TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi - Nothing about a date is said on the website anymore, I did remember seeing 27th the online test would be sent (which is removed now). Does anyone have any idea?

Hey

The email they send is:

You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025after the application window has closed.

 

[Rhohia]

Bristows pfo. Spent ages on this app and knew a trainee who showed her app. So sad.

 

[kokoprep]

Hey

The email they send is:

You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025after the application window has closed.

Thank you so much, very helpful

 

[Mug Fan]

Bristows pfo. Spent ages on this app and knew a trainee who showed her app. So sad.

Same! 2 x PFO's today! 🤣

 

[Tintin06]

Hi - Nothing about a date is said on the website anymore, I did remember seeing 27th the online test would be sent (which is removed now). Does anyone have any idea?

This is what Freshfields’ email said: “You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025 after the application window has closed.”

 

[lillypad321]

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 Heard positively, Got sent the written assessment today

 

[LB24]

Has anyone else heard back from DWF? Should I be worried if I haven’t?

I got invited for the VI last week and the deadline for mine was tonight

 

[lucy_p]

Received invite for Bristows VI. Any tips greatly appreciated!

 

[koruiwa]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting on this forum and also my first time ever getting a VI invite!! Please could I get any tips on Bristows VI? or any tips in general on how to prepare, what kind of questions to prepare, etc.? Thank you so much and I wish everyone all the best!! <3

 

[Chris Brown]

Will i be more successful if i apply to SH through the direct TC route or if i apply for a vac scheme? Does anyone have any takes?

I read somewhere that SH recruit roughly 50% of their trainees from VS and 50% from direct TC applications. On this basis I don’t think either route will guarantee a higher rate of success. 🥲

However I am not entirely sure what the total number of applicants is from both routes. It could be they recieve more applications from VS or TC. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I think if you have more legal experience then apply for the direct TC, otherwise apply for the VS.

Best of luck with your application to SH!! 😄

 

[24aa2001]

Any graduates who are full time working, do you quit your job for vac schemes? Or is that the plan? Would you book annual leave for a vac scheme but is that unethical?

 

[neveroblah]

Got invited for a Bristows VI! First time poster so any tips would be hugely appreciated

 

[andrecsaa]

Any graduates who are full time working, do you quit your job for vac schemes? Or is that the plan? Would you book annual leave for a vac scheme but is that unethical?

Annual leave. Just think about conflicts in the VS firm and your current employer.

I don't think it is unethical, as your career goal is to become a solicitor. If your employer does not offer training toward this goal, you will definitely look elsewhere.

 

[t-0147]

Does Baker Mckenzie offer online assessment centres? I live overseas so cannot go in person. I cannot find this information on their website

 

[Tattyasha]

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is coping ok and getting through this cycle as best you can 💖

Just wondering if anyone, past or present, progressed with Ropes and Gray and might be able to give any pointers on the application. It’s a real favourite of mine but my grades are poor (reasons for it but still…). My USP is work experience but that isn’t presentable. How do I write an answer compelling enough to get through to next stages with naff grades? I need to work extra hard in my answer to stand out positively so would really appreciate any insight or guidance at all.

Thank you so much in advance 🙏 unfortunately I’ve not progressed beyond app really so can’t share much by way of insights but I’ll happily offer moral support in abundance! X

 

[kokoprep]

This is what Freshfields’ email said: “You will be invited to complete the Law Online Assessment on 27 January 2025 after the application window has closed.”

thank you so much!

 

[cjwx]

Does anyone know if it’s smart to apply to SH’s Direct TC even without much legal experience? Or if they do not really consider that.

 

[yk1906]

Hi everyone! How would you advise to complete the Freshfields' work experience section? Is it alright to list my duties as "engaged in.... assited in..." ? Also, do you think it is a big issue if my motivational letter is 870 instead of 850 words?

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi everyone! How would you advise to complete the Freshfields' work experience section? Is it alright to list my duties as "engaged in.... assited in..." ? Also, do you think it is a big issue if my motivational letter is 870 instead of 850 words?

It might be better to explain exactly what you did in the role and what transferrable skills you gained as a result.

By saying “engaged in” and “assisted in”, it is probably not going to show what contribution you made, or what your duties actually were, in an effective and accurate way. 🙂

I also think it’s better to stick to the word count for the personal statement. Given it is 20 words over, making minor changes to the phrasing of sentences might be a good idea. 🙂

Best of luck with your Freshfields application!!

 

[kokoprep]

do I still have time to write a good freshfields app😭