TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[B101]

Does anyone know where to find a comprehensive insight into firm deals. I find that information on the firms page is very brief and surface level, especially to use in an interview.

 

[Tintin06]

Does anyone know where to find a comprehensive insight into firm deals. I find that information on the firms page is very brief and surface level, especially to use in an interview.

The Lawyer is decent for headlines. Then other sites for the info. Just put the headlines into Google.

 

[BillSikes]

Hi all,

Has anybody had any movement from Shoosmiths today? I've not heard anything and there's an hour to go.

No. This is not a surprise unfortunately

 

[BillSikes]

Shoosmiths rejection just come through!

 

[SamiyaJ]

I am currently 39,000 feet up in the sky and just received 1st stage interview invite with Farrer & Co!! My first ever one!! I’m so happy 😭😭😭

If anyone has done it before or can share any tips then please do message me! I need all the help I can get lmao. I think it also involves doing an attendance note? I’ve never done one before.

Thank you so much in advance 🫶🏾

 

[tiredlaw]

Has anyone heard from PMC?

 

[FCL25]

Shoosmiths PFO! However, this time with the following interesting caveat which I’m not so sure what to think of:

“However, we were impressed with your application, and you did score highly, so you have been placed on our reserve list. This means in the event that someone declines their place on the assessment day, you may be invited at relatively short notice to an assessment day in our Leeds office on Tuesday 8th July.”

Has anyone else received a PFO like this? I’m assuming it’s very unlikely someone declines their place since it’s only so few people who make it to that point 😂 the annoying thing is the lack of certainty…

 

[farrow]

Yeah Shoosmiths said no thank you. Not sad about it though, don’t think it was a good culture fit.

 

[traineewannabe]

Has anyone heard from Winckworth today?

 

[Pinkie456]

Shoosmiths rejection just come through!

Same here.

 

[shays]

anyone still waiting to hear back from Ashurst?

 

[sunshine101]

anyone still waiting to hear back from Ashurst?

Meeee - I applied on the day before the deadline

 

[Tintin06]

anyone still waiting to hear back from Ashurst?

Expecting a rejection to be honest. Lots have already heard back positively. Still waiting for other firms, however:

Fried Frank
Macfarlanes
Paul Hastings
Stephenson Harwood
Sullivan & Cromwell
White & Case

 

[emay7]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from PMC?

If this is for the DTC - last year, apparently they only got back to people in June, so it looks like we may have a little while to wait before hearing back from them.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Shoosmiths PFO! However, this time with the following interesting caveat which I’m not so sure what to think of:

“However, we were impressed with your application, and you did score highly, so you have been placed on our reserve list. This means in the event that someone declines their place on the assessment day, you may be invited at relatively short notice to an assessment day in our Leeds office on Tuesday 8th July.”

Has anyone else received a PFO like this? I’m assuming it’s very unlikely someone declines their place since it’s only so few people who make it to that point 😂 the annoying thing is the lack of certainty…

I wouldn’t say it’s very unlikely that a space would not be taken up. You would be surprised how many people withdraw from recruitment processes, change their mind or are just generally not available on the dates the firm is going to run assessment centres on.

 

[Tintin06]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

HSF and NRF spring to mind. I'd say it depends on departments.

But there are parallels with HSF. Strong projects and disputes practice groups. Both merged with Australian firms too.

Ashurst is broadly considered silver circle. Silver circle firms are compared here.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

The main competitors would depend on the practice area in question, but firms like HSF and Linklaters are strong contenders due to overlaps in corporate, finance, and dispute resolution work. Other competitors could include Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy, particularly in areas like banking and energy. Firms like Norton Rose Fulbright or Hogan Lovells might also come to mind for energy and infrastructure-related work, given Ashurst's strength in these sectors.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Have people heard from Mayer Brown post job sim?

 

[SLD817]

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

Hi, thank you so much, this was very helpful!