TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[RS Sanjanaa]

hi, does anyone know of a responsive email ID for Paul Hastings? I have been trying to contact them but no one responds.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

hi, does anyone know of a responsive email ID for Paul Hastings? I have been trying to contact them but no one responds.

They don't even bother sending rejection emails to candidates, so this doesn't surprise me...

I think perhaps you ought to try calling the switchboard (their main tel. number) and then asking for GR's number and try to get a hold of them by phone.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks for all your wisdom, Jessica. Best of luck for the future. What are you up to next?

I’ll be continuing my work in careers advice and employability, focusing on working more with employers, universities and suppliers.

I will also be supporting candidates and employers in the recruitment of “alternative” QWE opportunities that do not fit into the typical TC model/recruitment cycles.

 

[rosedunn]

Has anyone else been put on the waitlist for Baker McKenzie AC and has heard back?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hey everyone! My name is Vera, and I am Head of Product here at TCLA. We're about to run two Personal Service programmes (both starting next Monday!) that I think some of you might be interested in.

The Application Personal Service, run by my brilliant colleague @Aks.Khurana (future trainee at Latham & Watkins), is the most hands-on application support we have ever run at TCLA. You’ll work with Aks to write at least two stand-out applications to your dream law firms.

The Assessment Centre Personal Service, run by me (future trainee at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer), is a 1-to-1 practical preparation programme to become an assessment centre pro. If you have previously reached the AC stage and were unsuccessful, or are about to have a direct TC/ vacation scheme exit interview, this programme is for you.

Application Personal Service.

• Work with Aks through a 30-minute call every week for eight weeks, as we map out your application strategy, write your applications, and provide you with guidance on how to handle each part of the application process – from time management to SJTs
• Get personalised 1-2-1 feedback on your answers to your application questions each week
• Sit with Aks as we dissect what is working and what needs to be improved
• Map out your personalised application strategy, so you know exactly what to do once the cycle opens

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

• At least two applications ready to be submitted by August/September
• A strategy of exactly which applications you will send and when this application cycle
• The confidence that you will pass the application stage this year

You’ll also get:

• Access to a private WhatsApp group for ongoing questions and support
• 2 months of free access to TCLA Academy — our new flagship commercial awareness platform for commercial law training

→ View full programme
→ Sign up to Cohort 1

Assessment Centre Personal Service.

The programme extends up to four weeks, but if you have an interview coming up sooner, we will fit and adapt the programme to your deadline. You can go as far as completing all four interview sessions and three AC-style tasks in one week – the choice is yours.

Each candidate will get:

• 4 hours of 1-to-1 interviews, fully tailored to your individual situation
• A personalised improvement plan developed from a pre-programme assessment of your interview readiness
• ‘Homework’ assignment after each session, so you can keep progressing between sessions
• 3 assessment centre-style tasks to complete in your own time – client pitch presentation and research task based on the firm you have an interview with or are planning to apply to, and a written case study
• Practical guidance on how to ace each of these tasks and detailed feedback with a marking rubric on your performance
• Live strategy workshop and Q&A with the TCLA team on staying interview-ready
• Free four-week access to TCLA Academy – our flagship commercial awareness platform

→ View full programme
→ Join Cohort 2

If you're not sure which programme is right for you or just want to talk it through, please private message either me or @Aks.Khurana - we'll be happy to set up a quick 5-minute call.

Let’s make this the cycle that changes everything!

 

[ssszzg]

Any news from BCLP or Arnold & Porter?

Haven't had any news since that online assessment from BCLP!

 

[Filia]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.

Good luck in your future endeavours, Jess.

 

[BillSikes]

Any news from PMC, Orrick, Bevan Brittan or Lester Aldridge?

Nothing from PMC for me

 

[KBanana]

Does anyone happen to know how Macfarlanes divides its training contract seats? I remember from one of their presentations that the seats are split into two types (I think they were called Type A and Type B) and you have to choose two from each during the TC. If anyone knows which seats fall under which type, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

 

[MiddleEast]

Hi all. My summer VS with white & case starts next week and it includes presentation, assessment, interviews. Any insights I would truly appreciate. All the best,

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

Unless you have no desire to secure a TC with your VS firm, no, this would not be a good idea at all.

It would be better to be upfront and ask whether you could take time off to attend the other firm’s process.

But the better approach would be to ask the interviewing firm for an alternative date.

 

[trainee4u]

if you get an AC invite during one of the days of your vac scheme, is it worth calling in sick for one day to attend the AC for a final round tc? @Jessica Booker

That's fundamentally dishonest, which is a barrier to working in the law. Similar stunts have gotten people banned for life from the profession.

 

[SM2001]

Hi all, I have recently been invited to attend the Shoosmiths Assessment Centre and have never attended an AC before so I would appreciate the insight.

If possible, does anyone have any insight into the Shoosmiths AC specifically, or if anyone can offer advice generally for the following:
- Pair exercises
- Group exercises
- Presentations/client meeting
- A strengths based interview

I would also appreciate any suggested resources to help prepare. Thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

That's fundamentally dishonest, which is a barrier to working in the law. Similar stunts have gotten people banned for life from the profession.

I have never heard of a vacation scheme student being reported to the SRA for something like this. A firm would just not consider the candidate for a TC if they found out.

 

[GV]

Does anyone know when Reed Smith will start to get back to people?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Does anyone know when Reed Smith will start to get back to people?

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

 

[imperial_topaz23]

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

Amazing!! Well done - no doubt you'll ace it. 🥳 Do you mind sharing when you submitted your application?

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

Amazing!! Well done - no doubt you'll ace it. 🥳 Do you mind sharing when you submitted your application?

Thank you so much!! 😁 I submitted my application on the 22nd of May, so quite early on!

 

[amrita6399]

I got a test and VI invite from them on Friday so I think they’ve started sending them out

Congratulations 🎉

I'm still waiting to hear from RS. I wanted to know how many questions does the VI have and also, I believe the test is a SJT?

Thank you!