TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[norothrow324]

Does anyone have ideas on what experience is decent for direct TC apps? I don't have paralegal experience but is that necessarily a hinderance?

I think something to think about isn’t what the title/firm was but what transferable skills you gained.

With that said though, direct apps usually have experienced applicants (a lot of foreign trained jurists) so experience is definitely valued

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Does anyone have ideas on what experience is decent for direct TC apps? I don't have paralegal experience but is that necessarily a hinderance?

Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs

 

[norothrow324]

Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs

Well said.

 

[Anissa]

Does anyone know if Curtis gets back to applications?

I don't think they would contact everyone but I haven't received anything either yet if that can reassure you

 

[Legallywhatever]

I think something to think about isn’t what the title/firm was but what transferable skills you gained.

With that said though, direct apps usually have experienced applicants (a lot of foreign trained jurists) so experience is definitely valued

Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs

Thanks both! Really helpful.

I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’

 

[fairbourne]

Greenberg Traurig TC Interview! Does anyone have any insights? Thanks very much in advance

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Thanks both! Really helpful.

I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’

I think @Jessica Booker may be able to give a better view on this as someone who's recruited people for direct TCs

 

[Legallywhatever]

I think @Jessica Booker may be able to give a better view on this as someone who's recruited people for direct TCs

@Jessica Booker

would appreciate your thoughts!!

 

[SS21]

Any insights on the Fieldfisher Direct TC AC and Linklaters AC? What sector is the Fieldfisher case study based on this year?

is your Links AC for the direct TC as well?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Heard back today and I had my AC last week Thursday

hey when did you hear back and how was the result?

 

[MaryAra299]

Since the direct tc of baker mckenzie has a deadline of April 1st, I was wondering when would the rest of the assessments take place after that if selected and will they all be online and usually how many steps are there before securing a long contract. These are not written step by step in detail in the firm's website so I'm a bit confused. Insight of anyone who has worked at BM or received an AC from there in the recent years of anyone with any knowledge on this will be helpful and appreciated.

 

[norothrow324]

Since the direct tc of baker mckenzie has a deadline of April 1st, I was wondering when would the rest of the assessments take place after that if selected and will they all be online and usually how many steps are there before securing a long contract. These are not written step by step in detail in the firm's website so I'm a bit confused. Insight of anyone who has worked at BM or received an AC from there in the recent years of anyone with any knowledge on this will be helpful and appreciated.

on their site and email after sending the application:

-February 1st 2025 - Applications open.
-February 1st - April 1st 2025 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will be reviewed prior to online tests being sent out.
-April 1st 2025 - Application deadline.
-April 2025 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
-May 2025 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
-May - June 2025 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2027.

 

[defiledpenguin]

Linklaters direct TC applicants, have you heard ANYTHING at all?

 

[xxx]

Anyone asking about links- their last week of AC is week commencing 24th feb. For DTC, VS and ME DTC. ☺️

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Anyone asking about links- their last week of AC is week commencing 24th feb. For DTC, VS and ME DTC. ☺️

that's a bit strange cos not even a single soul on tcla has made it to the dtc ac then. id expect atleast 1-2 people here to make it to the AC stage

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

that's a bit strange cos not even a single soul on tcla has made it to the dtc ac then. id expect atleast 1-2 people here to make it to the AC stage

It doesn't mean they haven't. It just means they haven't posted. Previously I have posted but upon realising that at some there are so few applicants that I would be easily recognisable I no longer do because I want to retain my anonymity.

 

[Chris Brown]

that's a bit strange cos not even a single soul on tcla has made it to the dtc ac then. id expect atleast 1-2 people here to make it to the AC stage

The only thing I can think of is that there might have been some people on TCLA who did get to the Linklaters AC but they chose not to post about it. 🤷🏾‍♂️​

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

It doesn't mean they haven't. It just means they haven't posted. Previously I have posted but upon realising that at some there are so few applicants that I would be easily recognisable I no longer do because I want to retain my anonymity.

got it. but why wait so long to get back to people when ur gonna reject them ultimately? weird

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

is bakers actually rolling for dtc?

 

[Chris Brown]

is bakers actually rolling for dtc?

on their site and email after sending the application:

-February 1st 2025 - Applications open.
-February 1st - April 1st 2025 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will be reviewed prior to online tests being sent out.
-April 1st 2025 - Application deadline.
-April 2025 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
-May 2025 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
-May - June 2025 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2027.

I think they review on a rolling basis but don’t recruit on a rolling basis, based on the above. 🙂​