TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Zi48]

So if you get to the case study you get an interview as well? You don't have to pass the case study to get the first HR interview?

They might’ve changed it now but yeah, last year they were both in the same stage. I did them on the same day as I had to do the interview virtually cause I was on year abroad, but I think most people had the case study on another day (but wasn’t a separate stage)

 

[isTeapp]

Has anyone written a cover letter for a paralegal position? If so, could you please DM me? I need advice on structuring it!

 

[kokoprep]

Did anyone receive a test invite for BM, post TC application?

 

[ADKM]

Hey All,

I have some updates to share.

Unfortunately, after 8 beautiful months I am leaving TCLA and it really feels bittersweet. I thoroughly enjoyed being on the forum and connect with likeminded individuals who share my same dream in life to become a lawyer. I was moved, motivated, inspired and encouraged by the beautiful stories of resilience, confidence, strength and self-assuredness that I had the pleasure to read throughout these months on the forum. One of the most beautiful aspects of my job was being able to connect and relate to some many people that went through the same struggles I went through when I was applying to vacation schemes and training contracts. The process is extremely daunting and many feel lonely on their path to become lawyers and so being able to inspire and motivate people with just a post on a forum is the highlight of my year.

Since I got my training contract, I felt like the luckiest person in the world, despite the difficulties I had to face on my journey being an international student from an ethnic minority background. I felt like these two factors would have definitely limited my chances of achieving my dream of becoming a lawyer, but I did not let my fear stop me. This is the kind of feeling I was hoping to share whilst being on the forum. However, I ended up being the one inspired by your stories and I will always be grateful for people who are always transparent about their journeys and struggles, as achieving your goals is not an easy process.

I hope I was able to help people as much as I can and I will always be grateful to TCLA to have given me the chance to help many of my peers sharing my same dreams and goals.

If there is anything I want you to remember from all my posts and my personal journey is to never give up on your dreams, regardless of the thousandth rejections you will receive, the nos you will hear and the struggles you will face. It is never the end until you decide it is the end!

Thank you to everybody,

Best of luck to everyone and their journeys into the legal industry,

Axel

Thanks for all your advice and words of encouragement, Axel. All the best with your SQE exams and training contract.

 

[ADKM]

Bristows final stage interview invite and i really cannot believe im saying this but finally got a TC offer!!! 🤩 after 40+ rejections over 2.5 years or so, including my biggest blow which was not converting a VS last summer! as cliche as the phrase is, rejection really was redirection! the US law firm rejection (where i did my VS) led me to my current in house internship at a huge media and entertainment company which ultimately led me to this firm. i've been on this forum for years but to anyone reading this- you got this! i was so close to giving up so many times (especially after graduating) but it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when! ❤️

also i couldn't have done this without help along the way so feel free to reach out and i am more than happy to try and help out and give advice where i can!

Congratulations. Very well done 👏

 

[mp2000]

How does one go about successfully securing their first paralegal position? I am really struggling to find openings for those with no prior experience as a paralegal. I have two degrees and a considerable amount of other work experience that I think will help my application (if I can actually find one I am eligible for!)...

 

[LillyandSilver]

Does anyone know how many people Withers take from the direct route? Also how on earth are we meant to fit why law into 60 words? Are short sentences ok?

 

[A worried final year]

How does one go about successfully securing their first paralegal position? I am really struggling to find openings for those with no prior experience as a paralegal. I have two degrees and a considerable amount of other work experience that I think will help my application (if I can actually find one I am eligible for!)...

Try local agencies though the pay often sucks

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know how many people Withers take from the direct route? Also how on earth are we meant to fit why law into 60 words? Are short sentences ok?

Their advertising profiles suggest they only take around 18-20 vac schemers a year and yet have around 40 trainees per year. So they must have a strong direct TC route if that is the case.

I would focus on fewer points (q or 2 key priorities for your answer) and being super, super succinct. This post may be helpful in getting word count down:

How to get your applications within their word limits

After reviewing applications over the last 7-8 months, one of the most common issues for candidates is getting their answer within word limits. Often people find it difficult to cut their answers down, and in doing so usually cut out interesting content or points to ensure the answer meets any...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[random6035]

did anyone else just apply for nrf and not get an application confirmation lol do law firms just hate sending me confirmations <3

 

[ADKM]

did anyone else just apply for nrf and not get an application confirmation lol do law firms just hate sending me confirmations <3

Yeah, it’s the same situation for me. Sent in the application but didn’t get any confirmation that NRF received my application. Best to wait till today evening, hopefully they send the confirmation email as it could be that their systems don’t work/respond on Sunday, just my assumption

 

[SR99]

Yeah, it’s the same situation for me. Sent in the application but didn’t get any confirmation that NRF received my application. Best to wait till today evening, hopefully they send the confirmation email as it could be that their systems don’t work/respond on Sunday, just my assumption

did anyone else just apply for nrf and not get an application confirmation lol do law firms just hate sending me confirmations <3

I submitted my app at at 11ish and got a confirmation at 12! It was from [email protected]

 

[nonlaw2025graduate]

Hi! Has anyone done the pinsent masons AC? If so I would love to speak with you to gain any insights as I have my first AC ever coming up with them. Thank you!

 

[spamelinazoid]

At what point do we start chasing HogLov? I applied in mid-January…

 

[law2022x]

At what point do we start chasing HogLov? I applied in mid-January…

i feel like as long as others have also not heard back, which we haven’t, it’s best to just wait… there must be something going on internally and im always bit cautious about inadvertently causing a firm to reject me which is just about my own anxieties but i’d just wait and only contact them once others start hearing back

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

i feel like as long as others have also not heard back, which we haven’t, it’s best to just wait… there must be something going on internally and im always bit cautious about inadvertently causing a firm to reject me which is just about my own anxieties but i’d just wait and only contact them once others start hearing back

i got rejected a couple of weeks back so that definitely means they're screening apps. good luck to you as i feel no news is good news

 

[DivyaBasan]

Does anyone know if Kingsley Napley sponsor international students? can't find anything about it.

They do sponsor international students. https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/careers/why-train-at-kingsley-napley/trainee-recruitment-faqs.
Point no 4- FAQs

 

[DivyaBasan]

Has anybody applied to Kingsley Napley? If yes, please dm. Thank you!

 

[Chiddi]

How does one go about successfully securing their first paralegal position? I am really struggling to find openings for those with no prior experience as a paralegal. I have two degrees and a considerable amount of other work experience that I think will help my application (if I can actually find one I am eligible for!)...

Try the civil service website for paralegal positions, they tend to hire without experience in the legal industry. From there you can build legal skills and work experience.

 

[lolololol]

does the Mayer brown situational strengths test have a VI aspect?