TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[SLD817]

Hi everyone, I had a general question about signing a TC with a firm as an international student. Does anyone know what the general process is after accepting an offer while considering visa sponsorship or general visa queries? Thank you!

 

[Tintin06]

When Vantage doesn't save your work...

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Congratulations on your interview invite at Ashurst! From personal experience, their interview is largely motivational and competency-based, so make sure you’re ready to discuss your reasons for applying to Ashurst, your interest in their practice areas, and how your skills align with their values. Revisit your application and prepare to elaborate on any examples or experiences you’ve mentioned.

That said, Ashurst interviews often include a commercial element as well. Be prepared to discuss a recent news story or deal that interests you. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the broader commercial implications and your ability to think critically about challenges or opportunities.

Good luck—you’ve got this! 😊

hello! I have an upcoming vac scheme and would love to get any tips you may have in converting it?

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone!

It's my first time applying to Fried Frank - hoping to pass the first stage due to my academic awards and relatively substantial legal experience though I'm aware of how extremely picky they are. Can anyone with any experience or insight with the firm advise on how to answer their 3 app questions (on top of the 500 words cover letter)?

(1) Is 250-300 words per question fine?
(2) Regarding the C.A. question, would this structure work?:

i. Stating why C.A. is important in commercial law in general (perhaps with a basic definition of C.A.?)
ii. Explaining how I personally developed it (e.g. building my own business with international presence)/what I think commercial awareness is in my own experience/how it manifests
iii. Linking it back to the firm in specific ways such as trainee tasks I'd fulfil better with my C.A. or perceiving the global work they do

[The original question is: Please tell us why you believe commercial awareness is an important skill for a successful lawyer.*]

(3) I'd appreciate any other specific tip. Given the relatively little information on them and current trainees' unwillingness to help on LinkedIn, I feel a bit stuck ahaha.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi everyone, I had a general question about signing a TC with a firm as an international student. Does anyone know what the general process is after accepting an offer while considering visa sponsorship or general visa queries? Thank you!

As an international student myself, I can share some insight into the general process after accepting a TC offer. If there’s a gap before starting the SQE, you might opt for a Graduate Visa if you wish to work during that time. Keep in mind that some firms may cover the costs of this visa, but others may not, so it’s worth confirming with your firm. Alternatively, you can avoid visa applications altogether if you plan to return home during this period.

Once your SQE preparation begins, you’ll typically be on a Student Visa, or you may convert from a Graduate Visa to a Student Visa. Firms are usually very supportive and provide guidance on the process, so there’s no need to worry.

Finally, once you begin your TC, you’ll switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. This is part of a standard process, and firms that sponsor international trainees are well-versed in managing this transition, ensuring everything is in place before your start date. If you have any specific questions, your graduate recruitment contact at the firm will be your best resource. Hope this helps

 

[ZNadeem]

hello! I have an upcoming vac scheme and would love to get any tips you may have in converting it?

Congratulations on securing a vacation scheme with Ashurst! From my experience, their scheme was less formal compared to others, which is a great opportunity to immerse yourself genuinely in the experience. Since there are no assessed tasks, focus on choosing practice areas you’re truly interested in. This will help you stay motivated and allow you to get a real sense of the work and culture in those teams.

One key tip is to be proactive throughout your scheme. Arrange coffee chats with associates, trainees, and partners to build relationships and gain insights into the firm. Come prepared with thoughtful questions that show your genuine curiosity, such as asking about their career paths or advice for trainees. If you find your team quieter or slower on work, don’t hesitate to seek out tasks from other departments or get involved in pro bono projects—this shows initiative and eagerness to contribute.

Work diligently on any tasks you are given, whether from your supervisor, trainee buddy, or others in the team. Always ask questions if something is unclear to avoid mistakes, and pay close attention to detail and deadlines. Even seemingly small assignments can make a strong impression, reflecting your professionalism and reliability. Carrying a notebook can help you keep track of feedback and important points from meetings or presentations, showing you are prepared and engaged.

When tackling a task, be sure to use all available resources like the firm’s intranet, Practical Law, and LexisNexis to ensure your research is accurate and thorough. Before submitting, print out your work to catch any errors you might miss on screen, focusing on getting the basics right such as clarity, accuracy, and following instructions carefully. It’s important to adhere to the firm’s in-house style to maintain professionalism and consistency, and always proofread thoroughly to eliminate any typos or formatting issues.

Engagement in daily presentations and networking events is also essential. Participating actively and thoughtfully will demonstrate your enthusiasm and help you stand out. These sessions are great opportunities to learn more about the firm, its values, and how it operates. The more you put into the scheme, the more you’ll get out of it—both in terms of knowledge and making a positive impression. Make it a point to check in with your team at least once a day—whether by asking for new tasks or simply having a quick chat to stay engaged and show your enthusiasm. After completing each task, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback; this not only demonstrates your commitment to learning but also helps you improve and build strong relationships with your supervisors.

In your free time during the scheme, take the opportunity to learn more about the firm—how it operates, its market position, and initiatives like Ashurst Advance that contribute to its success. Familiarise yourself with key client relationships and pay close attention to the seat you’re in by understanding the work and the specific area of law. Additionally, try to get involved in extra activities outside the formal schedule, such as sports, internal events, and diversity initiatives, to show your engagement with the firm’s culture and build connections beyond your immediate team.

Finally, remember that while the scheme itself is important, Ashurst places most emphasis on the post-scheme interview. Use the scheme to gather examples of your contributions, learning experiences, and why you feel Ashurst is the right fit for you. Reflect on your time during the scheme so you can confidently discuss it in your interview. Good luck!

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi everyone!

It's my first time applying to Fried Frank - hoping to pass the first stage due to my academic awards and relatively substantial legal experience though I'm aware of how extremely picky they are. Can anyone with any experience or insight with the firm advise on how to answer their 3 app questions (on top of the 500 words cover letter)?

(1) Is 250-300 words per question fine?
(2) Regarding the C.A. question, would this structure work?:

i. Stating why C.A. is important in commercial law in general (perhaps with a basic definition of C.A.?)
ii. Explaining how I personally developed it (e.g. building my own business with international presence)/what I think commercial awareness is in my own experience/how it manifests
iii. Linking it back to the firm in specific ways such as trainee tasks I'd fulfil better with my C.A. or perceiving the global work they do

[The original question is: Please tell us why you believe commercial awareness is an important skill for a successful lawyer.*]

(3) I'd appreciate any other specific tip. Given the relatively little information on them and current trainees' unwillingness to help on LinkedIn, I feel a bit stuck ahaha.

Thanks in advance!

Hi!

Yes, 250-300 words per question is a good length to aim for. It’s enough to provide a clear, focused answer without being too brief or overly long.

For answering "Please tell us why you believe commercial awareness is an important skill for a successful lawyer", your structure is on the right track but I recommend:

• Rather than a basic definition, explain that commercial awareness means understanding the client’s business environment, industry trends, and economic factors that influence their decisions. Describe how it enables lawyers to tailor legal solutions that align with clients’ business goals, not just legal compliance, adding practical value. Also, highlight how being commercially aware builds trust, helps anticipate client needs, and supports long-term partnerships and firm growth.
• Share a real experience where your commercial awareness helped identify risks or opportunities and improved the client’s outcome.
• Link back to how your commercial awareness will help you contribute effectively specifically as a trainee at the firm.

Hope this helps

 

[ohnoselim]

are case study exercises very harsh with marking based on spelling

i already know i made a spelling error and it pains me 😐

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi!

Yes, 250-300 words per question is a good length to aim for. It’s enough to provide a clear, focused answer without being too brief or overly long.

For answering "Please tell us why you believe commercial awareness is an important skill for a successful lawyer", your structure is on the right track but I recommend:

• Rather than a basic definition, explain that commercial awareness means understanding the client’s business environment, industry trends, and economic factors that influence their decisions. Describe how it enables lawyers to tailor legal solutions that align with clients’ business goals, not just legal compliance, adding practical value. Also, highlight how being commercially aware builds trust, helps anticipate client needs, and supports long-term partnerships and firm growth.
• Share a real or hypothetical experience where your commercial awareness helped identify risks or opportunities and improved the client’s outcome.
• Link back to how your commercial awareness will help you contribute effectively specifically as a trainee at the firm.

Hope this helps

It does, thank you so much

 

[ZNadeem]

are case study exercises very harsh with marking based on spelling

i already know i made a spelling error and it pains me 😐

From what we are all told, case studies are marked quite strictly, including on spelling and grammar, as attention to detail is important. That said, from personal experience, I’ve made spelling errors in assessment centres and still passed—so don’t worry too much!

For next time, definitely try to set aside 5-10 minutes at the end to proofread your work carefully—that little extra step can make a big difference.

Don’t worry about it now—it’s done and dusted

 

[ohnoselim]

From what we are all told, case studies are marked quite strictly, including on spelling and grammar, as attention to detail is important. That said, from personal experience, I’ve made spelling errors in assessment centres and still passed—so don’t worry too much!

For next time, definitely try to set aside 5-10 minutes at the end to proofread your work carefully—that little extra step can make a big difference.

Don’t worry about it now—it’s done and dusted

Thank you so much for the kind words!

It definitely was not my best work, this cycle has been very tough

 

[ZNadeem]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

It definitely was not my best work, this cycle has been very tough

You’re very welcome! It’s completely understandable—these cycles are tough, and assessment centres rarely show us at our absolute best because of the pressure. Keep up the good work!

 

[mat123]

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone can kindly help me with the following: If I was studying independently for the SQE when I submitted a written application form for a vacation scheme/training contract (and indicated this fact on my form), but I've since made the decision to pause studying for the SQE (i.e. not take the July 2025 exam), would I need to inform the law firm about this?

 

[Tintin06]

Does Dentons typically accept career changers? Any insights into them would help. 25 TC places - should probably apply.

 

[awatling1]

I thought the same, they caught me so off-guard! Did either of you hear back x

Yes, I ended up getting an assessment centre invite I was honestly extremely shocked. It’s my first one ever though so I’m very happy

 

[trainee4u]

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone can kindly help me with the following: If I was studying independently for the SQE when I submitted a written application form for a vacation scheme/training contract (and indicated this fact on my form), but I've since made the decision to pause studying for the SQE (i.e. not take the July 2025 exam), would I need to inform the law firm about this?

it depends exactly what you wrote. In general the big no-no is failing SQE.

In addition, candidates with SQE1 are somewhat more qualified/employable than those without. However merely "studying" SQE1 doesn't mean you are going to pass it - the fail rate for SQE1 is high. Therefore I wouldn't be too concerned about correcting this as your status as someone who was independently studying is basically zero - you didn't flop out of a course, you didn't fail the exam, you just decided (for the sake of argument) not to enter for the July sitting.

Most firms are looking two years ahead so your lack/deferred SQE1 would not really be relevant. However, there are a few firms who do recruit only SQE1-qualified TCs, so if that is the case for you it's something to perhaps correct.

 

[bored7887]

Congratulations on your interview invite at Ashurst! From personal experience, their interview is largely motivational and competency-based, so make sure you’re ready to discuss your reasons for applying to Ashurst, your interest in their practice areas, and how your skills align with their values. Revisit your application and prepare to elaborate on any examples or experiences you’ve mentioned.

That said, Ashurst interviews often include a commercial element as well. Be prepared to discuss a recent news story or deal that interests you. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the broader commercial implications and your ability to think critically about challenges or opportunities.

Good luck—you’ve got this! 😊

thank you so much, super helpful!

 

[amb303]

Anyone still in limbo for Withers post test? No rejection no interview—do we think they will still send out invites later based on past cycles?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi all, hope you are well. I recently booked an assessment centre at a London law firm. I am not from the UK and will be travelling to London for the first time. Does anyone have any cheap accommodation suggestions. I am okay to commute from 30-45 minutes away into the center everyday. I plan on spending a week after the AC as well to solo travel. I did try and look all these things online but I am not really sure if I am making the right decision. Any help will be appreciated. My top priorities are cheap (but not horrible) accommodation yet safe areas. thanks.

 

[jy1041405]

I just did KN written case study and it was TOUGH. I guess it’s meant to be tough :-(

Does anyone who’s in the process know if we need a pass to do the next stage or automatic group exercise?

Thanks! x