TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[pleasepleaseplease]

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.

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.

Thanks Amma!

I had one more question. If during an assessment centre I am given an article and asked to summarise it, what structure would you recommend following?

Would it be
1. State the key point of the article and speak briefly about what you are going to talk about.
2. Signpost and go a bit more into detail
3. Reflect on its implications on the commercial world and commercial law firms
4. What strategies the law firm should apply to capitalise on or tackle the issue
5. Conclude by stating the main points again


I would be very grateful if you could please share your thoughts

 

[SS21]

is Links just holding the PFOs tight to unleash all at once? this is killing me

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

anybody heard back from kirkland for direct? theyve held loads of ACs for people who applied via the VS route and a few for direct tc candidates but havent made any offers yet (based on the data on the forum). idk if people like me who havent heard post app still have a shot

 

[Newport@2008]

anybody heard back from kirkland for direct? theyve held loads of ACs for people who applied via the VS route and a few for direct tc candidates but havent made any offers yet (based on the data on the forum). idk if people like me who havent heard post app still have a shot

I haven't heard anything post-VI (submitted app 31 Dec, did VI on 5 Jan)

 

[nyanchan22]

PFO from Clyde & Co Dubai... feeling very defeated

 

[seaweed.bond]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Bristows post-partner review?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hey guys,

I’m currently doing the PGDL and received provisional results today for 2 modules. I’m absolutely gutted for the overall mark I achieved for 1 of them- just about passed. It’s the lowest grade I’ve ever received for anything and I feel so heartbroken.

Whenever I do applications, I leave the module marks for PGDL empty as I didn’t complete any. Now that I’ve completed 2, I’m terrified to put in the grade. How badly will I be disadvantaged at securing a TC because of it?

I work full time, doing the PGDL part time after 10 year gap from education, have health issues etc so I really tried my best here to study and balance everything else but clearly a lot went wrong.

Sorry if it sounds like I’m moaning (well, I am tbh lol) but I just feel so down and frankly stupid!

 

[Mug Fan]

Hey guys,

I’m currently doing the PGDL and received provisional results today for 2 modules. I’m absolutely gutted for the overall mark I achieved for 1 of them- just about passed. It’s the lowest grade I’ve ever received for anything and I feel so heartbroken.

Whenever I do applications, I leave the module marks for PGDL empty as I didn’t complete any. Now that I’ve completed 2, I’m terrified to put in the grade. How badly will I be disadvantaged at securing a TC because of it?

I work full time, doing the PGDL part time after 10 year gap from education, have health issues etc so I really tried my best here to study and balance everything else but clearly a lot went wrong.

Sorry if it sounds like I’m moaning (well, I am tbh lol) but I just feel so down and frankly stupid!

This by no means constitutes advice and is from someone who doesn't have a clue about the recruitment process, however, I do have thoughts on this...

I've always thought it's a bit odd that they ask for SQE/PGDL scores on applications when a significant number of contracts will be given to candidates, that are yet to sit either and could feasibly fail! Given that the only stipulation to start the TC is to just pass the exams, I've never understood why the score would matter? Surely a pass is a pass at this stage (i.e. pre-qualification)?

For example, if I get a contract, I still need to sit both. If you've already passed yours, regardless of score, how can it be right that you could possibly be seen as a poorer candidate when I haven't even sat it yet! That doesn't make sense to me. Surely the fact you've sat it at all is demonstrating your commitment.

Separately, I may message you at some point about your experiences of the PGDL. I'm a career changer too and slightly nervous about taking exams again...

 

[TC129129]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Bristows post-partner review?

I heard back today and got through to writing exercise

 

[norothrow324]

Does anyone know anything on NRF and their direct TC plans? Supposed to open today (and a week ago) but still nothing - wondering if they filled up their TC from the VS pool and might not even open?

 

[SamiyaJ]

This by no means constitutes advice and is from someone who doesn't have a clue about the recruitment process, however, I do have thoughts on this...

I've always thought it's a bit odd that they ask for SQE/PGDL scores on applications when a significant number of contracts will be given to candidates, that are yet to sit either and could feasibly fail! Given that the only stipulation to start the TC is to just pass the exams, I've never understood why the score would matter? Surely a pass is a pass at this stage (i.e. pre-qualification)?

For example, if I get a contract, I still need to sit both. If you've already passed yours, regardless of score, how can it be right that you could possibly be seen as a poorer candidate when I haven't even sat it yet! That doesn't make sense to me. Surely the fact you've sat it at all is demonstrating your commitment.

Separately, I may message you at some point about your experiences of the PGDL. I'm a career changer too and slightly nervous about taking exams again...

I didn’t even think of it that way! So true. I also think it’s personal expectations and striving for the best etc so when the opposite happens, it’s just horrible.

Of course, feel free to message me whenever!

 

[Amma Usman]

PFO from Clyde & Co Dubai... feeling very defeated

Hi @nyanchan22 , I’m really sorry about the PFO, I know how things like this can hurt as I have certainly been in that situation with firms many times. The best thing I can share which personally helped me every time was to first take a moment to feel what you’re feeling. Taking a moment to capture all your emotions and let them flow through you prevents burnout from immediately shooting back to applications. This enables you to get some moment of self reflection, and understand areas for improvement, before coming back to new applications stronger. PS: always remember you have a community here to lean on. Keep going and keep shooting, that offer letter is coming - but remember it will only come if you do not give up. Xx

 

[James Wakefield]

Everyone just get the Womble Webinar invite?

Works for me because I have an interview earlier in the day but feel sorry for people if it’s too short notice/ they’re at an AC or something.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

Everyone just get the Womble Webinar invite?

Works for me because I have an interview earlier in the day but feel sorry for people if it’s too short notice/ they’re at an AC or something.

Last cycle it was recorded so people who couldn't make it can watch it...

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Everyone just get the Womble Webinar invite?

Works for me because I have an interview earlier in the day but feel sorry for people if it’s too short notice/ they’re at an AC or something.

I want to attend the webinar but idk if its a waste of time if I don't get progressed to the next round, as my test results weren't my best.

 

[jaccobbhx]

Has anyone heard back from Freshfields today?

 

[norothrow324]

just did the Mayer Brown test - quite interesting, seems that considering they ask for no application Qs and don't have a WG, they REALLY care about cultural fit. The test was essentially all about that. Interesting approach

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone know when HFW start their ACs for direct TCs?

 

[cjwx]

I’m doing withers’ test and I am SOOO sure their multiple choice options are wrong for one of the questions. There are also grammatical errors in the questions themselves 😂😂😂😂

 

[kokoprep]

Has anyone heard back from Freshfields today?

heard back with PFO