TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, do you know how exactly we should respond to questions like this in an application?

"Can you tell us anything further about yourself to support your application?"

Not really sure what to do as I've already mentioned the firm's values elsewhere in my application, but thinking I could mention extracurriculars and any other achievements of note and what skills they have developed (plus how that's relevant to law)

Thanks for any help

Hiya @sarahfw

Just to add to what @Jessica Booker response, this approach is exactly what I used for these kinds of questions. If I didn’t have enough word count in the extracurriculars section, I would use this space to include additional volunteer roles, extracurricular activities, or achievements.

I'd also just mention here, though, that when discussing a specific activity or extracurricular, I’d often briefly highlight one or two skills I developed, but didn’t feel it was necessary to explain why those skills would be relevant to a career in law. That said, sometimes the skills naturally aligned with a legal career, but I generally found it more effective to focus on how those skills were applied in the activity/extracurricular itself rather than stretching to connect them to law. Doing so avoids making the response feel forced or contrived.

Again, I think this section is a great opportunity to highlight any achievements or extracurriculars you didn’t have enough space to discuss elsewhere. I hope this helps, and best of luck!

 

[babylawyer1942]

Does CC tell you if you failed the Watson Glaser or do you just get a rejection when they send out the VI invites?

 

[Az]

Does anyone know which firm for direct training contract applications put a strong emphasis on grades?

 

[User5678]

Hii, has anyone heard back from IM or given an interview at Fieldfisher, please please pm me or reply to this thread

Thank youu

 

[Tbramwell]

Any tips for the Irwin Mitchell video interview and online assessment. How many questions do they ask about your motivations for the firm etc. Is it a get to know you then assessment or is it more of the typical application questions in a video format? Any help would be so appreciated

Did you do the VI and get answers to these questions -- I am also wondering! thanks

 

[Nkanny]

Hiya @Nkanny

The vast majority of the firms on this thread do offer visa sponsorship and SQE preparation funding as well. If you have questions about a particular firm, let us know

No i do not have a firm at heart as i do not know anyone. I will be glad if i am recommended any

 

[sibs23]

Yes, there are no app qs, just work experience and grades

fab, thank you! wanted to check it wasn't just me missing something!

 

[TCLAW]

Yes. If you took the Watson Glaser today and you passed it would be valid 2 cycles after this one. The next time you would need to take it would be 2027.

Hi, so just to confirm that this cycle does not count as part of the 2 cycles?

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Pinsent PFO… ugh

 

[gazdgazd11]

How long after completing the WG have you you guys received the VI invites/rejection for CMS?

 

[give.me.a.tc]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

Personally, the issue with political news are that they often accompanied by some sort of subjectivities and maybe bias. You really don’t want your news to be dead on arrival in someone’s mind. You may want to consider another news that is not subjective at all.

 

[RSK]

Is anyone still waiting from DLA Piper after passing the WG. I think I passed the test nearly one month ago and then received a follow-up email stating they're still sifting through applications. Should I accept that this is likely to be a PFO bc i've been waiting for ageeeess

 

[allwillbewell]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

If you can relate it to something about the firm or its clients, it should be fine. For example, if they have an international trade practice or shipping, that’s something that will be relevant.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

Hiya @sarahfw

Good luck with your AC! Even though the firm doesn’t have offices in the US, it might still be worth considering the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs or trade policies on the firm’s clients in Europe and the UK. This is particularly worth thinking about given the US’s significant influence on global trade. That said, it’s important to approach this topic thoughtfully and with a neutral, factual tone. To structure your response, I’d suggest the following approach:

1. State the policy or trade instrument clearly: Briefly explain what the tariffs or trade reforms involve, ensuring the your interviewers understand the context.
2. Highlight specific impacts: Focus on 2-3 concrete ways the policy might affect the firm’s clients in the regions it operates. For example, will it increase costs for clients reliant on imports from the US? Could it disrupt supply chains or even create opportunities for clients in certain sectors?
3. Connect to the firm’s role: Explain how the firm is well-positioned to help clients navigate these challenges or opportunities, whether through their expertise in trade law, cross-border transactions, or regulatory compliance.

Lastly, I'd encourage you to avoid being too broad or vague when discussing a topic like tariffs. For example, instead of saying, 'Trump’s tariffs will affect clients,' try to be specific. How much has he promised for these tariffs to go up by? Have there been promises to impose tariffs on imports in particular sectors or countries that could affect clients or the firm in question? By being more specific, you can show a deeper understanding of the issues and demonstrates your ability to analyse policy impacts effectively. Overall, though, as long as you're neutral in tone and informative, this can make for a really compelling answer. Again, good luck with your AC!

 

[zoezozo]

Pinsent PFO… ugh

Me too!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Me too!

Ah sorry to hear this!! was this for a direct TC or vac scheme?

 

[jta227]

Ah sorry to hear this!! was this for a direct TC or vac scheme?

Their website says they deliver all outcomes post-deadline and the vac scheme window is still open so I assume the former

 

[zoezozo]

Ah sorry to hear this!! was this for a direct TC or vac scheme?

Direct TC

 

[s9111]

Has anyone heard from CMS post-VI for the London TC, or does anyone know when we can expect to hear back? Thanks!