TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[MaheeVohra]

i have “bad” a levels and mitigating circumstances but i made it to the AC/Open day last year!

Oh great, thanks for letting me know!

 

[andrecsaa]

Clifford Chance rejection for direct TC after passing the WG.

Nothing yet from AG, A&O Shearman or HL (I know they recruit VS first).

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi everyone, just had a quick question. Does anyone know how much emphasis Debevoise places on academics? The application is extremely time consuming and I dont want to invest so much time and energy only to be rejected because of shitty A-Levels. Would really appreciate the help!

do they sponsor visas for vac scheme? or are you going to apply via the direct route? thanks

 

[MaheeVohra]

do they sponsor visas for vac scheme? or are you going to apply via the direct route? thanks

I am not sure whether they sponsor visas for vac scheme. They do not have a direct TC route. I have a student visa so did not look into that.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

does anyone here know when Linklaters gets back to people for direct tc ACs? thanks

 

[SamiyaJ]

Don’t mind me, just out here twiddling my thumbs. Barely heard anything over the past few weeks- probably because I applied way before the deadlines. I received a PFO from AO Shearman earlier this week but not surprised at all, I did terribly!

I have applied to and waiting to hear back from:

• Freshfields
• HFW
• Goodwin
• Mayer Brown
• Greenberg Taurig
• Trowers & Hamlins

Will continue with TC applications in the new year as I’m focusing on exams coming up. ✌🏽

 

[Peppermint tea]

Congrats! How long after submitting the application have you received the test? I’ve just applied now

Did it take them over a month to get back to you on the VI?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

Hey @sarahfw ,

Yep - definitely!

So, the US is like this massive global trade hub, right? And tariffs have these crazy ripple effects on the global economy. As @Ram Sabaratnam mentioned, they don’t just affect businesses in the US, they kind of spill over to other countries too. I think focusing on tariffs is a really solid choice because it keeps your response neutral and centered on the business, economic, and legal impacts. Plus, it's relevant to law firms. With regards your second point, I’d steer clear of talking about the election as a whole, since it's an easy way to accidentally veer into political territory, and you don’t want to risk clashing with your interviewer’s views. Keeping it neutral is definitely safer.

My thought process for approaching this in an AC would look a little something like this…

I’ve touched on it from a higher tariffs perspective.

Higher tariffs make everything more expensive for businesses. If they’re relying on imported goods or services, suddenly things like on-site operations become super costly; procurement, utilities, even stuff like kitchen services or electricity. And when costs go up like that, businesses that don’t have the technical know-how or resources to adapt could actually end up running into real trouble. Their cash flow slows down, profits take a hit, and if they’re not careful, they could even risk insolvency. It’s just a mess.

And here’s where it ties back to law firms. So, because of all these rising costs, businesses will probably be reaching out to tax lawyers more to help them figure out ways to restructure and save money. But at the same time, failing businesses mean less growth, right? So M&A activity is likely to slow down. That means law firms’ corporate teams will probably see fewer deals coming in, and even the tax lawyers in the firm that handle cross-border M&A will be less busy, since there’ll be fewer deals to advise on from a tax structuring standpoint.

I believe that by sticking to tariffs and explaining these kinds of knock-on effects, you’re showing that you really get how global economic changes can impact both businesses and law firms, all while keeping your answer professional and neutral.

Another point you could touch on is the law firms as a business point. Often forgotten, but at their core, these global law firms are global businesses. So, the tariffs affect them just as it would any other corporation. The only funny point would be that they would be well-versed to handle the legal and business challenges, being a private practice firm with many practices..hahaha !!!

Best of luck on the AC!

 

[omnium]

anyone still waiting to hear back from CC direct tc?

 

[johnnn821]

Guys is anyone else waiting to hear from A&O Shearman for the Direct TC? I thought we were supposed to hear back by the end of this week.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

I’m in the talent pool for Deloitte, whatever that means, but it’s a PFO for the legal trainer scheme. What a week 😔

 

[MR218]

Guys is anyone else waiting to hear from A&O Shearman for the Direct TC? I thought we were supposed to hear back by the end of this week.

i’m still waiting for summer VS

 

[summersun]

Hi,
I just got invited to do the VI and Written questions for the BBC graduate apprenticeship.
This is my first VI so if anyone has any pieces of advice (general or specific to the BBC) I would be happy to read them!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anyone has difficulties in applying to Shakespeare Martineau? The Education and Work History won't save!!!

​

 

[Law queries]

Could anyone please tell in how many days does CMS notify if one is invited to the WG test?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Could anyone please tell in how many days does CMS notify if one is invited to the WG test?

It took 5 days for me

 

[gazdgazd11]

Did it take them over a month to get back to you on the VI?

Noo, less. Applied on 19th, got the WG on 25th, VI on the 1st of December

 

[Tangcy]

do they sponsor visas for vac scheme? or are you going to apply via the direct route? thanks

most firm don't sponsor visa for vac scheme. I know Reed Smith does though, but generally, from what i've seen, no.

 

[Tangcy]

Quick question you guys, when it comes to approaching "why this firm", can i just straight up saying one of the reason is because of their high salary? I know i know that's definetely not the only reason, of course considered with other solid factors, but I'm just wondering if i can mention their high salary?

 

[jta227]

Quick question you guys, when it comes to approaching "why this firm", can i just straight up saying one of the reason is because of their high salary? I know i know that's definetely not the only reason, of course considered with other solid factors, but I'm just wondering if i can mention their high salary?

No:
1. There will probably be other firms that pay more than them and regardless there's like 50+ firms that pay 6 figures, so it doesn't even answer "why this firm" because it's not a unique factor.
2. It's not really something you have to (or should) say in an application. It's obviously a reason for most people but if you have nothing to say instead of that that's more about the actual work, culture etc. then that'd be a bad sign.