TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[ssszzg]

Any news from BCLP or Arnold & Porter?

Haven't had any news since that online assessment from BCLP!

 

[Filia]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.

Good luck in your future endeavours, Jess.

 

[BillSikes]

Any news from PMC, Orrick, Bevan Brittan or Lester Aldridge?

Nothing from PMC for me

 

[KBanana]

Does anyone happen to know how Macfarlanes divides its training contract seats? I remember from one of their presentations that the seats are split into two types (I think they were called Type A and Type B) and you have to choose two from each during the TC. If anyone knows which seats fall under which type, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

 

[MiddleEast]

Hi all. My summer VS with white & case starts next week and it includes presentation, assessment, interviews. Any insights I would truly appreciate. All the best,

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

Unless you have no desire to secure a TC with your VS firm, no, this would not be a good idea at all.

It would be better to be upfront and ask whether you could take time off to attend the other firm’s process.

But the better approach would be to ask the interviewing firm for an alternative date.

 

[trainee4u]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

That's fundamentally dishonest, which is a barrier to working in the law. Similar stunts have gotten people banned for life from the profession.

 

[SM2001]

Hi all, I have recently been invited to attend the Shoosmiths Assessment Centre and have never attended an AC before so I would appreciate the insight.

If possible, does anyone have any insight into the Shoosmiths AC specifically, or if anyone can offer advice generally for the following:
- Pair exercises
- Group exercises
- Presentations/client meeting
- A strengths based interview

I would also appreciate any suggested resources to help prepare. Thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

That's fundamentally dishonest, which is a barrier to working in the law. Similar stunts have gotten people banned for life from the profession.

I have never heard of a vacation scheme student being reported to the SRA for something like this. A firm would just not consider the candidate for a TC if they found out.

 

[GV]

Does anyone know when Reed Smith will start to get back to people?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Does anyone know when Reed Smith will start to get back to people?

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

 

[imperial_topaz23]

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

Amazing!! Well done - no doubt you'll ace it. 🥳 Do you mind sharing when you submitted your application?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Amazing!! Well done - no doubt you'll ace it. 🥳 Do you mind sharing when you submitted your application?

Thank you so much!! 😁 I submitted my application on the 22nd of May, so quite early on!

 

[amrita6399]

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

Congratulations 🎉

I'm still waiting to hear from RS. I wanted to know how many questions does the VI have and also, I believe the test is a SJT?

Thank you!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Unless you have no desire to secure a TC with your VS firm, no, this would not be a good idea at all.

It would be better to be upfront and ask whether you could take time off to attend the other firm’s process.

But the better approach would be to ask the interviewing firm for an alternative date.

thank you! I was just posing it as a hypothetical as ive submitted a few apps which im due to hear back from within that timeline so I was just wondering- super helpful, thank you!

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Congratulations 🎉

I'm still waiting to hear from RS. I wanted to know how many questions does the VI have and also, I believe the test is a SJT?

Thank you!

Thanks!! I haven’t completed the test yet as I’m on a scheme this week, but I’ll DM you! Yes, I believe it is an SJT

 

[Sunshinepink]

Hey everyone, I just did the Hogan Lovells WG practice before the real one and got: Total Score 62%, Evaluating Arguments 100%, Recognising Assumptions 50%, Drawing Conclusions 54% (for the practice) before doing some notes to see where I had gone wrong so I could do better on the real one. I have never practiced before but I am so adamant that I will get a TC in the next intake so I am really trying. Does anyone know if these scores are good and perhaps any tips for the recognising assumptions and drawing conclusions?

 

[amrita6399]

Thanks!! I haven’t completed the test yet as I’m on a scheme this week, but I’ll DM you! Yes, I believe it is an SJT

Thank you! And good luck with your scheme😊

 

[Amma Usman]

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

Congrats on this!

@Andrei Radu ‘s carefully crafted and detailed guide will help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/