TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[lawstress]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I just had a question if you could provide any insight. Once you've secured a TC, is it normal to not hear from the firm for a while or do they usually stay in regular communication with you? Like I signed the contract for my TC (which starts in 2024) and sent it over a few weeks ago, and I haven't really heard back since. Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I just had a question if you could provide any insight. Once you've secured a TC, is it normal to not hear from the firm for a while or do they usually stay in regular communication with you? Like I signed the contract for my TC (which starts in 2024) and sent it over a few weeks ago, and I haven't really heard back since. Thanks!

Not hearing anything for a few weeks, especially at this time of year is very normal. Many firms do stay in contact with their trainees, but this tends to only be every 2-3 months with general updates rather than 1-2-1 communication.

If you are concerned, send your firm and email and just ask whether they need any further information from you at this stage relating to your offer.

 

[lawstress]

Not hearing anything for a few weeks, especially at this time of year is very normal. Many firms do stay in contact with their trainees, but this tends to only be every 2-3 months with general updates rather than 1-2-1 communication.

If you are concerned, send your firm and email and just ask whether they need any further information from you at this stage relating to your offer.

Thank you!

 

[Polaranu]

Has anybody heard back from McDermott Will & Emery yet?

 

[John Doe 555 333]

Advice for Allen & Overy AC?

Thanks

 

[futuretraineecity]

Anyone heard back from Mayer Brown post application for direct TC?

 

[samni]

Hi, does anyone have any insight on when to update an app with additional information? I submitted the TC app in July and started a role in September (had already completed 2 stages of the TC process by then). I've actually now finished the final partner interview and mentioned the role a couple of times when asked at that stage. Is it worth updating the app now on the system now just in case (there's an option on AllHires) or is there no point? All interviews were done CV blind but I've just noticed the option to add

@Jessica Booker

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

I have work experience at a US firm with a small intake in London. I am hoping to apply to A&O for a direct training contract. Within the work experience entry for the US firm, do I need to explain why I am applying to a firm with a much larger trainee intake? Thanks

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, does anyone have any insight on when to update an app with additional information? I submitted the TC app in July and started a role in September (had already completed 2 stages of the TC process by then). I've actually now finished the final partner interview and mentioned the role a couple of times when asked at that stage. Is it worth updating the app now on the system now just in case (there's an option on AllHires) or is there no point? All interviews were done CV blind but I've just noticed the option to add

@Jessica Booker

I wouldn’t worry about this - I don’t think there is a need to update it, although you could do so (no issue if you do at the same time).

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I have work experience at a US firm with a small intake in London. I am hoping to apply to A&O for a direct training contract. Within the work experience entry for the US firm, do I need to explain why I am applying to a firm with a much larger trainee intake? Thanks

No - there is no need to do this. Just focus on what you did/gained from the experience, rather than trying to explain why you are motivated for A&O.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

No - there is no need to do this. Just focus on what you did/gained from the experience, rather than trying to explain why you are motivated for A&O.

Great, thank you!

 

[ssolicitorz]

is it ok to talk about a deal that the london office wasnt engaged with? this deal really demonstrates several reasons why im interested in the firm and hence keen to talk about it but unfortunately london office was not involved

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

is it ok to talk about a deal that the london office wasnt engaged with? this deal really demonstrates several reasons why im interested in the firm and hence keen to talk about it but unfortunately london office was not involved

It will depend on how it is positioned and the sub-reasons you mention. If there is a way to say how the deal impacts the training opportunity in London/the Uk, then this could be ok.

 

[samni]

I wouldn’t worry about this - I don’t think there is a need to update it, although you could do so (no issue if you do at the same time).

Thank you Jessica!

 

[Polaranu]

Hi all! At my final partner interview on Monday they said they would let us know if the outcome by the end of the week. I still haven’t heard anything

Is it worth sending an email tomorrow or shall I take it as a rejection waiting to be sent? Thank you!

 

[B A]

Hi all! At my final partner interview on Monday they said they would let us know if the outcome by the end of the week. I still haven’t heard anything

Is it worth sending an email tomorrow or shall I take it as a rejection waiting to be sent? Thank you!

From my experience, it's not uncommon for it to take longer than initially expected to find out about an interview outcome, so don't assume its a rejection. Just email them tomorrow asking for an update. Good luck!

 

[Polaranu]

From my experience, it's not uncommon for it to take longer than initially expected to find out about an interview outcome, so don't assume its a rejection. Just email them tomorrow asking for an update. Good luck!

Great, will do! Thank you

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all! At my final partner interview on Monday they said they would let us know if the outcome by the end of the week. I still haven’t heard anything

Is it worth sending an email tomorrow or shall I take it as a rejection waiting to be sent? Thank you!

I’d probably wait until late Wednesday or early Thursday before following up.

 

[dlaw2023]

Hi guys, I've heard from the grapevine that slaughter doesn't take anyone with a grade average below 68%. I have some mitigating circumstances for my second year and averaged a 64%. Is it worth applying?

 

[RANDOTRON]

Hi guys, I've heard from the grapevine that slaughter doesn't take anyone with a grade average below 68%. I have some mitigating circumstances for my second year and averaged a 64%. Is it worth applying?

I would say apply anyways. 64% is a solid grade and I will say it is certainly more about the quality of your application. Mention your mitigating circumstance if you need to. If this is a firm that you genuinely want to go to, why count yourself out? You won't know what the outcome will be if you applied – you might end up getting through or you might not. One thing is for certain: if you don't apply, you definitely won't get through. Make them say 'no' to you rather than you saying 'no' to yourself.