TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker, hope you're well. I have an AC coming up and I was wondering what is an acceptable outfit to wear. I have a black blazer which is slightly oversized. Do you think it would be better if I bought something that is more fitted?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, hope you're well. I have an AC coming up and I was wondering what is an acceptable outfit to wear. I have a black blazer which is slightly oversized. Do you think it would be better if I bought something that is more fitted?

I would generally say this is okay - but use your discretion on this, you will have a clearer idea of how it looks on you.

I used to wear oversized "boyfriend" style jackets all the time when I had more formal meetings in law firms - but I was generally dressing them up with everything else, rather dressing them down.

I haven't actually worn a blazer in a law firm for about 10 years now though and that is even for interviews/formal meetings.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Just did the WBD SJT and wow the scenarios were so generic, seemed more tailored to non-law roles...perhaps they used the wrong test? The follow-up email says "We hope you found it interesting and enjoyed getting a glimpse into what life is like at Womble Bond Dickinson". LOL

Scored 6479 on the 4 pillars, way better than in the Paul, Weiss one for some reason (perhaps turning off my brain helped). Would love to hear how others did.

 

[mariistm]

Just did the WBD SJT and wow the scenarios were so generic, seemed more tailored to non-law roles. The test didn't make a whole lot of sense to me... Scored 6479 on the 4 pillars, way better than in the Paul, Weiss one for some reason (perhaps turning off my brain helped). Would love to hear how others did.

Was your camera on during the test? when I've done Amberjack before, the camera was on to check for cheating. Thinking of doing it today but would like to do it in bed😂

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Was your camera on during the test? when I've done Amberjack before, the camera was on to check for cheating. Thinking of doing it today but would like to do it in bed😂

No it wasn't, they just threaten to monitor your clicking/responses...etc the usual stuff. I got up and got a snack in the middle as I was starving.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

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?

Hi!! The written exercise was just a commercial case study, I prepped by going over key commercial/business concepts and general IP, employment, contract stuff. You do get a laptop to do research during it though (not sure if it's the same this year) so I wouldn't sweat it! The partner interviews were roughly the same, just with 2 different sets of people so it really depends on who you get tbh

 

[defiledpenguin]

Has anyone got a positive response for Linklaters direct TC?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Has anyone got a positive response for Linklaters direct TC?

has anyone received a negative one?

 

[Chris Brown]

Has anyone got a positive response for Linklaters direct TC?

has anyone received a negative one?

Has anyone received a response at all? Has Linklaters gone into hibernation? Does the firm even still exist at this point? Hmm… 🤨 👀​

 

[Thom&as]

Did anyone end up getting a Freshfields AC invite for the direct TC? In the Watson Glaser email they said their first ACs start on Monday...

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Did anyone end up getting a Freshfields AC invite for the direct TC? In the Watson Glaser email they said their first ACs start on Monday...

Yeah some people have ACs for next week, three announced here so far

 

[marioskekkos5]

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!

did you complete a watson glazer or was this after the SJT?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hope you're well. I was wondering what is the best way to answer this question - If you couldn’t become a commercial lawyer, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I would think maybe picking up a few skills or attributes of a career in commercial law e.g., problem-solving, collaboration and then talking about a career path that has similar attributes makes sense. Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @lolasparks , I believe it‘s fine to bring up personal experiences as well. However, avoid making them too personal. For example, I have seen candidates talking about individual figures to substantiate answers to questions of this type, and although great - the personalisation element would be missing. I would personally back up any personal experience with a practical academic or professional experience, to avoid falling into that trap. I also see no harm with repeating work experience. If you are specifically worried about repetition, you could look at an existing work experience you mentioned from a different angle - using another task you completed during that role instead.

If I were to answer this question, it would look a little something like this;

If I were to choose a career outside of law, I would pursue investment banking due to my keen interest in transactional work and corporate finance.

Corporate transactions fascinate me because they showcase how financial institutions create value in both public and private markets. In the public markets, I am particularly intrigued by mergers and acquisitions, especially the complexities of navigating exit strategies during IPOs to optimise outcomes for all stakeholders. This interest was solidified during my internship at an inter-dealer broker, where I observed how market changes for securities and derivatives directly impact transaction strategies and outcomes. Witnessing these dynamics in real-time deepened my appreciation for the role of investment bankers in managing such processes, aligning with my analytical mindset and passion for devising strategic solutions. In the private markets, my interest lies in the private equity sector, particularly in how private equity funds generate value through innovative approaches that are not always feasible in public markets. Attending an open day at [X Fund] offered me valuable insights into how data-driven strategies are employed to achieve these unique objectives.

This fascination with the corporate aspects of banking underpins my enthusiasm for transactional law, as it combines my passion for deal-making with legal expertise. It is also why I am particularly drawn to firms with a strong focus on M&A and private equity, where I can merge these interests into a dynamic and impactful career.

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hope you're well. I was wondering what is the best way to answer this question - If you couldn’t become a commercial lawyer, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I would think maybe picking up a few skills or attributes of a career in commercial law e.g., problem-solving, collaboration and then talking about a career path that has similar attributes makes sense. Please let me know your thoughts.

Hey. Honestly, in my opinion, the career doesn’t even need to be remotely close to law. Seems the law firm just wants to see your personality in this. Though, if I were to answer the question, I would personally choose a career which links to law on an international scale - their clients, for example. The reason I would do this is largely because of my career journey - I had initially wanted to become an investment banker. This will differ between everyone, so choose something you are comfortable with explaining in sufficient detail and with specificity. On your last paragraph, I believe any field has those qualities so you could really touch on anything.

I have quoted a post I made in the past above for more detail.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hope you're well. I was wondering what is the best way to answer this question - If you couldn’t become a commercial lawyer, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I would think maybe picking up a few skills or attributes of a career in commercial law e.g., problem-solving, collaboration and then talking about a career path that has similar attributes makes sense. Please let me know your thoughts.

I had also just seen they said ‘couldn’t’, so choosing something with similar characteristics (such as legal consultant, working in-house as opposed to private practice (this is interpreting the question as saying private practice commercial lawyer though), compliance officer, document reviewer, etc) will make sense as suitable alternatives. Though again, it’s really up to you on your interests and what you genuinely want to write about. Best of luck.

 

[anonymouscatboy]

Does anyone know the preferred percentage for the Watson Glaser test at Freshfields?

 

[tjeya26]

I have just completed my Kennedys AC for the direct training contract. Anyone that has completed it as well, how did you find it?

 

[Mug Fan]

has anyone received a negative one?

My WG test score was pretty negative but don’t think that’s what they mean 😂

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

what would be an ideal WG score on the linklaters test?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

what would be an ideal WG score on the linklaters test?

Tbh, I'm not sure it really matters. I do get the sense that they weigh the SJT stuff more. I scored in the 79th percentile in the WG aspects and still got rejected. I also recall seeing someone who scored in the 90s getting rejected.

I might add that this was for the Open Day, so not sure if things are different for the TCs/VSs.