TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

How do I approach this question for CMS: 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)

Hi @AspiringAAsolicitor ,

Thanks for this. I‘ve quoted a few posts the team has made on this;

Since you haven't used AI for anything substantial, it will be difficult to get to a conclusion that it improved your personal development directly. However, if you are willing to be a bit flexible with your writing, I think you can tie your use of Grammarly to some indirect resulting personal developments. Off the top of my head, I can think of:

1. By using it, you have saved significant amounts of time you would have normally spent reviewing and rephrasing your writing. This enabled you to invest more time and effort into improving your understanding of the subject matter of your coursework and into improving your understanding of the law firms you were applying to. The, you could give concrete examples of this and/or explain the outcomes: did your academic/professional interests change in any way? did you obtain better results - more success in application or better grades?
2. By using it to assess your manner of writing, you have been able to notice patterns in the errors you make when writing. This has allowed you to enhance your attention to detail and also improve your understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in your ability to articulate your thoughts. Then, you can explain how this progressively led to you improving your capacity to use language precisely. This arguably does not only also betters your capacity to express yourself both verbally and in writing, it also improves your ability to minimize ambiguity in thought itself (as the very act of reasoning involved representing concepts in language). Granted, this point might be a bit of a stretch, but I don't think it's impossible to make it fit for an application form answer if you can illustrate it by using some practical examples.

The other point I wanted to mention is that the application question says 'AI or other technologies'. As such, maybe you can think of some other new technology besides AI that you have used recently - perhaps some smarter search engine when looking for further resources in your research for the coursework?

Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems.

For example, have you ever used Grammarly for spell-checking and improving your writing? Or maybe Excel for managing data? Even tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, or note-taking apps like Notion count! It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.

I agree with @Jessica Booker's response here. I'll also add that although the term 'technologies' is ambiguous, because of its association with "AI", I would assume it does not refer to everything and anything digital. Rather, I think it's likely it is referring to some of the newer developed technologies - I would not go further back than 4-5 years. As such, online courses might not qualify.

However, I don't think you should worry too much about this question if you already have two examples. Many other candidates only write about using Grammarly as a review tool, so you should definitely be fine.

 

[Amma Usman]

Travers PFO and my third PFO in a week! At what point do I just give up? 🤦‍♀️

I totally get it, it’s sometimes a tough process, and it can really take a toll. Around this time last year, I went through something similar. In December, I had a week where I got four PFOs back-to-back. I was crushed. I felt like all my effort was for nothing, and I genuinely thought about giving up. In fact, I did give up for about a week. I stopped applying altogether because I couldn’t bear another rejection. I thought it was over for me and had convinced myself that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this.

But one night, in the middle of the night, I just had this moment of clarity. I realised I’d already come so far, gained so much knowledge, and grown so much throughout the process. Giving up would have been a disservice to the future I’d worked so hard to promise myself. So, I picked myself back up, returned to applying, and completely re-wired my mindset. Instead of seeing rejections as failures, I treated them as steps closer to the right opportunity. That shift in perspective led to more acceptances than I could’ve imagined.

Looking back, I laugh now, but at the time, it was incredibly painful. I vividly remember one rejection, it was my second PFO that week. I was on my way to university, crying so loudly on the street that someone actually stopped me to ask who had died. It was so embarrassing! I ended up going into Tesco and buying a bag of peas to cool down my face because my head was so hot from crying, even though it was -1 degrees outside (hahaha).

The point is, I know how much it hurts in the moment. It feels like the end of the road, but it isn’t. These experiences are tough, but they don’t define your journey. You’re still on the path, and every step, no matter how hard, is moving you forward. Keep going, your perseverance will pay off. 💪

 

[andrecsaa]

Yes. My friend did mention they were surprised when they heard. I guess a perk of the SQE is being able to do it with others at different firms allowing you to gauge insight.

Other firms revoke if you don’t pass first time. I think it’s ridiculous given the low pass rate. I saw someone on LinkedIn fail SQE 2 twice and has only 1 chance left to pass otherwise she has to wait 6 years.

Actually, that is not a firm's policy. The SRA allows three attempts for SQE1 and three attempts for SQE2. If you fail any of the stages three times, you must wait for six years. Unnecessary pressure.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Actually, that is not a firm's policy. The SRA allows three attempts for SQE1 and three attempts for SQE2. If you fail any of the stages three times, you must wait for six years. Unnecessary pressure.

Yes I said that.

 

[Andrei Radu]

does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from Slaughter and May post interview?

I would expect it will take longer than normal just because the firm is currently also doing VS interviews. Also, I think it is generally the case that Slaughter and May tends to take its time when getting back to candidates. When I interviewed for a VS, it took them around 1-1.5 months to get back to me. For a friend who did a direct TC interview in the summer it also took a couple of weeks. Since both he and I were successful, I think you should not worry or read anything into the fact that the firm may take a while to respond.

 

[Hopefully2025]

Has anyone heard back from CC yet for their training contract? They said they'd start contacting people this week.

 

[AspiringAAsolicitor]

Has anyone heard back from CC yet for their training contract? They said they'd start contacting people this week.

Still waiting

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone heard back from CC yet for their training contract? They said they'd start contacting people this week.

Still waiting

A user on the VS thread stated that responses are likely to come towards the end of the week (as opposed to the beginning)

 

[jfb]

How long does it usually take to hear back about offers/rejections after an AC for a direct TC? And is it usually by email or phone?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

How long does it usually take to hear back about offers/rejections after an AC for a direct TC? And is it usually by email or phone?

Generally an offer will be via a call unless they can’t reach you via this means. Unsuccessful candidates are most likely to hear via email.

I would expect to hear back within two weeks in most instances, unless the firm has explained the timeframes you will hear back. If this hasn’t been provided and your assessment centre was more than two weeks ago, you can contact the firm to ask when you will hear back.

 

[Samridhi Jain]

Hey folks, I'm revising my app strategy as I've had many realisations in the past few months sending apps to a few different firms. I'm looking for suggestions regarding firms that align with what I'm looking for:

- Interest in M&A, PE, VC, and Competition (mostly M&A focused)
- Technology law, digital assets, AI
- High responsibility and accountability, small intake
- Entrepreneurial
- Innovative/legal tech focused
- cross-border, international work

I wanted to see if there are firms I am missing to include as I revise my app strategy. I'm applying to Weil, Willkie and Goodwin this month. What are your suggestions?

Thanks, @Shahana for the idea.

 

[2025philgrad]

I was just wondering if I should start mentally preparing for a rejection lol
I applied for a direct training contract at AO quite late and passed their SJT test about 2 weeks ago. But I haven't heard anything back since then? Is anyone else in this boat or have most invites to AC been offered?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I was just wondering if I should start mentally preparing for a rejection lol
I applied for a direct training contract at AO quite late and passed their SJT test about 2 weeks ago. But I haven't heard anything back since then? Is anyone else in this boat or have most invites to AC been offered?

till now i've seen 2 ac invites on the forum

 

[_microwaved]

How long do you have to complete CMS WG after you submit the application?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey folks, I'm revising my app strategy as I've had many realisations in the past few months sending apps to a few different firms. I'm looking for suggestions regarding firms that align with what I'm looking for:

- Interest in M&A, PE, VC, and Competition (mostly M&A focused)
- Technology law, digital assets, AI
- High responsibility and accountability, small intake
- Entrepreneurial
- Innovative/legal tech focused
- cross-border, international work

I wanted to see if there are firms I am missing to include as I revise my app strategy. I'm applying to Weil, Willkie and Goodwin this month. What are your suggestions?

Thanks, @Shahana for the idea.

Hiya @Samridhi Jain

I'm sure that @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman would have much more to say here, but I wanted to make a few suggestions based on some of the criteria you mentioned. This list might be slightly biased, as it covers many of the firms that I also have experience with applying to. But considering your interests in M&A, private equity, venture capital, competition law, technology law (including digital assets and AI), and your preference for firms that have relatively smaller trainee intakes, I think it might be worth considering the following firms:

1. Akin: The firm has a strong speciality in sectors such as energy, finance, and technology. They have made some particularly impressive hires in the technology transactions context (even poaching partners from my own firm, Cooley).
2. Cooley: If you're interested in life sciences and technology transactions, I'd highly recommend Cooley! The firm is also really well-known for its work with emerging companies, and is a natural competitor to some of the firms you mentioned in your own post.
3. Goodwin: The firm is particularly well-known for its expertise in technology and life sciences sectors, but in London they've also developed an exceptional private equity and real estate practice. They also have a relatively smaller trainee intake, so they should be on your radar if that's something you're keen on.
4. Latham & Watkins: Latham & Watkins is far more well-rounded from a practice area standpoint when compared to the others I've mentioned so far. Highly recommend reading this piece in the Financial Times to understand their growth and trajectory in London.
5. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe: Orrick is a quite prominent firm from the US, but are building a strong presence in London by working on venture capital and emerging company matters across the tech and energy sectors.

You might also want to consider the following UK firms as well, though their trainee intakes can be slightly bigger than most of the US firms mentioned above.

1. Bird & Bird: The firm has a relatively smaller trainee intake, and offers a great training environment for anyone interested in the sectors that you've mentioned. US firms with strong tech practices in London have very often poached partners from here.
2. Osborne Clarke: One of the firm's strong areas of focus is in the tech sector, but their trainee intake is more on the mid-size. I've also heard they have a very supportive culture here!
3. Taylor Wessing: Another excellent firm with technology and corporate expertise. They also have interesting ties to spin offs and emerging companies, especially given their presence in Cambridge.

There are many other great options, but I wanted to focus on firms that directly align with your stated interests and preferences. To make the most of your applications, I recommend tailoring each one to the unique strengths and culture of the firm. Good luck, and feel free to ask if you’d like more insights!

 

[Hamlindigo Blue]

How long do you have to complete CMS WG after you submit the application?

5 days!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hey folks, I'm revising my app strategy as I've had many realisations in the past few months sending apps to a few different firms. I'm looking for suggestions regarding firms that align with what I'm looking for:

- Interest in M&A, PE, VC, and Competition (mostly M&A focused)
- Technology law, digital assets, AI
- High responsibility and accountability, small intake
- Entrepreneurial
- Innovative/legal tech focused
- cross-border, international work

I wanted to see if there are firms I am missing to include as I revise my app strategy. I'm applying to Weil, Willkie and Goodwin this month. What are your suggestions?

Thanks, @Shahana for the idea.

So just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's excellent response, I think you have already identified quite well some of the firms that are great in PE and have smaller trainees intakes. Besides those, and the ones Ram mentioned, I would also take a look at:

• Paul, Weiss: though a new player in the London market, Paul, Weiss is arguably the most entrepreneurial firm in recent times. Capitalizing on a golden opportunity, it has poaches some of the top rainmaker partners from rivals like Kirkland and has expanded in London at an unprecedented scale. It also has very deep institutional ties with Apollo, a major global private equity firm.
• Gibson Dunn: the firm has a smallish trainee intake and besides their expertise in PE, they are well-regarded for their corporate M&A work as well.
• Ropes & Gray: a very PE-focused firm and also known to put a lot of emphasis on early responsibility. Ropes & Gray has also enjoyed a decade of very high growth, even compared to big law rivals.

Besides this, since you expressed an interest in general corporate M&A I wanted to address this point as well, especially since this has historically been a harder field for US firms to establish themselves in:

• Skadden: if a more medium-sized trainee intake is not an issue, Skadden might be a top pick for you. The firm has been one of the pioneers of strategic M&A historically and has always enjoyed a leading reputation in the field, topping both total and average deal value rankings both in London and globally.
• Cleary Gottlieb: the firm is well-recognized for its M&A work, and is especially know for its internationalism. As one of the original New York firms, Cleary was one of the first to expand internationally after identifying the growth of cross-border mandates.
• Davis Polk: a core member of the 'white shoe' club of New York firms, Davis Polk has always been know for exceptional corporate expertise, both on the M&A and on the ECM side. The firm has recently been seeking growth in London, as in the last 12 month it hired several top partners from rivals such as A&O Sherman, Paul Hastings, and Sidley Austin. At the present moment, Davis Polk has a smaller but premium and high quality-focused corporate M&A practice in London, consistently topping rankings for average deal value and revenue per partner/revenue per lawyer. It also did a number of big deals in the Technology, Media, and Communications area.
• Sullivan & Cromwell: a very strong player in M&A generally and the leading firm representing S&P100 companies in public M&A. It has also historically been among the most profitable firms in the world, consistently achieving top 5 average PEP rankings in the last 10 years, which indicates a strong business model.

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, I am wanting some advice as I am not sure I am approaching this TC cycle correctly. Saw someone do a post like this and I would really appreciate the help. I have applied so far to a broad range of firms; Slaughters, CC, Ashurst, AG, Irwin Mitchell, HSF and I want to continue applying. I have done a few apps on deadline day and rushed the IM VI which may have ruined my chances. Already got PFOS from Slaughters, Ashurst and AG

Does anyone have any firm recommendations for my next few apps- I was planning on squeezing a CMS app out as the deadline is closing soon.

I am looking for firms that are international, I am interested in litigation, intellectual property and competition law at the moment but I am keen to explore all areas. I am also keen to go somewhere where I can do an international/client secondment.

I have a mid 2:1 from a RG uni, have a broad range of work experience i.e paid work, volunteering, positions of responsibilities and two MC first year open days. but no VC's previously. Currently on my 6th month working at a fairly large firm in conveyancing but I am keen to enter the commercial world. Is there anything I can do to tailor my approach. This is my first proper cycle but working full time, i am really strugglign to find motivation to keep going. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Law queries]

Did anyone hear from CC yet? (Regarding DTC VI stage)

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

till now i've seen 2 ac invites on the forum

I’ve only seen one, think the posts were the same user