TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[unemployedandneedadvice]

I am growing increasingly frustrated because I have been applying to law firms for several years and have not managed to land a training contract or paralegal position. I genuinely feel let down by the education system in order to improve my career prospects. I feel trapped because getting employment (even non-legal) is tough and I want to move out of my area.

 

[adrk1234]

Posting for notifications

 

[A worried graduate]

I really am surprised by firms being off put from hiring someone for paralegal over commitment.

Firms always say they prefer applicants to have sat the SQE - but why would anyone put them selves through SQE to become a career paralegal?

They’re looking for internal TCs that they don’t have to fund.

SQE is even better as they can just keep them as a min wage paralegal and get an NQ

 

[LB24]

Still nothing from AG? Assuming it’s a PFO at this point

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

Still nothing from AG? Assuming it’s a PFO at this point

Nothing from AG, maybe they have offered all the TCs to vac scheme candidates?

 

[LB24]

Nothing from AG, maybe they have offered all the TCs to vac scheme candidates?

I thought that - that was the case last year for the Manchester office where I’ve applied to

 

[user3883930]

Still nothing from AG? Assuming it’s a PFO at this point

Wasn't the application deadline just over a week ago? I assumed they were still reviewing

 

[LB24]

Wasn't the application deadline just over a week ago? I assumed they were still reviewing

It was, so I’ve still got my fingers crossed! It’s just that in previous years they’ve had their ACs around the 18th August so think the turnaround is pretty quick

 

[tealzeal]

Anyone heard from Hogan Lovells for the 2027 direct TC intake? Did the WG back in early July still heard nothing

i just did the WG the day before yesterday and haven't heard back yet so they're probably waiting for everyone to finish it first

 

[hehostressed]

Anyone heard back from brown Jacobson

 

[legal_student2024]

AC invitation from Payne Hicks Beach 🎉 fiiiinally some good news

 

[Izzy1026]

Does anyone know the White & Case VI to TI timeline? I remember someone from last year’s thread saying it was a quick turnover (like within a week from VI to TI then AC), just want to know what to expect. Thanks!

 

[BillSikes]

Anything from K&L Gates?

 

[EzeLaylor]

Does anyone know the White & Case VI to TI timeline? I remember someone from last year’s thread saying it was a quick turnover (like within a week from VI to TI then AC), just want to know what to expect. Thanks!

My mate who got through to AC said she got a TI invite the day after her VI

 

[FRkit12]

Still haven't heard anything from W&C post-application, do people think it's safe to assume that it's going to be a rejection given that people have been receiving VI invitations this week?

 

[erderlylars]

Has anyone else not heard back from Payne hicks beach yet?

 

[Thom&as]

Rejected by Slaughter and May for a direct TC post interview. Not ideal, especially since they are the firm that I have had the most experiences and interactions with, and this rejection essentially means they won't reinvite me to interviews on subsequent applications unless there's a significant difference in my application. Freshfields also rejected me without reaching the WG test even after I put a lot of effort into that application.

Been feeling a lot of self-doubt.

I'll probably apply to the A&O Shearman winter scheme next, does anyone know if it's a rolling application? Also would you still recommend applying when I have literally zero experiences with the firm?

 

[Deleted member 31343]

Rejected by Slaughter and May for a direct TC post interview. Not ideal, especially since they are the firm that I have had the most experiences and interactions with, and this rejection essentially means they won't reinvite me to interviews on subsequent applications unless there's a significant difference in my application. Freshfields also rejected me without reaching the WG test even after I put a lot of effort into that application.

Been feeling a lot of self-doubt.

I'll probably apply to the A&O Shearman winter scheme next, does anyone know if it's a rolling application? Also would you still recommend applying when I have literally zero experiences with the firm?

I don’t think they’re rolling, last year they sent an automatic test to complete which was an SJT and VI. Once the deadline has passed they review - reject or invite to AC.

 

[RVD23]

Has anyone heard back from HFW post direct TC AC?

 

[Jaysen]

Rejected by Slaughter and May for a direct TC post interview. Not ideal, especially since they are the firm that I have had the most experiences and interactions with, and this rejection essentially means they won't reinvite me to interviews on subsequent applications unless there's a significant difference in my application. Freshfields also rejected me without reaching the WG test even after I put a lot of effort into that application.

Been feeling a lot of self-doubt.

I'll probably apply to the A&O Shearman winter scheme next, does anyone know if it's a rolling application? Also would you still recommend applying when I have literally zero experiences with the firm?

I am sorry to hear this - and I'd understand why you'd feel self doubt after being rejected post interview. It's a lot to go through the process, meet the firm, get your hopes high, and then get rejected.

I would say that if you were able to reach the final stage TC interview, I'd trust that you would get through with other firms.