TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Zacher]

I only did my AC late last week so no worries 🙏 They are still assessing

Yeah they might be. But offers have already started coming in. It doesn’t feel right that someone who did the interview one month ago hasn’t heard anything.

 

[Strugglinglawstudent]

Anything from bakers?

 

[NS95]

Anything from bakers?

I submitted quite late so I haven't heard back yet. I applied to the VS last year and received the invitation for the WG approx 3 weeks later. Hope that helps!

 

[psr23]

Anyone heard from Latham post SJT for the 2023 TC?

 

[James Carrabino]

If making direct tc apps and mentioning that you have a vac scheme in the summer coming up, do you think it would be helpful to include a brief one liner that your still mostly interested in the firm your making a direct tc app to, for a training contract?

This is where I think the adage 'Show, don't tell' comes in. Simply telling the firm that you are mostly interested in them is meaningless. As @Jessica Booker said, the firm knows that you wouldn't be applying if you weren't interested in them, but they also know that you'll be happy wherever you get an offer!

The only problem is if your written application itself is not compelling enough to convince them that you are mostly interested in them. If you explain all of the reasons why you like them well enough then you should have them believing that they are your dream firm without question!

If it comes to an interview stage then you can start preparing for a possible question about what happens if you get both offers, but at the application stage it may even be a red flag to imply that the firm should be asking questions about how interested you are really in working for them.

I hope that is useful!

 

[James Carrabino]

As always man, very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to write this. I see the nuance.

@NaimK I'm always incredibly happy to be able to help

 

[James Carrabino]

Has anyone on here ever gotten to a Direct TC AC for Orrick?

I am trying to decide if it's worth applying since they only have 4 TCs.

Thanks.

I believe that they only started hosting a vac scheme two years ago, so they are accustomed to using the direct TC route and I would guess that it takes some time before that route loses its viability

 

[Abii]

I believe that they only started hosting a vac scheme two years ago, so they are accustomed to using the direct TC route and I would guess that it takes some time before that route loses its viability

Although it’s true the vac scheme is a very new route it is the preferred route. The TC app before was for an open day so effectively a very condensed VS or extended AC. Last cycle was the first time they ran the VS covid massively delayed the 2020 recruitment and it was all moved to 2021.

 

[James Carrabino]

Although it’s true the vac scheme is a very new route it is the preferred route. The TC app before was for an open day so effectively a very condensed VS or extended AC. Last cycle was the first time they ran the VS covid massively delayed the 2020 recruitment and it was all moved to 2021.

Thanks for this @Abii!

 

[jellybelly123]

Has anyone completed Hogan Lovells' TC AC recently and have any advice (especially regarding interview & group exercise)? Would be hugely appreciated! ☺️

 

[Lumree]

Received a WG test invite for Howard Kennedy yesterday!

 

[bppgdlgrad]

Has anyone else heard from FF since last week?

 

[TCApp2021]

Has anyone completed Hogan Lovells' TC AC recently and have any advice (especially regarding interview & group exercise)? Would be hugely appreciated! ☺️

Would also appreciate any advice please? Especially to do with the two commercial exercises- are these likely to be M&A based?

 

[Haris]

Freshfields TC offer as well - got the call last week They also told me that they were still giving out offers / making decisions when I got told for everyone who hasn't heard

Congrats! Do you know if Freshfields AC invites are still being sent out?

 

[Brandon93]

BCLP online test invite, is this standard for all applicants?

 

[Zachary576]

Anyone heard anything more from Freshfields? 5 weeks post-AC now.

 

[Zacher]

Anyone heard anything more from Freshfields? 5 weeks post-AC now.

Hi, you did the AC in Feb 28th? I haven’t heard either. Its too long now.

 

[rp00592]

Hi, you did the AC in Feb 28th? I haven’t heard either. Its too long now.

I did mine on the 28th and also have heard nothing back. Wait has been so long starting to lose hope.

 

[NDLA]

I did mine on the 28th and also have heard nothing back. Wait has been so long starting to lose hope.

Same here. Did my AC on the 28th. Should I assume a PFO at this point?

 

[NS95]

Same here. Did my AC on the 28th. Should I assume a PFO at this point?

Freshfields offer too! I had truly given up with applications this cycle 😭 (2nd year applying)

I got a call this week (Tuesday) with an offer. I had already lost hope but they still are calling people. They were very apologetic about the delay. You really never know

My candidate portal was actually updated on 31 March but I guess they were quite busy and only managed to call this week. Good luck everyone!