TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Ram Sabaratnam]

in regards to an American law firm's competitors, is it best to cite their competitors in the US or their competitors in the practice areas they deal with in London?

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Highly recommend the posts by Andrei that @Chris Brown mentioned. In terms of your question, I’d encourage you to focus on the firm’s competitors in London, as that’s the market you'll be training and (most likely) qualifying into. While it's tempting to only discuss US competitor firms, your answer will be stronger if it reflects the competitive landscape that actually matters in London.

When preparing for questions like this, I’d explore broad comparators (i.e. who is similar in terms of structure, culture, client base, and international strategy?), as well as practice-area-specific rivals (i.e. who are they up against in key areas like private equity, tech, or life sciences, for example?). If you have time, I’d suggest taking a look at both Chambers UK and Legal 500 (although I tend to find Legal 500 more helpful because it compares firms according to more narrow metrics). Legal 500 also has greater detail about a firm's client base in London, which will help you draw further comparisons between a firm and its competitors.

Lastly, I'd recommend this thread by @Amma Usman on identifying a law firm's competitors.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Can you reapply to SH if you were rejected for failing their SJT for the SVS?

Hiya @trainee4u

If you're unsuccessful with your first application you can definitely reapply, but Stephenson Harwood only allows you to apply once in every recruitment window. I think you should definitely consider reapplying if the main reason you didn't get through this cycle was because of the SJT. Good luck!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Anyone know what the Stephenson Harwood test is? And also whether the test is automatic or not?

Hiya @BillSikes

The test is sent out to candidates if they have passed the application form stage. From my understanding, it is not automatic. It's called the Future Potential Assessment and involves some numerical and verbal questions, as well as situational based judgment questions (typically those faced by trainees). These are not aimed at testing legal knowledge. Their website says the assessment is untimed, but that it should typically take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Good luck with the assessment!

 

[trainee4u]

Hiya @trainee4u

If you're unsuccessful with your first application you can definitely reapply, but Stephenson Harwood only allows you to apply once in every recruitment window. I think you should definitely consider reapplying if the main reason you didn't get through this cycle was because of the SJT. Good luck!

Could you clarify?

I applied to their SVS in February and got put through to the SJT and VI. I was rejected specifically saying I didn't meet the standard on the SJT (it seems they didn't even review my VI)

Are you saying I can apply again for the TC which closes at the end of the month, or would I have to wait for the new cycle in September?

 

[Poppypops124]

Hiya! I just had wanted some advice regarding which firm to choose for a TC. I've been offered a role at HSF in a foreign office, and an elite American law firm in London. I'd be compensated much better at HSF, I also prefer the variety of work I'll be doing. However, I do appreciate that the law firm in London has an incredible reputation (think Sidley) and London training is unparalleled in terms of quality and intensity, but offers terrible work life balance, which is something I'm very conscious of. Let me know your thoughts!!

 

[tinkerbell89]

Hi everyone. Wondering if anyone has gone through an AC at Pinsent Masons and can give me guidance as to their business simulation and case study exercises?

Made it to an AC after many cycles and would really appreciate any advice! Thank you in advance.

 

[Maddy]

Hi everyone, if we fail SQE1 while self-funded, will it be a red flag when applying for vacation schemes or training contracts?

 

[rain2801]

A bit of a sidestep but I feel extremely disheartened these days. I'm seeing my juniors succeed in this process, but am still stuck here despite trying for so long. I feel like I'm horribly lacking and just want to get selected already. Anyone has any advice on how to stop feeling this way?

 

[yk1906]

Any updates from Dentons/Macfarlanes?

 

[pb15]

Hi everyone. Wondering if anyone has gone through an AC at Pinsent Masons and can give me guidance as to their business simulation and case study exercises?

Made it to an AC after many cycles and would really appreciate any advice! Thank you in advance.

Hiya! Do you mind me asking which office this is for? Thanks!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

A bit of a sidestep but I feel extremely disheartened these days. I'm seeing my juniors succeed in this process, but am still stuck here despite trying for so long. I feel like I'm horribly lacking and just want to get selected already. Anyone has any advice on how to stop feeling this way?

It can be disheartening and I made far more applications than they generally say but at the end I got a TC offer. Not only that one at a really good firm.

There was a forum member who just got an offer on their 7th cycle!

Hang on in there.

 

[mcqueens]

A bit of a sidestep but I feel extremely disheartened these days. I'm seeing my juniors succeed in this process, but am still stuck here despite trying for so long. I feel like I'm horribly lacking and just want to get selected already. Anyone has any advice on how to stop feeling this way?

I have no advice but feel the same way… hang in there hopefully something works out soon!!

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

does anyone know how long after the VI white and case gets back?

 

[Atam!]

does anyone know how long after the VI white and case gets back?

Please when did they send you the invite?

 

[legallady123]

Any news from Morgan Lewis?

 

[Hanzeeb]

Is it possible to secure a tc through a dtc route with no vacation scheme and just mini pupillage experience, or should my focus be vacation schemes. Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Could you clarify?

I applied to their SVS in February and got put through to the SJT and VI. I was rejected specifically saying I didn't meet the standard on the SJT (it seems they didn't even review my VI)

Are you saying I can apply again for the TC which closes at the end of the month, or would I have to wait for the new cycle in September?

Hiya @trainee4u

If you applied for the summer vacation scheme during this cycle in February, you unfortunately won't be able to apply for the direct training contract application which closes at the end of this month (you would in effect be making two applications in the same cycle). You can make an application during the new cycle in September and your previous SJT results won't make you ineligible.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Is it possible to secure a tc through a dtc route with no vacation scheme and just mini pupillage experience, or should my focus be vacation schemes. Any advice would be appreciated

Hiya @Hanzeeb,

Yes, it is possible to secure a training contract through the direct TC route without having done a vacation scheme. While it’s less common (many firms do recruit primarily through their schemes or expect candidates to have some vacation scheme experience), there are absolutely people who’ve succeeded this way. I've seen people on this forum secure TCs without any vacation scheme experience. Again, what matters most is your ability to draw convincingly on your experiences to date (whether that’s mini pupillage, part-time jobs, volunteering, or anything else) to show that you understand the firm you're applying to and what they do; you have strong commercial awareness; and you’ve started to develop the skills needed to be a strong trainee.

If you’re eligible, I’d still encourage you to apply for vacation schemes where possible, as they’re often the most direct route to a TC. But you can absolutely apply for a direct TC with mini pupillage experience, and you'll likely get past the initial stage if you've prepared a thoughtful and well-prepared application.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Question re reusing personal statements! I didn't make it to the Freshfields application review stage as I didn't pass their new online assessment thingy, so could I reuse my personal statement again next cycle? I was really proud of it and was devastated that it wasn't read, but don't know the rules surrounding this. Any advice appreciated!

Hiya @whywhy88

While you could resubmit the same application, I'd encourage you to try and update the statement even slightly. Most firms expect applicants to show that they’ve developed their thinking or deepened their understanding of the firm and its work since their last application. That said, you can keep your core motivations, especially if those are still genuine and well thought-through. But it’s worth refining how you express them. Think about any new experiences you’ve had since last cycle (legal or otherwise), and also take a critical look at your writing style (e.g. could anything be clearer, punchier, or more specific)? The aim isn’t to throw out a statement you’re proud of, but to build on it further. So yes, feel free to reuse the main points, but I'd encourage you to see if you develop or sharpen certain areas further. Good luck!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I'm applying for Hogan Lovells' Direct TC and finding it difficult to research information their UK-specific practices, sectors and deals. Their website tends to present their work on a global scale, often combining US and EU experience, which makes it hard to pinpoint what's actually driven from their London office.

I've looked at Chambers and Legal 500 for more UK-focused insights, but I still feel like I'm missing detail about their key practice strengths and recent matters in London.

Does anyone have tips on how best to approach this or where to find more targeted info on their UK work?