TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Lord Sumption]

Do you guys know if Freshfields is going to open their direct tc?

Summer trainee associate programme application: 1 June to 13 July 2023 - summer interviews will be held in August 2023.

 

[LegalC]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

 

[S87]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

I have never heard of this

 

[[email protected]]

There is no need to link it back to the firm.

Be mindful you don't need to describe anything you have overcome either though.

Thank you Jessica. Very helpful!

 

[p272]

Hi @Jessica Booker -one application is asking me to 'Argue the case for and against' a particular topic. I was wondering if is there a specific way I should be approaching this in terms of layout? or any other suggestions you would have of how to organise it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do you guys know if Freshfields is going to open their direct tc?

1st June

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker -one application is asking me to 'Argue the case for and against' a particular topic. I was wondering if is there a specific way I should be approaching this in terms of layout? or any other suggestions you would have of how to organise it?

There isn’t a specific approach to this really. Just stick to one side and don’t hedge your bets/sit on the fence too much.

 

[S87]

1st June

View attachment 4923

Literally spent one hour on the page and did not see it, I should really put my glasses on.
Thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[Momo]

For the Ashursts online test, what kind of tests should I be practising ? Should I practice verbal reasoning tests?

 

[vdktn]

Hey I got an invite a few months ago, but booked it for May! When is yours?

Also May! Congratulations, that’s exciting

 

[confusedstudent]

Mayer Brown still hasn't sent me anything (test invites etc.) after my application?

 

[Abii]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

Usually they are not negotiable. Especially if they have several TCs available a year because all trainees are paid the same - you are being offered the salary for the role you are applying for not the one you have. Sucks but I’m in the same boat taking a pay cut from my paralegal salary to my TC salary next year, I’m going to a US firm that’s pays the higher end of TC salaries. Long term though it’s a couple years pay cut for a much higher earning potential going forward as I’ve pretty much hit the paralegal salary ceiling now.

 

[jamesbaillie]

does anyone know any London direct TCs which are open?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

does anyone know any London direct TCs which are open?

Baker McKenzie is until April 1.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Not sure if someone can offer an insight on this, but are trainee solicitor salaries negotiable? I’ve noticed that a couple of the firms I want to apply to for a TC are offering a much lower salary than what I’m on now (I’m an experienced paralegal), which, hypothetically, if I secured one to start in a couple years etc, I‘m going to be very financially strained, more so than I already am. I want to apply to these firms but at the same time, I’m not sure if it’s sensible to if it’s going to stretch me too thin. For context, these are medium sized firms that are fairly reputable. If anyone can offer some insight on this that would be much appreciated!

I have never heard of a TC salary being negotiable where there is more than one trainee being hired. If it is an adhoc trainee programme with one hire every now and then, there could be some wiggle room. But as soon as you are part of an intake, the salary is set.

 

[Momo]

Hi @Jessica Booker , when answering the question on a commercial news story and how it relates to the firm, should we avoid common major topics in the news as graduate recruitment may be bored of reading the same thing? Thanks in advance.

 

[Cryingtiger]

Hi @Jessica Booker , when answering the question on a commercial news story and how it relates to the firm, should we avoid common major topics in the news as graduate recruitment may be bored of reading the same thing? Thanks in advance.

Would like to know the same! Re the Silicon Valley Bank? Is it a good idea to write about this topic?

Thank you @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would like to know the same! Re the Silicon Valley Bank? Is it a good idea to write about this topic?

Thank you @Jessica Booker

I think you should try to know a bit about this topic just in case you are asked specific questions about it, but I personally wouldn’t use it as a story to talk about if you are asked to pick a story because it is so predictable. Everyone will be talking about it.

 

[Momo]

I think you should try to know a bit about this topic just in case you are asked specific questions about it, but I personally wouldn’t use it as a story to talk about if you are asked to pick a story because it is so predictable. Everyone will be talking about it.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker , when answering the question on a commercial news story and how it relates to the firm, should we avoid common major topics in the news as graduate recruitment may be bored of reading the same thing? Thanks in advance.

It depends on what you are focusing on. Most of the time the big headline stories that are predictable are either too big a story to do justice in an interview or have lots of sub-stories within them. Focusing on smaller parts of it (eg how it’s impacting a certain sector/industry/country etc) might be ok as it’s more unique. But just talking about such topics broadly is likely going to make you sound like a significant proportion of other applicants.

Its your opportunity to show your unique interests/knowledge, so I’d try to go in with that mindset rather than a topic where you’ll probably be expected to have some knowledge/opinions/thoughts on the matter anyway (because it is so high profile).