TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Mug Fan]

Just got VI invite from W&C, anyone else had one? Just want views on the deadline… is it 72 hours from receipt of email? Quite a quick turnaround.

ETA: oops, it was Summer Vac, not DTC. Ugh.

 

[jta227]

Does NRF hire a lot from DTC?

They said they prefer VSs to assess the candidate closer and that DTC process has a higher standard for applicants. It's still possible to get hired that way though

 

[andrecsaa]

I got pfo from all the firms in the application stage. Though I have some direct TC applications pending review, I am wondering how to improve the four applications I have left to submit (and for winter VS in the worst-case scenario).

I have written about my academic interests and work experience in litigation, investigations, and corporate crime relating to the firm's reputation in these practices and available seats. I included a few lines demonstrating my interests in regulatory compliance, investment funds, and banking and finance (I studied these topics in the modules of my LLM in Banking and Finance at RG uni and worked with regulatory compliance and banking during an internship in a regtech).

How to balance the interests in contentious in the applications?

Should I strategically focus on my interests in transactional seats (banking and finance, investment funds) and forget about litigation during the application process to enhance my chances?

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman do you have any insights? I tried to follow the application guide, but unsuccessfully.

 

[aleiy]

Has anyone heard back from CMS Dubai office after the VI?

 

[hmevey]

How to approach this question for SH, struggling slightly!

In up to 600 words, please outline up to three significant challenges that you think all law firms will face over the next five years. You should draw on your current awareness and your commercial awareness to answer this question.- Max 600 words

 

[andrecsaa]

Fieldfisher test invite

 

[yasmars]

Fieldfisher test invite

Very happy for you congrats! My tips would be to focus on aligning your answers with the firms strengths. Feel free to DM me if you want more tips

 

[Amma Usman]

How to approach this question for SH, struggling slightly!

In up to 600 words, please outline up to three significant challenges that you think all law firms will face over the next five years. You should draw on your current awareness and your commercial awareness to answer this question.- Max 600 words

Hi there. You can touch on anything really, from ESG, energy, AI, and the likes. There is no right answer, only your ability to connect it to the commercial and legal worlds, as this is what will help demonstrate your commercial awareness. There is also a tendency for applicants to talk a lot about topics like AI, but I presume it would not be much of an issue if you mention a common topic, provided you expand on it adequately. Another thing is that you do not have to equally split the word count, but I recommend doing so (or somewhat closely) to ensure you touch on each topic in depth.

I’ve linked an example of how I would personally approach this question in the context of ESG:

One significant challenge law firms will face over the next five years is managing the escalating demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related legal services amidst rapidly evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations. Governments worldwide are introducing stricter environmental legislation, such as carbon reduction targets and mandatory sustainability reporting, while investors and clients demand greater transparency and accountability in corporate operations.

For law firms, the challenge lies in providing clients with proactive and commercially viable solutions to meet these obligations while avoiding reputational and legal risks. This requires deep expertise in emerging ESG frameworks, sector-specific regulations, and litigation risks, as well as the ability to handle the increasing complexity of cross-border ESG issues. Moreover, firms must address their own ESG commitments to attract talent and clients who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Balancing the cost of internal transformation with maintaining profitability will test firms' strategic adaptability.

Law firms that effectively integrate ESG advisory into their practice and demonstrate leadership in this space will secure a competitive advantage, but those that fail to keep pace risk losing relevance in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

 

[Amma Usman]

BBC AC 😭😭😭

Yay, huge congratulations!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just got VI invite from W&C, anyone else had one? Just want views on the deadline… is it 72 hours from receipt of email? Quite a quick turnaround.

ETA: oops, it was Summer Vac, not DTC. Ugh.

In situations like this where I was unsure of the deadlines, I would (1) email grad rec asking for clarification, (2) if they are overwhelmed with emails and haven’t responded yet, I would complete it as soon as I can and before the 72-hour mark.

 

[Amma Usman]

I got pfo from all the firms in the application stage. Though I have some direct TC applications pending review, I am wondering how to improve the four applications I have left to submit (and for winter VS in the worst-case scenario).

I have written about my academic interests and work experience in litigation, investigations, and corporate crime relating to the firm's reputation in these practices and available seats. I included a few lines demonstrating my interests in regulatory compliance, investment funds, and banking and finance (I studied these topics in the modules of my LLM in Banking and Finance at RG uni and worked with regulatory compliance and banking during an internship in a regtech).

How to balance the interests in contentious in the applications?

Should I strategically focus on my interests in transactional seats (banking and finance, investment funds) and forget about litigation during the application process to enhance my chances?

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman do you have any insights? I tried to follow the application guide, but unsuccessfully.

I am sorry to hear about the PFOs. Writing applications is like a muscle that constantly needs flexing. I assure you that despite those PFOs, you would have improved your writing skills - and that’s the most important thing beyond those rejection emails.

Another thing is that if you genuinely aren’t interested in the contentious practices as much, then that’s fine. It just requires you to apply to more transactional-focused law firms, since showcasing that link would be easier given your broader interests and experiences. That said, early on in your career I don’t recommend throwing away exploring that side too (this is me talking beyond the application stage). When the time comes, you can choose to do more rotations in transactional law, but at least one in a contentious seat. I have spoken to many lawyers who have mentioned that their qualification options shocked them. However, it all boils down to personal preference on your part.

Back to the topic of discussion. If you’re comfortable, you could post your answers to why law and why X firm on the forum, and I could review them and provide feedback.

 

[cjwx]

SH’s why law and why the firm questions are both 600 words. Would it be necessary to format that with introductions and conclusions. 600 words is kind of long but I wouldn’t think it’s long enough for that. @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

 

[TC Chaser]

Hi everyone, I have just received an Invite for the Skadden interview. I'd appreciate any tips from anyone to aid in my preparation. Thanks.

 

[Zaidoz10]

Has anyone heard back from CMS Dubai office after the VI?

Haven’t even heard back post WG. When did you get the VI?

 

[Zaidoz10]

Could really use some urgent help - was just about to do the Clyde and co digital assessment but I got locked out of my cappfinity account. I don’t know what to do. Anyone have any idea what I can do right now?

 

[Lapistuskin]

hi, any tips for the Fieldfisher test invite? I really apprentice it. Thanks

 

[jta227]

hi, any tips for the Fieldfisher test invite? I really apprentice it. Thanks

Read the values on the site, be honest and that’s it really. The test is less than 5 mins

 

[VMS]

Has anyone else heard positively from the BBC other than @gimmeavacschemepls ? Wondering if they sent out all their acceptances today and Mon will be PFOs, or if there may be another batch to come out.

 

[elsx]

Has anyone else heard positively from the BBC other than @gimmeavacschemepls ? Wondering if they sent out all their acceptances today and Mon will be PFOs, or if there may be another batch to come out.

I haven't heard back so wondering the same thing....

 

[Synapser]

I haven't heard back so wondering the same thing....

On my login it says "process complete" but I haven't recieved any email stating outcome so not sure if this is a PFO