TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[gazdgazd11]

if anyone can share insights on CRS AC, please dm

Congrats! When did you get the invite and which office if you don’t mind x

 

[Gin]

Hey guys another question here! Will MC/US/International law firms be more harsh to international students who need sponsorship in terms of grades and work experience?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey guys another question here! Will MC/US/International law firms be more harsh to international students who need sponsorship in terms of grades and work experience?

I don’t think firms are harsher as such, especially now there is not any form of residents labour market test that needs to be done for people not transferring from a student visa (which used the be the case pre January 2021).

I do think firms look closely at motivations for international candidates though and often have an additional layer of why commercial law in the U.K. rather than another country that a lot of domestic students don’t have to prove in the same way. Firms know the English training system is one of the quicker ones in the world and that it makes many people more employable in other jurisdictions. They don’t want to train people for them to leave upon or shortly after qualification, especially in jurisdictions where they don’t operate.

 

[Gin]

I don’t think firms are harsher as such, especially now there is not any form of residents labour test that needs to be done for people not transferring from a student visa (which used the be the case pre January 2021).

I do think firms look closely at motivations for international candidates though and often have an additional layer of why commercial law in the U.K. rather than another country that a lot of domestic students don’t have to prove in the same way. Firms know the English training system is one of the quicker ones in the world and that it makes many people more employable in other jurisdictions. They don’t want to train people for them to leave upon or shortly after qualification, especially in jurisdictions where they don’t operate.

Thank you!!! That's so reassuring to know.

 

[Tintin06]

Noticed a big application mistake today. Put 2021 as GDL start date. I haven’t done the GDL though. But then elsewhere it says 2025. That’s for the SQE start date. Am I cooked because of this?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Noticed a big application mistake today. Put 2021 as GDL start date. I haven’t done the GDL though. But then elsewhere it says 2025. That’s for the SQE start date. Am I cooked because of this?

I've found that grad rec are very understanding when you email to correct more factual details like this

 

[Amma Usman]

Noticed a big application mistake today. Put 2021 as GDL start date. I haven’t done the GDL though. But then elsewhere it says 2025. That’s for the SQE start date. Am I cooked because of this?

Most application systems provide an opportunity to submit additional comments after the application has been completed, where you can clarify any errors. Alternatively, you could email the graduate recruitment team to explain the situation. They may allow you to re-submit your application or update your candidate profile accordingly. I do not think this mistake would have a material impact on your application.

 

[A worried graduate]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

 

[Amma Usman]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

I know some firms have a policy where you can’t apply twice in the same cycle. I have checked the FAQ section of W&C‘s website and unsure about this. I recommend emailing the GR team to confirm this before proceeding with the application.

 

[Chris Brown]

Is it worth applying for W+C if they rejected me for the VS?

If you are rejected post application for the VS, you can re-apply for DTC. If you are rejected post VI or AC for VS, then you have to wait until the next application cycle. 🥲​

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I got my Baker McKenzie report...I am convinced I failed the online test. It sucks because the questions were not timed and they were all situational and I am fairly certain I made the right 'judgments'. It's really annoying because someone has read the application form and decided to move it forward and now this stupid online test is going to jeopardise my chances. :/ Ugh.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

I got my Baker McKenzie report...I am convinced I failed the online test. It sucks because the questions were not timed and they were all situational and I am fairly certain I made the right 'judgments'. It's really annoying because someone has read the application form and decided to move it forward and now this stupid online test is going to jeopardise my chances. :/ Ugh.

What were your results like? I feel like these test reports are an easy thing to overthink, you did your best and that’s all you can ask for

 

[Kodak123]

anything on how to convert VS into TC? Keep failing at last hurdle

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Congrats! When did you get the invite and which office if you don’t mind x

heyy, London office and I got the invite on the 25th

 

[TC129129]

GT final round!

 

[wanttosolicit]

If you are rejected post application for the VS, you can re-apply for DTC. If you are rejected post VI or AC for VS, then you have to wait until the next application cycle. 🥲​

Thank you for this info! Do you have a source for rejection post VI? Just wondering because I couldn’t find this on the firm website.

 

[Filia]

Has anyone applied for the LPC only DTC for White & Case and knows how the recruitment process will play out? Deadline is non rolling end of July and the start date is Sept 2025, so I’m wondering if the whole recruitment process will take place during August 2025 and how is that possible given there’s about 3 stages post app.

 

[gazdgazd11]

CRS reserve list for AC

 

[mandamasochist]

Got put on the CRS reserve list - should I effectively see this as a PFO? Or does going beyond this to an AC happen from time to time?

Cheers!

 

[tomofsiobhans]

Hi everyone! Would really appreciate any tips on how to go about preparing for a Direct TC AC as a penultimate year law student.

Basically I was able to switch to Firm A's DTC process (from their VS process) after accepting a VS offer elsewhere that overlaps with Firm A's VS dates.

I know that many Direct TC applicants have some work experience under their belt and are generally mature applicants; will being a penultimate year student with minimal legal work experience (at the time of AC) disadvantage me? And is there anything in particular I should focus on during AC prep in order to gain an equal footing?