TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

For the Clifford Chance TC app - does someone here have tips for the work experience section and the Watson Glaser test?

I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?

And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?

Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?

Hiya @Samridhi Jain

Having spoken to a graduate recruiter about this, it seems that, for Clifford Chance, applications aren’t reviewed unless you pass the Watson Glaser test. Improving in this area is key and can feel really challenging if you're not used to logical reasoning tests, but I promise it can be done!

In addition to tracking your progress in practice tests, I'd encourage you to request feedback reports from firms after completing their WG tests (although not all firms offer WG reports). By asking firms to send me my WG reports after I'd completed that stage of their application, I was able to track how I was doing overtime and also figure out which sections I needed to focus on during my practice tests. Additionally, many people will also recommend doing as many practice tests as possible, but I think it's important to really understand the fundamental differences between the various sections and question types. JobTestPrep has excellent paid resources with detailed explanations, but since you're a gold member, I'd highly, highly, highly recommend Joe Mallet’s WG Masterclass which is included in your subscription. Good luck!

 

[Soniastudent]

Hello everyone, does anyone know what the Clyde & Co Middle East training contract application process involves? It appears there are no application questions or a requirement to attach a CV or cover letter, but I might be mistaken.

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, I've submitted an application recently and have realised I've made a typo in a law firm's name by putting a comma in the wrong place. Obviously this is hugely frustrating as I've put time into this application and really like the firm. Wondering if there's any point me emailing the firm's HR to see if I can amend this as I'm assuming this will eliminate my application anyway? Thanks for all your help

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I've submitted an application recently and have realised I've made a typo in a law firm's name by putting a comma in the wrong place. Obviously this is hugely frustrating as I've put time into this application and really like the firm. Wondering if there's any point me emailing the firm's HR to see if I can amend this as I'm assuming this will eliminate my application anyway? Thanks for all your help

Hiya @sarahfw

Sorry to hear about the type - totally understand how frustrating it feels to spot those kind of mistakes after putting so much effort into your application. That said, I’d recommend leaving it as is and not emailing grad rec, as one small typo like this is very unlikely to lead to rejection. Most firms look at applications holistically, so they’re usually more focused on the overall content and strength of your responses rather than a minor formatting detail. Try not to worry

Best of luck with the rest of your applications, and feel free to reach out if you need more advice!

 

[sarahfw]

@Ram Sabaratnam thank you! That's comforting, will just have to wait and see

 

[MR218]

Does anyone have any advice for the CC application question? How closely do we have to tie it back to the firm? Some of the successful applications i’ve seen haven’t been that firm specific. Thanks ☺️

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hi, is this question directed at discussing a specific topic (eg a news story), or can I talk about my hobbies (like pottery)?

Baker McKenzie

Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, is this question directed at discussing a specific topic (eg a news story), or can I talk about my hobbies (like pottery)?

Baker McKenzie

Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

This can be on any topic - it does not have to be commercial or legal. Pick something you a truly passionate about.

 

[gazdgazd11]

This can be on any topic - it does not have to be commercial or legal. Pick something you a truly passionate about.

Thank you! I appreciate your advice Jessica could you please check your inbox for my message re golden subscription? Sorry to bother you again but wanted to check if this would work. Thanks!

 

[Zaidoz10]

Hello everyone, does anyone know what the Clyde & Co Middle East training contract application process involves? It appears there are no application questions or a requirement to attach a CV or cover letter, but I might be mistaken.

You’re not mistaken. The application form only consists of basic information. Once you submit the app the firm sends you an online blended assessment to complete which includes a video interview. I think they send this after the deadline tho so once you submit ur application you just have to wait. Hope that helps!

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, I'm working on the Osborne Clarke applcation form and it says we can reply to an answer with bullet points if we think it will make it clearer. I tried that, but really struggled with formatting bullets in the Candid portal so have now put it into prose. Do you think this will be looked down on by the firm or looked upon as less clear?

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi, I'm working on the Osborne Clarke applcation form and it says we can reply to an answer with bullet points if we think it will make it clearer. I tried that, but really struggled with formatting bullets in the Candid portal so have now put it into prose. Do you think this will be looked down on by the firm or looked upon as less clear?

Thanks so much for your help.

Put it into notepad and then cut and paste from there and you don't lose the bullet points

 

[needatccccc]

has anybody heard from EY post VI?

 

[Soniastudent]

You’re not mistaken. The application form only consists of basic information. Once you submit the app the firm sends you an online blended assessment to complete which includes a video interview. I think they send this after the deadline tho so once you submit ur application you just have to wait. Hope that helps!

Thank you for your answer! This is so weird so I have to wait until Jan to even do the test. Do you know why the process is like that and what they are looking for?

 

[AMIAN18]

has anyone heard back from travers TC?

 

[yasmars]

has anyone heard back from travers TC?

Someone got an interview invite last week. Not sure if travers interviews in batches or sends out all invites at once.

 

[Pawlaw]

Morning all, i received an email today from a firm I interviewed at over summer. After an assessment day I was rejected. As someone who accepted a place has now dropped out they’ve invited some of their previous interviewees for a follow up interview.

Do you know what I should expect? Is it just to check if I would fit in culturally or Will some of the other stuff covered in an AC come up?

Interesting dynamics because they’re potentially putting you through the effort and disappointment twice… is there a decent chance of converting to a TC?

 

[SamiyaJ]

I received a PFO from Linklater's WVS... am I eligible to apply for the TC?

 

[RSK]

I received a PFO from Linklater's WVS... am I eligible to apply for the TC?

You can but you won't be able to retake the WG & CAPP test. For the direct TC, graduate recruitment mentioned during the Legal Cheek fair that you need to have substantial legal experience (they focus mostly on people with paralegal experience, not compliance etc), as they only offer a handful of direct TC's.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

I have been invited to Bird and Bird AC. So far there is very little information about what the day might consist of. The email stated that there would be an interview, a timed written assessment, and a group exercise but no information about the tasks involved in each of these or the type of interview (commercial, competency ect). D

Has anyone done an AC at Bird and Bird or knows of what could come up so I can better prepare as the AC is in less than a week!