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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hogan Lovells WG invite Not too excited since HL was the second firm I applied to (looking back, it was a poor app writing). Fingers crossed for a miracle tho
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Fieldfisher PFO post test (London office)
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Can I mention that one or more partners are consistently ranked, even if the firm's department is not ranked? I am researching a firm for the direct TC, and they have two partners ranked in practices I am interested in, but the departments are not ranked.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Sorry, it was not the purpose. I was just sharing my perspective as an international student qualified overseas and from experiences of international students I know from the LLM. I also know international graduates who managed to do this after the LLB.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You are right. You can practise at any firm after qualification. However, I was referring to the question about getting NQ roles at elite firms as an international student qualifying via SQE. MC/SC/Global/Elite firms hardly hire solicitors without a TC or local LLB for NQ positions. High street...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I mean, for elite firms. If you qualify as a solicitor via SQE without a TC, you cannot apply for VS and TC at elite firms. Therefore, you will be restricted to paralegal roles or lateral hiring as NQ or associate at these elite firms. It is very unlikely to get a NQ or associate role at elite...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Once you qualify as a solicitor, you will immediately become ineglible for TC and VS. Then your job options will be restricted to paralegal roles. As an international student, the firms automatically consider you probably have little to zero knowledge of English law (undergrad level). Further...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    According to their website, the assessment centre are held in person in the London office (https://uk-graduates.bakermckenzie.com/support/application-process/). If you cannot travel to the UK, you can ask for arrangements. Global firms like Baker might be open to offering you a virtual AC.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Annual leave. Just think about conflicts in the VS firm and your current employer. I don't think it is unethical, as your career goal is to become a solicitor. If your employer does not offer training toward this goal, you will definitely look elsewhere.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thank you so much! I looked at their values on the website before the test. I got collaboration and resilience as my top strengths, and client centricity as an area for development.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thank you for your kind words! Actually, it’s quite the opposite. I’m more drawn to contentious work due to my background as a foreign-qualified lawyer (civil law country - which means PGDL + SQE + TC). I’m also open to transactional seats, particularly in banking and finance. Although I...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Fieldfisher test invite
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I got pfo from all the firms in the application stage. Though I have some direct TC applications pending review, I am wondering how to improve the four applications I have left to submit (and for winter VS in the worst-case scenario). I have written about my academic interests and work...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Macfarlanes pfo Applied at the deadline
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    So sorry to hear that. Direct TC, right? I applied last week closed to deadline, but nothing yet. Do you mind to tell when did you apply?
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Not Jessica either. However, I did this for Macfarlanes and will do for NRF. I really believe it shows why you are attracted to switch sides and work in the other side of the table.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Almost the same here. 7 applications, 7 rejections in the application stage. I am waiting for 6 firms and planning to apply for 5 firms in the next 3 months. So stressful, but keep trying. We just need one.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Grad rec of the year. Amazing the lenght of valuable content to improve applications in the next cycle.
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    AG pfo (London office) It is very disappointing. Addleshaw Goddard was one of my top 2 choices (the other is Macfarlanes). I put a lot of effort and time into this application. Thought it was a strong application. I related the answers with my previous experience as a commercial lawyer...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thank you! Yes, you are right, BM and NRF open on the 1st and 3rd of February. I believe they will proceed with reviewing TC applications as soon as they select people for the VS. At least Ashurst, SH, and W&C read all the applications on a rolling basis but shortlist candidates just after the...

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