TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[desperateTCseeker1998]

It's just a numbers game unfortunately. With 2 to 3000 applying to firms offering 10 training contracts it's anyone's guess where they make the cut off decisions.

The thing is that it’s always direct TC I get rejected from right away and vac schemes I make it to the next stage even when numbers wise it’s a more competitive process (like firms that go straight to AC after application) so it feels like there must be some reason

 

[EK_27]

Does anyone know of any firms that encourage a direct TC app without a previous vac scheme?

Vac scheme deadlines are coming up and if I’m not successful I’m hoping to make direct TC apps but most grad recs say they want more legal experience.

 

[GigiB2001]

I'd try for a mix, honestly. There's a range of opportunities available. I've seen people get straight TCs. They have not always had experience. Look at where firms hire from. Some will want Vac Scheme students. Others will take you without one. The legal clinic can help IMO. That can help with 'why law'? Use other experiences for 'why commercial/corporate?'. Best of luck with your applications.

Thank you so much for your advice and kind words!

 

[ilovegardening1111]

If I have 5 working days from Monday 3pm to complete a test does that mean I have until Friday or the following Monday

 

[User5678]

If I have 5 working days from Monday 3pm to complete a test does that mean I have until Friday or the following Monday

I would assume Friday even tho it is likely to be Monday 3pm, I wouldn’t take a risk to leave it to the deadline day (considering that there is a chance a candidate may be having issues like accessing the test/tech issues on the page so they would want to contact grad rec before the last day)

 

[JCSax]

CC AC invite for TC 🎉

 

[LawMan123]

CC On Hold post VI

 

[Hskajab]

Has anyone received an AC invite from CMS yet? I'm still in the post-VI space.

Same If you don't mind me asking - when did you do your VI?

 

[ilovegardening1111]

I would assume Friday even tho it is likely to be Monday 3pm, I wouldn’t take a risk to leave it to the deadline day (considering that there is a chance a candidate may be having issues like accessing the test/tech issues on the page so they would want to contact grad rec before the last day)

Thanks so much

 

[ilovegardening1111]

I would assume Friday even tho it is likely to be Monday 3pm, I wouldn’t take a risk to leave it to the deadline day (considering that there is a chance a candidate may be having issues like accessing the test/tech issues on the page so they would want to contact grad rec before the last day)

Thanks so much

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

Could anyone provide some insight into what to expect from a virtual interview? I’ve never done one before, and I have one coming up with CMS. I’m feeling quite anxious about it and would really appreciate any tips or advice!

 

[gggg]

Hey guys, just completed a VI and im feeling anxious because while the answers could be good, i was cut off when trying to say a closing statement. It happened twice and im panicking😥
Has anyone experienced this before and gone through the next stage. I worked really hard for this one

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know of any firms that encourage a direct TC app without a previous vac scheme?

Vac scheme deadlines are coming up and if I’m not successful I’m hoping to make direct TC apps but most grad recs say they want more legal experience.

Hey there! I’ve linked this thread to provide more context on the proportionality of VS and TC applications between firms - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey guys, just completed a VI and im feeling anxious because while the answers could be good, i was cut off when trying to say a closing statement. It happened twice and im panicking😥
Has anyone experienced this before and gone through the next stage. I worked really hard for this one

Hey @gggg ,

I totally get your worries on this, but honestly I‘d say to not worry too much about it. It’s happened to me so many times and I’ve gotten to a couple of stages after that. VIs can get like that sometimes, and I’ve once spoken to a grad recruiter that said little common mistakes like this can be looked past at. I’ve also quoted a post on a past experience I had with VIs and how I learnt from it.

Hey there @tcla02 ,

I totally get where you‘re coming from. Things like this happen, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Let me give you an example;

During one of my VIs in the past for a first year scheme, I completely froze. I was lost on what to say. I accidentally ended my answer with the word “Omo”. This is basically a Nigerian slang that means.. “I am speechless”. I didn’t get invited to the AC after this. However, I used it as a learning opportunity to avoid using filler words in my sentences. This helped me improve my subsequent performance for VIs and I started getting more interview offers during the VS application cycle.

Regardless, please bear in mind that ending your VI with “so yeah” doesn’t automatically mean a rejection. I would just say to be mindful moving forward, but don’t beat yourself up about this - at the end of the day, we’re only human and mistakes like this happen. Just take a look at the example I gave you from my own personal experience. The point I’m trying to make is that…I felt like giving up after that minor VI slip up. If I had, I would not be where I am today.

 

[Ricky]

For those waiting on the Watson Glaser from Hogan Lovells, they are sending them out soon.

 

[Zaidoz10]

For those waiting on the Watson Glaser from Hogan Lovells, they are sending them out soon.

Soon as in today? Or some time this week?

 

[Ricky]

Soon as in today? Or some time this week?

"The Watson Glaser test is due to be sent out soon for the Training Contract applications."

It would appear that my crystal ball is not working at the moment 😅

 

[Tintin06]

For those waiting on the Watson Glaser from Hogan Lovells, they are sending them out soon.

They’re one of my top firms. How soon are we talking here?

 

[WhiskeyCharlie]

Same If you don't mind me asking - when did you do your VI?

CMS sent out AC invites today.

 

[Zaidoz10]

Has anyone received a VI from CMS Middle East?