TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[apapasozomenos]

I got a TC offer earlier this week, which means my time on the forum comes to an end!! This has been such a great community and I’m so glad to have found it this year. I faced a lot of impostor syndrome during my 2 (and a bit?) cycles, because I have never had the highest grades / SJT scores, and wouldn’t consider myself the most commercially aware candidate etc. But all you need is that one yes. I can’t quite believe I now have it!! Keep going because all those nos will one day mean nothing. If I can do it, anyone can. Good luck everyone!

First of all, congrats!

Secondly, your words are so reassuring but don't sell yourself so short. You worked hard and got there because of that.

 

[apapasozomenos]

Do they screen the VIs on a rolling basis too? I thought it was just the application.

I am also curious about this. There is no indication of this on their website or when their AC(s) is/are

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I am also curious about this. There is no indication of this on their website or when their AC(s) is/are

In the email inviting to me complete the VI, I was told that I would hear back within a month whether I was successful. So, some ACs will likely be held after 5th August (since 5th July was the deadline for submitting my VI).

 

[trainee4u]

I have seen a lot of people ask already, but just checking, has anyone heard back from Broadfield yet? Thanks!

nope.

worth noting that Broadfield is struggling as a business, so this might be a factor in this.

 

[T165]

Just did the Reed Smith SJT + VI as well, shot myself in the foot by doing it while sick, only scored 2/3 on numerical bc I couldn't understand the numbers on one of the questions. Also messed up on VI bc both my voice and brain are gone. No idea how they calculate the scores against each other; I'm kind of in a similar situation but with my numerical reasoning score being the issue instead

Finished Reed Smith’s SJT and VI and I’m absolutely gutted - got a 1 on Applied Intellect, have NO IDEA how… I got 6,7,7 for the other three, and high-high for verbal and numerical reasoning. Is there ANY way my other scores + VI could offset the 1? I felt like all of my VI questions went really well, I covered every aspect with good structures, but this 1 is painful to see..

Can’t believe that 1+ year of work went into this application with attending law fairs and their Open Day.. only to get the test after thinking it’s almost over and now this.. I worked all day on the tests and now I’m sure I’ll get rejected, haven’t heard of anyone progressing with a 1 in any of the areas..

Oh also RS was my first successful application this whole cycle (out of 20+ firms that flat out rejected me post application) because I’m based outside the UK and did my undergad at a non-UK uni too. I feel like it was my last chance this cycle..

 

[apapasozomenos]

Just did the Reed Smith SJT + VI as well, shot myself in the foot by doing it while sick, only scored 2/3 on numerical bc I couldn't understand the numbers on one of the questions. Also messed up on VI bc both my voice and brain are gone. No idea how they calculate the scores against each other; I'm kind of in a similar situation but with my numerical reasoning score being the issue instead

Honestly i'm not sure if they use the VI to see if it can balance the SJT. I hope so because I got 0 in the creative force pillar whereas I placed high in the other three. Got 2/3 for verbal reasoning and 3/3 for numerical reasoning. In the VI I think I hit their core values and I had examples that displayed forward thinking (creative force) so hoping it balances out.

 

[apapasozomenos]

Hi guys,

I am unsure if anyone else has been in the same situation but I thought its worth an ask.
How does one go about explaining that you achieved a first in your undergrad despite the percentage being 69.9 when your actual percentage should be 70.6 but the university scaled down your marks for a module?
(ik its not the best but i did everything I could for this grade while struggling with personal stuff and it feels absolutely shitty tbh given everything but it is what it is)

Any advice would be helpful!

I assumed all universities round up to give you the best result possible. Feels so catty they would keep you at 69.9???

 

[yueyueer]

Hey, can I please check if anyone else’s Macfarlanes SJT results state they’re for 2023-2024? Do I need to check if this is a mistake with grad rec

 

[T165]

Hi guys,

I am unsure if anyone else has been in the same situation but I thought its worth an ask.
How does one go about explaining that you achieved a first in your undergrad despite the percentage being 69.9 when your actual percentage should be 70.6 but the university scaled down your marks for a module?
(ik its not the best but i did everything I could for this grade while struggling with personal stuff and it feels absolutely shitty tbh given everything but it is what it is)

Any advice would be helpful!

Check your university's academic handbook's rules on final reward first. My uni has something they call the 2% rule which rounds up your final reward if you did well in final year, and all .5 scores are rounded up. (In other words, it's possible to achieve a first on your final reward document with a 68 weighted average) So, in conclusion, check the academic handbook's rounding rules, figure out how each module is weighed, how the final reward is calculated etc., and you should have your answer. If you already have your final reward document on Gradintelligence, go with whatever that says.

Most firms are just asking for the rounded figure anyway, so you're probably fine.

 

[amrita6399]

Honestly i'm not sure if they use the VI to see if it can balance the SJT. I hope so because I got 0 in the creative force pillar whereas I placed high in the other three. Got 2/3 for verbal reasoning and 3/3 for numerical reasoning. In the VI I think I hit their core values and I had examples that displayed forward thinking (creative force) so hoping it balances out.

I read somewhere, not sure where, but it said that RS considers the VI and SJT scores cumulatively. So I think it can balance out. Let's all hope for the best! 🤞

 

[T165]

I read somewhere, not sure where, but it said that RS considers the VI and SJT scores cumulatively. So I think it can balance out. Let's all hope for the best! 🤞

I might be the first person to wish they're not seeing my awful VI; I scored ok across the pillars, but I'm not sure the VI would've been enough to carry me through with the 2/3 on numerical

 

[MaryAra299]

have candidates been progressed to the next stage?

I am not sure, the deadline was on 28th June so it's highly unlikely. But is there anyone from last year or vacation scheme at macfarlanes who progressed to the next level after sjt? If there is, please share your strengths

 

[confusedbird]

I assumed all universities round up to give you the best result possible. Feels so catty they would keep you at 69.9???

Fr. They made the classification a first class thankfully but made my 70.6 a 69.9. To say, I was confused when I saw that would be an understatement🫣

 

[lawstudent2]

Hey, can I please check if anyone else’s Macfarlanes SJT results state they’re for 2023-2024? Do I need to check if this is a mistake with grad rec

Mine say that too - not sure if I need to contact or not

 

[lawaspirant!]

Does anyone have any advice as to how I might answer the following question for a video interview: Keeping your response within two minutes, imagine you’re working on a case where the client’s instruction conflict with legal or ethical standards. How would you navigate this situation?

 

[LawInTheNorth]

In the email inviting to me complete the VI, I was told that I would hear back within a month whether I was successful. So, some ACs will likely be held after 5th August (since 5th July was the deadline for submitting my VI).

Are those who are successful not supposed to start the SQE in August? Or am I incorrect on that?

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Has anyone received a TC offer from Mishcon, after the summer vacation scheme ?

 

[IBartlett]

Has anyone received Dentons test for their direct-TC? Doesnt seem like its automatic. Thanks.

I haven't heard back since the application

 

[YS391]

I haven't heard back since the application

Based on previous years they took till late July to start sending out tests and VIs. I think its because they don't automatically progress people because they check we meet their "initial criteria in the application form". So reckon we just have to wait.

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone have any advice as to how I might answer the following question for a video interview: Keeping your response within two minutes, imagine you’re working on a case where the client’s instruction conflict with legal or ethical standards. How would you navigate this situation?

I'd talk about duties to the court and justice, and explain that if they told me that they were lying I'd have to explain that I wouldn't be able to represent them on that basis, and that there are legal duties such as disclosing evidence material to the opponents.

I'd also distinguish between legal and ethical standards noting that for example a tobacco company is not necessarily ethical, but is nonetheless legal and that as a lawyer it's not my job to promote a particular set of values but instead to promote the rule of law which means representing my clients to the best of my ability even if I don't necessarily approve of them.

I'd probably also say that often our clients will have done things that are wrong, but we are still there to represent them, and this might include for example proposing early settlement in view of wrong doing to reduce costs and also to keep damages awards down.