TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

futuretraineesolicitor

Legendary Member
Forum Winner
Dec 14, 2019
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536
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

Active Member
Premium Member
Jan 27, 2025
10
4
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)
 

SamiyaJ

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2024
209
560
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

Esteemed Member
Dec 15, 2024
92
167
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...
 

SamiyaJ

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2024
209
560
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!
 
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Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
969
1,185
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
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
969
1,185
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
This is great. I have nothing to add really. You could also consider any policy issues/questions raised.
 
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