TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Question: any stats available across firms on how many TC go via VS alumni versus DTC?

Hiya @farrow

It's actually quite difficult to get statistical information on this question. However, quite early into this application cycle, I'd managed to find out which firms mostly recruit from vacation schemes versus direct training contracts. You can find that thread here. Please note that some of this information has since changed for particular firms, but the thread still gives a largely accurate picture. Good luck with any remaining applications!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi everyone, two questions:

1. Is it fine to ask for details about your interviewers from graduate recruitment?

2. Is it useful to know background information about your interviewers. If so, how do you bring up that you have done research on your interviewers in a way that is non-stalkerish lol

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Great questions! Yep, it’s totally fine to ask graduate recruitment who your interviewers will be. However, just keep in mind that firms vary in how much they’re willing to share. Some will give you names ahead of time, which can help you prepare and feel more confident going in. Others prefer not to, which can be their way of keeping the process consistent or seeing how candidates perform without advance knowledge. Either way, there’s no harm in asking; just be prepared that the answer may be a polite no.

If you do get the names, then I would definitely encourage you to look up your interviewers. It’s not about stalking; it’s about being curious and thoughtful. Normally, you'll bring this up at the end of your interview, when you're given a chance to ask questions of your interviewers. I once asked an interviewer about a dissertation she wrote during her undergrad that I learnt about through a podcast appearance she did. She was completely surprised and the panel was amused (in a good way). We ended up having a great conversation because of it. So don’t worry too much about seeming 'stalkerish'. If something in your interviewers' background genuinely connects with your interests or experience, it’s completely fine to mention it in the interview. You could say something like, “From my research, I saw that you worked on X; I’d love to hear more about what that experience was like.”

Best of luck with any interviews you have coming up

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Great questions! Yep, it’s totally fine to ask graduate recruitment who your interviewers will be. However, just keep in mind that firms vary in how much they’re willing to share. Some will give you names ahead of time, which can help you prepare and feel more confident going in. Others prefer not to, which can be their way of keeping the process consistent or seeing how candidates perform without advance knowledge. Either way, there’s no harm in asking; just be prepared that the answer may be a polite no.

If you do get the names, then I would definitely encourage you to look up your interviewers. It’s not about stalking; it’s about being curious and thoughtful. Normally, you'll bring this up at the end of your interview, when you're given a chance to ask questions of your interviewers. I once asked an interviewer about a dissertation she wrote during her undergrad that I learnt about through a podcast appearance she did. She was completely surprised and the panel was amused (in a good way). We ended up having a great conversation because of it. So don’t worry too much about seeming 'stalkerish'. If something in your interviewers' background genuinely connects with your interests or experience, it’s completely fine to mention it in the interview. You could say something like, “From my research, I saw that you worked on X; I’d love to hear more about what that experience was like.”

Best of luck with any interviews you have coming up

Thank you so much Ram, really appreciate this advice! Is there a course or a thread which is focused on tackling ACs?

 

[AP2000]

I completely relate. goodluck with your applications!

Aww thank you! Likewise, bestest of luck!

 

[Vdfrz20]

Hey this is sort of unrelated (and congrats on the AC) but do you think it's still worth applying to HFW, or did anything indicate they've offered enough ACs to fill their intake? They're a dream firm for me but being employed distracted me from appreciating the fact that they're fully rolling. Thanks

Congratulations!

Guess that counts as PFO for the rest of us, who applied and haven't received a VI invite.

Yikes, i submitted the app on the day of the deadline too- well! The grind continues

 

[A worried graduate]

haha, same situation with burges. all the best, keep me updated. they said they'll lmk if a place frees up by 17/07/2025 4pm.

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

haha, same situation with burges. all the best, keep me updated. they said they'll lmk if a place frees up by 17/07/2025 4pm.

Good luck to you too!

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

Haha maybe none of us!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thank you so much Ram, really appreciate this advice! Is there a course or a thread which is focused on tackling ACs?

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Yep! We have several threads that focus on various aspects of ACs. I've included them below:


Questions to ask at interviews
Guide to negotiations
Andrei’s interview guide
George’s interview advice
Preparation videos
Example interview questions
Partner interviews
Avni’s guide to ACs
Managing nerves for an AC
Maintaining confidence during an interview
Future trainee insights on strange interview questions

Good luck with any AC preparation!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme(the one i just converted) but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

 

[A worried graduate]

Good luck to you too!

Haha maybe none of us!

Been told that there are twenty in total on the list

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

Fantastic work @mfuturetrainee! I've seen you grind and improve and keep going! This is what happens when you don't quit!!! Well done!!!

 

[zonnonomo]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

congratulations this is so epic!!!!!! posts like yours remind me that the TC app process isn't just a twisted form of rejection therapy but that there is another side, im so happy that you made it there 👊

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Yep! We have several threads that focus on various aspects of ACs. I've included them below:


Questions to ask at interviews
Guide to negotiations
Andrei’s interview guide
George’s interview advice
Preparation videos
Example interview questions
Partner interviews
Avni’s guide to ACs
Managing nerves for an AC
Maintaining confidence during an interview
Future trainee insights on strange interview questions

Good luck with any AC preparation!

Thank you

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Been told that there are twenty in total on the list

Heard nothing. Guess there’s no luck for me.
But interesting to know how many people are invited to the AC?

 

[asdfghjkl]

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

Havnt heard back yet so I’m assuming it’s a pfo

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Havnt heard back yet so I’m assuming it’s a pfo

At least we have some reassurance that with a bit of refinements of our application we can probably get to the next cycle’s AC

 

[BillSikes]

WFW rejection post-app

 

[eirake]

Hi everyone, I just received my results, and I was wondering if it is a good idea to send them to some of the firms I applied to for DTCs. I am quite happy with how I performed, so I think them knowing my updated results would increase my chances of progressing to interview. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi everyone, I just received my results, and I was wondering if it is a good idea to send them to some of the firms I applied to for DTCs. I am quite happy with how I performed, so I think them knowing my updated results would increase my chances of progressing to interview. Let me know your thoughts!

Think there’s no harm in doing so! Worst thing is they don’t consider it. But if some firms mention specifically that they don’t take individual grades into account then I guess there’s not a need to do so

 

[takop1467]

W&C VI!