TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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.

 

[emay7]

Got an invite for Baker McKenzie video interview. What kinds of questions have come up previously? I've never done a VI before! Many thanks

 

[awatling1]

My gosh guys I did the Baker McKenzie video interview and wow those questions were insane! I’m not sure if the difficulty is ramped up tenfold for direct TC compared to VS because I found those questions much more difficult than any other video interview I’ve done. Not even mad when I get rejected I am in full admiration of anyone with good confident answers to those 😭

 

[LawInTheNorth]

My gosh guys I did the Baker McKenzie video interview and wow those questions were insane! I’m not sure if the difficulty is ramped up tenfold for direct TC compared to VS because I found those questions much more difficult than any other video interview I’ve done. Not even mad when I get rejected I am in full admiration of anyone with good confident answers to those 😭

Yeah I feel the same about it!

 

[annarobertshawe]

Oh I didn’t realise they were rolling!!

Yep they are!

 

[annarobertshawe]

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

Thank you!!!

 

[ZNadeem]

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

Huge congrats!

In the proofreading section, you may be required to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting while ensuring the document maintains a professional and consistent tone. Pay close attention to details such as inconsistent headings, punctuation, or ambiguous phrasing, and ensure any legal terminology is accurate and appropriate for the context.

If the exercise includes a shortlisting task, focus on identifying the most relevant information based on the needs of the recipient, such as a senior solicitor or a client. Prioritise the key points logically (e.g., urgent matters first) and filter out any unnecessary or redundant details. Your approach should demonstrate sound judgment, clear reasoning, and an understanding of the potential business or legal implications of the information provided.

To prepare, practice proofreading legal or business documents under timed conditions, focusing on both technical errors and style consistency. Approach the exercise calmly and systematically, double-checking your work to ensure accuracy and professionalism.

Good luck!

 

[LegallyStressedOut]

Any idea when orrick starts getting back to people post app?

 

[lawzade02]

Is anyone still waiting for an update from Ashurst post application?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Is anyone still waiting for an update from Ashurst post application?

I'm not holding out much hope tbh. Loads of people appear to have received the written case study.