TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[B101]

Congratulations, when did you apply if you don't mind me asking?

March 17th

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

baker mckenzie ac post vi, got my first ac ever in half a decade of trying. if your vi was disastrous too, don't count yourself out just yet.

 

[Joey green]

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

I also got a Mayer Brown trainee job simulation invite! If anyone has any insights i'd be eternally grateful

 

[Raspberry44]

congrats. noob here. is this after the case study?

Yes it was after the written case study

 

[Raspberry44]

Congrats and good luck! If they are already sending out interview invites, does this mean they are done with the online case study stage? 🥲

Thank you! I have no clue, these things are never really clear :/ I hope you get it!

 

[Chris Brown]

Baker McKenzie DTC AC post VI!! I didn’t think the VI went well at all so this has really caught me off guard honestly. 😅

This was my first ever DTC application and will be my first DTC AC. Does anyone know how much different this would be to a VS AC? 🥲

Best of luck to everyone who is currently waiting post VI! I genuinely thought mine was atrocious so don't lose hope just yet! 🙂​

 

[LawInTheNorth]

Assuming it’s likely a PFO if we haven’t heard from Baker McKenzie now then?

 

[spamelinazoid]

What day did you apply if you don’t mind telling me?

last day, and still waiting!

 

[spamelinazoid]

Assuming it’s likely a PFO if we haven’t heard from Baker McKenzie now then?

Seems likely, though you never know. Their ACs last year ran until mid June…

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Seems likely, though you never know. Their ACs last year ran until mid June…

the last ac is on 26 june even this time around.

 

[trainee4u]

Law firms and their stupid email subjects:

The subject: "Ashfords LLP Bristol Assessment Centre"

The content: "We received a high volume of strong applications this year, and after careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we will not be progressing your application to the next stage of our recruitment process."

 

[chlawstudent]

Congrats! Do you have any tips or guidance on how to structure the video presentation / what content you addressed as I've not been able to progress past this stage twice now so would really appreciate any guidance for next year!

Thank you! And yes of course, I'll PM you

 

[chlawstudent]

Also, is there any chance anyone has any tips or advice for completing an online written case study? I have never done one before and I have the KN one tomorrow so I'm a bit nervous!

 

[Raspberry44]

the last ac is on 26 june even this time around.

Thats optimistic! And I think I even saw someone on the forum that got invited for a VI on Saturday, whenn the "initial" batch of us were due to complete the VI on Sunday. So VI invites are still running, hopefully so are AC invites! Hoping for the best

 

[Bread]

Law firms and their stupid email subjects:

The subject: "Ashfords LLP Bristol Assessment Centre"

The content: "We received a high volume of strong applications this year, and after careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we will not be progressing your application to the next stage of our recruitment process."

That is inhumane 💀

 

[lou1707]

I think any of them are fine to use. If the firm isn’t being clear who the referee should be, then I would put the law firm partner just because they are most closely related to the work unless the internship was more than three years ago, then I would go with your current boss.

thank you jessica

 

[ZNadeem]

Also, is there any chance anyone has any tips or advice for completing an online written case study? I have never done one before and I have the KN one tomorrow so I'm a bit nervous!

1. Understand the Objective​

• Your task will likely assess your ability to analyse information, structure your thoughts, and communicate effectively. Focus on clarity, logic, and relevance in your answers.
• Read the instructions carefully—ensure you know what’s being asked and stick to the brief.

2. Structure Your Response​

• Introduction: Summarise the key issue or problem. Show you’ve understood the scenario and its importance.
• Body: Break down your analysis into clear sections. Use headings if allowed. Address risks, opportunities, and potential solutions or recommendations.
• Conclusion: Provide a succinct summary or final recommendation. Keep it practical and aligned with the client’s or firm’s priorities.

3. Prioritise Key Points​

• Time management is crucial. Skim the materials first to understand what’s relevant and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
• Use bullet points or concise paragraphs to make your analysis clear and easy to follow.

4. Demonstrate Commercial Awareness​

• Tie your recommendations to real-world implications. For example, consider risks like reputational damage, compliance issues, or client impact.
• Show an understanding of the firm’s priorities (e.g., the firm's expertise in disputes, infrastructure, or financial services).

5. Proofread​

• If time allows, review your work for grammar, clarity, and completeness before submitting. Errors can distract from your message.

Stay calm, focus on structuring your thoughts, and you’ll handle it well. Good luck—you’re more prepared than you think! 😊

 

[Mike Wazaoski]

Has anyone completed a final training contract interview at Penningtons Manches Cooper? Any insight would be appreciated. I know it includes a case study and interview

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi @Jessica Booker , can I please PM you. Basically, this is about an AC that I just got. I am based outside of the UK and the firm just got back to me saying all their assessment centers are physical.

 

[chlawstudent]

1. Understand the Objective​

• Your task will likely assess your ability to analyse information, structure your thoughts, and communicate effectively. Focus on clarity, logic, and relevance in your answers.
• Read the instructions carefully—ensure you know what’s being asked and stick to the brief.

2. Structure Your Response​

• Introduction: Summarise the key issue or problem. Show you’ve understood the scenario and its importance.
• Body: Break down your analysis into clear sections. Use headings if allowed. Address risks, opportunities, and potential solutions or recommendations.
• Conclusion: Provide a succinct summary or final recommendation. Keep it practical and aligned with the client’s or firm’s priorities.

3. Prioritise Key Points​

• Time management is crucial. Skim the materials first to understand what’s relevant and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
• Use bullet points or concise paragraphs to make your analysis clear and easy to follow.

4. Demonstrate Commercial Awareness​

• Tie your recommendations to real-world implications. For example, consider risks like reputational damage, compliance issues, or client impact.
• Show an understanding of the firm’s priorities (e.g., the firm's expertise in disputes, infrastructure, or financial services).

5. Proofread​

• If time allows, review your work for grammar, clarity, and completeness before submitting. Errors can distract from your message.

Stay calm, focus on structuring your thoughts, and you’ll handle it well. Good luck—you’re more prepared than you think! 😊

This is really helpful, thank you so much!