TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

Hi! Just been invited to the Reed Smith VI. Please DM me if you have any tips please! This is the last app of the year for me so it means a lot. Thank you x

This will help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

Congrats on the invite!

 

[Amma Usman]

if anyone has any tips on RS VI, please let me know. I would be very very grateful, it is my last hope

A complete guide for competency interview preparation

This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

That should help!

 

[Amma Usman]

Is the Reed Smith test/VI pretty much automatic if you meet their minimum requirements as I don’t think anyone has got a PFO?

I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca to help with this.

 

[PQ]

I know so many people have asked at this point but has anyone heard back from Bakers post AC. I’m starting to freak out.

 

[a1024]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Chris Brown Hi! What would you guys recommend working on this month and next month to prepare for next cycle?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Anyone heard from Macfarlanes for direct TC?

 

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Chris Brown Hi! What would you guys recommend working on this month and next month to prepare for next cycle?

• Build your commercial awareness. Use digestible platforms like TCLA Academy, Finimize, and Investopedia. Try short articles in the morning, podcasts, or newsletters — test what sticks and build a habit around it.

• Reflect on last cycle. Did your applications not make it to interview stage? Or was it your interview or AC performance? Use any feedback you received and be honest with yourself — self-awareness is key.

• Revisit the basics: why law, why commercial law, and why each firm. If these answers aren’t personal to you, your applications will feel generic. No two people have the same motivations, so take time to journal and find yours.

• Believe in yourself. The cycle is tough, but your mindset needs to be tougher. Discipline will carry you through when motivation fades, and mindset is what creates that discipline.

• Prioritise your mental health. The stronger your mental health, the more energy and clarity you’ll have to submit quality applications. Don’t let this slip for too long — reset as often as needed.

 

[L177]

Hey, has anyone heard back from Michelmores DTC yet? Thanks!

I just got invited to take their online amberjack assessment today

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey guys, I have my first ever AC tomorrow. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Have they told you what the AC is comprised of? Perhaps we’ll be able to advise better from there. Otherwise, let us know and we’ll be happy to give you general AC tips on frequent components typically seen across firms

 

[sunshine101]

Congratulations! Do you mind telling when did the invite come through?

Hi,

Congratulations, when did you apply if you don't mind me asking? Was it close to the deadline?

 

[sunshine101]

Anyone heard from Perkins that applied on the deadline?

 

[lapapapapo]

Any news from Orrick post WG?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I've recently been invited to complete Morgan Lewis' telephone interview - if anyone has any insight or advice for being successful at this stage I would really appreciate it! I've never completed a telephone interview before.

 

[emma.d]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

 

[Equity'sDarling]

Hi,

Congratulations, when did you apply if you don't mind me asking? Was it close to the deadline?

Early June

Congratulations! Do you mind telling when did the invite come through

Last night at 2AM. The US office must be handling the recruitment

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

I worked as a legal secretary for a conveyancing specialist firm which I have found extremely helpful for commercial law applications. I imagine a job as a conveyancing assistant would be similar! For example, if I am applying to a firm with a strong real estate practice I often talk about how my interest in real estate law was sparked by my time working at the conveyancing firm.

 

[BillSikes]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

Twist it as real estate work?

 

[t-0147]

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

 

[c1907]

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

I think you definitely should make the firm aware of this. Even though I haven't checked their website, I am pretty sure the firm considers applicants' personal circumstances.

 

[apap]

I think you definitely should make the firm aware of this. Even though I haven't checked their website, I am pretty sure the firm considers applicants' personal circumstances.

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

They say on the invite email to let them know of any necessary adjustments. I would do it as soon as possible.