TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[TortillaTC]

Hi everyone, what’s the best practice on paralegal applications submitted via online forms - is it recommended to attach a cover letter too if it’s optional or just a cv can suffice? Many firms require a cv but leave a separate box for cover letters too. I want to submit quality applications but I find it very time-consuming to write whole letters per firm just for a paralegal job on top of TC apps😭

 

[mcqueens]

hi, has anyone applied to the TLT DTC or have any insight into the process? I know they also had vac schemes so not sure if theyre really even recruiting for the direct route.

 

[James Wakefield]

Fried Frank Interview! 😅

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone, what’s the best practice on paralegal applications submitted via online forms - is it recommended to attach a cover letter too if it’s optional or just a cv can suffice? Many firms require a cv but leave a separate box for cover letters too. I want to submit quality applications but I find it very time-consuming to write whole letters per firm just for a paralegal job on top of TC apps😭

If you have a strong profile that aligns with the job (e.g. you have strong Real Estate experience and you are applying for a Real Estate paralegal role), you can probably afford to aim off on the cover letters as your CV will do the heavy lifting.

However, if you have no experience or alignment with the department/area of law then a cover letter would be useful.

I would be selective and draft cover letters for the opportunities you are most interested in - prioritise them and put effort into them. For those that are less of a priority, maybe spend less time on your cover letters or don't submit one at all.

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

Does anyone know what is meant by 'commercial exercise with two associates' for the Fried Frank 1st stage interview?

 

[Tintin06]

Does anyone know what is meant by 'commercial exercise with two associates' for the Fried Frank 1st stage interview?

Typically they are M&A exercises, IIRC. I'd suggest Chris Stoakes' 'Commercial Awareness'. That book helped me no end. Lots of guidance on YouTube too. Idin's channel is very helpful here. Getting their interview is very impressive.

 

[B101]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst post-first stage interview?

 

[yuk0n]

Fried Frank Interview! 😅

Does anyone know what is meant by 'commercial exercise with two associates' for the Fried Frank 1st stage interview?

Do you guys mind me asking if you heard back today or yesterday? Just wondering if I'm screwed haha😅

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

Typically they are M&A exercises, IIRC. I'd suggest Chris Stoakes' 'Commercial Awareness'. That book helped me no end. Lots of guidance on YouTube too. Idin's channel is very helpful here. Getting their interview is very impressive.

Great, will look into those - thank you so so much!!

 

[LoveAspireLAW]

Do you guys mind me asking if you heard back today or yesterday? Just wondering if I'm screwed haha😅

heard back yesterday but saw some heard back today too!

 

[James Wakefield]

heard back yesterday but saw some heard back today too!

I heard today! About 10am this morning.

 

[Tintin06]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

 

[Bread]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?

 

[Tintin06]

Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?

I've fixed this more recently, yes.

Not motivated for VS apps, honestly. So probably didn't check those much.

The TC apps had more checking. All apps went through Grammarly, IIRC.

 

[James Wakefield]

I've fixed this more recently, yes.

Not motivated for VS apps, honestly. So probably didn't check those much.

The TC apps had more checking. All apps went through Grammarly, IIRC.

I know its expensive, but have you considered getting your applications read by the admins on here and getting feedback?

 

[Tintin06]

I know its expensive, but have you considered getting your applications read by the admins on here and getting feedback?

Getting them read by others yes.

 

[Chris Brown]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​

 

[Tintin06]

Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​

For TCs yes that’s been happening. Ideal approach is open day first. However, that isn’t always an option. Scatter gun approach worked last year. Honestly wish it was like UCAS. If only five applications was enough.

 

[trainee4u]

All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.

Do you mean 40 apps this year? Or 40 apps total since 2017?
If it's 40 apps total, it seems you should expand your circle, as it looks like you're applying only to magic circle and US firms, whereas perhaps it would be better to qualify somewhere slightly less prestigious and you can always move post-Q.
I have made 100+ apps this year, I don't yet have a TC, but I can see that my employability is better at less prestigious firms, and perhaps whatever is causing you to fall at the final hurdle for these global elite firms would be non-fatal at lower ranking firms.

 

[Tintin06]

Do you mean 40 apps this year? Or 40 apps total since 2017?
If it's 40 apps total, it seems you should expand your circle, as it looks like you're applying only to magic circle and US firms, whereas perhaps it would be better to qualify somewhere slightly less prestigious and you can always move post-Q.
I have made 100+ apps this year, I don't yet have a TC, but I can see that my employability is better at less prestigious firms, and perhaps whatever is causing you to fall at the final hurdle for these global elite firms would be non-fatal at lower ranking firms.

40 apps for this application cycle. 100+ apps is seriously impressive though.