TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[chlawstudent]

I don't think you will be on the direct TC reserve list.

It is likely you are only on the reserve list for the vacation scheme and if a place becomes available on that, then you would secure that first and then potentially convert to a direct TC through the vacation scheme.

Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."

 

[fitzer401]

Update: HL PFO.

 

[farrow]

Update: HL PFO.

nothing has come through yet for me.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."

It sounds like they have had two separate processes - one hold process for VS candidates and another for direct TC candidates. I suspect they had enough strong direct TC applicants, that they didn't feel the need to go to their VS on hold pool.

 

[farrow]

Bevan Brittan - email stating outcome due 30 May.

 

[saj2002]

Farrer & Co shortlist/proofreading exercise! Has anyone got insight or experience with this task? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! This is pretty much my last shot at a TC at this point

 

[V2002]

Michelmores post-VI invite to online interview with HR team!

Hi, have you heard post the interview?

 

[V2002]

Hello everyone has anyone applied to Michelmores Vac Scheme or TC? and heard back ?

 

[Babablacksheep]

Anyone else who’s heard back from Farrer?

 

[emay7]

Congrats! May I ask when you submitted your TC application?

I believe it was the 27th March

 

[adrian_nlh]

Can I discuss the Fried Frank application with someone who’s submitted or been successful in the past please? The format is throwing me a bit lol

Sorry if I'm late to the party but I've done FF before and first-stage interview. I can help if you like.

 

[EG3]

3 PFOs in one morning, good start to my day hahaha

 

[B101]

Mayer Brown pfo

 

[legallyells]

Mayer Brown trainee job simulation, any insights would be massively appreciated!!

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

I think those successful heard last week, PFOs will be in June.

 

[EG3]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

 

[OliverTwist]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.

 

[EG3]

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.

Finding part time paralegal work can be difficult - generally there are not a lot of part time roles in the legal sector. If working part-time is important, then you may find other roles/industries that are better suited to what you need.

Thanks both!