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

[kitty_kat]

Congratulations on the AC invite. Is it okay if I PM you some questions as I am amdist writing my own application for Direct TC and could some help and advice.

Sure

 

[Abii]

I’m still waiting to hear back from an interview I had 2.5 weeks ago, I haven’t yet heard the outcome. In the interim I have secured and started a voluntary mentoring position with a charity - should I update my application portal with the information of this or wait for the outcome of the interview? What would others do in this situation?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I’m still waiting to hear back from an interview I had 2.5 weeks ago, I haven’t yet heard the outcome. In the interim I have secured and started a voluntary mentoring position with a charity - should I update my application portal with the information of this or wait for the outcome of the interview? What would others do in this situation?

I’d call the firm and ask for an update.

 

[Abii]

I’d call the firm and ask for an update.

There hasn’t been a telephone number for GR provided. I sent an email late last week and that has gone unanswered.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

There hasn’t been a telephone number for GR provided. I sent an email late last week and that has gone unanswered.

Call the firm’s switchboard and be asked to be put through to GR.

 

[Katedew]

Anyone heard back from slaughter and may since AC and how long they normally take to get back?

 

[ScrappyDoo]

Anyone heard back from slaughter and may since AC and how long they normally take to get back?

I heard back successfully one week later after my AC. Best of luck

 

[MandyAA]

Is DLA doing Direct TC applications this year?

No they’re not! But I just thought I’d ask this thread for CV advice anyway x

 

[S15001]

Anyone heard back from slaughter and may since AC and how long they normally take to get back?

Hi, they took about 9 days to get back to me after my interview. Hope that helps!

 

[Abii]

I finally heard back after the interview I had nearly 3 weeks ago now - I was successful in making it to the next stage!

This is a day shadowing an associate, I know this isn’t a standard part of the process for a lot of firms so I’m struggling to work out or research how to best prepare for this. I have 2+ years experience as an in-house paralegal so I guess I’m not going in completely blind. Does anyone have any advice for this?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I finally heard back after the interview I had nearly 3 weeks ago now - I was successful in making it to the next stage!

This is a day shadowing an associate, I know this isn’t a standard part of the process for a lot of firms so I’m struggling to work out or research how to best prepare for this. I have 2+ years experience as an in-house paralegal so I guess I’m not going in completely blind. Does anyone have any advice for this?

I don’t think you need to do huge amounts of preparation. If you know the associate’s name, try and do a bit of digging to see what they have worked on but it’s not an issue if it’s difficult/impossible to find that out on the internet alone.

The main thing is just to show your interest during the day. Take notes, ask questions, offer to help where you can.

 

[vacschemeapss]

Hi! Are there any firms that recruit reasonable number of trainees from direct TC apps? I was thinking to apply to BCLP tc and some other firms - any suggestions welcome!

 

[nkji500]

Hi, I’m not entirely sure if this is the correct place to post this but I can’t find it in any forums online.

I have applied and been offered an interview for Clifford Chances new IT business graduate programme and was wondering if any knew anything about it?

The email states “Your assessment day will consist of a competency-based interview, and a scenario-based individual exercise and interview”. Is this format similar to their TC interviews? I believe the individual exercise will have a presentation element in it.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi! Are there any firms that recruit reasonable number of trainees from direct TC apps? I was thinking to apply to BCLP tc and some other firms - any suggestions welcome!

This list is from last year but should still provide a good idea of which firms recruit decent numbers from direct TC apps! Some of the firms listed as recruiting predominantly through VS still have large enough intakes to take a reasonable number from direct TC too

Where Firms Recruit From (Direct TC/VS)

Please take this with a pinch of salt. Most of it is accurate, especially in the last section where firms are clear on their websites that they only recruit vac schemers, but things get more ambiguous in the first two sections. My main sources have been legal articles, but I've also combed...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Zachary576]

I am still waiting to hear back from my Slaughter and May AC that was just over 2 weeks ago now. I was wondering if anyone else is in the same boat?

 

[tc.la.vs]

S&M AC invite but I went to book a slot and all the dates they offered me are in February? Is this normal or should I email and ask if it's a mistake? As always, many thanks @ everyone on these forums

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

S&M AC invite but I went to book a slot and all the dates they offered me are in February? Is this normal or should I email and ask if it's a mistake? As always, many thanks @ everyone on these forums

That might be the earliest dates as 1) they will be busy with winter programmes up until Christmas and 2) many firms avoid January for assessments, as many students/candidates have exams then.

 

[tc.la.vs]

That might be the earliest dates as 1) they will be busy with winter programmes up until Christmas and 2) many firms avoid January for assessments, as many students/candidates have exams then.

Thank you! Much appreciated

 

[AvniD]

Hi, I’m not entirely sure if this is the correct place to post this but I can’t find it in any forums online.

I have applied and been offered an interview for Clifford Chances new IT business graduate programme and was wondering if any knew anything about it?

The email states “Your assessment day will consist of a competency-based interview, and a scenario-based individual exercise and interview”. Is this format similar to their TC interviews? I believe the individual exercise will have a presentation element in it.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

Congratulations on your interview! Unfortunately, I do not know about the recruitment process for the IT business graduate programme, but it is very good that they've let you know what to expect. I would not use these as an indicator of what to expect in your interview, but practising the competency and scenario-based questions here could be a helpful starting point for understanding the types of questions you may get asked. Wishing you the best!

 

[AAA_a]

Anyone still waiting to hear back re A&O 2024 March TC? Applied and passed SJT in late Sep and heard nothing since. I've seen people getting both AC and PFO so not sure how this may turn out?