TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi guys,

I hope you’re all well!

I’m not posting much nowadays as life is hectic (same as everyone else tbh) and my mental health has taken a bit of a toll.

In terms of applications, I am waiting to hear back from Mayer Brown (pretty sure it’s a PFO as my SJT results weren’t great), Farrer & Co and HFW TC post apps. Need to do some more applications but I have PGDL exams coming up so I’m busy with revision.

In terms of work- I have a good job with decent salary, but we were recently hit with the bombshell that a lot of redundancies are coming as the organisation has to cut millions from the budget by 1 Jan 2026!!! So now that’s another worry.

Probably will sound like such an entitled brat saying this but I’ve had a look for any legal positions available and they either require 50 years of legal experience, or the money is terrible. I don’t mind taking a bit of a cut but the salaries being offered are abysmal and I need money to live and also pay for uni!! So I am thinking of looking for another non-legal position in the meantime, but I’m worried it would give a negative impression on my commitment to law when doing applications.

If there’s any advice anyone can give then I’ll really appreciate it, but I just wanted to get this off my chest 😭

Hiya @SamiyaJ

Absolutely! There's no shame in looking for non-legal work right now. I did exactly that myself. If it's worth anything, I had never held a paid legal role before getting a vacation scheme. I worked mostly in project management, admin-type roles, and in retail jobs. Most of my legal experience came through pro bono work, which was pretty extensive but none of it was commercial. I think @Jessica Booker could say much more here, but my sense is that graduate recruiters understand how hard it is to get a legal job (especially one that’s paid decently).

While work experience is one way to demonstrate a commitment to commercial law, it's definitely not the only way. I think what made the difference for me wasn’t my job experience per se. What mattered more was consistently looking into opportunities related to commercial law: attending open days, law fairs, joining mentorship schemes through Aspiring Solicitors. More importantly, there is no substitute for writing well-researched, tailored applications. This made all the difference to me, even though I had very little experience of working in the City or in commercial law.

If your current role is at risk and you’re job hunting anyway, it might be worth also looking into adjacent fields like business development or consultancy (where your interest in law can still be an asset). Good luck with any job search and your applications!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Is the SH TC rolling?

Hiya @legal18

Yep, Stephenson Harwood reviews training contract applications on a rolling basis. But their website seems to suggest that they only review at applications as they come in rather than waiting until the deadline. It mentions that they don't fill all their places early, and they continue reviewing applications after the deadline too. I think you've still got some time, so getting a well-drafted application to them in the next few weeks should put you in a good position. Good luck!

 

[legal18]

Hiya @legal18

Yep, Stephenson Harwood reviews training contract applications on a rolling basis. But their website seems to suggest that they only at applications as they come in rather than waiting until the deadline. It mentions that they don't fill all their places early, and they continue reviewing applications after the deadline too. I think you've still got some time, so getting a well-drafted application to them in the next few weeks should put you in a good position. Good luck!

Thank you so much

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone have tips on passing online assessments? The Watson glaser styles ones? I have reviewed all the breakdowns of each stage, but I just can’t seem to pass. I’ve even done a bunch of practice tests.

Hiya @Eeeazyyy8

I wanted to add to what @Amma Usman has already said. This is something a lot of people find difficult, so you’re definitely not alone. I’ve noticed that many applicants put in hours of practice and still struggle to pass these online assessments, especially the Watson Glaser-style ones. To help figure out what might be going wrong, would you be open to sharing a bit more about how you’ve been preparing? How have you tried to understand the differences between the different sections (e.g. Assumptions, Deductions, Inferences, etc.)?Also, have you received a feedback report from any firms after taking the test? Some firms give breakdowns by skill area (e.g. "low score in recognising assumptions"), which can really help in shaping how you prepare for these tests and focussing on those areas that you're really struggling with.

One common challenge I’ve seen is that many applicants don’t fully realise just how specific the style of reasoning expected is. It’s not enough to be generally logical. You have to adapt to how the test wants you to think, especially in terms of sticking only to the information given and not relying on outside knowledge or instinct. While you're thinking about the questions I've raised above, I'd also recommend this excellent video (it includes a cheat sheet) by Idin Sabahipour on Watson Glaser test preparation. It's great!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hiya @SamiyaJ

Absolutely! There's no shame in looking for non-legal work right now. I did exactly that myself. If it's worth anything, I had never held a paid legal role before getting a vacation scheme. I worked mostly in project management, admin-type roles, and in retail jobs. Most of my legal experience came through pro bono work, which was pretty extensive but none of it was commercial. I think @Jessica Booker could say much more here, but my sense is that graduate recruiters understand how hard it is to get a legal job (especially one that’s paid decently).

While work experience is one way to demonstrate a commitment to commercial law, it's definitely not the only way. I think what made the difference for me wasn’t my job experience per se. What mattered more was consistently looking into opportunities related to commercial law: attending open days, law fairs, joining mentorship schemes through Aspiring Solicitors. More importantly, there is no substitute for writing well-researched, tailored applications. This made all the difference to me, even though I had very little experience of working in the City or in commercial law.

If your current role is at risk and you’re job hunting anyway, it might be worth also looking into adjacent fields like business development or consultancy (where your interest in law can still be an asset). Good luck with any job search and your applications!

Thank you so much Ram!

 

[fitzer401]

Hey - does anyone know what the hogan lovells case study is like? (ie is it M&A or something else)

Did you get an AC invite?

 

[Tintin06]

Hogan Lovells’ DTCs are pretty limited. Don’t worry if you were rejected. Paul Hastings probably has more DTCs. To name just one other firm.

 

[fitzer401]

Hogan Lovells’ DTCs are pretty limited. Don’t worry if you were rejected. Paul Hastings probably has more DTCs. To name just one other firm.

Did you get an AC invite? I'm just curious if they have been sent out. Thank you

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

anyone who has taken bakers' test, is it like last year or have they changed the format entirely? thanks

 

[Tintin06]

Did you get an AC invite? I'm just curious if they have been sent out. Thank you

I was rejected after the WG.

 

[jazzzade]

Hey everyone, has anyone received an update on their Ashurst TC application?

 

[Gin]

Guys after this application cycle I am very confused... What are considered to be good extracurriculars? Do you need to have a summer internship in renowned banking/consulting/financial service firms, and does it still count if it's not in the UK? Also do you need to do something really niche like walking for a fashion show or something?

(It's just everyone is telling me not to be a boring candidate and I have no idea how not to be viewed as boring by the GradRec.)

 

[Legallywhatever]

Guys after this application cycle I am very confused... What are considered to be good extracurriculars? Do you need to have a summer internship in renowned banking/consulting/financial service firms, and does it still count if it's not in the UK? Also do you need to do something really niche like walking for a fashion show or something?

(It's just everyone is telling me not to be a boring candidate and I have no idea how not to be viewed as boring by the GradRec.)

I honestly think that literally anything is 'good', it's just how you speak about it. I believe that drawing out the skills/ things you've learnt from any form of experience is a skill in itself that gets tested by firms/grad rec etc

 

[Rasma123]

For the Orrick TC application, there is a question asking "Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?". How would I approach answering this question? Thanks.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Guys after this application cycle I am very confused... What are considered to be good extracurriculars? Do you need to have a summer internship in renowned banking/consulting/financial service firms, and does it still count if it's not in the UK? Also do you need to do something really niche like walking for a fashion show or something?

(It's just everyone is telling me not to be a boring candidate and I have no idea how not to be viewed as boring by the GradRec.)

It really doesn't matter what the extracurricular activity is - what you need to demonstrate from the extracurriculars you do are commitment/dedication, having impact within them and transferable skills gained. But whether it is sports, arts, volunteering, faith/politics, academic/intellectual, community-led, or something just fun, it really doesn't matter - I have seen ultimate frisbee and cheerleading to be as (and sometimes more) impressive as "traditional" extracurriculars like mooting and writing for legal journals.

You definitely don't need a summer internship in banking, consulting or financial services. If anything such roles could bring into question why you want a career in law. It is not that they should be avoided, but they aren't going to automatically make your application stronger.

It doesn't matter if your work experience is in the UK or not. However, if your experience is predominately outside of the UK, I would recommend weaving in "why commercial law in the UK specifically" into your motivational answers in applications and interviews.

You don't need anything unique at the same time. Lots of people have very "traditional" profiles that are very similar from candidate to candidate. Its really about highlighting your individual impact and success in your activities as this is what makes you unique.

 

[TC_or_not_TC]

Has anyone received any confirmation/ automated feedback after Kingley Napley's test?

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Does anyone here have any insight at all on the King & Spalding final panel partner interview round? I feel like ive explored every bit of the internet and can barely find anything at all

 

[Gin]

It really doesn't matter what the extracurricular activity is - what you need to demonstrate from the extracurriculars you do are commitment/dedication, having impact within them and transferable skills gained. But whether it is sports, arts, volunteering, faith/politics, academic/intellectual, community-led, or something just fun, it really doesn't matter - I have seen ultimate frisbee and cheerleading to be as (and sometimes more) impressive as "traditional" extracurriculars like mooting and writing for legal journals.

You definitely don't need a summer internship in banking, consulting or financial services. If anything such roles could bring into question why you want a career in law. It is not that they should be avoided, but they aren't going to automatically make your application stronger.

It doesn't matter if your work experience is in the UK or not. However, if your experience is predominately outside of the UK, I would recommend weaving in "why commercial law in the UK specifically" into your motivational answers in applications and interviews.

You don't need anything unique at the same time. Lots of people have very "traditional" profiles that are very similar from candidate to candidate. Its really about highlighting your individual impact and success in your activities as this is what makes you unique.

I see! Thank you Jessica that's very helpful!

 

[User5678]

Has anyone received any confirmation/ automated feedback after Kingley Napley's test?

Hi, how long did it take to receive this. I gave the test two hours back but didn’t automatically get a report until now!

 

[norothrow324]

From ashurst (received automatically)

We are writing to you with an update on your application for our Direct Training Contract 2027/2028. Our application process closed on Friday, 28 March at 12.00 pm and our team are now reviewing all applications. We aim to contact all candidates by Friday, 06 June 2025 at the latest to give an update on your application progress.