TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

therealslimshady

Star Member
Feb 27, 2024
26
18
With law firms having a variety of online testing as part of an application, how common is it for law firm employees to complete these tests before being assigned to applicants?

I can only imagine that applicants would get better scores than some associates and partners working at the law firm that assigned the test.
 
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therealslimshady

Star Member
Feb 27, 2024
26
18
As a trainee solicitor and beyond, one may be invited to an after-work social with their team (e.g. with associates and partners).

I am not saying it is common, but sometimes such activities can involve alcohol and, on the odd-occasion, adult nighttime entertainment.

The latter doesn't really sit comfortably with me. Would it be frowned upon if one did not attend the latter especially when the whole team attends?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
13,466
19,254
With law firms having a variety of online testing as part of an application, how common is it for law firm employees to complete these tests before being assigned to applicants?

I can only imagine that applicants would get better scores than some associates and partners working at the law firm that assigned the test.
Very common - it’s often a way to assess the tests validity.

Many applicants will get higher test scores than those who take the test. The percentile shows where you would rank in a sample of the 100 people who took the test previously.
 
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LlamaLaw

Distinguished Member
Future Trainee
Sep 17, 2021
56
93
As a trainee solicitor and beyond, one may be invited to an after-work social with their team (e.g. with associates and partners).

I am not saying it is common, but sometimes such activities can involve alcohol and, on the odd-occasion, adult nighttime entertainment.

The latter doesn't really sit comfortably with me. Would it be frowned upon if one did not attend the latter especially when the whole team attends?
I'm not sure if any firm would do "adult nighttime entertainment" for a whole host of reasons. Even if they did - you'd be entitled to say no, just as you would with any activity.

Far more people don't drink, can't drink or limit their consumption, and I've never seen it be an issue for people to either not go out or go out and not drink.

After work or out of work socials are not compulsory and it can't or shouldn't be held against you for not attending.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
13,466
19,254
As a trainee solicitor and beyond, one may be invited to an after-work social with their team (e.g. with associates and partners).

I am not saying it is common, but sometimes such activities can involve alcohol and, on the odd-occasion, adult nighttime entertainment.

The latter doesn't really sit comfortably with me. Would it be frowned upon if one did not attend the latter especially when the whole team attends?
The adult nighttime entertainment is a rarity these days, but after work drinks are still very common albeit happen far less these days due to remote working.

But plenty of people don’t go to the activities that do happen. Whether its because they don’t drink (12.5% of the U.K. population are teetotal), or whether it’s because they can’t go out after work (family commitments/caring responsibilities), there are a range of reasons why people don’t go to these type of after work socials.

There tends to be a whole range of other methods people can network or socialise within the firm - there will be internal events or even just the basics of going for a coffee or lunch with a colleague. Many people who don’t want to go to events where there is alcohol or cannot take time out in the evening will actively seek out such opportunities instead.
 

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