TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[sibs23]

Hi @Amma Usman and all, I am looking for some advice as to how to structure my VI answer to "tell us about a commercial news story you're interested in / have read about". Whilst I didn't get feedback my VI this last year, I am convinced this answer let me down. I had too much to say in such little time. I think it was only 1 min 30 that I had. I was trying to explain the background (briefly), why I am interested, how it impacts stakeholders and linking back to the firm. Normally with my VI answers, I usually try to keep to 2 main points or 3 at a push with tht kind of time limit so that I don't feel rushed or flustered. Any advice on how to structure my answer and keep it focused would be very much appreciated! I really do not want to let myself down on this again.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Amma Usman and all, I am looking for some advice as to how to structure my VI answer to "tell us about a commercial news story you're interested in / have read about". Whilst I didn't get feedback my VI this last year, I am convinced this answer let me down. I had too much to say in such little time. I think it was only 1 min that I had. I was trying to explain the background (briefly), why I am interested, how it impacts stakeholders and linking back to the firm. Normally with any VI answer, I usually try to keep to 2 main points or 3 at a push so I don't feel rushed or flustered. Any advice on how to structure my answer and keep it focused would be very much appreciated! I really do not want to let myself down on this again.

I think you are trying to cover too much by over anticipating the question. You won’t need to link it back to the firm or how it impacts stakeholders unless the VI question specifically asks you to do this.

If the question is just tell us about a news story and why it interests you, you just need to summarise the story (pick out the key/most interesting parts) and explain your interest in it - it wouldn’t need any further detail beyond this.

 

[sibs23]

I think you are trying to cover too much by over anticipating the question. You won’t need to link it back to the firm or how it impacts stakeholders unless the VI question specifically asks you to do this.

If the question is just tell us about a news story and why it interests you, you just need to summarise the story (pick out the key/most interesting parts) and explain your interest in it - it wouldn’t need any further detail beyond this.

This is super helpful, thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[Tintin06]

Regarding direct TCs at US firms. Do you have to paralegal first? Wondering how realistic my apps are. Thinking Fried Frank, K&S, Paul Hastings. Anyone know non-paralegals get their TCs? Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Chris Brown]

Regarding direct TCs at US firms. Do you have to paralegal first? Wondering how realistic my apps are. Thinking Fried Frank, K&S, Paul Hastings. Anyone know non-paralegals get their TCs? Thank you very much in advance.

Most of the future and current trainees at Fried Frank that I have seen on LinkedIn all have had some paralegal experience. A few of them were paralegals for at least 2-3 years. I think these firms might expect to see professional or legal work experience in some form and it happens to be the most common one is to paralegal for several years. In your case you have multiple VS. If you also have other forms of work experience and employment, I think you would stand a chance for sure. To my knowledge, Fried Frank doesn’t have a VS. The only way to get a TC is through the DTC route. Paul Hastings have a summer work placement, but I think their TC recruitment is independent of it. Best of luck with your applications to these firms. 🙂​

 

[Tintin06]

Most of the future and current trainees at Fried Frank that I have seen on LinkedIn all have had some paralegal experience. A few of them were paralegals for at least 2-3 years. I think these firms might expect to see professional or legal work experience in some form and it happens to be the most common one is to paralegal for several years. In your case you have multiple VS. If you also have other forms of work experience and employment, I think you would stand a chance for sure. To my knowledge, Fried Frank doesn’t have a VS. The only way to get a TC is through the DTC route. Paul Hastings have a summer work placement, but I think their TC recruitment is independent of it. Best of luck with your applications to these firms. 🙂​

Thanks - yeah, we can hope so.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Regarding direct TCs at US firms. Do you have to paralegal first? Wondering how realistic my apps are. Thinking Fried Frank, K&S, Paul Hastings. Anyone know non-paralegals get their TCs? Thank you very much in advance.

To add a contrary one to Fried Frank, King & Spalding trainees don't necessarily have paralegal experience

 

[Mistral_23]

Does anyone know if Curtis gets back to applications?

I've been wondering the same. I applied at the end of January but haven't heard back yet. Have you heard from them since?

 

[MaryAra299]

I have restructured my answer all by myself, copied and pasted on AI detectors like contentai and originalai, and it's coming out as 100% human. However, in quillbot, it's still flagging at 56% ai. Will be grateful for any input on how to deal with it?

 

[Amiyrerose]

Hi,
is anyone applying to Ashurst, Farrer & Co and Macfarlanes here?

 

[A worried graduate]

Hi,
is anyone applying to Ashurst, Farrer & Co and Macfarlanes here?

I’ve applied to Macs and Ashurst in the past

 

[A worried graduate]

Does anyone know how many trainee will Hogan Lovells recruit in their Birmingham office?

Two (yes that’s all)

 

[hehostressed]

Has anyone heard from Weightmans

 

[Raspberry44]

Has anyone that's been invited to the CRS VI taken it already, would love to have some insights!

 

[saj2002]

fieldfisher rejection

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

has anybody gotten a response from BCLP recently? I know one person who got a response on Friday.

 

[yellowponytwin]

Has anyone that's been invited to the CRS VI taken it already, would love to have some insights!

which office did you apply to, if you dont mind me asking? I'm wondering if this point there's any hope for my application lol. congratulations, by the way! sorry I don't have any personal insight!

 

[yellowponytwin]

Hoping CRS send in batches…

I've not heard anything either... which office did you apply to?

 

[Amiyrerose]

I’ve applied to Macs and Ashurst in the past

ooh how was that? have you got any tips? much appreciated!

 

[trainee4u]

Winckworth Sherwood emailed saying "applications have increased 32% this year, to 459"; we will get in touch by week ending 17th March.

FWIW.