TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I presume different companies may have different ways of grading these, perhaps through a metric or a numerical scale, though this may not be disclosed to applicants. In my personal opinion though, I can imagine how difficult it will be to precisely mark something like a recorded written statement by an individual, in which case I presume everything will just be looked at holistically.

Just to add to Amma's response - I recently made it in an another civil service interview. They were assessing candidates on three behaviours, and for each behaviour, they put a score for my responses. All my scores are 4 or above. But I would think they add the scores up rather than setting a pass mark for each behaviour - to me it makes more sense!

1. Not demonstrated
2. Minimal demonstration
3. Moderate demonstration
4. Acceptable demonstration
5. Good demonstration
6. Strong demonstration
7. Outstanding demonstration

Also I just did my GLP interview! How did you (ssszzg & Aspiringsolicitor01) feel about the Motivation question, and Q2 which is not directly asking you on the behvaiours? Feel like I didn't manage my time too well on the Motivation Q and Q2 I didn't target my responses to the behvaiours - it's so hard to think my responses in that way immediately! Feel like I did well in the last 2 though, this is what I expected.

 

[TortillaTC]

Sorry I dont have any previous experience with the firm but just wondering if you received a first-stage interview invite?

Heyy, no I haven't, I'm about to submit my application - just wanted to cross-check one last time. I believe they get back to applicants post deadline since it's non-rolling

 

[Maja Natalia Koscicka]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has heard anything from BCLP following the STJ? I'm also waiting on Haynes Boone but I saw that apparently their interviews are starting on the 1st of July so I'm assuming its a PFO.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Just to add to Amma's response - I recently made it in an another civil service interview. They were assessing candidates on three behaviours, and for each behaviour, they put a score for my responses. All my scores are 4 or above. But I would think they add the scores up rather than setting a pass mark for each behaviour - to me it makes more sense!

1. Not demonstrated
2. Minimal demonstration
3. Moderate demonstration
4. Acceptable demonstration
5. Good demonstration
6. Strong demonstration
7. Outstanding demonstration

Also I just did my GLP interview! How did you (ssszzg & Aspiringsolicitor01) feel about the Motivation question, and Q2 which is not directly asking you on the behvaiours? Feel like I didn't manage my time too well on the Motivation Q and Q2 I didn't target my responses to the behvaiours - it's so hard to think my responses in that way immediately! Feel like I did well in the last 2 though, this is what I expected.

yeah I found q2 the most difficult and it was the one I messed up because I didn’t/couldn’t prepare for it. I rambled on about similar/same pointe and got cut off at the end 🫤

I felt like the other questions went well, and the 1st motivation question I had effectively pre prepared. Still, I had to ignore the tips/hints on structure as they would potentially break up my STAR structure and rhythm. I assume they’re only hints and our mark won’t be affected if our own structure gets across the points well enough?

 

[EG3]

Anyone heard from Bevan Brittan post-VI?

 

[Legallywhatever]

Has anyone heard from Burges Salmon DTC post app? Their deadline was only on 20th so just wondering if anyone knows when we can expect to hear back?

 

[legallady123]

Morgan Lewis DTC telephone interview! Any tips welcome 🙏🏻

 

[EG3]

I saw someone post a really useful guide to WG tests but I can't find it now

If anyone knows what I'm on about and could attach the reply that'd be fab - or any other guidance

 

[EG3]

Morgan Lewis DTC telephone interview! Any tips welcome 🙏🏻

In my experience, preparing for it fairly similarly to a VI helps - tips here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

Generally goes over and builds on your application, get an insight to you as a person etc.

I generally prepare for the common VI questions (which that link shows). Obviously its a telephone interview so you may as well have some bullet points jotted down that you can quickly skim read for prompts if you get stuck

Someone can probably give better advice than that but might be useful haha

 

[legallady123]

In my experience, preparing for it fairly similarly to a VI helps - tips here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

Generally goes over and builds on your application, get an insight to you as a person etc.

I generally prepare for the common VI questions (which that link shows). Obviously its a telephone interview so you may as well have some bullet points jotted down that you can quickly skim read for prompts if you get stuck

Someone can probably give better advice than that but might be useful haha

Thank you so much 🙏🏻😊

I’m unsure if this is the one you meant but someone shared this on the forum the other day https://www.how2become.com/critical-thinking-tests/

 

[EG3]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻😊

I’m unsure if this is the one you meant but someone shared this on the forum the other day https://www.how2become.com/critical-thinking-tests/

I managed to find that one but thank you! I think it was a reply someone had typed out. Or maybe I'm making it up bc these applications are getting to my head 😂

 

[EG3]

I saw someone post a really useful guide to WG tests but I can't find it now

If anyone knows what I'm on about and could attach the reply that'd be fab - or any other guidance

Found this in another forum, which is basically what I was after.

Attached below if anyone else is interested

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

yeah I found q2 the most difficult and it was the one I messed up because I didn’t/couldn’t prepare for it. I rambled on about similar/same pointe and got cut off at the end 🫤

I felt like the other questions went well, and the 1st motivation question I had effectively pre prepared. Still, I had to ignore the tips/hints on structure as they would potentially break up my STAR structure and rhythm. I assume they’re only hints and our mark won’t be affected if our own structure gets across the points well enough?

Not sure about this, because criteria for Motivation less clearly explained in the Personal Specification, I tried to include the tips coz I think they would want us to include. But didn't complete my answers quite well.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Found this in another forum, which is basically what I was after.

Attached below if anyone else is interested

Found her video and document quite helpful! I made my notes by building on hers.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi everyone, I’m drafting my response to this Devonshires Direct TC question and would really appreciate some insights:

“Which areas of law interest you the most and why? Which areas do you find the least appealing and why? Please provide two examples for each question.”

I don’t really struggle to talk about the areas I am interested in, but I’m less sure how to handle the “least appealing” part without sounding negative. In particular:

• What are employers looking for when they ask “least appealing”? Self‑awareness, Strengths, or are they truly looking at what your interests lie?
• How can I turn a “dislike” into a positive story that showcases my strengths, competencies and openness to varied work?
• What would you think about mentioning practice areas that Devonshires practise in?

For example, I’m considering:

Corporate law

• I find the repetitive review of lengthy financial documents, reading technical financial & corporate information every day, and unpredictable long‑hour deadlines less engaging.
• This view was formed after my paralegal experience in investment funds, and hearing my friends’ high stress at work in Corporate. Although I’m comfortable with complex documentation, I found the nature of the work quite dry and lacking a lot of opportunities to communicate with a range of clients—it often felt limited to email and phone contact.
• I’m mindful that Devonshires are Band 1 for social housing finance—one of their corporate sub-areas, so I’m not sure if I should mention Corporate.
• I’ve thought about whether to mention my funds experience directly, since Devonshires don’t practise in that area—though they do have a financial regulation team. Think it would be better?

Residential conveyancing

• Having completed SQE1, I found it less appealing because it feels highly standardised and repetitive. I prefer roles with broader impact and creative problem‑solving opportunities. I worry it wouldn’t give me the level of creative problem‑solving or broad strategic impact I’ve enjoyed in other areas.
• Devonshires do residential conveyancing but it’s not ranked.

Any tips appreciated? Also worried that my answers on less appealing areas could sound subjective, and not well-thought out!

 

[YS391]

Has anyone received Dentons test for their direct-TC? Doesnt seem like its automatic. Thanks.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Not sure about this, because criteria for Motivation less clearly explained in the Personal Specification, I tried to include the tips coz I think they would want us to include. But didn't complete my answers quite well.

fair enough. Wishing you well in it!

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

does anyone know if TI invites for Morgan Lewis go out in batches?

 

[YS391]

does anyone know if TI invites for Morgan Lewis go out in batches?

I think its an interview next stage, not a TI.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

fair enough. Wishing you well in it!

You too!