TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[James Wakefield]

I imagine they're probably sending them in batches, as there weren't any application questions. I can't imagine there was anything for them to assess in the app.

Thanks! Just got it.

 

[kokoprep]

hi can those who got Freshfields AC for the upcoming week, please react on this post?

i am just tryna see how many invites went out

 

[Deleted member 23778]

I suspect there won't be another direct TC window, at least this year, due to their new Winter Vacation Scheme

I can confirm there wouldn’t be another direct TC window this year. I emailed grad rec last year about this.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

in an application is it fine to say that you want to become a solicitor by mentioning how you enjoyed debating in secondary school? even if secondary school was a while ago (as Im a postgrad) it would just be the opening sentence and then the rest of the answer wouldnt go into any more detail about it

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

in an application is it fine to say that you want to become a solicitor by mentioning how you enjoyed debating in secondary school? even if secondary school was a while ago (as Im a postgrad) it would just be the opening sentence and then the rest of the answer wouldnt go into any more detail about it

Honestly, I've referred to work experience from almost 10 years ago as what 'spurred my interest in the law' and it hasn't stopped me from progressing. As long as you can write a plausible narrative around your debating experience and what more you've done to explore the interest, you should be fine.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I can confirm there wouldn’t be another direct TC window this year. I emailed grad rec last year about this.

Ffs I was relying on this… oh well

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

in an application is it fine to say that you want to become a solicitor by mentioning how you enjoyed debating in secondary school? even if secondary school was a while ago (as Im a postgrad) it would just be the opening sentence and then the rest of the answer wouldnt go into any more detail about it

I think it definitely is but be careful with how you explain it because it needs to be clearly linked to the work a solicitor does as debating links to a barrister’s role as well and you need to demonstrate you know what a solicitor does.

 

[ilovegardening1111]

I think it definitely is but be careful with how you explain it because it needs to be clearly linked to the work a solicitor does as debating links to a barrister’s role as well and you need to demonstrate you know what a solicitor does.

Honestly, I've referred to work experience from almost 10 years ago as what 'spurred my interest in the law' and it hasn't stopped me from progressing. As long as you can write a plausible narrative around your debating experience and what more you've done to explore the interest, you should be fine.

Thank you both @Wannabe_Lawyer @desperateTCseeker1998

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi, I am considering buying the Bronze subscription. if anyone here has it, please could you let me know how useful it is over using your own question bank for interview?

 

[addy2004]

Hi, I am considering buying the Bronze subscription. if anyone here has it, please could you let me know how useful it is over using your own question bank for interview?

Hi - I find the courses on preparing for interview incredibly helpful. They break-down common questions and distinguish between strong and weak candidate answers. There are so many other resources which are helpful when preparing for different types of interviews too.

 

[congrades]

Lewis Silkin PFO

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Lewis Silkin reserve list? Neither good nor bad

 

[SamiyaJ]

 

[lawelmo]

Lewis Silkin initial assessment day

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

I’ve had a few people message me about the Lewis Silkin AC so I thought I’d just put some general advice here! (Did it last year fyi)

The AC was very challenging tbh. Involved a written case study, group presentation, case study presentation to 4 partners, and x2 partner interviews with 2 partners each. The AC itself was one day but we had some talks/networking sessions for 3 days leading up to it. I think they might have changed the format this year so don’t take my word for it!

For the AC, my advice would be to familiarise yourself with your application. And I mean know every single detail of everything you wrote, I was grilled on one specific work experience I had for about 20 mins. Very heavy on commercial awareness, so prepare for anything and everything. The partners who interviewed me were in advertising, employment and tax so they asked me questions about that as well. Case study is relatively straight forward but the last presentation was hard since we had to do it in 10 min and it was followed by a Q&A by 4 partners.

Defo do not underestimate the AC as it was very intense and tiring! But with that being said, everyone was genuinely very nice and the interviewers are genuinely trying to get a feel for you as a person. I hope this helps, best of luck to everyone who got an AC

 

[lucy_p]

Anyone else heard back from Bristows post partner VI review? (I haven’t heard)

 

[kokoprep]

heyyyyyyyyyy any freshfields AC invite today?

 

[kokoprep]

heyyyyyyyyyy any freshfields AC invite today?

@CallumJR - hey can you please say when you got AC invite and when did you complete WG.

 

[Zaraa.x]

I’ve had a few people message me about the Lewis Silkin AC so I thought I’d just put some general advice here! (Did it last year fyi)

The AC was very challenging tbh. Involved a written case study, group presentation, case study presentation to 4 partners, and x2 partner interviews with 2 partners each. The AC itself was one day but we had some talks/networking sessions for 3 days leading up to it. I think they might have changed the format this year so don’t take my word for it!

For the AC, my advice would be to familiarise yourself with your application. And I mean know every single detail of everything you wrote, I was grilled on one specific work experience I had for about 20 mins. Very heavy on commercial awareness, so prepare for anything and everything. The partners who interviewed me were in advertising, employment and tax so they asked me questions about that as well. Case study is relatively straight forward but the last presentation was hard since we had to do it in 10 min and it was followed by a Q&A by 4 partners.

Defo do not underestimate the AC as it was very intense and tiring! But with that being said, everyone was genuinely very nice and the interviewers are genuinely trying to get a feel for you as a person. I hope this helps, best of luck to everyone who got an AC

Thank you for this - I really appreciate the insight, especially as this is my first AC!! How did you prepare for the written exercise and what were the differences between the two partner interviews?

 

[rain2801]

Hi everyone, got Freshfields PFO yesterday and have been dejected since. Here because I feel in my application, the personal statement was specifically lacking as I'd never written one properly before and could not get it reviewed by anyone before the submission deadline. Want to try and make it better for future apps, so if anyone who's gotten through FF or any other firm which requires a personal statement like that of FF can reach out via DM to take a look at mine or share theirs, would highly appreciate it. Would also appreciate any advice on personal statements and any sample statements if such a resource exists. Thank you!