TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Samridhi Jain]

Thank you so much @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu for the comprehensive responses! Those are super helpful. I'll check out the firms that were not on my list

 

[suhana]

Hi @Jessica Booker and anyone who can help!

I had a quick query regarding one of the questions in my application. The question reads:

“Please detail all your positions of responsibility, including title, date, and a brief description. Please separate each position with a bullet point - 500 words.”

For some reason, I find myself repeating a lot of my work experience.

I’m currently holding a society position and also held one last year, which I plan to mention. However, since the word count is quite high, I wanted to ask if volunteering, such as pro bono work, could come under "positions of responsibility." Additionally, I’m a campus ambassador for a law firm, but I feel that role leans more towards work experience rather than a position of responsibility, especially since it’s a paid role. I’m a bit confused because I typically categorise pro bono work and my campus ambassador experience as work experience. Do you have any tips on what else could be included under positions of responsibility without repeating my work experience?

Another issue I had was with the formatting of the bullet points. I wanted to clarify whether I’m supposed to write the description and my responsibilities in bullet points (similar to a CV), or if they expect each experience to be listed as a bullet point with the description written in prose.

I’d really appreciate your insight on this.

 

[whywhy88]

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?

How do you know that you passed the SJT? Did they email you to let you know? All I’ve gotten since I applied and sat the test are two identical emails (sent weeks apart funnily) with a link to my feedback report and a note to say they will review my application after the deadline 🙃

 

[Zaidoz10]

@Jessica Booker I am filling out the work experience section of a law firm app. I entered my current role, but the app requires me to input an end date for the role. As I don’t have one, I’m not sure what to put. There is no option to leave it blank or an option to say that it is my current role. It’s not letting me submit the app otherwise. What should I do? Thank you.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I am filling out the work experience section of a law firm app. I entered my current role, but the app requires me to input an end date for the role. As I don’t have one, I’m not sure what to put. There is no option to leave it blank or an option to say that it is my current role. It’s not letting me submit the app otherwise. What should I do? Thank you.

I would just choose today’s date or the latest date you can possibly choose and then in the description say something like “this is my current role” or something similar

 

[TCCG2023]

A&O PFO

 

[Law queries]

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

Does anyone have an idea by when they will get back with an update on the progress of the app to the VI stage?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

A&O PFO

same

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Does anyone have an idea by when they will get back with an update on the progress of the app to the VI stage?

friday as per someone who attended an open day with them

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Anyone know how many people Weil, Goodwin and Linklaters actually take through direct TC? I work full time so a vac scheme really is not ideal for me at all but don’t want to waste applications on a route which isn’t actually used..

 

[Law queries]

friday as per someone who attended an open day with them

Oh okay, thank you so much!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Also if anyone knows which firms are hiring for 2026 this cycle (or are known to let you move forwards) I would appreciate the shared knowledge

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Also if anyone knows which firms are hiring for 2026 this cycle (or are known to let you move forwards) I would appreciate the shared knowledge

Kennedys

 

[Law queries]

It would be a great help if someone could update about Gowling WLG? If anyone heard from them regarding the VI? How they gotten back to anyone? If possible could someone please tell what’s the usual timeline in which they inform if one is invited for the VI?

 

[futuretrainee2503]

anyone here heard back from paul, weiss dec open day?

 

[hanz123]

Anyone know DAC Beachcroft VI questions?

 

[Tangcy]

It would be a great help if someone could update about Gowling WLG? If anyone heard from them regarding the VI? How they gotten back to anyone? If possible could someone please tell what’s the usual timeline in which they inform if one is invited for the VI?

Nah still waiting as well. When did you submit your application?

 

[hmevey]

How would you approach this question for Bird and Bird-

Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?

Secondary question, I think they are rolling so is there a point in submitting my app now with 15 days to deadline?

 

[theone132213]

How would you approach this question for Bird and Bird-

Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?

Secondary question, I think they are rolling so is there a point in submitting my app now with 15 days to deadline?

I can answer the second and say it's worth it. I applied a week prior to the deadline last cycle and made it through to the VI.

 

[jta227]

Anyone know how many people Weil, Goodwin and Linklaters actually take through direct TC? I work full time so a vac scheme really is not ideal for me at all but don’t want to waste applications on a route which isn’t actually used..

Links recruit 90% through VS and you need a certain amount of legal experience to apply direct TC IIRC. Not sure about Goodwin, their open day didn't explicitly suggest one route over the other but you got the impression your chances would be better following a VS.