TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[legallyells]

I think so

you're right, just confirmed with HR

 

[A worried graduate]

AC invite on 26/03 - marine

Seems everyone who has heard post VI heard on that day for some reason.

Does not hearing mean that a PFO is coming or not?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Sorry for double-posting @Andrei Radu! But do you have any tips for preparing for a client pitch exercise and a negotiation exercise? How can I go about preparing for each and what can I expect?

For a client pitch, I think there are three areas to consider (although the first one is likely to be of central importance):

1. The firm's unique selling points from a client perspective, when compared to main competitors: essentially, you need to classify the type/types of legal services the particular client would need for the specific matter they are seeking to contract a firm for. From that perspective, you need to then ask two questions: firstly, who are the main competitors in the area - who are the other firms likely to have the most compelling pitches for this work? (you should be able to easily come up with a few examples based on Chambers/Legal 500 rankings); and secondly, what are the firm's unique/distinguishing aspects that could be attractive to a client when considering whether to contract us or our rivals? This second question is more difficult to answer and will require more extensive research on your part, but to mention some examples of what USPs could consist of: expertise and market recognition in the practice area; expertise in the sector; expertise in matters falling under both the relevant practice area and the sector; past experience working on deals/cases/matters presenting similar other features to the current one; past experience working for the client; geographical reach; growth of firm's practice, expertise in complimentary practices, availability of specific renowned practitioners etc.
2. The specific team: for any pitch, the firm will advertise a few of the top practitioners (normally, partners or counsel) who it could staff on the matter. In many cases, it is the reputation of the individual practitioners for matters of that type, rather than the reputation of the firm as a whole, that the clients will care more about. As such, you should research who are the biggest names within the firm for that specific type of work and be ready to explain their expertise during the pitch.
3. Billing rates: while this does not always come up, I know it sometimes does, normally in the Q&A part at the end of the pitch. If possible, try to get an idea as to what the going billing rates are for the firm's associates and partners, and be ready to justify those by appealing to its USPs and market position if necessary. If for some reason you estimate they may be lower than those of any competitors (say if this is a Silver Circle firm, and the competitors are US firms), this could be presented as a reason to prefer your firm.

 

[confusedbird]

I got my feedback report (if you can really cal it that, quite short and pretty boiler plate). Nothing else before though so you should be fine so long as you clicked submit. Took a day to get the report

Got it today! Thank you again!
I went down a spiral for no reason 🤡

 

[User5678]

Is it fair to assume a pfo from PHB considering they said they will get back to all applicants today

 

[millieplatt1]

Is it fair to assume a pfo from PHB considering they said they will get back to all applicants today

i saw someone on here asking for advice about the AC so i’m assuming they’ve heard, i haven’t either

 

[User5678]

i saw someone on here asking for advice about the AC so i’m assuming they’ve heard, i haven’t either

Hmm most likely a pfo then considering their ac is on 8 9 10

 

[trainee4u]

Hmm most likely a pfo then considering their ac is on 8 9 10

i assume when they said "everyone will hear whether or not" they meant it. but maybe we'll get our pfos in the morning!?

 

[iklawapps]

I saw some people got either AC offers or rejections from King & Spalding, but I haven’t received anything yet. Is anyone else in the same boat?

 

[iklawapps]

Are we assuming PFO from K&S if we haven’t heard yet?

Any news yet? I haven’t gotten anything - assuming pfo now lol

 

[wanttosolicit]

I only got to VI with my W&C vacation scheme application - is there much use applying for the training contract? I can add some significant work experience since then but apparently you should only apply twice if you were rejected post-application..!

 

[andrecsaa]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu and anyone else able to help

White & Case says "you’ll rotate through four six-month seats: one overseas, one in Finance and one in a contentious practice area."

Could you help me understand the difference between investment funds, financial regulation and private equity seats within Finance? And what kind of tasks are typically assigned in each?

Thanks!!

 

[Tintin06]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu and anyone else able to help

White & Case says "you’ll rotate through four six-month seats: one overseas, one in Finance and one in a contentious practice area."

Could you help me understand the difference between investment funds, financial regulation and private equity seats within Finance? And what kind of tasks are typically assigned in each?

Thanks!!

Investopedia can help with key terms. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment-fund.asp.

Chambers Student also explains practice areas.

 

[lou1707]

Does anyone have any insight of shoosmiths online assessment?

 

[James Wakefield]

Does anyone have any insight of shoosmiths online assessment?

It’s a cappfinity I think.

So it’ll be situational judgement questions and maybe some critical thinking/maths but that depends on the preferences of the law firm.

I’ve got 3 of them to do so I may have more insights this weekend. 😅

 

[Tintin06]

Anything from Hogan Lovells today then? Almost two months post-Watson Glaser now.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Anything from Hogan Lovells today then? Almost two months post-Watson Glaser now.

Save for the time Slaughters forgot to reject me post-application, this is the longest I have ever had to wait to hear about the next stage of an application.

 

[apap033]

Does anyone have any insight of shoosmiths online assessment?

It's strengths based/situational judgement, it's really helpful if you read their link they sent so you have their core values and competencies they look for in mind while you do it. Still answer and rank the questions as honestly as you can because at the end of the day it's about how you would make decisions as an individual.
If I remember correct when I did it for their placement(which includes TC consideration), there was no maths based test. Just ranking answers, recognising arguments section.

 

[trainee4u]

i assume when they said "everyone will hear whether or not" they meant it. but maybe we'll get our pfos in the morning!?

Have now received PFO with a "this should have gone out yesterday but our email system didn't work" apology

 

[Miss Chocolate]

It's strengths based/situational judgement, it's really helpful if you read their link they sent so you have their core values and competencies they look for in mind while you do it. Still answer and rank the questions are honestly as you can because at the end of the day it's about how you would make decisions as an individual.
If I remember correct when I did it for their placement(which includes TC consideration), there was no maths based. Just ranking answers, recognising arguments section.

Hey, is this for the current cycle or previous?