2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[Legalmel_99]

What are firms looking for in group exercises? An individual in my group wouldn't stop talking and barely allowed anyone else to speak!

Doubt they will get it then, they look to see how everyone interacts how everyone engages together and how people listen to each other’s ideas

 

[jan28]

An individual in my group wouldn't stop talking and barely allowed anyone else to speak!

They're definitely not looking for that! And I'm sure whoever was assessing your group would have picked up on their behaviour.

 

[AspiringSol]

I would advise to focus more on your personal strengths in this type of question. This ensures your answer is more unique to you - “why you would stand out” rather than the opportunities to potentially stand out that any trainee could take up (eg networking/helping team members out).

Thanks very much, this makes a lot of sense!

 

[Alice94]

They're definitely not looking for that! And I'm sure whoever was assessing your group would have picked up on their behaviour.

Doubt they will get it then, they look to see how everyone interacts how everyone engages together and how people listen to each other’s ideas

This is slightly reassuring - thanks guys! I'm really starting to worry about all the things I should have said etc. However, it was hard to say anything without the individual in question taking up most of the allotted time! I added a few ideas that were implemented so fingers crossed!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What are firms looking for in group exercises? An individual in my group wouldn't stop talking and barely allowed anyone else to speak!

Collaboration
Supporting others with their thinking
Idea generation
Reaching a consensus

Sounds like the individual wouldn't have demonstrated any of that

 

[Alice94]

Collaboration
Supporting others with their thinking
Idea generation
Reaching a consensus

Sounds like the individual wouldn't have demonstrated any of that

Thanks Jess! I really appreciate you setting out the points that are usually assessed

 

[Legalmel_99]

This is slightly reassuring - thanks guys! I'm really starting to worry about all the things I should have said etc. However, it was hard to say anything without the individual in question taking up most of the allotted time! I added a few ideas that were implemented so fingers crossed!

It’s hard sometimes to talk when there’s someone like that in the group but try stay positive you never know what they are looking for you might have done better than you think but well done for getting. To this stage aswell I didn’t say earlier xx

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks Jess! I really appreciate you setting out the points that are usually assessed

The individual might have scored highly for their thinking/analysis, but if they dominated the exercise, it is unlikely they would have scored on other areas that are equally as important.

 

[BiancaR]

It feels slightly surreal to write this, but I just got a direct TC offer from my dream firm!

I'm honestly so excited- as international student from a fairly unusual background, I have applied for almost three years without any success: I've never had a vacation scheme or even a formal legal internship. Before this month, I had never even made it to the interview stage. I had to complete my first AC in the middle of the night because of time differences, and ended up sitting in the lobby of a nearby hotel when my wifi died just an hour before the assessment began!

Thank you so much to everyone on this forum for all the advice and the ongoing encouragement whenever I started doubting myself! This truly would have been impossible without you all (as well as the TCLA team)

On to the next adventure!

 

[N.9]

Has anyone had any experience with a Macfarlanes AC for direct TC? Would appreciate any input. Thank you

Hi there, sorry to be that person, but may I ask when you applied, please? & good luck for the AC!

 

[N.9]

Does anyone have any advice for Macfarlanes AC??

Hi there, sorry to be that person (again!), but may I ask when you applied please?

 

[N.9]

What are firms looking for in group exercises? An individual in my group wouldn't stop talking and barely allowed anyone else to speak!

I had this happen to me once, and it just made everyone look really good LOL. I wouldn't worry, as long as you were courteous (when you were able to get a word in edgeways) - as opposed to frustrated/irritated etc!

 

[Simba281]

Hi there, sorry to be that person (again!), but may I ask when you applied please?

Hey I applied on 21st April and found out this morning

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

It feels slightly surreal to write this, but I just got a direct TC offer from my dream firm!

I'm honestly so excited- as international student from a fairly unusual background, I have applied for almost three years without any success: I've never had a vacation scheme or even formal legal internship. Before this month, I had never even made it to the interview stage. I had to complete my first AC in the middle of the night because of time differences, and ended up sitting in the lobby of a nearby hotel when my wifi died just an hour before the assessment began!

Thank you so much to everyone on this forum for all the advice and the ongoing encouragement whenever I started doubting myself! This truly would have been impossible without you all (as well as the TCLA team)

On to the next adventure!

Amazing news! Congratulations

 

[N.9]

Hey I applied on 21st April and found out this morning

Thank you, and good luck for the AC!

 

[Alice94]

I had this happen to me once, and it just made everyone look really good LOL. I wouldn't worry, as long as you were courteous (when you were able to get a word in edgeways) - as opposed to frustrated/irritated etc!

The individual might have scored highly for their thinking/analysis, but if they dominated the exercise, it is unlikely they would have scored on other areas that are equally as important.

It’s hard sometimes to talk when there’s someone like that in the group but try stay positive you never know what they are looking for you might have done better than you think but well done for getting. To this stage aswell I didn’t say earlier xx

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply and share your experiences! I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best

 

[BigLawBois]

Hi guys, just wondering what response people received from Freshfields post application. I’ve got one inviting me to complete the WG test. It then says:

“The test score combined with your application will form the basis of whether you are then invited through to the final interview stage.”

Do they mean AC, or am I missing something...?

Hey do you mind me asking when you got the invite?

 

[SS1]

Hi, has anyone got experience of Freshfields AC that you could share? I would really appreciate any advice

 

[Abgaal]

Hi, has anyone got experience of Freshfields AC that you could share? I would really appreciate any advice

You’ve already been for AC?

 

[SS1]

You’ve already been for AC?

Hello - No I have not been yet which is why I would like some advice