Hi everyone

[CharlesT47]

Hi all, my name is Charles. I've just finished my Final year and am waiting for my results. Hoping for a first as have worked hard for it, but will be happy regardless. Any ideas on any first steps to obtaining a TC? I understand I've started late, but had originally opted to go down the Barrister/ Consultancy route in my first three years.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey Charles,

It’s lovely to hear about your interest in going down the TC route. Here are a few tips to help. I’ve also linked a very basic post which should get you started on the fundamentals.

• Attend online webinars. TCLA hosts a couple in partnership with law firms. They help you grasp certain concepts like application processes, practice area descriptions, and so on. You also get to connect with fellow peers, which is helpful if you want more insights/ an application buddy.
• Enrol in courses to help you build that commercial awareness/ application writing confidence/ interview confidence. TCLA has a lot on the course offerings page (Premium, Bronze, Gold).
• Make a LinkedIn account. Connect with trainees, future trainees, associates, and offer to schedule coffee chats based off their capacity. Some prefer messaging though, so something to be mindful of.
• Have a solid grasp of the core practices at most firms ( transactional vs. disputes ). Know which side you’re learning more towards - this’ll enable you to craft more tailored applications to firms that have core offerings in those seats. If you don‘t know, that’s largely fine - you can apply to firms that have a great balance of the two.
• Attend open days. These give you insights into each firm, and the profession at large. You can reference them even if you’re not applying to the firm which you attended an open day at - firms value this across the whole board. If you want to apply to a firm that you’ve done an open day at, then great - you’ve already built a strong connection with them. Though, this is in no way at all a prerequisite to an offer. They are certainly helpful regardless.
• Start building your commercial awareness. The term is always thrown around - but it is really important. Do you understand how businesses make money? The structure of law firms as a business? How economic conditions affect deals in the PE (private equity) sphere for example, and ways law firms aim to protect all stakeholders involved? I appreciate this may all sound overwhelming at first, but step by step - you will do fine and build that competency. Some good sources are TCLA Academy, Finimize, Investopedia, Littlaw News, the FT, etc.
• Craft good law firm applications. What makes the applications good? Have a look at the posts I’ve linked below.
• Put yourself out there. Attend law firm events, or even networking events outside the sector. It helps build that confidence of interacting with people in a social setting. I attended events in private equity for example, knowing very well that I didn’t want to go into pure PE (though was drawn to it from a legal/client management side). Talking and holding good oral communication is a key skill for any lawyer, and law firms look for this even at the early careers stage - so attempt to flex that muscle that needs constant building when you can!
• Leverage your past experiences - do not undermine anything you’ve done - transferable skills are real, and law firms love to see that.

Final tip: you are not “late”. You are exactly where you need to be, and I trust you’ll excel in this. Please let us know if you have any more questions at all. Good luck with everything, Charles - rooting for you!

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