TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

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Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've soaked up the guidance on these threads for over three years, when I first decided to move to the London after graduation and began applying for TCs here. I secured two vacation schemes (which ended up being virtual) whilst at uni but then failed to convert, both with little to no feedback. I made the move to London anyway and started work as a paralegal at a top 20 firm. I realised how much I enjoyed the work, and somewhat surprisingly, that I was good at it. I received strong feedback from colleagues and clients and applied internally for the TC, but then got rejected. Over the past three years, I have made well over 100 applications and completed 12 ACs. I'm sure so many of you can understand how I felt - wondering whether there was something intrinsically wrong with me that these people could see that I couldn't, something that told them that I would be a terrible lawyer. Over the last few months, I had given up hope that it would ever happen for me and began to consider moving home, where a TC would be far more easily attainable.

Last week, I received two TC offers (one from an international firm, and one from a US). Both agreed to bring my start date forward - I will be studying for the SQE for the next year, and starting at the US firm next September.

I have read so many of these posts over the years, and admit to rolling my eyes when anyone would say that you just have to trust that it will happen - but it will. If you have the resilience to keep up with this (often unrelenting) process, whilst managing whatever other responsibilities you have - you will get there.

If I can be of assistance to anyone, particularly those applying having not studied in the UK, please do let me know!
Massive congratulations - huge year for us non-UK folks!
 
Hello! I am working on the Clifford Chance application and am a little confused about how to approach the question - "In no more than 250 words, tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer."

1. How much weightage (in terms of word count) should we ideally give to how the skills and attributes will help as a CC lawyer? I mean, how much are we expected to link it back to the role of a CC lawyer/trainee? Would explaining the skill/attribute with an example, and then just concluding with how it would help as a CC lawyer in one line, suffice?

2. Is it alright if I derive multiple skills from one experience (such as collaboration and communication)? Here, should I make different paragraphs for different skills, and separate conclusions for how it would help me as a CC lawyer? Or is a combined conclusion after describing the skills alright?

Sorry for multiple questions, have just been too confused with this question! Thanks in advance! 😅😅
 
Hello! I am working on the Clifford Chance application and am a little confused about how to approach the question - "In no more than 250 words, tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer."

1. How much weightage (in terms of word count) should we ideally give to how the skills and attributes will help as a CC lawyer? I mean, how much are we expected to link it back to the role of a CC lawyer/trainee? Would explaining the skill/attribute with an example, and then just concluding with how it would help as a CC lawyer in one line, suffice?

2. Is it alright if I derive multiple skills from one experience (such as collaboration and communication)? Here, should I make different paragraphs for different skills, and separate conclusions for how it would help me as a CC lawyer? Or is a combined conclusion after describing the skills alright?

Sorry for multiple questions, have just been too confused with this question! Thanks in advance! 😅😅
1. I would dedicate the entire word count to the stating a skill/attribute that will help you excel as a CC lawyer ➡️ how you know this skill/attribute will help you at CC ➡️ how you developed or have demonstrated this skill/attribute in the past. I would repeat this for each skill/attribute you'd like to talk about.

2. You could combine in this case, although you'd have to be careful to do this mindfully so that either skill/attribute doesn't come across as diluted because they've not been written about separately.
 
1. I would dedicate the entire word count to the stating a skill/attribute that will help you excel as a CC lawyer ➡️ how you know this skill/attribute will help you at CC ➡️ how you developed or have demonstrated this skill/attribute in the past. I would repeat this for each skill/attribute you'd like to talk about.

2. You could combine in this case, although you'd have to be careful to do this mindfully so that either skill/attribute doesn't come across as diluted because they've not been written about separately.
Thanks for the response, @AvniD! :D

A small clarification regarding the first question, my doubt is - For example, if the skill I'm demonstrating is collaboration - how much should I talk about how collaboration will help me as a CC lawyer?
 
When answering an interview question on motivation could I talk about writing my dissertation? Like setting myself internal deadlines and goals e.g. having a chapter done by a certain date, setting aside time to read and reflect. Just worried that this is more of a generic example that most people will have done?
 
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