TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Scandi]

NRF WG🥳

 

[Scandi]

is NRF WG automatic?

It says 'passed the initial screening', so that suggests no (especially because of the time in between application and WG)

 

[sc29]

Same. I got one too aha

Sorry to hear this was this post WG by any chance?

 

[Polaranu]

PFO from Payne Hicks Beach

 

[missingtwiggies]

Does anyone have any ideas when we’ll hear from Payne Hicks Beach?

finally just got an official PFO from them! But it was in response to a direct email sent to Grad Rec HR who apologised for the delay, so it wasn't an automated email

 

[JadeWadey01]

Sorry to hear this was this post WG by any chance?

Nope lol

 

[AvniD]

Wanted to get advice on this if anyone is in/has been in a similar situation:

So I was an international student in London and I just graduated in July 2022.

I wish to pursue paralegalling positions. My student visa expires end of October 2022, but until then I can work full time.

I am interested in applying for the graduate visa but as you have to be in the UK when you apply and you have to stay there while the application is being processed, I wish to secure a role before going to the UK as rent/living expenses are so expensive without working in a role.

Does anyone know if firms would be open to hiring me as a paralegal even though I would be applying for the graduate visa after securing a position. The graduate visa is pretty easy to get and I don't know of anyone's application being refused so there isn't really any risk of me not securing it.

I don't think your international status would be a consideration for not giving you the job if you've already got the right to work via the graduate visa.

 

[AvniD]

Lovely people,
How do I explain in 50 words why I want the job and firm? I am oiled like to explain that I have the necessary skills but I am stuck on why the firm. May be the career prospects but seems a bit too long term.

In 50 words, I would state one thing about the firm's ethos, the TC structure/job profile, the type of clients and deals and/or the career opportunities available that stand out to you. There simply isn't enough space for you to explain why these things stand out to you so you're probably better off just stating what stands out to you plainly. Alternatively, you could pick one headlining thing about the firm you like and use the remaining 50 words to explain why you like this aspect about the firm.

 

[AvniD]

Invitation to BCLP first stage interview! Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated as I’m completely new to the whole process

I also noticed it said TC commencing 2023 but I’m sure I applied to 2024, I’m going to contact them anyway to confirm but wondered if anyone else had this? Thank you!

Do you know what type of interview this is? And yes, confirm the start date for sure and let us know what they say!

 

[moxiebobo]

Does anyone know if you can convert a graduate visa into a student visa? If for example, you decide to enrol in the SQE or LPC Courses after obtaining the graduate visa?

hey i don't think it 'converts' but i think if you just get a student T4 visa sponsored by ULaw or whoever and whenever that starts would mean your graduate visa ends. So you might 'lose time' (i.e. the remainder of time you had left on the graduate visa)

 

[Lily1234]

Does anyone know how / when the chambers student table with the number of vacancies per firm/ number of applicants gets updated? I’d love to know!

 

[Jessica Booker]

hey i don't think it 'converts' but i think if you just get a student T4 visa sponsored by ULaw or whoever and whenever that starts would mean your graduate visa ends. So you might 'lose time' (i.e. the remainder of time you had left on the graduate visa)

Exactly this - you would just get a student visa and have to pay for that. Unfortunately, if you have applied for the graduate visa and ultimately don't end up using it for much time because you convert to the student visa, you are unlikely to get any refund on it.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know how / when the chambers student table with the number of vacancies per firm/ number of applicants gets updated? I’d love to know!

It was only updated at the end of July, so I suspect it might not be updated again for a couple of more months.

Firm's don't tend to confirm their deadlines etc until just before the recruitment cycle starts - which for many, won't be until October.

 

[Lily1234]

It was only updated at the end of July, so I suspect it might not be updated again for a couple of more months.

Firm's don't tend to confirm their deadlines etc until just before the recruitment cycle starts - which for many, won't be until October.

Thanks so much!

 

[samni]

When did you each apply? I'm so anxious waiting

On the deadline day - 31st July!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

is NRF WG automatic?

No, its the next stage post app review

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Invitation to BCLP first stage interview! Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated as I’m completely new to the whole process

I also noticed it said TC commencing 2023 but I’m sure I applied to 2024, I’m going to contact them anyway to confirm but wondered if anyone else had this? Thank you!

I did it in April/May this year, I can DM you with some tips

 

[NaimK]

NRF WG

 

[MontereyPK]

Will we get an email when TC Application status is updated in Vantage account? Both my Weil and Mac ones just say 'submitted' although I completed Weil WG over the weekend..

 

[Brandon93]

Would anyone be able to provide guidance on Stephenson Harwood's written case study?