TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I had a question regarding what one must put down in the work experience sections of an application to be persuasive. Could one use specific information about the firm such as past deals or must this be limited to the cover letter section?

If you talking about your work experience, then you wouldn’t need to include any reference to the work the firm you are applying to has done in this section.

If you want to include references to particular client work you have done in work experience sections, you need to consider any confidential aspects and whether you can name the client and matter specifically.

 

[LegalLordLox]

Could anybody who has completed the PWC application give me some tips for what to include in the skills section of my PwC application? I am quite confused as I have never come across this before.

I included the skills I’ve gained from work. Don’t think too much into it. You automatically get an invite to the test.

 

[jy1041405]

Hello,

I am writing here because I just feel a little frustrated and would like some advice. I have a law degree (RG uni, 2.1) and since I’ve been working in the creative industry. I passed both sqe1 and 2 while working full-time and self funded. I literally wasted no time working and studying at the same time.

Now I’m trying to get a paralegal job/secure a TC but it just seems impossible. I can’t do a VS because of my job, and even attending an open day is sometimes not really possible as I work at a small company and I often have a client meeting everyday and stuff. On top of that, I am on a skilled worker visa, so I need a firm that is willing to sponsor me.

I did 5 TC applications this summer just passed, and I was unsuccessful after the second stage or at the first stage of process. I haven’t heard back from a lot of paralegal jobs either. I know that I just need to keep pushing and try harder but it really makes me doubt myself.

If anyone can advise me on what would be the best way to navigate through this or any advice on securing a paralegal job, I would be very grateful. I know a lot of people in this forum are going through similar things so sorry for whinging! Thank you.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

I included the skills I’ve gained from work. Don’t think too much into it. You automatically get an invite to the test.

Thank you!

 

[Niall]

has anyone else not heard back from Stephenson Harwood?

 

[latome19]

Hello,

I am writing here because I just feel a little frustrated and would like some advice. I have a law degree (RG uni, 2.1) and since I’ve been working in the creative industry. I passed both sqe1 and 2 while working full-time and self funded. I literally wasted no time working and studying at the same time.

Now I’m trying to get a paralegal job/secure a TC but it just seems impossible. I can’t do a VS because of my job, and even attending an open day is sometimes not really possible as I work at a small company and I often have a client meeting everyday and stuff. On top of that, I am on a skilled worker visa, so I need a firm that is willing to sponsor me.

I did 5 TC applications this summer just passed, and I was unsuccessful after the second stage or at the first stage of process. I haven’t heard back from a lot of paralegal jobs either. I know that I just need to keep pushing and try harder but it really makes me doubt myself.

If anyone can advise me on what would be the best way to navigate through this or any advice on securing a paralegal job, I would be very grateful. I know a lot of people in this forum are going through similar things so sorry for whinging! Thank you.

Hi, realistically, if you require a visa, paralegal jobs won’t really be available to you unfortunately because in most cases there’s no opportunity for sponsorship. Furthermore, you technically can’t do a VS on a skilled worker visa because, as you know, you are not allowed to work in an occupation other than your current one and above certain hours. I’m just afraid that very few firms would proceed with your candidacy for a VS after they see a skilled worker visa, as opposed to a student or graduate one.

That being said, it sounds like you’re still in a great spot as you actually have a good prospect to stay in the UK permanently as an international while you’re looking for your TC! Just thinking about your situation strategically, you will benefit from applying to firms that 1) recruit most of their intake via the direct route (that way there’s no competition with VS people as such) 2) OR would have a heightened interest in your current work due to a connection to their own specialism (maybe media/technology?). But please remember that if your priority is staying in the UK and enjoying your life here, you’re already in a great position as this virtually gives you an unlimited number of times you can apply!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Slaughter and May PFO. Applied on 4 Sept I think. Personally I think I did a solid cover letter but I think some of my uni grades let me down, damn those 2:2s!!!

Since Slaughter and May is so grade crazy, they should just hire robots. No need for humans at that firm. 😭

 

[Maddy]

Did anyone get a hear back from Stobbs Trainee trademark attorney position?

 

[bangarangbass39]

"Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? 200 words"

Does anyone know an example which would signal a good experience using such technologies? All I can think of using an AI review tool for my university essays/vac scheme application. I don't think they will suffice as a relevant demonstration of competency when using technical skills.

 

[LegalLordLox]

Anyone completed the VI for PWC?

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Anything from A&O?

 

[👩🎓]

Hi @Jessica Booker. If a firm asks you to describe your proudest achievement in an application question, would it be sufficient to say securing a vac scheme this year was an achievement or do you think it should be something quite different/unique (an award or something). It does also mention discussing any challenges you faced.

 

[annag1234]

Hey guys does anyone know if the Trowers online assessment is automatic post application? The invite email says it’s the next stage of the process and it’s always been selective but people are saying it’s automatic this year. Anyone have any idea? Pretty crazy if it’s automatic as the stage right after it is the AC.

What does AC mean?

 

[Zaidoz10]

@Jessica Booker for the question “Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise”, should we mention the firm at all or how they can assist or help or should we just talk about the topic we chose and the opportunity it presents? Thank you!

 

[Zaidoz10]

What does AC mean?

Assessment centre

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker for the question “Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise”, should we mention the firm at all or how they can assist or help or should we just talk about the topic we chose and the opportunity it presents? Thank you!

You can reference the firm, but they are not asking you to talk about what they should do to maximise that opportunity, so you don't need to provide this detail. I would just provide more in-depth analysis as to what the opportunity is within the sector.

 

[LegalLordLox]

PWC VS app is open Deloitte is not.

Deloitte Training contract is open Incase you did not already know.

 

[FM302989]

Hi @Jessica Booker. If a firm asks you to describe your proudest achievement in an application question, would it be sufficient to say securing a vac scheme this year was an achievement or do you think it should be something quite different/unique (an award or something). It does also mention discussing any challenges you faced.

something different: hobby, award, other work. STAR method for the answer

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker. If a firm asks you to describe your proudest achievement in an application question, would it be sufficient to say securing a vac scheme this year was an achievement or do you think it should be something quite different/unique (an award or something). It does also mention discussing any challenges you faced.

I would avoid this in all honesty.

Firstly, it is not necessarily a unique achievement - hundreds of other candidates would be able to claim the same. The challenge you had to secure the vacation scheme is also what pretty much most candidates would be able to state.

Secondly, the evidence of securing the VS is elsewhere on your application. You will have it referenced in your work experience section and may also leverage the experience when talking about your motivations.

Thirdly, it feels like it is a good answer because it is connected to law, but the firms do not care about this. They are going to see lots of other evidence of your interest in law elsewhere in your application.

So instead, I would try to show something else that is different to what other candidates will state and also different to other evidence within your application.

 

[👩🎓]

I would avoid this in all honesty.

Firstly, it is not necessarily a unique achievement - hundreds of other candidates would be able to claim the same. The challenge you had to secure the vacation scheme is also what pretty much most candidates would be able to state.

Secondly, the evidence of securing the VS is elsewhere on your application. You will have it referenced in your work experience section and may also leverage the experience when talking about your motivations.

Thirdly, it feels like it is a good answer because it is connected to law, but the firms do not care about this. They are going to see lots of other evidence of your interest in law elsewhere in your application.

So instead, I would try to show something else that is different to what other candidates will state and also different to other evidence within your application.

Thank you @Jessica Booker, this is really helpful!