TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[A worried graduate]

Yh the competition team has been on the rise for two years now. Two of the main drivers just left for hogan lovells though I think so I am not sure where that leaves them. But they did have a major cometition case in 2023. The DA and Royal Mail cartel case. Real estate Finance is also one of the best teams in the city if not the best tbh. The commercial litigation team is also rising up.

Commercial Litigation is worth a look so thank you

 

[Equity'sDarling]

Anyone heard back from Kennedys after the AC?

Also been waiting for Withers and MacFarlanes after the online assessment. How long does it usually take to get back

 

[James Wakefield]

Withers have only just finished interviews for the Summer Vac, and the Grad Recruitment team are now working on organising the spring scheme (I believe). It could be ages until they get back to people about direct TC.

 

[spamelinazoid]

Any news from HL? It’s been over a 5 weeks since the deadline…

 

[Mug Fan]

Any news from HL? It’s been over a 5 weeks since the deadline…

I got a PFO last week.

 

[Tintin06]

Anything from Hogan Lovells TC post-WG? Anyone heard from King & Spalding?

 

[t-0147]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman and anyone who can help ,

A current TC app for an international commercial firm has the question "why you want to become a solicitor?". Can I talk about commercial law or international matters at all? Should I only speak about "why solicitor" generally, referencing the traits of a solicitor and why solicitor rather than other legal roles?

My thinking so far is to begin speaking about law generally, then why solicitor, then why not barrister, then specialising into commercial law / international matters and the normal response to the question "why commercial law?". Is this correct?

It is 600 words, so I was not sure what exactly the firm is after.

Thanks!

 

[norothrow324]

has anyone had a direct TC interview with mayer brown?

Did you get an invite

 

[OliverTwist]

Did you get an invite

I don't think they've invited anyone to the video interview and work scenario element as of yet, let alone to the final AC. I may be wrong though!

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

I got a PFO last week.

so sorry about this. may I ask when you applied?

 

[fitzer401]

Has anyone received an AC invite for HL?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Has anyone received an AC invite for HL?

did you?

 

[fitzer401]

did you?

No. Hence my question!

 

[jta227]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

 

[thomaibal]

Has anyone heard back from King & Spalding?

Not yet! Has anyone heard back?

 

[Chris Brown]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

It’s hard to know for sure what practice group you would want to qualify into prior to commencing a TC, as it’s very possible you gain experience in a completely different seat and change your mind mid-way through your TC. I think it’s important to keep an open mind going into a TC and forming relationships with all of the associates and partners there, regardless of whether they are in a certain practice area of interest or not. It’s probably too early at this point to figure out whether reaching out now would affect the chances of getting that seat. I think @Jessica Booker can give a better answer than this though to be honest. 🥲​

 

[jta227]

It’s hard to know for sure what practice group you would want to qualify into prior to commencing a TC, as it’s very possible you gain experience in a completely different seat and change your mind mid-way through your TC. I think it’s important to keep an open mind going into a TC and forming relationships with all of the associates and partners there, regardless of whether they are in a certain practice area of interest or not. It’s probably too early at this point to figure out whether reaching out now would affect the chances of getting that seat. I think @Jessica Booker can give a better answer than this though to be honest. 🥲​

This is true, but:

- You could reach out to multiple teams (as you say)
- Building relationships can never be a bad thing I would hope, even if you don’t end up in that team
- At a firm where retention is not guaranteed/some seats are very competitive, it seems wise to try and think ahead (though I’m not really sure about this, hence my query)

I definitely agree about changing your mind! But without having the chance to do the seat at all it would be an incomplete decision I feel. I was also considering trying to paralegal in the related area before doing the SQE which could end up an advantage come seat selections.

Thanks for the perspective (and congrats on your PW offer 😀)

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

I would only do this once you are in the firm - it will be far more practical to do it then rather than now.

 

[jta227]

I would only do this once you are in the firm - it will be far more practical to do it then rather than now.

Thanks Jessica!

 

[lolasparks]

brabners test invite! happy about this one as i got rejected post app for them last year

Congrats! May I ask when did you apply?