TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @SolicitorHopeful

I've just put together a list of recent publications/reports on law firms and their business models. This should give you some sense of the pressures/trends that are affecting law firms and their strategy.

1. Thomson Reuter's recent report on the state of the legal market (2024)
2. Thomson Reuters on law firm profitability
3. Thomson Reuters on cash flow problems in businesses, including law firms
4. A PwC report on law firms' adaptation to changes in GenAI and ESG
5. Forbes on the essential pillars for a successful law firm
6. Financial Times report on trends that are disrupting firms and their business model
7. The Law Society on Alternative Business Structures
8. The Law Society on trends affecting law firms in 2025

 

[GV]

Is Reed Smith VI competency or strength based?

 

[yk1906]

Has it happened to anyone that RS assessment link does not work?

 

[legal18]

Has it happened to anyone that RS assessment link does not work?

I copied and pasted the link into an incognito browser and it worked then!

 

[BT0901]

Any news from Slaughters? Applied on the fourth and haven't heard anything yet.

 

[Zaidoz10]

Anyone hear back from Al Tamimi?

 

[yk1906]

I copied and pasted the link into an incognito browser and it worked then!

It still doesn't work for me Will email the grad team... I hope the issue can be resolved

 

[Dogsoooo]

Anyone had anything from MacFarlanes, RPC, Arnold Porter , White & Case and Reed Smith post VI and asestment?

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone had anything from MacFarlanes, RPC, Arnold Porter , White & Case and Reed Smith post VI and asestment?

Nothing from Macfarlanes, Reed Smith, W&C. Only RS's deadline has passed though. Many have heard from RS though. But they only closed on 20/6.

 

[TortillaTC]

Nothing from Macfarlanes, Reed Smith, W&C. Only RS's deadline has passed though. Many have heard from RS though. But they only closed on 20/6.

Does RS tend to review all apps before sending out VIs or they have limited spots for VI?

 

[Maddy]

Just want to know if it was a mistake to submit my Reed Smith application on 19th if there are limited VI spots

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Hi @ReedSmithBecca just a quick one, do you consider the answers from the SJT and VI jointly? Thanks for being so active on here, it's really reassuring and nice to be able to communicate like this during the process.

No problem, I appreciate you saying that! Yes, it's a blended assessment so we consider both elements together.

 

[amrita6399]

Has it happened to anyone that RS assessment link does not work?

Yes, it happened to me. But I copied the link into an incognito window and it started working for me again.

 

[Amma Usman]

How many trainees does Reed Smith recruit?

Last I remember, about 15. Though, I’ve tagged @ReedSmithBecca to confirm this.

 

[Amma Usman]

Any news from Slaughters? Applied on the fourth and haven't heard anything yet.

I wouldn’t be worried at all if you haven’t heard back yet. There is still a lot of time left to hear back some positive news, so please stay positive on this! During this peak time, where VS’ are ongoing and grad rec are simultaneously trying to balance these with reading direct TC applications, there may be some wait. So, this depends on the volume of work the recruitment team has to do, as well as staffing numbers. I understand how stressful the wait can be though, so I really hope you can find other activities/things to do, to help you keep your mind off it.

 

[Amma Usman]

Happy Sunday everyone! Is applying to WFW still worth it considering that the deadline is in 2 days and they're rolling? I saw that some people got VI earlier in June already. (I could submit a high quality app, did multiple firm events with them and know the firm quite well, just kept postponing my app due to other firms...:/)

I always advocate for throwing the app in! You never know what could come out of it, especially as you have prior links to the firm! I know of many people who applied on the deadline ( including myself ) for opportunities, and got past through to subsequent stages/ received offers.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if the commercial exercise at Fried Frank is a group exercise?

I read that on Chamber Student, but on the email from them it just says 'commercial exercise with two associates'. Thanks!

The best source of info to confirm this is from the firm directly. So, it’s definitely worth shooting grad rec an email. Even if you see info on other websites that could answer this question, these could be outdated. It’s also worth pointing that whatever the exercise is, whether individual or group, do not worry too much. Focus on developing your own knowledge and commercial awareness and relaying these during the exercise. If it’s a group presentation though, I’d be mindful to work together as a team and make the most of learning from each others knowledge.

 

[Tintin06]

Just want to know if it was a mistake to submit my Reed Smith application on 19th if there are limited VI spots

I submitted mine soon after opening. I don't think it hugely matters. I'd focus on other apps now.

 

[TortillaTC]

I submitted mine soon after opening. I don't think it hugely matters. I'd focus on other apps now.

Any info on whether they are still sending out VIs invites?

 

[EG3]

Has anyone completed the Bevan Brittan VI yet? How was it?