TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[TCLA Community Assistant]

After an insanely huge turn of events, I’ve just been offered an AC slot for Shoosmiths (after initially being declined but told they were impressed and put me on the reserve list)!

The AC is scheduled for the 8th July and it has been a few years since I did my first one (which flopped), so any help and advice on how to prep and what to expect will be really appreciated. Also, any additional insight into the firm and its strengths etc that I could draw upon would be helpful.

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

Congratulations on securing the assessment centre - it just shows you that firms have reserve or waiting lists for a reason!

What assessments are you expecting? If you can provide any details, it can help us with appropriate guidance for you.

 

[FCL25]

Congratulations on securing the assessment centre - it just shows you that firms have reserve or waiting lists for a reason!

What assessments are you expecting? If you can provide any details, it can help us with appropriate guidance for you.

Thanks Jessica, the email outlines the following of what to expect on the day:

- Paired exercise and a Group exercise: Assessors will observe behaviour and interaction with a group, taking note of both verbal and non-verbal behaviour.

- Presentation: Short verbal presentation to prepare and present to an assessor. Will be able to use AI to help prepare my presentation. Topic to be assigned on the day.

- Interview: Structured around a set of strengths-based questions.

- The day will also include informal networking events before and after the assessed activities.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to clearly express an interest in a firm with a bigger intake. I know that i like it because of the diversity of the people and interacting with more personalities but is thzt going to sound convincing enough. Most of my past work experiences (non legal and legal) havz been in quite small-knit teams and im not sure how make it sound legit that i want a bigger intake?

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to clearly express an interest in a firm with a bigger intake. I know that i like it because of the diversity of the people and interacting with more personalities but is thzt going to sound convincing enough. Most of my past work experiences (non legal and legal) havz been in quite small-knit teams and im not sure how make it sound legit that i want a bigger intake?

For reference, i mean talking about it in an interview at an AC, not an application

 

[Amma Usman]

I have a group task at an AC which revolves around M&A/company integration and I'd love if someone could explain how to prepare and what are some things I should be aware of because I find it genuinely so hard to wrap my head around that side of law. Would appreciate any help from @Andrei Radu / @Amma Usman !!!

Congrats on the AC! Nothing to add to the team’s wonderful responses on this, but here are two more sources in the form of case studies which should also aid in your prep:

Mock M&A Case Study: Analysis

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a fantastic day. We’re entering the season of assessment centres (ACs) at law firms, and a hot topic for many of these ACs is Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)! So, in this thread, I’ll be guiding you through a short fictitious M&A case study and highlighting...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies! *Monday Article Series*

Hi all, please see below the third of my Monday Article Series! This week is my definitive guide to case studies. It's a long one - you might want to go get a coffee and settle in! Introduction This week’s Monday Article will cover how to approach law firm case studies, one of the most...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Best of luck! We know you’ll do wonderful, and do let us know if you’ve got any more questions.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

For the work experience section for Reed Smith, do they prefer prose or are bullet points okay? Also, should I just state my responsibilities or mention the skills I gained which are relevant to those of a solicitor? I know every firm has different preferences so just checking.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to clearly express an interest in a firm with a bigger intake. I know that i like it because of the diversity of the people and interacting with more personalities but is thzt going to sound convincing enough. Most of my past work experiences (non legal and legal) havz been in quite small-knit teams and im not sure how make it sound legit that i want a bigger intake?

Hi,

This is a great question, and here’s one way to look at it:

You could frame a larger intake as a signal of a firm’s direction: not just growing in size, but scaling with precision. It reflects a steady pipeline of high-value work, confidence in the firm’s infrastructure to support and develop talent, and a forward-facing strategy that doesn’t just meet market demand, but anticipates it.

Another thing is that what may initially appear as a “large” cohort, when viewed in isolation, may actually sit within the context of a firm that’s consistently expanding. So yes, the intake is sizeable - but for good reason. It’s proportionate to the firm’s ambition, deal volume, and continued investment in its people. That, in itself, can be a strong point of attraction which you could argue.

 

[Amma Usman]

For the work experience section for Reed Smith, do they prefer prose or are bullet points okay? Also, should I just state my responsibilities or mention the skills I gained which are relevant to those of a solicitor? I know every firm has different preferences so just checking.

Hiya @LawInTheNorth , I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca as I’m sure she’ll have more thoughts on this.

Best of luck with the app!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello @ReedSmithBecca,
I was wondering whether the DTC application process will be the same as for the VS and if not, could you outline what the process will be? Many thanks!

Hi there @Raspberry44,

I have quoted a few posts by @ReedSmithBecca which should cover the answers to these questions. Do let us know if you have any more questions at all, and we’ll be more than happy to help out. Best of luck with the app!

No, as the initial application process is the same, candidates can only apply to one early careers role each academic year. This doesn't include Open Days but would include the VS, sorry.

No, as outlined on the application form, candidates can only apply to one Early Careers role per cycle. This is because the initial application stages (including VI) are exactly the same process and marked on the same criteria. I appreciate that you may have decided to apply to the TC vs the Vac Scheme if it had been an option at the time, but the outcome would have been the same since it is exactly the same application process. It's a positive development that we've been able to open this additional route in response to business needs, but we need to ensure it's a fair process and so can't allow previous candidates to apply again in the same academic year.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Hi,

This is a great question, and here’s one way to look at it:

You could frame a larger intake as a signal of a firm’s direction: not just growing in size, but scaling with precision. It reflects a steady pipeline of high-value work, confidence in the firm’s infrastructure to support and develop talent, and a forward-facing strategy that doesn’t just meet market demand, but anticipates it.

Another thing is that what may initially appear as a “large” cohort, when viewed in isolation, may actually sit within the context of a firm that’s consistently expanding. So yes, the intake is sizeable - but for good reason. It’s proportionate to the firm’s ambition, deal volume, and continued investment in its people. That, in itself, can be a strong point of attraction which you could argue.

If i talked out what you mentioned as the answer "why a larger intake" from a more technical perspective, would it then be okay to say how that it also aligns with me by talking about a customer service role i have (hospitality) where i work in slightly larger teams (25ish) with quite a diverse set of people (different nationalities, ages, etc.)?

 

[LawInTheNorth]

Hiya @LawInTheNorth , I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca as I’m sure she’ll have more thoughts on this.

Best of luck with the app!

Thank you! 😄

 

[yk123489]

Thank you, I totally agree with your reasoning personally, just want to be sure I do not mess up. I have sent them an enquiry just in case - will get back once they reply

FYI for those applying to Slaughter, this is the email they sent: "Yes, please include all of your modules on your application form, as well as your GCSE and A-Level equivalent results. However, there is a designated section of the application form for these results, so you do not need to include this in your CV, you can simply provide the grades in the application form."

 

[Tintin06]

Does anyone else think that the AllAboutLaw WG practice test is really really bad?

For WG, this is pretty helpful: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Critical-Thinking-Tests-Understanding-Testing/dp/1911259377.

How 2 Become Critical Thinking book. Helped me pass two Watson Glasers. Clifford Chance and Hogan Lovells’ WGs.

 

[Amma Usman]

If i talked out what you mentioned as the answer "why a larger intake" from a more technical perspective, would it then be okay to say how that it also aligns with me by talking about a customer service role i have (hospitality) where i work in slightly larger teams (25ish) with quite a diverse set of people (different nationalities, ages, etc.)?

Yep! That sounds like a solid approach. Your answer will always be taken up to level 2 when you bring in your own experiences to back up points such as those which I had mentioned. It helps move the answer from more theoretical and factual, to substantive and technical. You’re gonna nail it, I trust you! You are already on the right track with your thinking.

 

[EG3]

Anyone hear back from Bevan Brittan? They said it’d be by 30/05. Another PFO for the list perhaps😂

 

[BillSikes]

Why do BCLP do 500 word questions

 

[TortillaTC]

Omg BCLP closed at noon, could have sworn it was midnight didn't get my application in, I was still double-checking for the 100th time to make sure it's spotless. Well there's a week of work wasted... ALWAYS check the deadline guys!!

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Does anyone know the Reed Smith questions and Michelmore questions please. Want to get it done before filling in the rest of the form.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to clearly express an interest in a firm with a bigger intake. I know that i like it because of the diversity of the people and interacting with more personalities but is thzt going to sound convincing enough. Most of my past work experiences (non legal and legal) havz been in quite small-knit teams and im not sure how make it sound legit that i want a bigger intake?

Hiya @AnAnonymousDuck

Just wanted to add to the great points raised by @Amma Usman. I think it's perfectly okay to discuss the diversity of large trainee cohorts as a pull fact, but as Amma noted you'll want to ensure that the point is made in a way that's convincing. Specifically, you'll really want to focus on what it is about the possibility of such diversity and varied personalities that is interesting to you. You can take a number of different angles here. For instance:

1. Learning from peers: You could say that a larger intake means you’ll be surrounded by a wide range of peers with diverse backgrounds and that such variety can enrich your own learning - not just through formal training, but through informal conversations and collaboration, especially with trainees who've come to the firm from a number of different countries and regions. You can make the point more convincing by tying it to the diversity of thought and background, saying something like: “In my previous roles, I have really appreciated learning from people with different stories, cultural perspectives, or problem-solving approaches. A bigger intake makes that more likely, and I am confident that such diversity will sharpen my own thinking and working style.”
   
   
2. Mutual support and more connections/reduced isolation: A bigger intake often means you’ll have a network of people going through similar challenges as you. If you've previously been in small teams where that kind of peer support wasn't available, you can explain how you're looking forward to experiencing that dynamic. Firms know that the transition to trainee life can be tough. By framing the point in terms of your your motivation to develop more connections, you can signal that you're being proactive and trying to focus on how to navigate a very formative part of your professional development.
   
   
3. Your interpersonal style: You can also mention that you generally thrive when exposed to different working styles or perspectives and are energised by the chance to connect with people from different departments or regions. Firms want team players who will integrate well, and if you’re someone who enjoys building relationships across the business, this signals that you’re likely to adapt and contribute both socially and professionally.

Hope this helps with your answer! Happy to answer any additional questions you might have!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

After an insanely huge turn of events, I’ve just been offered an AC slot for Shoosmiths (after initially being declined but told they were impressed and put me on the reserve list)!

The AC is scheduled for the 8th July and it has been a few years since I did my first one (which flopped), so any help and advice on how to prep and what to expect will be really appreciated. Also, any additional insight into the firm and its strengths etc that I could draw upon would be helpful.

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

Hiya @FCL25

That’s amazing! Massive congratulations. If you’re happy to share a bit more about what components the AC involves (e.g. written task, group exercise, interview, case study etc.), I’d be very happy to suggest some more tailored suggestions and help you break things down. In the meantime, I wanted to give you some updated info about Shoosmiths that might be useful when thinking about why the firm appeals and how it’s positioning itself in the market.

Having taken a cursory search online, it seems the firm has been growing steadily both financially and in terms of talent. The firm's most recent financial indicators suggest strong performance. In 2023/24, the firm passed the £200m turnover mark, rising to £207m. Net profit also rose by nearly 9%, and profit per equity partner jumped to £781k (a 15% increase).

As for headcount, earlier this year it made some quite bold lateral hires, including a six-person IP team to its London office from Locke Lord. It also brought in senior fee earners such as Kurt Ma and Kate Brimsted from BCLP in data privacy and employment, strengthening its specialist offerings in this area.

What’s especially useful to know for your AC is that Shoosmiths has refined its focus around three core practice areas: corporate, real estate, and litigation. These areas are seen as the firm’s heritage and future, and so the firm sold its private client practice to Rothley Law last year. Some of the pieces I've seen in The Lawyer suggest that, under CEO David Jackson, the firm is trying to position itself against firms like Addleshaw Goddard, Pinsent Masons, and Eversheds.

Let me know the structure of the AC when you can, and I’ll be more than happy to help you prep for each part.