TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

kokoprep

Legendary Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
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    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?
     

    Tintin06

    Legendary Member
    Oct 23, 2019
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    2,133
    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! 🙂​
    10 is plenty - only need one.
     

    futuretraineesolicitor

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    Dec 14, 2019
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    would it be detrimental to express interest in m&a if we are doing the Ashurst app. Sure they do good M&A but they have other practices that are market leading and ranked higher comparatively. Will the M&A reference in the app make the grad rec feel that we didn't do enough research? (Even if I clearly specify why I wanna do M&A at Ashurst) @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam . Thanks in advance.
     
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    Andrei Radu

    Legendary Member
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    Sep 9, 2024
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    would it be detrimental to express interest in m&a if we are doing the Ashurst app. Sure they do good M&A but they have other practices that are market leading and ranked higher comparatively. Will the M&A reference in the app make the grad rec feel that we didn't do enough research? (Even if I clearly specify why I wanna do M&A at Ashurst) @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam . Thanks in advance.
    I think it is highly unlikely it would be detrimental. Firms are aware that at the moment of entry in the profession candidates can have interests in a wide variety of practice areas; and no firm is the best in every single one. As such, you expressing interest in a practice area where there are other firms which are somewhat better ranked is no issue. I think it could have only really been a problem either if the practice area was one the firm did not offer at all, or if the practice was a small/niche one in the firm.

    Fundamentally, to have a good 'why the firm' reasoning, I do not think you necessarily need to show that Ashurst is the best firm for every single one of your relevant selection criteria (ie practice area/sector interests, training style, strategy etc). You only need to provide a convincing argument that, all things considered, Ashurst is the best firm for you.

    As such, imagine you provide three reasons for wanting to join Ashurst: (1) a strong corporate M&A practice, (2) leading expertise in sectors you are interested in - say, financial services and oil & gas; and (3) leading real estate practice. Now, if your only motivation was centered around M&A, this would be an issue, as firms like Freshfields and Slaughter and May are arguably better for it. However, these two firms will likely not be equally strong for the sectors/practices at (2) and (3). Thus, if you care about all three, it makes sense that you would pick Ashurst.
     

    futuretraineesolicitor

    Legendary Member
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    Dec 14, 2019
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    I think it is highly unlikely it would be detrimental. Firms are aware that at the moment of entry in the profession candidates can have interests in a wide variety of practice areas; and no firm is the best in every single one. As such, you expressing interest in a practice area where there are other firms which are somewhat better ranked is no issue. I think it could have only really been a problem either if the practice area was one the firm did not offer at all, or if the practice was a small/niche one in the firm.

    Fundamentally, to have a good 'why the firm' reasoning, I do not think you necessarily need to show that Ashurst is the best firm for every single one of your relevant selection criteria (ie practice area/sector interests, training style, strategy etc). You only need to provide a convincing argument that, all things considered, Ashurst is the best firm for you.

    As such, imagine you provide three reasons for wanting to join Ashurst: (1) a strong corporate M&A practice, (2) leading expertise in sectors you are interested in - say, financial services and oil & gas; and (3) leading real estate practice. Now, if your only motivation was centered around M&A, this would be an issue, as firms like Freshfields and Slaughter and May are arguably better for it. However, these two firms will likely not be equally strong for the sectors/practices at (2) and (3). Thus, if you care about all three, it makes sense that you would pick Ashurst.
    Thank you. This was very helpful.
     

    OliverTwist

    Distinguished Member
    Sep 24, 2023
    66
    107
    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! 🙂​
    Thank you! This is very helpful. Best of luck with your cycle!
     
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    pleasepleaseplease

    Legendary Member
    Oct 14, 2024
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    140
    Hi @Jessica Booker, I am in final year and received my grades from semester 1 a month ago. One of them is a 2:2. I have two other grades that are 2:2, one each from first and second year. Do you think this is going to impact my chances at getting a TC?

    I am an international student and very distressed about this. Would be very grateful if you could provide any insight.
     

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