2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

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Jessica Booker

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The standards definitely do vary. I studied a non-law subject at one RG university and then did a law degree at Bristol. I ended up getting the exact same grade in both courses. But due to the way they marked law courses at Bristol combined with the intensity of a law degree itself meant I worked at least 3x as hard to get...the same grade. So it definitely can vary.
What I would stress, is just because someone finds a subject more difficult, doesn’t necessarily make it more difficult for everyone. Difficulty is a very subjective matter, which is why trying to define someone’s intelligence by degree subject or university attended is pointless.
 

S87

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Guys I am currently applying for a direct training contract with Macfarlanes and W&C.

I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what made your apps successful??
Thank you on advance
 

LEL

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Guys I am currently applying for a direct training contract with Macfarlanes and W&C.

I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what made your apps successful??
Thank you on advance
For W&C, mention the international nature of the firm, the cross-border deals, any deals you found interesting (and justify) and most importantly, why it all relates to you. They pride themselves on their international nature, so if you can say you're interested in that PLUS why that makes you an excellent fit for the firm, that's a great point to mention.
 
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BiancaM

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    Hi! I'm new here. GDL at ULaw currently. I received BM WG invite today for TC and have been doing practice tests this evening... my scores have been horrendous, genuinely thought I understood what was being asked of me😭😭😭😭
     

    N.9

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    Good evening everyone. Congratulation to everyone who has received a BM WG this week and commiserations to all, like me, that did not - I'm still feeling it a bit, but am back on the horse (i.e. applying!).

    Was wondering if anyone who has got past W&C's app stage before, could kindly help me with a question regarding grades. Has anyone got through the first stage with grades that are a bit hit and miss? I ask because while I've achieved a 2.1 and a Merit, my grades vary enormously and I'm wondering whether this is a large factor as to why I've never made it past the first stage.

    Would be grateful for any insight on this!

    Happy Friday!
     
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    JoNo

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    Jan 28, 2019
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    Good evening everyone. Congratulation to everyone who has received a BM WG this week and commiserations to all, like me, that did not - I'm still feeling it a bit, but am back on the horse (i.e. applying!).

    Was wondering if anyone who has got past W&C's app stage before, could kindly help me with a question regarding grades. Has anyone got through the first stage with grades that are a bit hit and miss? I ask because while I've achieved a 2.1 and a Merit, my grades vary enormously and I'm wondering whether this is a large factor as to why I've never made it past the first stage.

    Would be grateful for any insight on this!

    Happy Friday!
    Hey - sorry to hear of the rejection from BM. It is great you are powering on, resilience is key.

    Regarding your question about W&C (secured a TC offer with them), I know people at the firm and couple of my friends who secured ACs with W&C had sprinkle of 2:2s, one even had an overall 2:2 in his second year. It doesn’t purely matter about your grades, at least you have graduated with a solid/strong 2:1. They are looking for a candidate who can showcase their skills (check out their website) and they really pride themselves on their international outlook, so tie this in with yourself/own experiences. Like all firms they are looking for a well-rounded individual, academics alone do not define you.

    If you want to chat further about this, PM me.

    All the best with the application :)
     

    N.9

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    Hey - sorry to hear of the rejection from BM. It is great you are powering on, resilience is key.

    Regarding your question about W&C (secured a TC offer with them), I know people at the firm and couple of my friends who secured ACs with W&C had sprinkle of 2:2s, one even had an overall 2:2 in his second year. It doesn’t purely matter about your grades, at least you have graduated with a solid/strong 2:1. They are looking for a candidate who can showcase their skills (check out their website) and they really pride themselves on their international outlook, so tie this in with yourself/own experiences. Like all firms they are looking for a well-rounded individual, academics alone do not define you.

    If you want to chat further about this, PM me.

    All the best with the application :)
    Hi @JPH,

    Thanks so much for this - I really appreciate both your advice and kindness. That's reassuring to know, as many on LinkedIn who have secured offers with them appear to be the crème de la crème (firsts and distinctions all round). Congratulations on your TC with them.

    I may indeed take you up on this very kind offer :)

    Thanks, again!
     
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    Asil Ahmad

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  • Mar 29, 2020
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    Good evening everyone. Congratulation to everyone who has received a BM WG this week and commiserations to all, like me, that did not - I'm still feeling it a bit, but am back on the horse (i.e. applying!).

    Was wondering if anyone who has got past W&C's app stage before, could kindly help me with a question regarding grades. Has anyone got through the first stage with grades that are a bit hit and miss? I ask because while I've achieved a 2.1 and a Merit, my grades vary enormously and I'm wondering whether this is a large factor as to why I've never made it past the first stage.

    Would be grateful for any insight on this!

    Happy Friday!
    From what I have heard about White and Case they review your application as a whole and if you don't have good grades then you can still progress past the application stage. This is what White and Case are known for that they review the whole application regardless of grades. But make sure that your experiences make up for your grades like you should have lots of experience. I hope this helps.
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Is it too late to apply for a Macfarlanes TC do we think? Also has anyone sent one to Dentons/heard from Dentons? Not sure if they are rolling
    It’s not too late at all. They don’t close until 31st July and most people won’t apply until they have this year’s academic results.
     
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    RS31

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    Jan 23, 2021
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    I am preparing for my NRF telephone interview, I was wondering if anyone could guide me on how long an average answer should be? Is 2 minutes for an answer a good rule of thumb, or too long?

    I ask, because I've made the mistake of having answers that are too long before and don't want that to happen again!
     
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