TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[andrecsaa]

Does anyone know when we can expect Baker McKenzie to return with shortlists for their DTC?

According to Baker’s email, this is the timeline:

-April 2025 - Successful candidates sent invite to undertake online tests and a video interview.
-May 2025 - Successful candidates will attend an assessment centre.
-May - June 2025 - Successful candidates will be offered a Training Contract to commence in March or September 2027.

 

[andrecsaa]

Hey there,

These links should help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/guide-law-firm-practice-areas.9404/

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Hey Amma! Thank you, I will take a look.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

HFW says this:

"Our vacation schemes are important to us, and a high proportion of our training contract offers are made to individuals who have completed a vacation scheme with us. Notwithstanding this, we recognise that some individuals will not be able to complete a vacation scheme, so we do still make offers through the direct route."

It is very difficult for me to complete a vacation scheme because I work full time, but I am still going to be attending one this summer at a US firm thanks to my employer's kindness. I was wondering if it's best to mention this or not in my application. I am afraid it might be a minus because they will think that even though I can complete vacation schemes, I haven't applied to theirs?

 

[James Wakefield]

HFW says this:

"Our vacation schemes are important to us, and a high proportion of our training contract offers are made to individuals who have completed a vacation scheme with us. Notwithstanding this, we recognise that some individuals will not be able to complete a vacation scheme, so we do still make offers through the direct route."

It is very difficult for me to complete a vacation scheme because I work full time, but I am still going to be attending one this summer at a US firm thanks to my employer's kindness. I was wondering if it's best to mention this or not in my application. I am afraid it might be a minus because they will think that even though I can complete vacation schemes, I haven't applied to theirs?

I’ve listed my upcoming VS’ on my direct TC applications because I’m hoping they make me standout. I think the pros of listing yours will probably outweigh any downside.

They’re more likely to think A) you’re a good candidate which another firm has identified and B) you might not have applied to their vac scheme because of overlapping dates, rather than anything else.

I don’t think you’re required to give detail of why you didn’t apply for their vac scheme, except maybe have an answer for the interview.

 

[mehreenjatoi]

Ashurst feedback report came through today. Strengths: detail; driven; to improve: adaptable.

I also got adaptable for improvement. Does anyone have an idea how this impacts our prospects? Strengths were: Driven and growth mindset.

 

[RaniaH062002]

I also got adaptable for improvement. Does anyone have an idea how this impacts our prospects? Strengths were: Driven and growth mindset.

Mine were completely different I got my strengths as detail and collaborative and my area of improvement was accountability.

 

[andrecsaa]

I also got adaptable for improvement. Does anyone have an idea how this impacts our prospects? Strengths were: Driven and growth mindset.

I got Detail and Growth Minded. Driven for improvement.

The critical thinking was funny because I faced all the questions in tests from other firms.

 

[James Wakefield]

I got Detail and Growth Minded. Driven for improvement.

The critical thinking was funny because I faced all the questions in tests from other firms.

Got the same strengths!

Collaboration was my weakness which doesn’t seem good at all. However, I did progress with one cappfinity where I got ‘Relationship Builder’ as my weakness.

I think progression depends on your actual marks across the different criteria they look for, and whether they’re consistently high, as opposed to your highest and lowest.

 

[AG159]

Has anyone heard from Withers' for their DTC ?

 

[mehreenjatoi]

Has anyone heard from Withers' for their DTC ?

Not yet. When did you apply by?

 

[Law queries]

I also got adaptable for improvement. Does anyone have an idea how this impacts our prospects? Strengths were: Driven and growth mindset.

Got the same strengths!

Collaboration was my weakness which doesn’t seem good at all. However, I did progress with one cappfinity where I got ‘Relationship Builder’ as my weakness.

I think progression depends on your actual marks across the different criteria they look for, and whether they’re consistently high, as opposed to your highest and lowest.

I got detail and credible as my strengths and adaptable as an improvement. Not sure if its good enough

 

[trainee4u]

I also got adaptable for improvement. Does anyone have an idea how this impacts our prospects? Strengths were: Driven and growth mindset.

it's garbage, just ignore it.

unlike the amberjack assessments you aren't told your actual performance, so you've no idea whether your results were good or bad.

everyone gets two good points and one bad point. in reality your score might be great or terrible, but they aren't telling you.

 

[mehreenjatoi]

it's garbage, just ignore it.

unlike the amberjack assessments you aren't told your actual performance, so you've no idea whether your results were good or bad.

everyone gets two good points and one bad point. in reality your score might be great or terrible, but they aren't telling you.

Do you have any advice re prepping and attaining a decent result?

 

[law_junkie]

Did anyone receive an online assessment for Baker Mckenzie ?

 

[RaniaH062002]

Did anyone receive an online assessment for Baker Mckenzie ?

no not yet- does anyone know what time in April Baker McKenzie sends out their online assessments to successful applicants?

 

[AG159]

Not yet. When did you apply by?

Over a month before the deadline in February 2025.

 

[coachedtohighheaven]

Congratulations! 🙌🏻 May I ask for which office? You must be so so pleased

London

 

[coachedtohighheaven]

Congrats. Could you discuss your interview strategy and how it went on the day? Were there competency questions?

It was a strengths based interview - i had never done one before so didn't know what to expect. I just tried to focus on giving examples of where i've demonstrated strengths and linking it back to how that is beneficial as a trainee. I really struggled with it but my interviewer was lovely.

 

[MaryAra299]

I've taken the mayer brown tests this Sunday but didn't get the results yet. Anyone have any idea when to expect them?

 

[Legallywhatever]

Has anyone applied to Burges Salmons DTC yet?