TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[futuretraineesolicitor]

I did 5 ACs/interviews this cycle, only 1 was in person. I was also travelling at the start of the cycle and most firms I contacted said they could offer online ACs, so this is not necessarily a correct assumption.

what firms are these if u dont mind me asking

 

[Z48]

The key is you contacted them to confirm.

Is it not wise to assume that it is not the case, and plan accordingly? Like contacting them?

I actually didn’t contact the 5, they just ended up being online. I agree it’s helpful to check, but I don’t think we should automatically assume ACs will be in person.

There isn’t always a chance to ask beforehand, some firms don’t reply to emails for ages, and waiting could mean missing the deadline. That’s why I would apply and hope for the best.

Also there’s lots of reasons firms still offer online options, e.g. students on year abroad. During mine, I had six online ACs and only asked if I could do them online after receiving the invites.

 

[SarahO]

Please be kind or just scroll 🙏

 

[tobywstress]

Is it a PFO if there is no new email beyond the confirmation email from Dorsey?

 

[Antariksh Singh Jamwal]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some guidance.

I’m currently pursuing an LLM in the UK, and I did my undergraduate law degree in India. My issue is how to address my academic grades in applications. My overall percentage is 57%, which looks quite low by UK standards. However, my university had a very strict marking system—60% is considered a first class, and 55–60% falls into the “high second class,” which can roughly correspond to a 2:1 in the UK. Despite the percentage, I was ranked 6th out of a batch of over 300 students, and I have a letter from my university confirming this.

I’ve also done over 36 months' worth of internships, won several moots, and have a strong profile in terms of practical experience.

According to TCLA’s review, my application (cover letter, commercial awareness responses, etc.) was good, so I’m wondering if the grades are possibly hurting my chances.

How should I address this in my future applications? Should I include a brief explanation in the cover letter or attach the university’s grading policy?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ChloeC]

has anyone heard from orrick and slaughter? (also pfo from dentons and mac)

 

[aphelion]

Hi everyone, this will be my last post on TCLA as my cycle has officially ended and I will be going on to accept a TC offer. Thank you all so much for your support - this cycle has been full of ups and downs and I couldn't have made it through without having somewhere like TCLA on hand for venting!

For anyone who is feeling discouraged with their progress, please don't give up! In my view, all that matters is perserverance. This was my fifth cycle of applications, I come from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background and I have also experienced severe mental health issues for much of my life. If I had given up when I saw all my uni friends getting TCs back in second/third year, I would never have gotten here, and in the meantime I got to do a masters degree and work as a paralegal which I truly would not trade for a TC straight out of uni.

Congratulations to everyone who has gotten a TC, and good luck to those of you who can't resist coming back for another round of applications

 

[zonnonomo]

Hi everyone, this will be my last post on TCLA as my cycle has officially ended and I will be going on to accept a TC offer. Thank you all so much for your support - this cycle has been full of ups and downs and I couldn't have made it through without having somewhere like TCLA on hand for venting!

For anyone who is feeling discouraged with their progress, please don't give up! In my view, all that matters is perserverance. This was my fifth cycle of applications, I come from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background and I have also experienced severe mental health issues for much of my life. If I had given up when I saw all my uni friends getting TCs back in second/third year, I would never have gotten here, and in the meantime I got to do a masters degree and work as a paralegal which I truly would not trade for a TC straight out of uni.

Congratulations to everyone who has gotten a TC, and good luck to those of you who can't resist coming back for another round of applications

congratulations! 5 cycles finally paying off must feel soo great, well done!!!

as someone facing super sh*tty health issues i've been contemplating giving up but posts like these put my head right back on ❤️‍🩹 good luck on your tc im sure they got a killer solicitor

 

[Vdfrz20]

Hey!

I think every law firm has a section on their application where you can explain the grading system of your undergraduate degree. Utilise it wisely

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some guidance.

I’m currently pursuing an LLM in the UK, and I did my undergraduate law degree in India. My issue is how to address my academic grades in applications. My overall percentage is 57%, which looks quite low by UK standards. However, my university had a very strict marking system—60% is considered a first class, and 55–60% falls into the “high second class,” which can roughly correspond to a 2:1 in the UK. Despite the percentage, I was ranked 6th out of a batch of over 300 students, and I have a letter from my university confirming this.

I’ve also done over 36 months' worth of internships, won several moots, and have a strong profile in terms of practical experience.

According to TCLA’s review, my application (cover letter, commercial awareness responses, etc.) was good, so I’m wondering if the grades are possibly hurting my chances.

How should I address this in my future applications? Should I include a brief explanation in the cover letter or attach the university’s grading policy?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

There is a mitigating circumstances box for grades so I would explain the scoring system there if there is no other obvious space. As it is a degree already awarded you can at least state 2.1 achieved.

 

[t-0147]

I'm curious as to why apply and get that far, and then be unable to make it? Out of curiosity.

Like, I wouldn't apply for a job in Australia if I could not attend the required in-person job interview.

Great question:
1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.

 

[farrow]

Great question:
1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.

Hope you find the outcome you can make peace and are happy with.

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

has anyone received a response post-VI from W&C?

 

[helloj]

HFW AC! Ant tips would be greatly appreciated

 

[jfb]

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.

Congrats, well done!! Can I ask what location this is for, as I still haven't heard anything.

 

[Broadwater]

Great question:
1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.

To me this suggested it was in-person but I would’ve emailed to ask 🤷

 

[t-0147]

View attachment 7228
To me this suggested it was in-person but I would’ve emailed to ask 🤷

I wasn't talking about mayer brown, it is a different firm lol. Anyways what was the point of searching and posting this? Bad vibes

 

[Vdfrz20]

HFW AC! Ant tips would be greatly appreciated

I really hope i get it too 🦐.

When did you submit the app, if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[helloj]

I really hope i get it too 🦐.

When did you submit the app, if you don’t mind me asking?

I really hope you get it too! 31 May - when I booked there was only one slot available but I am sure they are planning to invite more to ACs!

 

[User5678]

I really hope you get it too! 31 May - when I booked there was only one slot available but I am sure they are planning to invite more to ACs!

Congratulations and thank you for letting us know! I almost lost hope but then I applied on 17 July (I hope it’s not too late), hopefully some positive news soon 🤞🏻

Best of luck for your AC!!