TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[rapunzel]

Hey, I wanted to ask generally if you haven’t got a vac scheme offer, training contract or paralegal offer in your final year of university. Would you still do the SQE by itself? If you still apply to law firms on the SQE will they question why you’re not working at a firm whilst doing the SQE as a paralegal? Would it be a less favourable position you put yourself in compared to other candidates who are doing that?

I was just wondering as I’ve been struggling a lot in my final year of university with extenuating circumstances. I just haven’t gotten a lot of time time to spend on sending many applications and fear I may just have to go down this route

 

[RaniaH062002]

Is anyone else applying to Ashurst having issues with their application? On section 4 of academic details it’s marked as having not been done at all even though I filled all the sections and I’ve gone in and out of the application and it has saved. I’ve even deleted and re-added it to see if that’s the issue.

I’ve emailed the application support team so I hope it gets resolved! I’m just wondering if anyone else has encountered this issue too?

 

[Amiyrerose]

Is anyone else applying to Ashurst having issues with their application? On section 4 of academic details it’s marked as having not been done at all even though I filled all the sections and I’ve gone in and out of the application and it has saved. I’ve even deleted and re-added it to see if that’s the issue.

I’ve emailed the application support team so I hope it gets resolved! I’m just wondering if anyone else has encountered this issue too?

YES ! this was happening to me i just thought it was an error on my part

 

[RaniaH062002]

YES ! this was happening to me i just thought it was an error on my part

I’m so glad I’m not the only one. Luckily all parts of my application are completed and saved so hopefully I get a response soon.

 

[eeeefh]

I've just received an assessment centre invite for DAC! As this is my first AC, I would be very grateful if anybody had any tips on DAC's AC or just in general. Thank you!!

 

[Lapistuskin]

hi everyone! does NRF no longer have the Direct Training Contract route? I couldn't find it on the application portal

 

[Lapistuskin]

does anyone heard anything from White & Case for the direct TC?

 

[Chris Brown]

does anyone heard anything from White & Case for the direct TC?

I think White & Case TC route is non-rolling, so since the deadline is in July, you probably won’t hear back from them until after the deadline has passed (July/August). 🙂​

 

[student101!]

Hi everyone, any news on Curtis?

 

[A worried graduate]

Anyone here know what vac schemes or direct tc’s are still open yet I have a realistic chance of still getting (large cohort and not near the deadline if rolling)?

 

[tania_tt0901]

Hogan Lovells PFO finally... For those interested I completed my WG on 12 February.

 

[ad.]

Does anyone know what Slaughter and May tends to ask the reference we have provided? Eg very detailed information about us or just a formality/administrative verification?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Does anyone know what Slaughter and May tends to ask the reference we have provided? Eg very detailed information about us or just a formality/administrative verification?

only if you get chosen for the TC offer do they contact your reference (also a sign you might be given the offer anytime in the next 1-2 days following that). its not an intense verification- its basic

 

[ohnoselim]

Hey, I wanted to ask generally if you haven’t got a vac scheme offer, training contract or paralegal offer in your final year of university. Would you still do the SQE by itself? If you still apply to law firms on the SQE will they question why you’re not working at a firm whilst doing the SQE as a paralegal? Would it be a less favourable position you put yourself in compared to other candidates who are doing that?

I was just wondering as I’ve been struggling a lot in my final year of university with extenuating circumstances. I just haven’t gotten a lot of time time to spend on sending many applications and fear I may just have to go down this route

I was in this same boat, as I graduated in 2024

you can do the sqe if you feel its best for you, i don't think firms would question you if you are not working at a firm whilst doing the sqe as landing a paralegal job itself is a competitive process too, i would say to keep your experiences varied, whatever you do spend your time working as can always be linked back to law with transferable skills so don't worry, use that time to get as much experiences as you can, a bonus if its areas you're interested in as you can start figuring out areas of practice you enjoy and don't enjoy

as for less favourable position, i know people that completed the sqe that still struggle to land a tc and i know people that haven't done the sqe that landed a tc, and those that were paralegals, ultimately you still have to go through the same application process, whether you believe the sqe will help you there is your decision, use your experiences to your advantage each person's will be different

each person's path to success will look different so honestly don't worry you should feel proud of getting yourself through your final year, take some time to celebrate your milestones too!