TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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

 

[annarobertshawe]

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...)?

I haven't heard back either...

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Anyone else's allhires down? Need to do my Mayer Brown job sim and took some 'appointment' time from work this morning because I have commitments and it won't let me in

 

[👩🎓]

Has anyone heard from HFW for direct TCs yet?

 

[wantatc]

Bates Wells AC!!!

 

[adzu9]

I’m seeing people get invited to the Baker McKenzie VI, and I haven't even heard back from them Post-App.

Should I reach out to them? Is anyone else still waiting for a reply post-app?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone still waiting on Mayer Brown?

 

[A worried graduate]

Anyone here know why I can't even get a high street legal secretary job?

Shouldn't that be the most entry level role of them all?

 

[Tangcy]

Hi guys, does anyone know whether Fried Frank's TC runs in rolling basis? I saw their linkedin post that they're still recruiting and the deadline is next week

 

[TCpleasex]

Anyone here know why I can't even get a high street legal secretary job?

Shouldn't that be the most entry level role of them all?

I think your mindset is a large factor - thinking of a legal secretary job as the most entry level doesn’t solidify you employment.

As someone who has worked in a high street firm as a legal secretary there is still a high level of skill and understanding necessary in that particular practice area. Just because it’s a high street firm or a secretary role doesn’t automatically make it easier. I’ve been rejected from small high street firms recently but also interviewed in the same week for large UK commercial firms. It’s not about the size of the firm or the role but what you can bring to it because also at the end of the day there are people who have made careers out of being secretaries and can bring a vast range of experience and transferable skills versus someone straight out of uni or who has never worked in law.