TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Hi everyone, I may get a TC offer from a direct TC application in 2 weeks' time. However I have some other vac scheme applications that have progressed beyond application stage. I read that law firms need to give at least 4 weeks for offerees to decide whether to accept an offer. I am wondering, if I do manage to get an offer, and accept it, will it break any ethical standards by continuing to attend interviews / apply for vac schemes / direct TCs? In particular I would appreciate @Jessica Booker 's thoughts on this - I read some websites saying that I should withdraw from other firms' recruitment process. But I also read from one of your earlier responses that other firms wouldn't know if you have accepted an offer, which will be true unless they explicitly ask you on the application form. Do you have thoughts on that? Some firms only offer summer vac scheme and I won't be able to expedite the process
 

sibs23

Legendary Member
Jan 15, 2021
171
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Hey guys, is DAC beachcroft’s personal summary meant to be the same as a cover letter?
I am interpreting it as not being the same as a cover letter. The bullet points above the question box seem to suggest that they are looking learn more about us, rather than a motivations focused question. I think there are ways to link motivations to your key achievements and interests which is what I have tried to do. I could be very wrong and I am still debating my approach hence why I have not yet submitted my application 😕
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,805
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Hi everyone, I may get a TC offer from a direct TC application in 2 weeks' time. However I have some other vac scheme applications that have progressed beyond application stage. I read that law firms need to give at least 4 weeks for offerees to decide whether to accept an offer. I am wondering, if I do manage to get an offer, and accept it, will it break any ethical standards by continuing to attend interviews / apply for vac schemes / direct TCs? In particular I would appreciate @Jessica Booker 's thoughts on this - I read some websites saying that I should withdraw from other firms' recruitment process. But I also read from one of your earlier responses that other firms wouldn't know if you have accepted an offer, which will be true unless they explicitly ask you on the application form. Do you have thoughts on that? Some firms only offer summer vac scheme and I won't be able to expedite the process
Firms don’t have to give four weeks - it is just considered best practice if the TC or sponsored law school training is not starting fairly soon.

The voluntary code is just that - voluntary. There are no regulatory issues with accepting a TC and continuing to apply elsewhere. However, I have heard people having their applications withdrawn when they have said they have an existing accepted offer. This is different to holding an offer (that they haven’t decided on).
 
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Firms don’t have to give four weeks - it is just considered best practice if the TC or sponsored law school training is not starting fairly soon.

The voluntary code is just that - voluntary. There are no regulatory issues with accepting a TC and continuing to apply elsewhere. However, I have heard people having their applications withdrawn when they have said they have an existing accepted offer. This is different to holding an offer (that they haven’t decided on).
Thanks Jessica! I think it's best I think about it if I do get an offer
 

Sad_Old_Grad

Active Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Nov 11, 2024
17
5
Freshfields issuing a SJT randomly with no prior announcement is so strange. Those who attended the application masterclass will agree that this was not mentioned, there is no prior preparation and only those who pass will get their application reviewed.
Yeah, not ideal... I don't mind Watson Glaser Tests, but not a fan of SJTs :(
 

jta227

Esteemed Member
Nov 10, 2024
96
121
Firms don’t have to give four weeks - it is just considered best practice if the TC or sponsored law school training is not starting fairly soon.

The voluntary code is just that - voluntary. There are no regulatory issues with accepting a TC and continuing to apply elsewhere. However, I have heard people having their applications withdrawn when they have said they have an existing accepted offer. This is different to holding an offer (that they haven’t decided on).
Is it common for a TC offer letter/contract however to preclude you from seeing out your applications to other firms/attending future vacation schemes?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,805
20,471
Is it common for a TC offer letter/contract however to preclude you from seeing out your applications to other firms/attending future vacation schemes?
I wouldn't say it is common but I have had enough people contact me about such terms in their offers to know it isn't rare. It usually is just restricting you from doing summer vacation schemes though, rather than having to withdraw from all recruitment processes.
 
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