TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[20tunnj]

Hi! First-time poster here after many months of reading and lurking
Writing for advice because I am truly at a crossroads.

I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student, hopefully significantly improving my skillset and application-writing in preparation for the next cycle, or (b) consider practicing at my home-country as a foreign-qualified lawyer (probably the NY Bar). I know both aren't mutually exclusive; I can continue applying and prep for the bar at the same time, but really it's the opportunity cost that concerns me. How should I spend my time in a way that would give me the best return?
For context: I'm an international student, having graduated UCL Law in 2023 with a 1st. After graduating, I chose to go back home because of a job offer. Fast-forward to now, I'm realising that I much prefer the structure of a legal career than what venture capital can offer me.

While working full-time, I applied to Direct TCs to 12 firms and reached the final-stage for only one MC firm last year, but got rejected. I was hoping to have the opportunity to do more interviews, but only managed to get 1.

TLDR; Is it a good use of my time to prep for the NY Bar for the July exam, and then focus on TC applications after the exam? This is so that, if I indeed don't get anything the next cycle in London, I'm qualified and have options to work here at home.

Anyone with experience doing the NY bar, or in a similar position — or really anyone at all — please advise and I'd love to talk!

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

Freshfields WG invite!

 

[Monopolyman]

Freshfields WG invite!

Congrats!!! do you mind me asking when you received this email?

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

Congrats!!! do you mind me asking when you received this email?

Hey, an hour ago

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

King & Spalding trainee Q&A invite. Who else is going to this? It’s an online event next week.

Can I ask how you found out about this? Was it on their website?

 

[aphelion]

What was everyone’s report feedback for FF?

I got collaboration, growth and credible communicator as strength

Personal responsibility as weakness

I got the same strengths as you and my weakness was adaptability. I thought I was in with a good shot with that ngl hahaha

 

[Tintin06]

Can I ask how you found out about this? Was it on their website?

I applied to an open day. They invited me to this instead.

 

[congrades]

Freshfields WG, 3.45 pm today

 

[EA95]

King & Spalding are only offering 4 TC’s?

 

[nyanchan22]

Anyone heard back from Clyde & Co post VI/SJT?

 

[lalalala]

has anyone still not heard back from freshfields?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi! First-time poster here after many months of reading and lurking
Writing for advice because I am truly at a crossroads.

I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student, hopefully significantly improving my skillset and application-writing in preparation for the next cycle, or (b) consider practicing at my home-country as a foreign-qualified lawyer (probably the NY Bar). I know both aren't mutually exclusive; I can continue applying and prep for the bar at the same time, but really it's the opportunity cost that concerns me. How should I spend my time in a way that would give me the best return?
For context: I'm an international student, having graduated UCL Law in 2023 with a 1st. After graduating, I chose to go back home because of a job offer. Fast-forward to now, I'm realising that I much prefer the structure of a legal career than what venture capital can offer me.

While working full-time, I applied to Direct TCs to 12 firms and reached the final-stage for only one MC firm last year, but got rejected. I was hoping to have the opportunity to do more interviews, but only managed to get 1.

TLDR; Is it a good use of my time to prep for the NY Bar for the July exam, and then focus on TC applications after the exam? This is so that, if I indeed don't get anything the next cycle in London, I'm qualified and have options to work here at home.

Anyone with experience doing the NY bar, or in a similar position — or really anyone at all — please advise and I'd love to talk!

I believe if you qualify there ie. in NY you will just need to do SQE2 to transfer to being qualified here but do check further.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I received an invite to do the Freshfields WG test which also contained a link to do a practice test. I clicked on the link to check whether it was working and closed the window after. When I try to access the practice test now, it doesn't let me do it. Do you think it would be detrimental to ask the recruitment team to send me a new link to the practice test? In case it may showcase me as not having attention to detail or another competency required for a lawyer.

 

[kokoprep]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I received an invite to do the Freshfields WG test which also contained a link to do a practice test. I clicked on the link to check whether it was working and closed the window after. When I try to access the test now, it doesn't let me do it. Do you think it would be detrimental to ask the recruitment team to send me a new link? In case it may showcase me as not having attention to detail or another competency required for a lawyer.

wait so practice goes to actual test?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

wait so practice goes to actual test?

no it goes to practice test but apparently you can only access the practice test once

 

[Tintin06]

@Jessica Booker is 2018 work experience too old? I want to include everything ideally. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[kokoprep]

no it goes to practice test but apparently you can only access the practice test once

which platform is the watson glaser on?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker is 2018 work experience too old? I want to include everything ideally. Thanks in advance for your advice.

No - any work experience ideally should be included unless you are limited to a number of entries.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I received an invite to do the Freshfields WG test which also contained a link to do a practice test. I clicked on the link to check whether it was working and closed the window after. When I try to access the test now, it doesn't let me do it. Do you think it would be detrimental to ask the recruitment team to send me a new link? In case it may showcase me as not having attention to detail or another competency required for a lawyer.

Sorry to chase @Jessica Booker but I would be very grateful for your input. Thanks!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I received an invite to do the Freshfields WG test which also contained a link to do a practice test. I clicked on the link to check whether it was working and closed the window after. When I try to access the test now, it doesn't let me do it. Do you think it would be detrimental to ask the recruitment team to send me a new link? In case it may showcase me as not having attention to detail or another competency required for a lawyer.

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam I would also appreciate your input as well. I am just conscious I will need to email them for a practice test soon as the deadline to complete the test is early morning on Friday. Thanks!