TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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

 

[zonnonomo]

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

i know right i felt like there was just too much information & not enough time

group exercise is the next stage and not automatic unfortunately

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

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.

Travelodges near major train stations in zones 3 or 4 are your best bet. Look at places like Wimbledon, East Croydon, Dagenham.

Wimbledon/Kingston upon Thames are probably seen as the safest areas. Wimbledon would be very easy as there are trains to Waterloo that only take 15 minutes or so and you can get the District line on the tube too.

 

[Raspberry44]

Who is still waiting to hear back from BM following VI?

I heard back, got pfo :/ Heard back on Friday and submitted VI on Sunday.

 

[K87]

Hi all,

I have looked at the very helpful Definitive Guide to Law Case Studies and the 2 Case Study examples on TCLA.

I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find more written practice Case Studies? I am currently struggling with them and would really appreciate any recommendations.

Thank you!

 

[trainee4u]

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.

you can get a travelodge for around £50/night. a hostel is around £25-£30, but that will be a shared room so isn't recommended. premier inn is likely to be more expensive but is worth checking

if you are going to be in London long-term you should buy an Oyster card and a 16-25 railcard (assuming you are of the appropriate age). You need to ask at an Underground or Elizabeth line station for them to load the discount on to the Oyster card (1/3 off fares, not applicable before 09:30 or 4pm till 7pm going home, so potentially not very useful during your VS but still worth doing for long-term savings).

It's cheaper to use Elizabeth Line than other rail (non-underground services) (assuming in both cases you stay within London).

E.g., Romford is zone 6 and is £5.80 peak, £3.80 off-peak into London including Underground, whereas for East Croydon (Zone 5) it's £8.80 or £6.30 to an Underground station (it's £1.90 cheaper if you don't use the Underground); it's £300 for 6 nights in Romford Travelodge and £373 for 6 nights in East Croydon Travelodge. So e.g., Croydon £16.30/day (cap within London), Romford £11.60/day, something in zone 2 £7/day, all at peak times.

It depends where you are working - if you are in the City (i.e. around Moorgate/Liverpool Street/Bank), then going east is likely to be quicker than other parts of London for the money. However, if you're in the West End then this is not applicable. Also it's worth checking walking distance to train/underground stations. If you're staying in South London then there's often no underground, so you should check train frequencies, as they can be infrequent; however, it's more pleasant to take a train the underground, and if you happen to be working, say, near City Thameslink, then getting one train into there would be preferably to having to use the underground (although as above, it's likely slightly more expensive)

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

t

you can get a travelodge for around £50/night. a hostel is around £25-£30, but that will be a shared room so isn't recommended. premier inn is likely to be more expensive but is worth checking

if you are going to be in London long-term you should buy an Oyster card and a 16-25 railcard (assuming you are of the appropriate age). You need to ask at an Underground or Elizabeth line station for them to load the discount on to the Oyster card (1/3 off fares, not applicable before 09:30 or 4pm till 7pm going home, so potentially not very useful during your VS but still worth doing for long-term savings).

It's cheaper to use Elizabeth Line than other rail (non-underground services) (assuming in both cases you stay within London).

E.g., Romford is zone 6 and is £5.80 peak, £3.80 off-peak into London including Underground, whereas for East Croydon (Zone 5) it's £8.80 or £6.30 to an Underground station (it's £1.90 cheaper if you don't use the Underground); it's £300 for 6 nights in Romford Travelodge and £373 for 6 nights in East Croydon Travelodge. So e.g., Croydon £16.30/day (cap within London), Romford £11.60/day, something in zone 2 £7/day, all at peak times.

It depends where you are working - if you are in the City (i.e. around Moorgate/Liverpool Street/Bank), then going east is likely to be quicker than other parts of London for the money. However, if you're in the West End then this is not applicable. Also it's worth checking walking distance to train/underground stations. If you're staying in South London then there's often no underground, so you should check train frequencies, as they can be infrequent; however, it's more pleasant to take a train the underground, and if you happen to be working, say, near City Thameslink, then getting one train into there would be preferably to having to use the underground (although as above, it's likely slightly more expensive)

this is so helpful honestly. can i please pm you for more questions? dont want to spam here.