TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I want to ask, for TCs stationed in the middle east like CMS Dubai, do we have to be an Arab national to apply? Do they people who are not a middle-east national. I can read and write in arabic, though I am not a national, if that helps.

Hiya @MaryAra299

@Jessica Booker might have more to say here, but I don't think your nationality should be a barrier to applying for a Middle East-based training contract. I've met associates and trainees from firms in the Middle East and have noticed they very often recruit a diverse range of candidates. From what I’ve seen with other applicants, I think the key factors tend to be a strong academic record, fluency in Arabic (both written and spoken), and a demonstrated connection to the region. The only other thing I'd say is that firms often look for candidates who can show a long-term commitment to practising in the Middle East, just because they invest significant resources in training and developing lawyers who will stay in the region.

I think your ability to read and write Arabic will definitely work in your favour, as language skills are a major asset in the market. If you also have experience living, studying, or working in the Middle East (or can demonstrate a strong understanding of the region’s legal and business environment) that could further strengthen your application. If applications are still open, I’d definitely encourage you to apply. Best of luck with the process!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Interesting indeed

Did you mention both the TC seat and route in that question as I think they wanted both in that one question

I passed and I didn’t do that tbh

 

[SS21]

@Jessica Booker
I’ve been made redundant from my paralegal role. I have two questions please..

1) When applying to direct TCs, is this going to reflect badly on me? It was a layoff - not performance related - but I’m unsure of how firms view these cases.

2) I now obviously need another job to put food on the table. I might apply for a teaching assistant role in the law department of a university (as this role has just opened). I will still also look for paralegal roles but I can’t be too picky atm.

Will (temporarily) stepping into an academic role be looked at disfavourably by firms?

I still want to qualify as a lawyer and am worried they might think this is too much of a pivot away from practicing law. I have nearly 4 years of paralegal experience though + a MC vac scheme.

Thank you in advance.

Lastly, if anyone reads this and has any advice for me, pls reach out because my whole world has collapsed and I’ve spent the whole day sobbing lol

 

[Eajob]

Anyone heard back from bristows post WE ?

I had a first round interview yesterday

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker
I’ve been made redundant from my paralegal role. I have two questions please..

1) When applying to direct TCs, is this going to reflect badly on me? It was a layoff - not performance related - but I’m unsure of how firms view these cases.

2) I now obviously need another job to put food on the table. I might apply for a teaching assistant role in the law department of a university (as this role has just opened). I will still also look for paralegal roles but I can’t be too picky atm.

Will (temporarily) stepping into an academic role be looked at disfavourably by firms?

I still want to qualify as a lawyer and am worried they might think this is too much of a pivot away from practicing law. I have nearly 4 years of paralegal experience though + a MC vac scheme.

Thank you in advance.

Lastly, if anyone reads this and has any advice for me, pls reach out because my whole world has collapsed and I’ve spent the whole day sobbing lol

I am sorry to hear about the redundancy - they are always difficult and emotional situations to deal with. Please do take care of yourself at this time as you are allowed to feel upset by what has happened.

Firstly, redundancy is not a reflection of you or you performance, so it is not an issue to demonstrate that is why your role has come to and end. Redundancy is a common reason for people leaving companies and even high performers can leave if the role is considered surplus to need. I would not worry about this. You can also highlight redundancy was the reason for leaving in your description if you feel this is appropriate.

It also will not be an issue to move to a different type of role. Firms are aware that people move around different type of roles because they need to fund the basics of living. I was at a legal event last night and was talking to people about what we called “squiggly careers” where a career path is not a straight one and people move around and do different things. This is actually quite formal these days - on average people will have 7 careers in their lifetime.

Plus although a teaching role, the role would give you a lot of transferable skills and knowledge. As you have probably considered already, when applying you may just need to think about demonstrating why this change happened in your applications or when describing your motivations.

 

[anonymouscatboy]

FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

 

[CallumJR]

GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

living the dream, congratulations

 

[Genericuser]

CMS Dubai AC invite or should i assume PFO?

I'm in the same boat as you, did my VI in early December.

 

[Chris Brown]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

Huge congrats. 🥳

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Does anyone know if Hogan Lovells will open a shorter application window during the summer for direct TC (London)? I think they did this last year but I cannot remember if that was for outside of London.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

Amazing news! Congratulations!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Greenberg Traurig PFO post app. Was in my junk email 😭

 

[jacksollaf]

Daily chest unlocked: Greenberg Traurig PFO (post-app) 🥳 🥳 🥳

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I GOT FF DTC OFFER - got the call this morning!

Massive congrats! May I ask when your AC was?

 

[sibs23]

VI invite for CRS! Whoo😊

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

CRS has the nicest video interview invite email hahah

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Congratulations 🥂 Can I ask which office?

London

 

[YL]

Bristows first round interview invite! 😆

 

[Zaidoz10]

Hoping CRS send in batches…