2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[MLS]

Hi - I just mentioned when I could and would want to start the SQE.
They have a Spring and Autumn intake every year, so its just personal preference.

Nice one - thank you!

 

[Veep9]

This is so late!!! NRF were my favourite firm going into application season but going to find out so much later than every other firm... how bizarre. Thanks for letting us know though!!

My AC last year was in early Feb! I was anticipating something similar this year. Oddly upsetting that it’ll be April this year.

 

[LeilaScott]

Hi all! I have had one TC interview following WVS and am waiting to hear, but want to apply to a few more Direct TCs so I dont have all my eggs in one basket, is it too late for direct TC applications or is it worth shooting a few off?

 

[W]

Hi all! I have had one TC interview following WVS and am waiting to hear, but want to apply to a few more Direct TCs so I dont have all my eggs in one basket, is it too late for direct TC applications or is it worth shooting a few off?

No harm in doing so, what’s WVS?

 

[LeilaScott]

No harm in doing so, what’s WVS?

Winter Vacation Scheme, sorry!

 

[W]

Winter Vacation Scheme, sorry!

Oh got ya lol

 

[Abgaal]

Has anyone heard back from Macfarlanes???

 

[Beth P]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

 

[lawyermeup]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

This is just my opinion, so could very well be wrong!! But I think there are subtle differences between the two. The latter is probably easier to approach. For example, is there anything about their Training Contract that differentiates itself, like Freshfields' 8 seat? Or anything particular about their Learning & Development processes? What is their intake size for trainees? How does it operate internationally, Slaughter and May's best friend network, or Freshfields 'one firm collaborative body' idea. How are its practice groups divided up. What does it specialise in? Things like that I think.

Whereas the first one I would approach as how does the firm add more value to its clients than other firms? Things like what distinctive innovation projects are going on, like Linklaters has Nakhoda... does it have a dedicated FinTech Lab like Ashurst? Does it have a outsourcing office to cut costs for clients? Any business teams that are able to identify market trends for client-centred conversations etc.

Hope that helps!

 

[CK74]

Hi everyone! Just wondered if anyone knows whether Ashurst recruit for their TC on a rolling or non-rolling basis? It says on their website that for their VS the process is non-rolling, but I can't seem to find these details for the TC anywhere! Thanks in advance and hope you're all getting through application season okay!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi! I was wondering whether someone could help me in distinguishing the answers for the following questions:

'How can X overcome the challenges it faces in a saturated legal market' and
'How does X differentiate itself from other firms'

I'm not sure how to answer these differently in the same application. Thanks in advance!

To me the key difference is one is assessing the situation now (the latter) while the other one is forward looking. I guess also the differentiation point also doesn’t have to relate to challenges and so could cover a much wider set of matters (eg culture/working environment).

 

[JoNo]

Hi everyone! Just wondered if anyone knows whether Ashurst recruit for their TC on a rolling or non-rolling basis? It says on their website that for their VS the process is non-rolling, but I can't seem to find these details for the TC anywhere! Thanks in advance and hope you're all getting through application season okay!

Hey!

I think they are rolling basis, as I do know they were last year. I’m not too sure this year though, but I would submit my app sooner rather than later to have a great chance!

 

[CK74]

Hey!

I think they are rolling basis, as I do know they were last year. I’m not too sure this year though, but I would submit my app sooner rather than later to have a great chance!

Amazing, thank you! Yes definitely agree - would rather be safe than sorry!

 

[ibs97]

does anyone know if goodwin proctor mainly recruits from VS or if they look at direct TC apps too? They have a direct TC application option on their grad rec website but I'm not sure if it's worth it

 

[jan28]

does anyone know if goodwin proctor mainly recruits from VS or if they look at direct TC apps too? They have a direct TC application option on their grad rec website but I'm not sure if it's worth it

i think they do mostly from vacs - spent quite a lot of time writing their direct tc app in the summer and still haven't received a response! (obviously t's a rejection)

 

[Georgina Evans]

Has anyone applied to Kennedys for the 2022 TC and heard back yet?

 

[rb26]

Has anyone applied to Kennedys for the 2022 TC and heard back yet?

nope still waiting!

 

[Vesania]

Has anyone heard back from A&O after passing the SJT for direct TC?

 

[JayB]

Has anyone heard back from A&O after passing the SJT for direct TC?

I haven’t!

 

[W]

I haven’t!

Ditto