TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I just looked at the VS offer, and there is no terms that stop me! However the firm that offered me the TC, said that they will send documentation out this week, and that I will have a week to fill it out. My VS starts on 16th of June, so will likely get sent out before.

In terms of both firms, they’re pretty much equally the same. I am slightly leaning towards firm that I have VS with, but also really really like the firm I have a TC at.

Wait until you get the TC paperwork and then work out what you want to do.

You could probably draw out the signing of the TC paperwork by a week or so and potentially start your VS even if there is a term in your TC offer by signing the offer after you have started the VS.

 

[Kodak123]

Wait until you get the TC paperwork and then work out what you want to do.

You could probably draw out the signing of the TC paperwork by a week or so and potentially start your VS even if there is a term in your TC offer by signing the offer after you have started the VS.

Thank you so much!

 

[GV]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith TC applications are rolling?

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if Reed Smith TC applications are rolling?

Hi there,

Per these two links, yes, the firm recruits on a rolling basis:

1. https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs

2. https://apply.candidats.io/ea7397d0-f35e-43d5-b021-d69a98f6d211

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thanks for this Ram!

Just a quick question, how would you structure a 'tell me about yourself' question?

Is this better used as an opportunity to go through your background/previous experiences (like going through your CV), or more so linking it to why law/why commercial law (or even why X firm?)

I was going to go with the former approach because I don't want to assume and skip ahead to the important 'why law/why firm' questions, but I'm also afraid that this would be a missed opportunity in case they end up not asking those questions, if that makes sense. Any advice?

Hiya @legallybrunette8

I'd think of this question as a way to give your interviewer a quick snapshot of who you are (so not just what’s on your CV). It’s a great chance to talk through your background, blending a bit of personal and academic backgrounds. You can also mention a few interests/hobbies to help build a bit of rapport with your interviewers. I generally try to keep my answer to these questions more natural and conversational in tone, and typically aim for my answer to be around 1-2 minutes.

In terms of the points I mentioned, I would normally focus on the following:

• Where you’re originally from
• Your studies and any relevant highlight
• A short mention of recent work or even volunteering
• One or two personal interests that help round you out

Whenever I was asked this question, I’d usually say I grew up near Toronto and spent time living in Montreal and Chicago before moving to London. I explained that I transitioned into law after relocating here, studying here, and then worked in legal research and volunteered at a few advice clinics. I’d usually wrap it up by sharing that I’m a big fan of travel (I’ve backpacked across 30+ countries), love art history, and enjoy long hikes. It gave the interview a warm start and helped the conversation flow more easily.

Hope that’s helpful! Good luck with your interview!

 

[imperial_topaz23]

Hi folks! Has anyone heard back from Orrick yet?

 

[amrita6399]

Has anyone sent in their application for Reed Smith's Direct Training Contract and heard anything from them?
Also, is this the first time that RS has opened a Direct TC route?

 

[Chris Brown]

Fried Frank interview invite post WG! 😅​

 

[TortillaTC]

Has anyone sent in their application for Reed Smith's Direct Training Contract and heard anything from them?
Also, is this the first time that RS has opened a Direct TC route?

What have people heard back from Reed Smith? Are they likely to progress applicants well ahead of the deadline?

 

[Waystar_Royc0]

Hi! Has anyone had problems to submit their Haynes Boone application?

 

[amrita6399]

What have people heard back from Reed Smith? Are they likely to progress applicants well ahead of the deadline?

I read on their website that they recruit on a rolling basis and Candidates will be assessed and may be moved on to our online assessment stage and invited to an Assessment Centre whilst applications are still being accepted.
Link: https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs

 

[lapapapapo]

Fried Frank interview invite post WG! 😅​

Congratulations mate! Can anyone confirm if we didn't receive an invite its an FF rejection? Thanks.

 

[Tintin06]

Has anyone sent in their application for Reed Smith's Direct Training Contract and heard anything from them?
Also, is this the first time that RS has opened a Direct TC route?

Nothing yet and yes it is. They only opened two weeks ago. Most apps will go in later. Interested to see how many though. Since it’s their first direct TC. I’m hoping for less competition honestly!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker, if you don't mind me piggybacking off from this enquiry. I am in a similar situation. Both of my offers (TC and VS) do not have terms that prohibit me from doing the VS. I very much would prefer the firm I am doing the VS with, and it is financially difficult to drop out since they have sponsored a lot of my costs already. I do not think I will be financially tied to the firm that offered me the TC, since I have completed my SQE.

The acceptance deadline is this Friday, and my VS starts two weeks later. I don't think there is any way I could drag my deadline out. Could I accept the TC, do the VS, and renege on the TC if I get a return offer from the VS? Is this standard practice and acceptable (e.g., no SRA code of conduct issues)? I can't help but feel really anxious about this.

Many thanks in advance!

If there are no terms in either offer, then yes, you can.

The SRA has no code of conduct concerning this.

 

[yk123489]

Hi!

While I'm finishing up applications to a few remaining firms, I’d love to make good use of the summertime to strengthen my finance knowledge. I'm really interested in transactional law, and while I feel quite confident with M&A contracts, I’d like to deepen my understanding of basic finance concepts to better grasp the commercial side of deals.

Does anyone have a book (or two) they’d recommend for building a solid foundation in finance, ideally something approachable for someone with a legal background?

Thanks a lot

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi!

While I'm finishing up applications to a few remaining firms, I’d love to make good use of the summertime to strengthen my finance knowledge. I'm really interested in transactional law, and while I feel quite confident with M&A contracts, I’d like to deepen my understanding of basic finance concepts to better grasp the commercial side of deals.

Does anyone have a book (or two) they’d recommend for building a solid foundation in finance, ideally something approachable for someone with a legal background?

Thanks a lot

Hi @yk123489 I would recommend the TCLA book for Finance (which you can find here) and the associated finance and capital markets course (which you can access here).

 

[sameers1603]

Fried Frank interview invite post WG! 😅​

What a turnaround! Will your interview be on the 10th?

 

[yuk0n]

Interviews take place between the 10th and 23rd of June. Mine won’t be on the 10th, that’s way too soon for me lmao. I think a few people heard from Fried Frank today post WG. 🙂

To my knowledge, they are inviting 35 people to the first stage interview. I suspect there were around 700 applicants, 70 got a WG invite and the top scoring 35 got invited to interview. 🥲​

Out of curiosity, how do you know about the 70 people getting a WG/top scoring 35 getting an interview?

 

[legal18]

Out of curiosity, how do you know about the 70 people getting a WG/top scoring 35 getting an interview?

I think they were just speculating with the numbers 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

[yuk0n]

I think they were just speculating with the numbers 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ohh fair enough, just wondering haha.