TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Anyone know why Stephenson Harwood careers page is down?

They are most likely refreshing it for the next recruitment cycle.

 

[sxw517]

It depends on the context here - have you learnt from multiple trainees (if so you can go with the latter)? or if it is just off the basis of one trainee, then naming them is okay.

Sorry for all the Slaughters questions...

Having already outlined all of my education from GCSEs up to postgrad, I'm guessing I can remove this section from my CV?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Sorry for all the Slaughters questions...

Having already outlined all of my education from GCSEs up to postgrad, I'm guessing I can remove this section from my CV?

I would still have an academic section in your CV, but you can afford to potentially have less detail in it - their video makes clear they expect the academics to be part of the CV: https://media.slaughterandmay.com/view/7JyJnElHKu0xOqkp5sqc3J

 

[domli125]

Anyone been invited to Stephenson Harwood ac yet?? I’m waiting to hear back from video interview! Thanks

 

[Deleted member 24543]

Hogan anyone? It’s a dream firm but I’ve not heard back ahh

 

[ab01]

Hi - @Jessica Booker

I have recently been rejected from a U.S. law firm following their VS. I have also completed 2 internships previously, one at an international law firm and another at a U.S. law firm.

Considering the above, do you suggest I should apply to direct TCs now? Or still consider the VS route?

Thank you

 

[Lawyerwithadream]

Hi @Jessica Booker is it normal to receive an offer or rejection on the same day one was interviewed?

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi @Jessica Booker is it normal to receive an offer or rejection on the same day one was interviewed?

yes, it is rare but it happens, I applied to Gibson Dunn on the 20/12/22 at 10 in the morning and received an interview invite the same day at 5pm. The second interview happened on the 27/01/2023 and I got the vacation scheme offer an hour after the interview so it is possible but I would not think too much about it. Different firms have different procedures and different things they look at. I hope my experience helps you, good luck with your application cycle this year! @Lawyerwithadream

 

[sophie98]

Direct TC offer I was a paralegal for two years after graduating and was starting to lose hope in securing a tc without completing a vac scheme - If anyone needs advice, feel free to send a message!

 

[ab01]

Hi - @Jessica Booker

I have recently been rejected from a U.S. law firm following their VS. I have also completed 2 internships previously, one at an international law firm and another at a U.S. law firm.

Considering the above, do you suggest I should apply to direct TCs now? Or still consider the VS route?

Thank you

Hi @axelbeugre - would you be able to assist me here?

 

[sophie98]

Hi @axelbeugre - would you be able to assist me here?

I think due to the number of firms that prioritise hiring from Vac schemes it’s always worth applying to them if you can! I was rejected from direct tc routes and received emails saying they had filled all spots from vac schemes several times. My current firm advised if I wanted a direct tc I should apply for the vac scheme then ask to be considered for direct tc (I know several people who have done this). If I were you, for each firm I would consider if they’re known to recruit heavily from vac schemes or not - and then choose accordingly! (Hope that’s helpful)

 

[NMA]

Weil VI invite, would appreciate any advice!!

 

[axelbeugre]

Direct TC offer I was a paralegal for two years after graduating and was starting to lose hope in securing a tc without completing a vac scheme - If anyone needs advice, feel free to send a message!

Congratulations! This is such an amazing achievement! You should be so proud of you! @sophie98

 

[axelbeugre]

Weil VI invite, would appreciate any advice!!

Congratulations! I would say for VI it is important to:

- Treat it like a real interview so dress smart-casual, neutral background, focus on looking at the camera and try to be as natural as possible.
- Have a cheat sheet with the values of the companies and the reasons why you are applying to the firms so you can relate all your answers back to these main points which will make you stand out.
- Be personable and be yourself throughout!

I hope that these tips help!
Good luck with it!
@NMA

 

[axelbeugre]

I think due to the number of firms that prioritise hiring from Vac schemes it’s always worth applying to them if you can! I was rejected from direct tc routes and received emails saying they had filled all spots from vac schemes several times. My current firm advised if I wanted a direct tc I should apply for the vac scheme then ask to be considered for direct tc (I know several people who have done this). If I were you, for each firm I would consider if they’re known to recruit heavily from vac schemes or not - and then choose accordingly! (Hope that’s helpful)

That's exactly what I would have said, thank you so much @sophie98, i think this is such a great piece of advice! @ab01 I personally believe it depends on the firms you are applying to but if you think of the fact that vacation schemes are easier to get than training contracts, then it is clear that you should still give them a good go! Good luck with it!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker is it normal to receive an offer or rejection on the same day one was interviewed?

It’s not unknown, but typically I’d say most firms take a few days to come back to you. Some will take longer too.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Direct TC offer I was a paralegal for two years after graduating and was starting to lose hope in securing a tc without completing a vac scheme - If anyone needs advice, feel free to send a message!

Amazing news - congratulations!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi - @Jessica Booker

I have recently been rejected from a U.S. law firm following their VS. I have also completed 2 internships previously, one at an international law firm and another at a U.S. law firm.

Considering the above, do you suggest I should apply to direct TCs now? Or still consider the VS route?

Thank you

I think it depends on the firm and how heavily they recruit from VS. There will be some firms you probably still want to apply for VS where they recruit exclusively or pretty much exclusively from VS, but with other firms it may make sense just to apply for direct TCs

 

[ab01]

I think due to the number of firms that prioritise hiring from Vac schemes it’s always worth applying to them if you can! I was rejected from direct tc routes and received emails saying they had filled all spots from vac schemes several times. My current firm advised if I wanted a direct tc I should apply for the vac scheme then ask to be considered for direct tc (I know several people who have done this). If I were you, for each firm I would consider if they’re known to recruit heavily from vac schemes or not - and then choose accordingly! (Hope that’s helpful)

Thank you so much for that! I’ll take that on board

 

[ab01]

I think it depends on the firm and how heavily they recruit from VS. There will be some firms you probably still want to apply for VS where they recruit exclusively or pretty much exclusively from VS, but with other firms it may make sense just to apply for direct TCs

Thanks Jessica! I’ll definitely factor this in when looking at firms to apply to!