TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[amrita6399]

Thank you so much for your insight and advice.

You can DM, if you want more information

 

[👩🎓]

You can DM, if you want more information

Thank you so much

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi everyone, just created an account to relieve some people of the stress. SH have sent out AC invites. Peace ✌️

Why do they not reject us then☠️ This is really not the best way to deal with things

 

[abc124]

Why do they not reject us then☠️ This is really not the best way to deal with things

Exactly, it’s really not that difficult to mass reject everyone??

 

[trainee4u]

The firm are sponsoring and their SQE course is Ulaw - they prefer full time in person and my aim is to sit SQE1 in Jan. I don't have a paralegal job right now but I've heard people working full time and studying for the SQE together.

to advise, SQE1 is "memorising lots of legal knowledge and answering MCQs", then SQE2 is "reinforcing that legal knowledge and using it in orals and written exams".
So you'd want to do them one after another, January and April.

Not sure if the paralegal work is for experience or money more, but if you have the opportunity to not, then I'd not.

 

[👩🎓]

to advise, SQE1 is "memorising lots of legal knowledge and answering MCQs", then SQE2 is "reinforcing that legal knowledge and using it in orals and written exams".
So you'd want to do them one after another, January and April.

Not sure if the paralegal work is for experience or money more, but if you have the opportunity to not, then I'd not.

Thank you so much for your advice!

 

[ssss]

Has anyone still not heard from Penningtons?

 

[RPA200]

What did the mail say? (if you don't mind sharing)

It was an invitation to interview and a request for availability over the next two weeks

 

[Bboygenz]

Why do they not reject us then☠️ This is really not the best way to deal with things

It took time and costly, usually they will send the rejection after the AC-final stage or recruitment cycle is over.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Having received and accepted a TC offer, I wanted to thank everyone on the forum for all of your advice, support and guidance. To those waiting to hear back or are planning their next application cycle, please do not give up and good luck - I wish you all success!

I'm planning to sit the SQE this upcoming September and I was wondering if anyone has any guidance on the structure of the course - i.e., I know this is firm dependent but would it be possible to paralegal and complete the SQE on a full-time basis? @Ram Sabaratnam do you have any advice on this?

Hey @👩🎓

First off, huge congratulations on your TC offer! What a brilliant way to end the summer, and I’m really glad to hear the forum has been helpful along the way.

On your question about working while studying for the SQE full-time, I’d say it’s certainly not impossible, but it does require careful planning and having realistic expectations of yourself. I’ve been in a similar position myself over the past year (balancing study with part-time work) and although I did receive a generous stipend from my firm, I still needed to work and needed to think very strategically about how to manage my time and structure my revision. It can be done, but it’s not something to take on lightly.

The first thing I’d suggest is checking your firm’s policy. Some firms include a contractual clause that prohibits you from taking on any form of employment while you’re studying for the SQE. This is something you really don’t want to overlook; you don’t want to be in breach of your offer without realising it.

Even if it’s permitted, the SQE demands a significant volume of study. The content goes well beyond a traditional LLB, and there’s a lot of detail you’ll need to absorb across both FLK1 and FLK2. I’ve seen several candidates who tried to juggle demanding part-time roles (working anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week) and unfortunately ended up failing at least one of their FLK assessments and thus failing to pass SQE1. It’s hard to say whether they would’ve passed had they not been working, but what’s clear is that the pressure of combining the two definitely affected their preparation. When you factor in things like commuting, rest, and time to properly revise and test yourself, you’ll need to be honest about whether you’re giving yourself the best chance to succeed. If your firm has a resit policy, it’s worth understanding what that looks like now, in case you’re trying to decide how risk-averse to be.

Another point worth thinking about is your employer. If you do choose to work, you’ll want to make sure your supervisor is understanding and flexible. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a boss like @Jaysen . That flexibility becomes especially important in the few weeks leading up to the SQE1 (and SQE2), which are essential for consolidation. If your employer isn’t willing to give you time off or allow you to step back during that period, it could seriously compromise your revision.

If you do decide to take on work alongside full-time study, I’d strongly recommend starting early (in fact, as early as now). Begin refreshing your knowledge of the LLB subjects that come up in the FLK exams so you’re not starting from scratch in September. That way, you’ll reduce the pressure during the most intense weeks of the course. I began my revision in August 2024, because I knew that I'd need to work.

I’ve also linked this outstanding thread by @average_jo123, which breaks down what the SQE really demands. It’s worth having a look before you finalise your decision. Whatever you end up deciding on, I'm sure you'll be great! Good luck!

 

[👩🎓]

Hey @👩🎓

First off, huge congratulations on your TC offer! What a brilliant way to end the summer, and I’m really glad to hear the forum has been helpful along the way.

On your question about working while studying for the SQE full-time, I’d say it’s certainly not impossible, but it does require careful planning and have realistic expectations of yourself. I’ve been in a similar position myself over the past year (balancing study with part-time work) and although I did receive a generous stipend from my firm, I still needed to work and needed to think very strategically about how to manage my time and structure my revision. It can be done, but it’s not something to take on lightly.

The first thing I’d suggest is checking your firm’s policy. Some firms include a contractual clause that prohibits you from taking on any form of employment while you’re studying for the SQE. This is something you really don’t want to overlook; you don’t want to be in breach of your offer without realising it.

Even if it’s permitted, the SQE demands a significant volume of study. The content goes well beyond a traditional LLB, and there’s a lot of detail you’ll need to absorb across both FLK1 and FLK2. I’ve seen several candidates who tried to juggle demanding part-time roles (working anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week) and unfortunately ended up failing at least one of their FLK assessments and thus failing to pass SQE1. It’s hard to say whether they would’ve passed had they not been working, but what’s clear is that the pressure of combining the two definitely affected their preparation. When you factor in things like commuting, rest, and time to properly revise and test yourself, you’ll need to be honest about whether you’re giving yourself the best chance to succeed. If your firm has a resit policy, it’s worth understanding what that looks like now, in case you’re trying to decide how risk-averse to be.

Another point worth thinking about is your employer. If you do choose to work, you’ll want to make sure your supervisor is understanding and flexible. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a boss like @Jaysen . That flexibility becomes especially important in the few weeks leading up to the SQE1 (and SQE2), which are essential for consolidation. If your employer isn’t willing to give you time off or allow you to step back during that period, it could seriously compromise your revision.

If you do decide to take on work alongside full-time study, I’d strongly recommend starting early (in fact, as early as now). Begin refreshing your knowledge of the LLB subjects that come up in the FLK exams so you’re not starting from scratch in September. That way, you’ll reduce the pressure during the most intense weeks of the course. I began my revision in August 2024, because I knew that I'd need to work.

I’ve also linked this outstanding thread by @average_jo123, which breaks down what the SQE really demands. It’s worth having a look before you finalise your decision. Whatever you end up deciding on, I'm sure you'll be great! Good luck!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam
Thank you so much, this is incredibly helpful, I really appreciate you insight.

 

[GT1205H]

Dear people from this forum,

I don’t have enough words to express how grateful I am for finding this community. I have seen how resilient and supportive this community is. Being able to ask questions a connect with people going through the same application process has been essential in keeping me sane and motivated.
Thank you so much for everyone sharing their thoughts, experiences and tips.

My last three cards in this application cycle were:

- Paul Hastings ❌
-Stephenson Harwood ❌
- Hogan Lovells ⏱️

Unfortunately it seems like PH and SH have already sent invitations to AC and I was not successful. I would be very grateful if someone heard from HL to please let me know so I can close this chapter and move on to the next one.

I wish everyone going through AC the best of luck 🤞 in securing an offer (If you do please let us know!).

Thank you!

 

[Atam!]

I find it really weird no one else on this platform got an invite or knows anyone who got an invite for SH ac apart from the person who created an account just yesterday to let us know… Did they just invite 2 people for the ac? What a weird application.

 

[Bboygenz]

I find it really weird no one else on this platform got an invite or knows anyone who got an invite for SH ac apart from the person who created an account just yesterday to let us know… Did they just invite 2 people for the ac? What a weird application.

I literally received an email from them to arrange a virtual AC alone as I am based outside of the UK now.

 

[abc124]

I find it really weird no one else on this platform got an invite or knows anyone who got an invite for SH ac apart from the person who created an account just yesterday to let us know… Did they just invite 2 people for the ac? What a weird application.

Genuinely, I also find it really weird it’s taking them so long to get back to the rest of us, they seemed quite organised to me. If they’re done shortlisting, surely sending the rejection emails shouldn’t take more than a few minutes

 

[Atam!]

I literally received an email from them to arrange a virtual AC alone as I am based outside of the UK now.

Ah thanks for this, you receive that today or?

 

[abc124]

I literally received an email from them to arrange a virtual AC alone as I am based outside of the UK now.

Oh would you mind sharing when you’ve heard back?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to give you all a heads up and say that McDermott Will & Schulte is now accepting training contracts for their 2027 cycle. You can apply here: https://mws.grad.allhires.com/app/

Good luck

 

[confusedbird]

Genuinely, I also find it really weird it’s taking them so long to get back to the rest of us, they seemed quite organised to me. If they’re done shortlisting, surely sending the rejection emails shouldn’t take more than a few minutes

They kind of did the same thing with Vac Scheme responses tbh. I'm not sure why but seems like its potentially a pattern...

 

[amrita6399]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to give you all a heads up and say that McDermott Will & Schulte is now accepting training contracts for their 2027 cycle. You can apply here: https://mws.grad.allhires.com/app/

Good luck

Is it rolling?