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

[BM99]

Has anyone received any updates for NRF and Freshfields direct TC applications?

 

[EVjuji]

Invited to the WFW final TC interview after the AC


Any interview tips would be strongly appreciated!

They said that you 99% secured the TC if you are invited to the final partner interview. You would have to really really screw up the interview to not get the TC

 

[malvern3142]

Has anyone received any updates for NRF and Freshfields direct TC applications?

Nothing from NRF, I've found that pretty much all non-rolling law firms are taking at least a month to get back With WG or AC information after their application deadline. I think NRF's deadline was the 11th of July? So I'm not expecting to hear from them until mid-August, based on the longer waiting periods this intake.

 

[hiremeplz]

Sullivan & Cromwell PFO

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone received any updates for NRF and Freshfields direct TC applications?

I think it is still early days for Freshfields as I would assume at least 4 weeks as taking into account how many applications they receive which I guess will be roughly 1,000 applications I think.

 

[PirateShip]

Really not sure it's worth applying to Arnold & Porter considering they only have two places and one generally goes to Vac Schemers. Seems like a lot of effort to do an app with such low chances of return!?

 

[Adrian_S]

I just got invited to an interview with Farrer & Co. There’s also a written assessment. I’d be really grateful if anyone has suggestions or insights about what those interviews are like

 

[AvniD]

I just got invited to an interview with Farrer & Co. There’s also a written assessment. I’d be really grateful if anyone has suggestions or insights about what those interviews are like

Congratulations @Adrian_S! Linking some resources below-

• George's recommended structure for written exercises
• Jess' top tips
• Jess' top tips part 2
• James' tips on things to do before writing

 

[Miki3999]

Has anyone got any tips for the written exercise at Dentons' AC?

 

[ps213]

I just got invited to an interview with Farrer & Co. There’s also a written assessment. I’d be really grateful if anyone has suggestions or insights about what those interviews are like

Congrats! Just wondering if anyone else has heard back from Farrer & Co? Wondering if I should consider the lack of an email as a PFO

 

[livelaughlawve]

anybody heard back from withers post capp assessment?

I got PFO yesterday

 

[Adrian_S]

Congrats! Just wondering if anyone else has heard back from Farrer & Co? Wondering if I should consider the lack of an email as a PFO

Definitely don’t consider it a PFO yet, this is quite early and I haven’t seen anyone else mention an interview yet. I think things should be clearer in the next few days

 

[Lily1234]

Congrats! Just wondering if anyone else has heard back from Farrer & Co? Wondering if I should consider the lack of an email as a PFO

They have just finished interviewing those who completed the vac scheme, and they continue to interview until mid August. So there is still loads of time for you to hear back. I had my interview on Monday and they said they don’t make final decisions until 25th August at the earliest!

 

[jackpongson]

S&M Interview! Any tips? I'm a bit nervous as I haven't done a vacation scheme yet with any firm, but I have recently completed a 5-week stint with a human rights law firm overseas.

 

[Radiator]

How come graduate recruitment don't seem to use 'dear Mr/Ms' anymore? It's always hi [first name] nowadays and I'm wondering what happened to the old form of address?

Also, is it appropriate to send hi [first name] to graduate recruitment when you're initiating the email chain?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

How come graduate recruitment don't seem to use 'dear Mr/Ms' anymore? It's always hi [first name] nowadays and I'm wondering what happened to the old form of address?

Also, is it appropriate to send hi [first name] to graduate recruitment when you're initiating the email chain?

I always send email to graduate frecruitment with Hello and their first name so I don't know if I should not.

 

[Scandi]

How come graduate recruitment don't seem to use 'dear Mr/Ms' anymore? It's always hi [first name] nowadays and I'm wondering what happened to the old form of address?

Also, is it appropriate to send hi [first name] to graduate recruitment when you're initiating the email chain?

It depends on the circumstances.

I would address the graduate recruitment in a cover letter as 'Dear Ms/Mr [Full Name]' (if you know the name).

Or 'Dear [First Name]' in initial email correspondence.

Later, when I have corresponded with them before, or the graduate recruitment says 'Hi [Candidate's Name]'—I reply with 'Hi [First Name]'.

I guess it's better to err on the side of caution—rather more formal than too informal. Hope this helps.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How come graduate recruitment don't seem to use 'dear Mr/Ms' anymore? It's always hi [first name] nowadays and I'm wondering what happened to the old form of address?

Also, is it appropriate to send hi [first name] to graduate recruitment when you're initiating the email chain?

It’s old school to use Ms/Mr/Miss etc - a lot of firms have got rid of it in client correspondence, so makes sense to get rid of it for things like candidate communication too.

I would always go with Dear First Name in most instances, and if the recruiter writes back with Hi, then you can use that from then on.

 

[Miki3999]

Hi everyone, I thought this day would never come, but, after 30 rejections post app, 3 failed WGs, 4 rejections post video interview, one rejection due to cancelled recruitment and one failed AC, I’ve been offered a TC at an international firm in London. Never give up guys.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone, I thought this day would never come, but, after 30 rejections post app, 3 failed WGs, 4 rejections post video interview, one rejection due to cancelled recruitment and one failed AC, I’ve been offered a TC at an international firm in London. Never give up guys.

This is amazing news - congratulations!