TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Chris Brown]

did you get it?

If this is for the DTC route the online SJT won’t be sent until the 23rd January (deadline day).

This is based on what it says on the Freshfields grad rec website. 🙂🙂

 

[M_m]

Just to clarify, does the Freshfields DTC now have both an SJT-type thing AND a WG?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi @Jessica Booker hope you are doing well. For my Freshfields personal statement, instead of naming the file '13 January 2025', I wrote '13 January 2024'. Is this going to be an issue? My personal statement itself doesn't have a typo but somehow I missed this level of detail in the file name. Thanks.

 

[_microwaved]

Hi Jessica, this might be a silly question. I work with Baker Mckenzie closely ,in particular their teams in EU, in my current paralegal role (in house). I am applying for a direct training contract with them. Should I mention anything about working with them on my application?

@Jessica Booker

 

[mulan0]

Hi Jessica, this might be a silly question. I work with Baker Mckenzie closely ,in particular their teams in EU, in my current paralegal role (in house). I am applying for a direct training contract with them. Should I mention anything about working with them on my application?

@Jessica Booker

Obviously I’m not Jessica lmao but if it helps I personally would as it shows motivation and you can expand on some work you’ve done perhaps

 

[andrecsaa]

Hi Jessica, this might be a silly question. I work with Baker Mckenzie closely ,in particular their teams in EU, in my current paralegal role (in house). I am applying for a direct training contract with them. Should I mention anything about working with them on my application?

@Jessica Booker

Not Jessica either. However, I did this for Macfarlanes and will do for NRF. I really believe it shows why you are attracted to switch sides and work in the other side of the table.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, this might be a silly question. I work with Baker Mckenzie closely ,in particular their teams in EU, in my current paralegal role (in house). I am applying for a direct training contract with them. Should I mention anything about working with them on my application?

@Jessica Booker

If it is relevant to your motivations for the firm, then yes you can mention this.

 

[Zaraa.x]

Has anyone heard from Slaughter and May since the beginning of the month - whether PFO or Interview invite?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Did any1 who applied to WBD get invited to webinar and networking event- is this compjsory

 

[bjelostan]

if anyone has done the CMS AC in this cycle or previous cycles please dm me

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Linklaters should put me out my misery

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Linklaters should put me out my misery

have they said anything?

 

[sameers1603]

Anyone who applied for Direct TC for Kirkland heard anything post VI? getting worried now as they've given AC invites for vac schemes

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

have they said anything?

Heard nothing, don’t think anyone has - it seems odd to me considering there’s pretty much nothing on the applications to review

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Anyone who applied for Direct TC for Kirkland heard anything post VI? getting worried now as they've given AC invites for vac schemes

When did u get your vi if u dont mind me asking?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Anyone who applied for Direct TC for Kirkland heard anything post VI? getting worried now as they've given AC invites for vac schemes

when did you get the VI invite?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Did any1 who applied to WBD get invited to webinar and networking event- is this compjsory

Sorry just going back to this- is the event compulsory/ the next stage? Idk whether to attend as I have a uni class at the same time and have already applied for a direct TC

 

[mulan0]

Sorry just going back to this- is the event compulsory/ the next stage? Idk whether to attend as I have a uni class at the same time and have already applied for a direct TC

I don’t think it’s compulsory

 

[Zaraa.x]

Do slaughters send out PFOs on rolling basis? As in have ppl received PFOs?

Yeahh people have received PFOs even before the deadline.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi all,

I hope you’re all doing well!

Just wanted to give a random update on this cycle so far. Need to get back into it after I wrap up some exams in a couple of weeks:

VS

-NRF ❌
-W&C ❌
-Bird & Bird ❌ (post WG)
-HSF ❌
-Cleary ❌
-Covington ❌
-Linklaters ❌
- Sidley Austin ❌
- Jones Day ❌
-Reed Smith- SJT/VI completed
-Baker McKenzie Summer VS- -app submitted
-Gibson Dunn- app submitted
-Cooley- app submitted
-Womble Bond Dickinson- app submitted

TC

- Sullivan & Cromwell ❌
- Clifford Chance ❌
- CMS ❌ (post WG)
- AO Shearman ❌
- Freshfields- app submitted
- HFW- app submitted
- Goodwin- app submitted
- Mayer Brown- app submitted
- Greenberg Taurig- app submitted
- Trowers & Hamlins- SJT done

Thoughts: I am very happy to know that I am starting to move past the application stage for some firms! Also been working hard to understand the logic behind SJT/WG tests, just hope it fully clicks sooner rather than later.

Back with another update!

I received the Goodwin VI- was super shocked but happy of course. I think the VI went well but we shall see.

Got rejected by Bakers post app and annoyed about Freshfields introducing the online tests!! 😭