TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

futuretraineesolicitor

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Dec 14, 2019
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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
 

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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.
 

mandamasochist

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Jan 15, 2023
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What office was this CRS reserve list for/ what did you initially apply for? I got put on the reserve list in March after applying for London VS so just wondering if this is a new development or the same thing as I haven't heard anything from them since.
Apologies for the delayed response - I applied to the London office for a direct TC. Hope that helps.
 

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CRS London TC reserve list - is there hope?
Yes - CRS is going to be a firm where people decline or renege on offers (although to be fair this happens for pretty much every firm) and so there is a chance. What that chance is though is difficult to determine because there are so many variables that not even the recruitment team will have all figured out yet, which is why they run this hold list.
 

chlawstudent

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Jan 29, 2025
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Hello,

I am a little confused about how the CRS reserve lists works. I was reserved following my VS application and told that I would I could be offered a last minute Summer VS place and that I will also be considered for the TC route. For reference, I have not heard anything from them since.

How do you think the VS reserve list is operating in relation to the TC reserve list if VS reserves are an option for both?
 

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Hello,

I am a little confused about how the CRS reserve lists works. I was reserved following my VS application and told that I would I could be offered a last minute Summer VS place and that I will also be considered for the TC route. For reference, I have not heard anything from them since.

How do you think the VS reserve list is operating in relation to the TC reserve list if VS reserves are an option for both?
I don't think you will be on the direct TC reserve list.

It is likely you are only on the reserve list for the vacation scheme and if a place becomes available on that, then you would secure that first and then potentially convert to a direct TC through the vacation scheme.
 

chlawstudent

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Jan 29, 2025
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I don't think you will be on the direct TC reserve list.

It is likely you are only on the reserve list for the vacation scheme and if a place becomes available on that, then you would secure that first and then potentially convert to a direct TC through the vacation scheme.
Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."
 

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Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."
It sounds like they have had two separate processes - one hold process for VS candidates and another for direct TC candidates. I suspect they had enough strong direct TC applicants, that they didn't feel the need to go to their VS on hold pool.
 


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