TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Arch1234]

But is Slaughter calling direct TC applicants for an interview even if it is scheduled in March?? Because I am a direct TC applicant and the HR mailed me asking if I have other offers but still hasn’t scheduled any interview.

I’m not sure what you mean?
I applied towards the end of November I think and heard back mid December (around that I can’t really remember). I didn’t get a call, I just got an email and could book an interview slot. Even in December the earliest slots were March.

 

[Cambam15]

I’m not sure what you mean?
I applied towards the end of November I think and heard back mid December (around that I can’t really remember). I didn’t get a call, I just got an email and could book an interview slot. Even in December the earliest slots were March.

Ohh! I applied towards the end of November too but did not receive any mail in December. I just received a mail in January asking me if I have other offers as they are still reviewing my application. That's all.

 

[cls33]

Ohh! I applied towards the end of November too but did not receive any mail in December. I just received a mail in January asking me if I have other offers as they are still reviewing my application. That's all.

I think they are still working through applications. I have an interview in March but there are candidates on the Winter Workshop I went on that couldn't choose slots until end of May so I wouldn't worry about timelines. Wasn't sure what you meant, but hope that helps haha!

 

[WannaLaw99]

Hiya,
Does anyone have any advice on how to improve on SJTs? I know it's not a straightforward "graded" test, but any advice would be great! it's slightly easier to find tips on WG as that seems to be more common, but I'm having a tough time finding advice on SJTs...

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

Has anyone not heard from: Slaughter, Baker McKenzie, Freshfields, Travers Smith?

 

[cls33]

Has anyone not heard from: Slaughter, Baker McKenzie, Freshfields, Travers Smith?

Haven't heard from Freshfields in terms of direct TC but think we're expected to hear late Feb

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

Jessica you’re correct. I had the same question and emailed them. They said that the deadline is Saturday 11.59pm (I received my test invite on Wednesday in the morning too @prospectiveswitcher ).

Can I just double-confirm this is definitely due at 11.59PM on Saturday (i.e. Saturday night)?
Thank you! Sorry hahah

 

[jnice]

Hi @Jessica Booker - I’m considering applying for direct TCs. Would you advise against entering legal work experience that I have secured but have not yet started e.g., scheduled VSs?

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

BCLP's website says "We are recruiting for March 2024, September 2024, and March 2025." on their direct TC page. Does this mean I cannot apply as I will need two years of legal education before starting? And if so, does anyone know if they'll open for Sept 2025 direct TCs?

 

[Lawyerwithadream]

Can I just double-confirm this is definitely due at 11.59PM on Saturday (i.e. Saturday night)?
Thank you! Sorry hahah

Hi yes they emailed the following:

Hi

The deadline is until 11:59pm on Saturday.

Kind regards

The GR Team

 

[jnice]

BCLP's website says "We are recruiting for March 2024, September 2024, and March 2025." on their direct TC page. Does this mean I cannot apply as I will need two years of legal education before starting? And if so, does anyone know if they'll open for Sept 2025 direct TCs?

It Means available to start March 2024, sept 2024, and March 2025. As in you should have completed a law degree/PGDL and LPC/SQE by these dates to start the TC.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

It Means available to start March 2024, sept 2024, and March 2025. As in you should have completed a law degree/PGDL and LPC/SQE by these dates to start the TC.

Yes that's what I feared! Do you happen to know if they're planning to open direct TCs for Sept 2025 this year? (or does anyone else know?)

 

[jnice]

Yes that's what I feared! Do you happen to know if they're planning to open direct TCs for Sept 2025 this year? (or does anyone else know?)

Sorry, I have no idea.

 

[commerciallawyer2910]

For Bakers direct TC:

Q2 states: Tell us about something - anything - that excites and inspires you. (300 words max)

Must I only talk about ONE thing, or can I speak about 2-3 things which excites and inspires me? Thanks!

It’s only 300 words so I would say one thing, but that’s just what I did

 

[WannaLaw99]

Anyone else take the HL WG? How did you find it? 30 minutes was too short imo

(and @Jessica Booker do let me know if we are/aren't allowed to discuss tests, not intentionally trying to violate the forum rules )

 

[Ghassen]

Anyone else take the HL WG? How did you find it? 30 minutes was too short imo

(and @Jessica Booker do let me know if we are/aren't allowed to discuss tests, not intentionally trying to violate the forum rules )

I agree! It was very intense and the type of questions was confusing. Also, the main statement is always changeable which means you have to read it every time.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Anyone else take the HL WG? How did you find it? 30 minutes was too short imo

(and @Jessica Booker do let me know if we are/aren't allowed to discuss tests, not intentionally trying to violate the forum rules )

This is fine to talk about. It would only be if you shared specific questions that we would ask for the post to be edited, but even then WG questions tend to be randomised so it wouldn’t necessarily be the case that someone had the same questions as you anyway.

Asking general questions like the time you had/general advice and guidance is fine on all assessments though.

 

[Zaidoz10]

Still have not heard back from Linklaters. Almost been two weeks since they started inviting people to the AC. @Jessica Booker is it possible for my application to have gotten lost in the system, or should I just assume it’s a rejection?

 

[Estupiña Colada]

Writing an answer to: 'Tell us about a challenge you have overcome that showcases your ambition and drive.'

Does anyone have any advice about potential areas to focus on or to stay away from? I've never answered a question like this before on an application.

Thank

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

I agree! It was very intense and the type of questions was confusing. Also, the main statement is always changeable which means you have to read it every time.

Just finished it. I'm a bit worried you've said 'the main statement is always changeable' - I didn't see this? There tended to be 2-3 questions per statement. Did the statement change slightly during the questions?

Also another quick question for anyone that did it - I actually had time left over at the end so was reviewing my answers. I was on the last page to submit but I technically 'timed out' and did not hit Submit at the end. Will my answers still be counted/logged? It changed to a window saying 'the test has now ended, you may close this window' or something similar.

@Jessica Booker ?