TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

HFW says this:

"Our vacation schemes are important to us, and a high proportion of our training contract offers are made to individuals who have completed a vacation scheme with us. Notwithstanding this, we recognise that some individuals will not be able to complete a vacation scheme, so we do still make offers through the direct route."

It is very difficult for me to complete a vacation scheme because I work full time, but I am still going to be attending one this summer at a US firm thanks to my employer's kindness. I was wondering if it's best to mention this or not in my application. I am afraid it might be a minus because they will think that even though I can complete vacation schemes, I haven't applied to theirs?

Hiya @billyonthespeeddial

I just wanted to add to what @James Wakefield and others have said, I really think you should mention the vacation scheme in your application and not worry about it being seen as a negative. Firms are very aware that not everyone has the flexibility to take time off easily, especially if you're working full time. It's hard enough as it is to get the necessary leave to do a single vacation scheme. That was certainly the case for me too. I was lucky that my manager gave me the green light to take back-to-back vacation schemes, but that only happened because I’d saved up leave all year specifically for that purpose and having discussed this with her months in advance. I know that kind of flexibility isn’t always possible, and many firms are aware of this too!

Having a vacation scheme on your CV, especially at a competitive firm, is a real strength. It shows you're already being recognised as a strong candidate and that you’ve had experience working in a firm environment. That speaks volumes, even if the vacation scheme isn't with HFW. What matters most is the strength of your application, i.e. your reasons for applying, and the transferable skills and insights you’ve gained from that experience. Definitely apply, and don’t feel you need to apologise for circumstances outside your control! Good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

hi @Jessica Booker what would you suggest to include in cover letters for paralegal roles? also, are you meant to cover off everything in the job descriptions? thanks

Hiya @JustwantaTC

Would love to hear @Jessica Booker's take on this too, but from my experience, cover letters for paralegal roles follow many of the same principles as any strong legal cover letter. It’s a good idea to start with a brief introduction to who you are and your current situation, and then move into three key areas that most firms will be looking for. From my understanding, you don't have to cover off everything in the job description. However you'll want to ensure that it's clear from your application (if not the cover letter itself) that you meet the essential criteria, and at least some of the desirable criteria.

In terms of the structure, I would first try to explain why you’re interested in the firm you’re applying to. Here you'll want to be as specific as possible, linking your explanation to their particular strengths and experiences. Then, set out why the specific paralegal role appeals to you. If it's in a particular team, you'll want to be clear about why the work done by that team is interesting it to you, potentially aligning this with your own background and experiences. Finally, highlight the skills and experience you can bring to the role. Again, I'd try to match this to what the job description is asking for, even if you can’t cover every single point. It's helpful here to focus on the parts where you think you’re especially well suited.

If space allows, you can also briefly touch on your longer-term interest in commercial law. But overall, I think you can safely keep the focus on why you're (1) interested in the role and firm, (2) a good fit for the position and how you can contribute.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I’ve listed my upcoming VS’ on my direct TC applications because I’m hoping they make me standout. I think the pros of listing yours will probably outweigh any downside.

They’re more likely to think A) you’re a good candidate which another firm has identified and B) you might not have applied to their vac scheme because of overlapping dates, rather than anything else.

I don’t think you’re required to give detail of why you didn’t apply for their vac scheme, except maybe have an answer for the interview.

Hiya @billyonthespeeddial

I just wanted to add to what @James Wakefield and others have said, I really think you should mention the vacation scheme in your application and not worry about it being seen as a negative. Firms are very aware that not everyone has the flexibility to take time off easily, especially if you're working full time. It's hard enough as it is to get the necessary leave to do a single vacation scheme. That was certainly the case for me too. I was lucky that my manager gave me the green light to take back-to-back vacation schemes, but that only happened because I’d saved up leave all year specifically for that purpose and having discussed this with her months in advance. I know that kind of flexibility isn’t always possible, and many firms are aware of this too!

Having a vacation scheme on your CV, especially at a competitive firm, is a real strength. It shows you're already being recognised as a strong candidate and that you’ve had experience working in a firm environment. That speaks volumes, even if the vacation scheme isn't with HFW. What matters most is the strength of your application, i.e. your reasons for applying, and the transferable skills and insights you’ve gained from that experience. Definitely apply, and don’t feel you need to apologise for circumstances outside your control! Good luck!

Thank you so much both!

 

[JustwantaTC]

Hiya @JustwantaTC

Would love to hear @Jessica Booker's take on this too, but from my experience, cover letters for paralegal roles follow many of the same principles as any strong legal cover letter. It’s a good idea to start with a brief introduction to who you are and your current situation, and then move into three key areas that most firms will be looking for. From my understanding, you don't have to cover off everything in the job description. However you'll want to ensure that it's clear from your application (if not the cover letter itself) that you meet the essential criteria, and at least some of the desirable criteria.

In terms of the structure, I would first try to explain why you’re interested in the firm you’re applying to. Here you'll want to be as specific as possible, linking your explanation to their particular strengths and experiences. Then, set out why the specific paralegal role appeals to you. If it's in a particular team, you'll want to be clear about why the work done by that team is interesting it to you, potentially aligning this with your own background and experiences. Finally, highlight the skills and experience you can bring to the role. Again, I'd try to match this to what the job description is asking for, even if you can’t cover every single point. It's helpful here to focus on the parts where you think you’re especially well suited.

If space allows, you can also briefly touch on your longer-term interest in commercial law. But overall, I think you can safely keep the focus on why you're (1) interested in the role and firm, (2) a good fit for the position and how you can contribute.

thank you for the detailed response @Ram Sabaratnam, that was really helpful! What about if it's an in house role, do you still suggest the same structure?

 

[legallycece]

I asked HL for my WG score and they said they couldn’t provide feedback at this stage. Should I assume I failed to hit their benchmark then ?

 

[spamelinazoid]

I asked HL for my WG score and they said they couldn’t provide feedback at this stage. Should I assume I failed to hit their benchmark then ?

🤔on what basis could they be ok to provide info to one candidate and not another? Seems a bit odd

Unless theyre gearing to release outcomes today/tomorrow?

 

[EG3]

Anyone heard from DAC Beachcroft post-AC yet?

 

[Zzzz]

Does anyone have any news on Bristows DTC?

 

[optimistic_undergrad]

🤔on what basis could they be ok to provide info to one candidate and not another? Seems a bit odd

Unless theyre gearing to release outcomes today/tomorrow?

You might be on to something ngl

 

[optimistic_undergrad]

I asked HL for my WG score and they said they couldn’t provide feedback at this stage. Should I assume I failed to hit their benchmark then ?

As @spamelinazoid has stated, it might be that soon they are going to release the outcome anyway, and hence, they have started holding back from sharing the WG scores. Nevertheless, please don't assume anything negative, as there are so many factors that we have no idea to base our assumptions tbh!

 

[Tintin06]

🤔on what basis could they be ok to provide info to one candidate and not another? Seems a bit odd

Unless theyre gearing to release outcomes today/tomorrow?

They haven’t shared any scores, IIRC. They’ve said pass or fail sometimes. Hopefully you hear good news soon.

 

[Charke]

Anyone heard from DAC Beachcroft post-AC yet?

I've heard back. But I think I got told early because they told me before they said they would give feedback after the AC (this week).

 

[sunnyd]

Has anyone applied to Herrington Carmichael before?

 

[Eajob]

Does anyone have any news on Bristows DTC?

I haven't heard anything yet following the final interview.

 

[Tintin06]

Hope we hear from HL today.

 

[RaniaH062002]

Anyone else just mindlessly refreshing emails hoping for a response from Baker McKenzie or Ashurst?

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi @Jessica Booker what would you suggest to include in cover letters for paralegal roles? also, are you meant to cover off everything in the job descriptions? thanks

It wouldn't be possible to cover everything in a job description (JD) in a cover letter - but it is important to cover:

• Why specifically this opportunity (more so why this department/role rather than "why this firm")
• Highlighting your key skills/experiences that align with some of the JD's requirements that you think are less obvious from your CV or aspects you particularly want to highlight - this should effectively be the "why you" part of a cover letter

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone else just mindlessly refreshing emails hoping for a response from Baker McKenzie or Ashurst?

Any idea when Ashurst updates people?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone else just mindlessly refreshing emails hoping for a response from Baker McKenzie or Ashurst?

I think we have to remember that a lot of these firms have spring vac schemes happening, so I suspect they’ll take a while to get back about direct TC

 

[TCseeker101]

Withers interview invite! Does anyone have any insights/tips? It's for 1 hour with a member of HR and a Partner