TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[aphelion]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

 

[username10341034]

Can anyone who has applied for Mayer Brown TC help me? My request to complete the Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test went to my junk mail, so I initially missed it. I have until Monday to do the tests. Do they include any video questions? It seems unclear from the guide that they sent me. Thanks!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

Hiya @aphelion

In previous years, I've noticed that White & Case has held assessment centres for direct training contract candidates in August, with many of these also taking place in September. I'd recommend keeping an eye out for communications from graduate recruitment or contacting them directly if you need a better estimate for when they intend to hold assessments centres this year.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Can anyone who has applied for Mayer Brown TC help me? My request to complete the Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test went to my junk mail, so I initially missed it. I have until Monday to do the tests. Do they include any video questions? It seems unclear from the guide that they sent me. Thanks!

From previous experience, Mayer Brown's Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test did not include any video interview questions. Of course it's possible this could have changed, but based on what I've seen from other forum users this cycle, it still seems to be the case. Good luck with your tests!

 

[Tintin06]

does anyone know when white and case typically holds ACs for direct TC candidates? I assume sometime in august?

Yes plenty of time before ACs. “…applications are reviewed after the deadline of 13 July 2025”. Have you already applied to W&C?

 

[aphelion]

Yes plenty of time before ACs. “…applications are reviewed after the deadline of 13 July 2025”. Have you already applied to W&C?

No not yet, planning to apply on the deadline. Was mainly thinking about timings if I end up getting an offer from one of my summer vac schemes and W&C are progressing me at the same time.

 

[legalgrad]

Hi- has anyone heard back from Kennedys? It’s been a while…

 

[OliverTwist]

What sort of candidate does W&C usually go for, are they hell-bent on a certain 'type' for want of a better word?
I have never applied to them before and am considering the Direct TC route. Also, is the direct route a well-trodden one with W&C or do they hire mainly through VS'?

 

[Naskimovski]

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard back from Hogan Lovells after completing the WG?

 

[sibs23]

What sort of candidate does W&C usually go for, are they hell-bent on a certain 'type' for want of a better word?
I have never applied to them before and am considering the Direct TC route. Also, is the direct route a well-trodden one with W&C or do they hire mainly through VS'?

This is based only on people I know, but I have noticed that they tend to like people with an international element to their profile. Whether that be someone who has worked abroad for a while, speaks different languages, grew up in a different country.

 

[MaryAra299]

Within how many after applying does mayer brown sent out situational judgement test invite? Does anyone know?

 

[Mug Fan]

Within how many after applying does mayer brown sent out situational judgement test invite? Does anyone know?

It’s in batches. I waited a couple of months, some people were a day. It depends.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @marisachr , good question. This is a tough one, particularly because competencies differ between firms and it is rather difficult to know which is the ‘right‘ answer. The truth is, often times there is no right answer. I’ve gone to several presentations by the providers of these SJTs which all say to trust your gut and intuition. Avoid spending too long on a question as this could make you run the risk of switching from the right answer, to the wrong one.

Hey there @floral.tcla ,

Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this. What is considered right or wrong differs per question. I’d say to just always trust your instinct. It’s great you’re bearing the firm’s values in mind whilst answering. I’ve usually kept these in mind when answering every question, and the approach has served me well. Above all, prior to clicking on an answer, ensure that it sits well with you - and what you will genuinely do in that situation. There is usually no perfect answer in an SJT. However, there are usually answers that are evidently wrong from the start. This is where you can start cancelling them out mentally to focus on weighing more likely accurate answers. With regards your other specific question, a mentor once told me that there is a certain level of mindfulness a trainee needs to possess to ensure that they make the most of the learning and development opportunity. However, this should not come at the expense of speaking up and conveying your views on a discussion. In fact, it is very much needed as you were hired for your opinion - hired to add value. So, I recommend keeping both approaches in mind whilst responding.

Best of luck, and I’m sure you'll do great!

I wouldn’t worry too much about the numbers, to be honest. Firms have different metrics for how they assess things like this - sometimes they’re equally weighted, sometimes some categories are more weighted than others. Another thing is that there never really is a wrong answer in an SJT, some answers will just be more correct than others. Please do not worry too much about this, as I know it’s easy to dwell on such. Put it out your head, grab a nice hot cocoa, and go on with your day - this approach personally helped me when I was worried about applications that I’ve already sent. Or just do anything that excites you, really!

Any tips for BCLP’s SJT?

Hi there, I have quoted some general tips on SJTs above to help.

 

[student101!]

Hi! Has anyone heard back from Mayer Brown after completing their online tests? for direct tc.

 

[LB24]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I’ve been offered a TC that I have to accepted by the 4th April, but I’ve got an AC for a vac scheme in a couple of weeks with the vac scheme being in June/July.

I think I prefer this second firm, and if I were to get a vac scheme and TC offer from them, how is best to go about it. Can I accept the TC for the first firm and then rescind the offer if I get a TC offer from the second firm?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I’ve been offered a TC that I have to accepted by the 4th April, but I’ve got an AC for a vac scheme in a couple of weeks with the vac scheme being in June/July.

I think I prefer this second firm, and if I were to get a vac scheme and TC offer from them, how is best to go about it. Can I accept the TC for the first firm and then rescind the offer if I get a TC offer from the second firm?

Yes, you can renege on the first firm as long as you haven't received any financial support from the firm or have started the onboarding processes for studying for the GDL/SQE.

 

[mmm918]

Anyone heard back from K&S?

 

[Chris Brown]

What sort of candidate does W&C usually go for, are they hell-bent on a certain 'type' for want of a better word?
I have never applied to them before and am considering the Direct TC route. Also, is the direct route a well-trodden one with W&C or do they hire mainly through VS'?

I think they recruit up to 50 trainees per year, across two intakes (March and September). To my knowledge, they hold 3 VS’ (Winter, Spring and Summer), with around 25 people per VS. In total, there will be about 75-80 VS’ers. I think they make TC offers to around 50% of all VS’ (i.e., 40/80 candidates get a TC offer). 😅

That means around 80% of their TC offers are made through the VS route (40/50), with the remaining 20% of TC’s (10/50) given out through the DTC route. It’s probably going to be a bit tougher to secure a TC with them through the DTC route, but not impossible. Best of luck with your application to White & Case! 🙂​

 

[kokoprep]

not at all, my bf gave the interview virtually and even with 2:2 grades in some subjects in non-law, got a TC with them this year. they are only going to ask questions based on your CV which helps them see the story behind you, and you will find their FAQs in TCLA threads of previous years. just prepare for them and you will be fine

hey would you be open to sharing what’s the home country of the person who got the TC and did they need sponsorship to work in UK?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

hey would you be open to sharing what’s the home country of the person who got the TC and did they need sponsorship to work in UK?

yes he needed sponsorship