TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Tangcy]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask for some honest opinions, is it really worth paying for a TC coaching or mentoring programme? I’ve come across a few options, but they’re really expensive, and I’m unsure if the investment will actually make a difference.

I’m starting to feel a bit lost on this training contract journey. Last year was my first application cycle, and my application just kept stucking at the application stage, which I am aware of and now I am trying to do a really proper research and only to make high-quality, tailored application for a few firms that I really want to apply for the upcoming cycle. However, as I am graduating, I am not sure whether I should apply for paralegal/legal assistant role as now i actually need to support myself financially. In addition, as an international student, I don't think I have the luxury of unlimited application cycle, which adds up another pressure.

Therefore, if anyone has experience with coaching or has any advice on whether it’s truly helpful (or what worked for you instead), I’d really appreciate it!

 

[Legallywhatever]

Anything from Burges Salmon DTC yet?

Really hope we get something today because the wait is genuinely draining lol

 

[legallyells]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer a few weeks ago, over the moon is an understatement 🥳🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

 

[tobywstress]

Has anyone done an interview for Freeths stage 1 interview before and got any tips on it?

Just got an invite

 

[Amma Usman]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer a few weeks ago, over the moon is an understatement 🥳🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

Love love love to see it! Congratulations Elle Woods

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone done an interview for Freeths stage 1 interview before and got any tips on it?

Just got an invite

Have they told you what it’s comprised of?

 

[tobywstress]

Have they told you what it’s comprised of?

Not really, but some Glassdoor reviews had said the questions cover competency, strength and situational.

 

[EG3]

Random question:

I have ADHD and obviously they always mention reasonable adjustments in the applications process. I've had things like extra time in online tests, VIs and written assessments, but one thing I struggle with is interviews. I find it hard to actually take in what they're asking, think about my answer, say it all coherently and remember second parts to questions. Obviously in a normal conversation I don't really have that issue but I think the general interview nerves make it worse.

Is having the questions written down a possibility? I never know if reasonable adjustments are kind of pre-determined depending on the condition or if you get some sort of say in what you need. I'm also wondering if needing extra time and the like ever puts firms off hiring you - I know most are disability confident employers but would they ever give preference to someone who doesn't need extra time to complete the same task to the same standard?

 

[👩🎓]

Has anyone heard from PMC yet?

 

[yueyueer]

Reed Smith OT/VI. Immensely relieved

 

[_microwaved]

Has anyone heard from RPC or Dorsey?

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from PMC yet?

No. Apparently they're aiming to get back to us by the end of this month.

 

[👩🎓]

No. Apparently they're aiming to get back to us by the end of this month.

Thank you

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

 

[yuk0n]

reed smith pfo 🤪🤪🤪 don't get what was wrong with my application but we move on

 

[FM302989]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

Have a look on TotallyLegal

 

[👩🎓]

Have a look on TotallyLegal

Thank you

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

I recommend reaching out to recruiters that work at recruitment agencies too, in addition to applying for vacancies at the law firm’s website directly. Some I know of are Lunaria Partners, Forte Legal, The SJP, etc.

 

[Amma Usman]

reed smith pfo 🤪🤪🤪 don't get what was wrong with my application but we move on

I’m so sorry about this. I know how tough rejections can feel, but please don’t let it keep you down for too long. Take a moment to catch a breath, understand where you may have went wrong, jot it down on paper, then re-strategise for next cycle/ remaining applications.

 

[Amma Usman]

Huge congratulations - this is amazing news!

I have just checked and seen that the interview is with a member of the HR team. In my experience, interviews of this sort don’t usually last more than 20-30 minutes and they mainly cover your main motivations. So essentially, why commercial law, why MLB, why you, etc. There may be a mix of skills-based questions or SJT type scenarios which will enable you to apply your past experiences and link that to how it’ll enable you to succeed as a trainee at the firm. However, I am unsure about MLB exactly, so it’s worth referring to the initial invite email, or reaching out to GR with any questions. I also recommend to reach out to future trainees/ trainees on LinkedIn as they’ll have more insights on the latest scope of the process and can advise better from there.

Another soft tip is that your face can’t be seen from telephone interviews. While what I’m about to say may sound silly yet obvious at the same time, you need to ensure your vocal intonation is on point, because of the latter issue I flagged. Speak smoothly and enunciate your words clearly. Also alternate between different tones to show enthusiasm and convey your passion adequately. Be polite at all times, ensuring to not interrupt the person on the other end. Again, because of the lack of video barrier, these are soft things to note.

A few additional sources to help -

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Why Commercial Law? Investigating Your ‘Why’

The question that often makes you pause for a moment. You know why you want to pursue this, you’re certain it’s what you want. Yet, putting it into words — especially in a way that resonates with recruiters — is a challenge. Then, you see it in an application form, and it’s just like “argg!” How...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

I've recently been invited to complete Morgan Lewis' telephone interview - if anyone has any insight or advice for being successful at this stage I would really appreciate it! I've never completed a telephone interview before.

Well done on reaching that stage! The above post will help let me know if you have any more questions.