TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I assume that there will be a long-term decline in GDL enrolment, as the GDL loses relevance due to its optional status under SQE.

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Yes, this is most likely the case.

It will also be where some “conversion” courses are not labelled as the GDL. For instance, you could now do an LLM which effectively covers the GDL but does not need to be restricted to the GDL’s curriculum.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I have two modules which were 2.2 and a 3rd in my first year, but my overall average grade in first year were 2.1. My overall degree is 2.1 as well. I'm wondering whether these two modules would influence my application or not. But I have some mitigating circumstances

If you have mitigating circumstances specifically related to those modules, then it will most likely not be an issue.

If you only have your first year results, you may find you have more success once you have your second year results to show the majority of your grades are 2.1s or above, and also that the mitigating circumstances only caused a minor blip.

 

[AS24]

If you haven’t heard by Wednesday afternoon, I would send them an email asking when you may hear back - this wi be nearly a week from their original deadline but give them some additional time to respond on Tuesday/Wednesday morning.

Thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[EG3]

Any tips for a telephone interview? Not had one before so not sure what they will likely ask as opposed to in subsequent in-person interview

 

[TCpleasex]

Any tips for a telephone interview? Not had one before so not sure what they will likely ask as opposed to in subsequent in-person interview

I can’t speak on what specifically you will be asked, however, I had a telephone interview with WBD & it was very much motivational on why law & why the firm. It felt like more of a conversation testing whether I fit the firm’s vibe & what they’re looking for in trainees as opposed to my competencies.

This is the only telephone interview I’ve done so I can only speak on that but it felt much less daunting than any in person or Teams with cameras interviews that I’ve done before.

Good luck

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Any tips for a telephone interview? Not had one before so not sure what they will likely ask as opposed to in subsequent in-person interview

In my experience, having done a few telephone interviews this cycle, most of them involved motivational, competency and basic commercial awareness questions (e.g., recent news story), although I think this varies between firms.

The motivational questions would be similar to ‘why law’, ‘why commercial law’, ‘why this type of firm (e.g., MC/SC/US) and ‘why our firm’. In general, they require less depth than in-person interviews with partners or associates.

I think telephone interviews usually follow a similar structure to pre-recorded VI. They are less intimidating than in-person interviews and live GR VIs. I don’t think you should worry too much. Best of luck with your interview. ​

 

[lucy_p]

Anyone heard from PMC for TC?

 

[Tintin06]

Still nothing from Ashurst yet - PFO?

 

[dlc3266]

If it's stated that a Watson Glaser test is 'untimed', does that mean I can take as long as possible to complete the test? Or would Grad Rec still be able to see how long i've taken and if I've spent a ridiculous amount of time it'll disadvantage my application? Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If it's stated that a Watson Glaser test is 'untimed', does that mean I can take as long as possible to complete the test? Or would Grad Rec still be able to see how long i've taken and if I've spent a ridiculous amount of time it'll disadvantage my application? Thanks!

If it says it is untimed, then no aspect of how long you take to complete it should be considered. If it said unlimited time, then the time taken to complete could be considered.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Still nothing from Ashurst yet - PFO?

I think they’re just really slow lol, last year I think people were getting ACs about 2 weeks before the deadline they set in their email so that would mean ACs going out mid may this year

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

I think they’re just really slow lol, last year I think people were getting ACs about 2 weeks before the deadline they set in their email so that would mean ACs going out mid may this year

Ignore me… didn’t realise people had got invites. Think there were batches last year though.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

@Jessica Booker When completing a VI, will someone who completed it a week before the deadline be in a better position than someone who does it a few days before? I have one due on Sunday but have not been able to complete it yet because I’m travelling and I can only really do it on Friday. I was wondering if this will go against me.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

To anyone who's done the Baker McKenzie VI, how much speaking time vs prep time is there? Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker When completing a VI, will someone who completed it a week before the deadline be in a better position than someone who does it a few days before? I have one due on Sunday but have not been able to complete it yet because I’m travelling and I can only really do it on Friday. I was wondering if this will go against me.

In most instances, no it won’t. Firstly, most people do it close to the deadline, but if we are talking about the difference of a week, it could easily be the case that firms won’t even reviewed any video interviews in that period. It might be different if it was 3-4 weeks but I cannot see this being an issue given it’s a matter of days.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Can I discuss the Fried Frank application with someone who’s submitted or been successful in the past please? The format is throwing me a bit lol

 

[Tintin06]

Can I discuss the Fried Frank application with someone who’s submitted or been successful in the past please? The format is throwing me a bit lol

LinkedIn is your best bet really. They take very few trainees on. Good luck for your application though. Am also applying to Fried Frank. Happy to discuss if it helps.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

In most instances, no it won’t. Firstly, most people do it close to the deadline, but if we are talking about the difference of a week, it could easily be the case that firms won’t even reviewed any video interviews in that period. It might be different if it was 3-4 weeks but I cannot see this being an issue given it’s a matter of days.

another vi question please, if the timer is for 1:30 mins, for how long should we speak? i agree that the firm wants us to be brief but what if we wrap up our answers within 50 secs, wont grad rec feel we dont have enough material? thanks

 

[spamelinazoid]

Anyone else still waiting on Bakers post-app lol

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

another vi question please, if the timer is for 1:30 mins, for how long should we speak? i agree that the firm wants us to be brief but what if we wrap up our answers within 50 secs, wont grad rec feel we dont have enough material? thanks

I’d try to use over a minute if you can. It’s not to say a shorter answer won’t be sufficient - in many cases it could be. However, for some types of questions, particularly motivational or competency based, I would recommend using t least 80% of the time if you can.