TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[congrades]

just did the WBD amberjack, got 7,4,6,7 really hope it's not a straight PFO 😭

 

[lawyerdreams]

Last year it was around 15 i believe

Where did you find this out?

 

[norothrow324]

Last year it was around 15 i believe

oh really, that’s great

 

[lucy_p]

Any suggestions on this question? Obviously depends on whether you use it or not but can't work out whether its a bit of a trick question?

'Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?'

 

[yk1906]

Any suggestions on this question? Obviously depends on whether you use it or not but can't work out whether its a bit of a trick question?

'Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?'

I think you can definitely use AI for proofreading

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Any suggestions on this question? Obviously depends on whether you use it or not but can't work out whether its a bit of a trick question?

'Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?'

Here's what I said for Jones Day and I got an AC

Have you have chosen to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in your application?
No
Provide a short explanation of your choice
While I believe AI tools can be useful in a number of circumstances, I did not feel the need to rely on them to express my motivation and experience in this instance.

 

[lucy_p]

Here's what I said for Jones Day and I got an AC

Have you have chosen to use AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in your application?
No
Provide a short explanation of your choice
While I believe AI tools can be useful in a number of circumstances, I did not feel the need to rely on them to express my motivation and experience in this instance.

Thank you, that's really useful. Congrats on the AC!

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Does Stephenson Harwood take a heathy percentage of trainees from the direct TC route?

 

[gazdgazd11]

Does anyone know if we can add more work experience than 3 boxes provided in King & Spalding’s form? I was thinking about copying and pasting the boxes in the word document but Idk

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Any suggestions on this question? Obviously depends on whether you use it or not but can't work out whether its a bit of a trick question?

'Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?'

It isn't a trick question. The firm is just trying to understand how you are using such tools, if why you are deciding not to.

I think most firms know that AI is likely to factor into some part of most candidates' preparation but they just want to be sure you aren't relying on it or at least checking its reliability.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

apologies as this has been asked before but is there any vi component in mayer brown's direct tc process at all? the website says there is but ive seen contradictory info on the forum.

 

[Z48]

apologies if this has been asked before but is there any vi component in mayer brown's direct tc process at all? the website says there is but ive seen contradictory info on the forum.

There’s no VI in the initial SJT, but if you progress to the job simulation (life at Mayer Brown test), there are like 5 VI questions

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

There’s no VI in the initial SJT, but if you progress to the job simulation (life at Mayer Brown test), there are like 5 VI questions

thanks a ton

 

[yk1906]

Has anyone progressed to job simulation with Mayer Brown post-SJT? Or alternatively, has anyone got PFO post-SJT? Any news at all?

 

[norothrow324]

Does Stephenson Harwood take a heathy percentage of trainees from the direct TC route?

Also interested.

 

[norothrow324]

Has anyone progressed to job simulation with Mayer Brown post-SJT? Or alternatively, has anyone got PFO post-SJT? Any news at all?

No news so far, only a feedback report. Last years forums suggest a big delay.

 

[OliverTwist]

On the topic of K&S, does anyone know if there are any compulsory seats at the firm?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Irwin Mitchell PFO

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Last year it was around 15 i believe

Oh that’s decent, definitely worth applying! Thank you!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

TCLA have a list which shows whether firms recruit solely from VS, solely from DTC, or a mix of both. It also shows the % recruited from both routes as well. I have pasted the link below:

It seems that Stephenson Harwood takes around 50% from both VS and DTC. 🙂

Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

I would definitely take this list with a pinch of salt. For example, it says NRF is 50-100% but, as we know, they haven’t opened the direct TC route this year. Last year, it had multiple firms listed as healthy intake who didn’t open direct TC too. It’s the best resource we have ofc but worth asking here anyway too or reaching out to people as it’s not always accurate.