TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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.

 

[rabialegal]

Has anyone heard back from PMC post application? I know they’re slow but anyone heard anything regarding its telephone call stage at all?

 

[saj2002]

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!

Thank you so much! do you know of any suggestions on where I can find practice material?

 

[saj2002]

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.

Thank you! I definitely need to focus on the little things, as that's the feedback I've gotten.

 

[lcmk15]

Hi, sorry if this has already been asked loads of times. Just wondered whether more people had heard back from Farrer for DTC. It seems like some people have heard back positive and some rejected - but ive not heard back at all? Does anyone know what this may mean/do I still have a chance (PFO later maybe...)?

 

[farrow]

Hogan Lovells came back with no.

 

[lawzade02]

They said they would conduct the first stage in May and it’s still May, so don’t give up!

 

[ZNadeem]

Thank you so much! do you know of any suggestions on where I can find practice material?

TCLA has a SPAG written exercise that may be helpful! This can be purchased from our shop here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/product/spag/

 

[Tintin06]

Struggling to motivate myself just now.

What stands out about Stephenson Harwood?

Their 600 word answers are challenging.

What are people's experiences of them?

 

[B101]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst post written assessment?

 

[mandamasochist]

Got the CRS AC after being on the reserve list. Does anyone know what the written task is/have any advice?

 

[Chris Brown]

Struggling to motivate myself just now.

What stands out about Stephenson Harwood?

Their 600 word answers are challenging.

What are people's experiences of them?

3 x 600 word questions is challenging for sure, but I think it’s fairly similar to other city firms e.g., W&C, Travers, BCLP. 🥲

It might be useful to first look at the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 rankings to identify which practices are particularly notable at SH. 🙂

Other sources like Legal Cheek and Chambers Student Guide are useful in identifying other unique selling points of the firm. 🫡

For example, I think SH is considered the best city firm for transportation (aviation, maritime, rail, shipping, etc).

I linked some of the sources I used to research SH for my VS application. Best of luck with the SH DTC application! 🐐

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Discover where Stephenson Harwood LLP are ranked in the UK legal rankings. Visit Chambers and Partners to learn more.

chambers.com

Stephenson Harwood > England

Benchmarking excellence in law since 1987

www.legal500.com

Stephenson Harwood LLP - True Picture - Chambers Student Guide

Stephenson Harwood LLP - True Picture. The student’s guide to careers in the law.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

Stephenson Harwood - Legal Cheek

The Legal Cheek view on Stephenson Harwood LLP, featuring trainee and newly qualified pay, our insider scorecard and all the key facts and figures.

www.legalcheek.com