TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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!

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from Penningtons or Foot Anstey?

 

[annarobertshawe]

Watson Farley and Williams video interview! Anyone done or have any tips/ideas of what the questions might be? My first video interview ever ... anything is appreciated! Cheers guys

 

[Tintin06]

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.

I've worked in tutoring since 2019. It's a good part-time job option. Many do it alongside the GDL. DM if you'd like more info.

 

[Tintin06]

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

I have never passed their test. Not once in many years applying.

To date, I've passed two WGs. That plus Latham's SJT/VI in 2023.

I've only ever got non-test VSs. Also Slaughters TC didn't require them.

 

[Amma Usman]

Watson Farley and Williams video interview! Anyone done or have any tips/ideas of what the questions might be? My first video interview ever ... anything is appreciated! Cheers guys

Huge congrats!!! I’ve linked Andrei’s guide to help. Best wishes with the VI - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Update: HL PFO.

I’m sorry to hear this. Don’t let it hold you back though… keep moving forward. Rejection is part of the process, and it’s just one firm. You’ve got the skills and determination to keep going, and the next opportunity is waiting for you. Stay focused, keep applying, and improve where you can. Reflect on areas for improvement. You’re getting closer to what you want with each application, so just keep at it! I know you’re gonna do amazing

 

[Amma Usman]

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

Hey,

Congrats on this! Could you provide more information on what the task entails? Have they told you what you will be proofreading or more specifics on what is expected of you?

 

[pickyportkey]

Anyone else receive the Mayer Brown trainee job simulation yesterday?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

anyone who has done the bakers vi, how is it? did it feel normal or the questions completely threw you off? just trying to prepare myself

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Watson Farley and Williams video interview! Anyone done or have any tips/ideas of what the questions might be? My first video interview ever ... anything is appreciated! Cheers guys

Oh I didn’t realise they were rolling!!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Any advice on the Mayer Brown job sim would be really appreciated For the video interview elements, how long do we have to prep and talk? Assuming no re-records…

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

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

They did a few batches last year… not over until it’s over

 

[tomofsiobhans]

anyone who has done the bakers vi, how is it? did it feel normal or the questions completely threw you off? just trying to prepare myself

Hi! I did the Bakers VI last cycle for their first year scheme and this cycle for the vacation scheme - I don't think the direct TC question bank will be very different. It's basically 3 qns per VI and 1 of each 'type' of question: competence-based, firm-specific and commercial awareness (last year for me was AI, this year was ESG). The questions themselves are worded narrowly and just require a solid knowledge of Bakers' branding and the types of work they are particularly proud of (ie. carve-outs in the London office). All the best

 

[saj2002]

Hey,

Congrats on this! Could you provide more information on what the task entails? Have they told you what you will be proofreading or more specifics on what is expected of you?

Hi, I haven't received any information other than it being a proofreading exercise that would take 25 minutes at most. The platform it is administered on is skillsarena, which I have researched and not found much on!

 

[ChasingTCS]

Got the Baker Mckenzie video interview coming up too!!!

anyone who has done the bakers vi, how is it? did it feel normal or the questions completely threw you off? just trying to prepare myself

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, I haven't received any information other than it being a proofreading exercise that would take 25 minutes at most. The platform it is administered on is skillsarena, which I have researched and not found much on!

Judging by the time frame, and cementing some of my own knowledge, I presume the skill you need most is attention to detail. Little things like spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc would help you stand out. For example, depending on the recipient, you may need to adjust words in the original document from “ROI”, to “return on investment”. Or adjusting words from “know” to “now”, for example.