TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[yuk0n]

Same- pretty depressing tbh, I thought I wrote a really good application.

As if the Macfarlanes rejection wasn't enough, W&C rejection. The final firm I'm waiting on doesn't even give PFOs so I'm assuming this is the end of the cycle for me. So upset and really don't know what I'm going to do going forward. I've already been a year out of uni and just don't think I have another application cycle in me

 

[farrow]

W&C PFO.

 

[farrow]

As if the Macfarlanes rejection wasn't enough, W&C rejection. The final firm I'm waiting on doesn't even give PFOs so I'm assuming this is the end of the cycle for me. So upset and really don't know what I'm going to do going forward. I've already been a year out of uni and just don't think I have another application cycle in me

Really sorry to hear this. Sending you big vibes. Take the rest of the week easy.

 

[yuk0n]

Really sorry to hear this. Sending you big vibes. Take the rest of the week easy.

Thank you, I appreciate it x

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Has anyone heard from Paul Hastings?

 

[legallady123]

Any news from Morgan Lewis today? PFOs or AC invites?

 

[yk1906]

Dentons PFO

 

[legallady123]

Dentons PFO

Me too!

 

[Atam!]

All I’m seeing are PFOs from W&C, has anyone gotten a vi invitation this week?

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

Me too!

So sorry about the pfo. When did you apply if you don't mind me asking?

 

[YS391]

Dentons PFO.

Wow, i thought the first stage was just an initial light screening but it seems lots of people got PFOs. Anyone actually get through to test stage?

 

[legallady123]

So sorry about the pfo. When did you apply if you don't mind me asking?

That’s okay 😊 I applied on the deadline. Pfo after application only.

 

[sunshine101]

W&C PFO, post app 💀

When did you apply?

 

[akuss]

has anyone heard back from eversheds sutherland? they had earlier mailed that they'll get back after their vacation schemes ended- but it has been a while

 

[trainee4u]

I received the W&C PFO today too.
Haven't heard back from CB though!
Not sure if this is good, bad or neutral.

never mind - got the CB PFO today! Macfarlanes too!

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone got any insight for slaughter and may interview? I’ve seen people say it’s a bit different to others, any advice on how to best prepare?

Yes. I do.

Be prepared to be backed into a corner. Seriously, it is unlike any interview you will ever encounter.

Be prepared for weird questions, but also intellectually challenging ones which will test your grit and ability to overcome difficult scenarios.

If you do get backed into a corner, don't start justifying something crazy, concede but don't give up, state something like *but consider it from this angle..., etc.*

And be prepared to be asked any aspect of your CV or covering letter - a GCSE grade, about which school you went to, a 2:2, an essay you wrote - anything.

The make or break question could be about "why commercial law?" Or "why this firm?". Like any other firm. Answer those well.

Sorry, I made that seem like the Hunger Games, but it can be a very tough interview. Good luck!

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from Paul Hastings?

I heard that they give interviews in August. So we have a little while to go.

 

[eleanor_2001]

Anything from RPC recently?

Wondering this too I haven’t heard anything since doing the WG like 4 weeks ago

 

[iklawapps]

I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!

I have three small things to contribute

1. Everyone has different application strategies, but for a lot, including me, 9 is not a lot. Zero out of nine doesn't mean you're not competitive. It's luck.

2. Vac schemes are on the surface easier to get (not always- I know some DTCs are easier) because they will usually have a bigger cohort than the full TC intake, but some are quite tough to convert.

3. Next year, since you can do VSs, I'd choose the firm first, then pick which option seems easier to convert. For example, you might find that a Freshfields DTC is just as likely as a vac scheme place statistically, while others like Travers Smith might prioritise their vac schemes.