TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[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.

 

[trainee4u]

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!

that's a reasonable rate of progress tbh: 2 out of 9 to VI.
VIs are tough, but you can improve a lot, so realistically that speaks to improving VI skills.

I would look to substantially increase those application numbers. Also not all firms are equally competitive - IME I get more success with firms paying under £100k as a NQ in London, than those say £150k+, so that's an other issue.

 

[aphelion]

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!

This may just be anecdotal, but I only progressed with VS applications and not DTC applications this year. This is despite over a year of full-time legal experience. I do think VS apps are worth doing if possible. Keep pushing, you've got this!!!

 

[studentdelaw786]

Is there a reason why people keep asking “When did you apply?” to others who post about PFOs?

I find it a little weird but what does the information actually mean when given?

 

[YS391]

This may just be anecdotal, but I only progressed with VS applications and not DTC applications this year. This is despite over a year of full-time legal experience. I do think VS apps are worth doing if possible. Keep pushing, you've got this!!!

Same here, over the last two cycles I’ve secured 4ACs and a vac scheme doing vacation scheme apps. But for direct TC apps I’ve never gotten past the application stage.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Is there a reason why people keep asking “When did you apply?” to others who post about PFOs?

I find it a little weird but what does the information actually mean when given?

It's usually asked about rolling firms. The person asking will usually be trying to figure out if their application's already been reviewed and perhaps shortlisted, since they haven't received the said rejection, if the rejected candidate applied after them.

A less complicated reason is simple "why didn't *I* hear back??" anxiety.

 

[lawconvert]

Macfarlanes and Hogan Lovells PFO all in one day, with a W&C PFO recently too.

That brings me to the end of my DTC cycle for this year. Absolutely gutted to have not even made it to VI/AC stages for any of them (including some I had applied to earlier this year).

Sending well wishes to everyone else waiting to hear back from firms <3

 

[farrow]

Yeah i got an email 2 weeks ago saying they filled the TC spaces through the vac scheme so won't be progressing my app

I got an email stating outcome due Fri 25 July. 🤞

 

[Kseh05]

Any response from Morgan Lewis post TI?

Hey! Have you got a response yet? I havent

 

[Kseh05]

Any response from Morgan Lewis post TI?

Hi @yasmars did you get invited to AC?

 

[trainee4u]

Third PFO of the day, from Devonshires.

I still technically have about seven on my list (have applied or will apply), but it's looking like a strikeout for this cycle

 

[Atam!]

Has Stephenson Harwood started progressing applications? They’ve been open for a while now and it’s rolling deadline. I’m considering applying but I’m already at the edge with these rejections I don’t want to add another 😩

 

[asdfghjkl]

Hello! This is my first post here and I have been following the blog here for a while now.

I have been feeling very disheartened by the whole application process and seeing everyone’s journey in getting a TC has been enlightening.

I have been waiting for a reply from WFW post application, I applied right before the deadline. Should I consider it a PFO?

Same, applied last minute and got a pfo from WFW

 

[asdfghjkl]

proudly got a pfo from Macfarlanes, White & Case, Collyer Bristow today

 

[amrita6399]

Macfarlanes and Hogan Lovells PFO all in one day, with a W&C PFO recently too.

That brings me to the end of my DTC cycle for this year. Absolutely gutted to have not even made it to VI/AC stages for any of them (including some I had applied to earlier this year).

Sending well wishes to everyone else waiting to hear back from firms <3

Was the HL Pfo after the WG?

 

[Law10]

Hi all, I have an upcoming strength-based video interview for Eversheds Sutherland TC. Would really appreciate some tips from anyone who has done it before.