TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman I wondered if you could possibly give me advice for an upcoming interview 😊 I am just preparing some competency examples and have some that I’d like to use but they are not recent, and also not related to law. I have worked in the legal industry for the last 3 years so could think of other relevant scenarios but would prefer to speak about some that happened at university / within part-time jobs I had at uni (retail, etc) for certain competencies. Do you think would be detrimental?

Honestly, I don’t think it’s detrimental at all. Just because an experience isn’t recent or directly related to law doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. If it taught you something meaningful, challenged you, or helped you grow in a way that’s relevant to the competency, then it’s still a valid part of your story.

Yes, law firms might want to see what you’ve been up to more recently to get a sense of your current skillset and mindset, but that doesn’t mean older experiences suddenly lose their worth. If your examples from university or part-time jobs are stronger or show you in your best light, then absolutely use them. What matters most is the quality of your reflection - how well you explain what you did, what you learned, and how it shaped you.

So I’d say don’t disregard past experiences just because they’re a few years old. Instead, make them work for you. Be intentional about what each one is showing and try to strike a balance by mixing in at least one or two recent examples so they get a sense of what you’ve been doing more currently. But the past is still a very real and valuable part of your journey, and it can absolutely speak to the kind of professional you are today.

 

[Tangcy]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask for some honest opinions, is it really worth paying for a TC coaching or mentoring programme? I’ve come across a few options, but they’re really expensive, and I’m unsure if the investment will actually make a difference.

I’m starting to feel a bit lost on this training contract journey. Last year was my first application cycle, and my application just kept stucking at the application stage, which I am aware of and now I am trying to do a really proper research and only to make high-quality, tailored application for a few firms that I really want to apply for the upcoming cycle. However, as I am graduating, I am not sure whether I should apply for paralegal/legal assistant role as now i actually need to support myself financially. In addition, as an international student, I don't think I have the luxury of unlimited application cycle, which adds up another pressure.

Therefore, if anyone has experience with coaching or has any advice on whether it’s truly helpful (or what worked for you instead), I’d really appreciate it!

 

[Legallywhatever]

Anything from Burges Salmon DTC yet?

Really hope we get something today because the wait is genuinely draining lol

 

[legallyells]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer a few weeks ago, over the moon is an understatement 🥳🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

 

[tobywstress]

Has anyone done an interview for Freeths stage 1 interview before and got any tips on it?

Just got an invite

 

[Amma Usman]

So happy to say that I accepted a TC offer a few weeks ago, over the moon is an understatement 🥳🥳🥳 A huge thanks to TCLA for the support over the last two years ❤️

Love love love to see it! Congratulations Elle Woods

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone done an interview for Freeths stage 1 interview before and got any tips on it?

Just got an invite

Have they told you what it’s comprised of?

 

[tobywstress]

Have they told you what it’s comprised of?

Not really, but some Glassdoor reviews had said the questions cover competency, strength and situational.

 

[EG3]

Random question:

I have ADHD and obviously they always mention reasonable adjustments in the applications process. I've had things like extra time in online tests, VIs and written assessments, but one thing I struggle with is interviews. I find it hard to actually take in what they're asking, think about my answer, say it all coherently and remember second parts to questions. Obviously in a normal conversation I don't really have that issue but I think the general interview nerves make it worse.

Is having the questions written down a possibility? I never know if reasonable adjustments are kind of pre-determined depending on the condition or if you get some sort of say in what you need. I'm also wondering if needing extra time and the like ever puts firms off hiring you - I know most are disability confident employers but would they ever give preference to someone who doesn't need extra time to complete the same task to the same standard?

 

[👩🎓]

Has anyone heard from PMC yet?

 

[yueyueer]

Reed Smith OT/VI. Immensely relieved

 

[_microwaved]

Has anyone heard from RPC or Dorsey?

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from PMC yet?

No. Apparently they're aiming to get back to us by the end of this month.

 

[👩🎓]

No. Apparently they're aiming to get back to us by the end of this month.

Thank you

 

[👩🎓]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

 

[yuk0n]

reed smith pfo 🤪🤪🤪 don't get what was wrong with my application but we move on

 

[FM302989]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

Have a look on TotallyLegal

 

[👩🎓]

Have a look on TotallyLegal

Thank you

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know of any paralegal or legal assistant roles? I have applied for several recently and haven't received responses for most of them.

I recommend reaching out to recruiters that work at recruitment agencies too, in addition to applying for vacancies at the law firm’s website directly. Some I know of are Lunaria Partners, Forte Legal, The SJP, etc.

 

[Amma Usman]

reed smith pfo 🤪🤪🤪 don't get what was wrong with my application but we move on

I’m so sorry about this. I know how tough rejections can feel, but please don’t let it keep you down for too long. Take a moment to catch a breath, understand where you may have went wrong, jot it down on paper, then re-strategise for next cycle/ remaining applications.