TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to second what @desperateTCseeker1998 pointed out. NRF has indeed appeared to axe its direct training contract application route this year. The list in question was put together early in the recruitment cycle, and several firms have now adjusted their processes. We've been amending the list as we find out about these changes. Some firms may have historically taken a significant number of trainees via the direct training contract route but have now adapted their approach based on their current vacation scheme intakes. While the list remains broadly accurate, it's always best to check with individual firms and apply accordingly. Good luck with your direct training contract applications!

 

[Whopsydopey567]

With a Milbank VS PFO, I am now out of the running for any VSs this cycle. Do you have any advice for getting into applying for TCs this late in the cycle? (I am currently a penultimate-year law student)
@Ram Sabaratnam

 

[yellowponytwin]

Just completed VI for Michelmores and received a feedback report. Unsure if I'll pass the benchmark with result of 20/36 (6/9 Grit, 6/9 Applied Intellect, 4/9 Creative Force, 4/9 Digital Mindset).

Any insight (into whether this is any good or if I should prepare myself for PFO!) would be gratefully received - I know it's difficult to gauge, and comes across as a sort of how long is a piece of string question, but is 20/36 generally a pass for firms like MM?

 

[Raspberry44]

Goodwin please I beg, end my suffering

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

With a Milbank VS PFO, I am now out of the running for any VSs this cycle. Do you have any advice for getting into applying for TCs this late in the cycle? (I am currently a penultimate-year law student)
@Ram Sabaratnam

Was this post AC and when did you get it?

 

[Deleted member 31571]

Does Curtis get back to applicants? Has anyone heard anything?

 

[ashwright]

Has anyone had any luck asking Linklaters GR for an update? I think someone mentioned that the auto-reply said they were aiming to get back end of Jan? Tempted to check-in with them but don't want to badger them

 

[Whopsydopey567]

Was this post AC and when did you get it?

yeah, post the AC that happened on the 6th of Feb for LevFin, got my PFO monday morning

 

[yk1906]

Any post-app Dentons invites? DTC