here have tips for the work experience section and the Watson Glaser test?

I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?

And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?

Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Does anyone know when Womble Bond Dickinson will open their training contract or vac scheme applications?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

For the Clifford Chance TC app - does someone here have tips for the work experience section and the Watson Glaser test?

I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?

And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?

Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?

Why would the firm view an application that hasn’t passed the test benchmark. That would be a waste of their time. If the test is there I’d assume it’s for a reason and that would be to cut the numbers of applicants and “review the best applications”. I don’t believe those who pass the WG are the best of the bunch they’re just those who can pass the test. I found their WG to be pretty similar to Linklaters and CMS. I tend to say the question out loud and contradict myself when saying the answers. Whichever sounds better and more convincing I go with. don’t think.

 

[gazdgazd11]

I'm starting to think my grades are the reason I'm struggling to secure a TC. I have a (low/mid) 2.1 from UCL, but then I only have a pass (unfortunately resits too) in my LPC (59%) due to mitigating circumstances. What law firms tend to be less grade-focused? I know some smaller ones that are, but are there any leading ones that are known to be more chill? thanks!

 

[safari3]

I'm starting to think my grades are the reason I'm struggling to secure a TC. I have a (low/mid) 2.1 from UCL, but then I only have a pass (unfortunately resits too) in my LPC (59%) due to mitigating circumstances. What law firms tend to be less grade-focused? I know some smaller ones that are, but are there any leading ones that are known to be more chill? thanks!

DLA Piper, Osborne Clarke, Ropes & Gray (no minimum requirements)
Freshfields, CMS, Addleshaw Goddard, Fieldfisher, Shoosmiths (2:1 degree overall, doesn't need to be across all modules)

TCLA have an application tracker that detail undergraduate requirements, however I'm not sure about the impact of your LPC results, regardless you should check it out.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I'm starting to think my grades are the reason I'm struggling to secure a TC. I have a (low/mid) 2.1 from UCL, but then I only have a pass (unfortunately resits too) in my LPC (59%) due to mitigating circumstances. What law firms tend to be less grade-focused? I know some smaller ones that are, but are there any leading ones that are known to be more chill? thanks!

Hey @gazdgazd11

It's good to take a strategy when applying, but I'd also say that your grades are definitely within the requirements that many law firms typically set out. I know trainees and associates at firms like Freshfields and CMS who have similar academic profiles, so don’t be too worried. Since you already have mitigating circumstances for the LPC, I really think the key is how you present your overall profile.

@safari3 made some great suggestions, and I've seen applicants at those firms who have come to a legal career with a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. To help determine which firms are worth applying to, you might also want to look at this Chambers Student table. You can use it to to check the academic requirements of various firms but, again, keep in mind that most leading firms do take mitigating circumstances into account.

If you can, I'd also recommend focussing on gaining (and adequately discussing) strong work experiences in your application. You'd be surprised by how many candidates often under-describe or fail to give enough attention to this part of the application. I often found it helpful to use my volunteer and work experience sections as a way to demonstrate my practical skills and maturity. It was also my way of showing grad recruiters that I was capable of handling trainee responsibilities effectively, even if I wasn't a student with a first-class law degree.

Feel free to each out if you have any other questions

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hey @gazdgazd11

It's good to take a strategy when applying, but I'd also say that your grades are definitely within requirements that many law firms typically set out. I know trainees and associates at firms like Freshfields and CMS who have similar academic profiles, so don’t be too worried. Since you already have mitigating circumstances for the LPC, I really think the key is how you present your overall profile.

@safari3 made some great suggestions, and I've seen applicants at those firms who have come to a legal career with a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. To help determine which firms are worth applying to, you might also want to look at this Chambers Student table. You can use it to to check the academic requirements of various firms but, again, keep in mind that most leading firms do take mitigating circumstances into account.

If you can, I'd also recommend focussing on gaining (and adequately discussing) strong work experiences in your application. You'd be surprised by how many candidates often under-describe or fail to give enough attention to this part of the application. I often found it helpful to use my volunteer and work experience sections as a way to demonstrate my practical skills and maturity. It was also my way of showing grad recruiters that I was capable of handling trainee responsibilities effectively, even if I wasn't a student with a first-class law degree.

Feel free to each out if you have any other questions

Thank you so much! Wow this really gave me hope! Appreciate it

 

[gazdgazd11]

DLA Piper, Osborne Clarke, Ropes & Gray (no minimum requirements)
Freshfields, CMS, Addleshaw Goddard, Fieldfisher, Shoosmiths (2:1 degree overall, doesn't need to be across all modules)

TCLA have an application tracker that detail undergraduate requirements, however I'm not sure about the impact of your LPC results, regardless you should check it out.

Thank you! Means a lot

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

For the Clifford Chance TC app - does someone here have tips for the work experience section and the Watson Glaser test?

I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?

And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?

Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?

Hiya @Samridhi Jain

Having spoken to a graduate recruiter about this, it seems that, for Clifford Chance, applications aren’t reviewed unless you pass the Watson Glaser test. Improving in this area is key and can feel really challenging if you're not used to logical reasoning tests, but I promise it can be done!

In addition to tracking your progress in practice tests, I'd encourage you to request feedback reports from firms after completing their WG tests (although not all firms offer WG reports). By asking firms to send me my WG reports after I'd completed that stage of their application, I was able to track how I was doing overtime and also figure out which sections I needed to focus on during my practice tests. Additionally, many people will also recommend doing as many practice tests as possible, but I think it's important to really understand the fundamental differences between the various sections and question types. JobTestPrep has excellent paid resources with detailed explanations, but since you're a gold member, I'd highly, highly, highly recommend Joe Mallet’s WG Masterclass which is included in your subscription. Good luck!

 

[Soniastudent]

Hello everyone, does anyone know what the Clyde & Co Middle East training contract application process involves? It appears there are no application questions or a requirement to attach a CV or cover letter, but I might be mistaken.

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, I've submitted an application recently and have realised I've made a typo in a law firm's name by putting a comma in the wrong place. Obviously this is hugely frustrating as I've put time into this application and really like the firm. Wondering if there's any point me emailing the firm's HR to see if I can amend this as I'm assuming this will eliminate my application anyway? Thanks for all your help

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I've submitted an application recently and have realised I've made a typo in a law firm's name by putting a comma in the wrong place. Obviously this is hugely frustrating as I've put time into this application and really like the firm. Wondering if there's any point me emailing the firm's HR to see if I can amend this as I'm assuming this will eliminate my application anyway? Thanks for all your help

Hiya @sarahfw

Sorry to hear about the type - totally understand how frustrating it feels to spot those kind of mistakes after putting so much effort into your application. That said, I’d recommend leaving it as is and not emailing grad rec, as one small typo like this is very unlikely to lead to rejection. Most firms look at applications holistically, so they’re usually more focused on the overall content and strength of your responses rather than a minor formatting detail. Try not to worry

Best of luck with the rest of your applications, and feel free to reach out if you need more advice!

 

[sarahfw]

@Ram Sabaratnam thank you! That's comforting, will just have to wait and see

 

[MR218]

Does anyone have any advice for the CC application question? How closely do we have to tie it back to the firm? Some of the successful applications i’ve seen haven’t been that firm specific. Thanks ☺️

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hi, is this question directed at discussing a specific topic (eg a news story), or can I talk about my hobbies (like pottery)?

Baker McKenzie

Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, is this question directed at discussing a specific topic (eg a news story), or can I talk about my hobbies (like pottery)?

Baker McKenzie

Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

This can be on any topic - it does not have to be commercial or legal. Pick something you a truly passionate about.

 

[gazdgazd11]

This can be on any topic - it does not have to be commercial or legal. Pick something you a truly passionate about.

Thank you! I appreciate your advice Jessica could you please check your inbox for my message re golden subscription? Sorry to bother you again but wanted to check if this would work. Thanks!

 

[Zaidoz10]

Hello everyone, does anyone know what the Clyde & Co Middle East training contract application process involves? It appears there are no application questions or a requirement to attach a CV or cover letter, but I might be mistaken.

You’re not mistaken. The application form only consists of basic information. Once you submit the app the firm sends you an online blended assessment to complete which includes a video interview. I think they send this after the deadline tho so once you submit ur application you just have to wait. Hope that helps!

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, I'm working on the Osborne Clarke applcation form and it says we can reply to an answer with bullet points if we think it will make it clearer. I tried that, but really struggled with formatting bullets in the Candid portal so have now put it into prose. Do you think this will be looked down on by the firm or looked upon as less clear?

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi, I'm working on the Osborne Clarke applcation form and it says we can reply to an answer with bullet points if we think it will make it clearer. I tried that, but really struggled with formatting bullets in the Candid portal so have now put it into prose. Do you think this will be looked down on by the firm or looked upon as less clear?

Thanks so much for your help.

Put it into notepad and then cut and paste from there and you don't lose the bullet points