TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Winter]

Does anyone know if firms tend to reimburse expenses for an AC?

If you mean travel costs for an AC, yes, firms tend to reimburse

 

[rightletsdothis]

Does anyone know if firms tend to reimburse expenses for an AC?

Assuming it's a big city firm then yes they will. If its slightly smaller they still probably would reimburse long-distance train tickets (say you're travelling from Manchester for the day)

 

[Louise59]

Hi - I am currently completing my application for Fried Frank. Questions do not include the maximum wording; what is a good length ? I was thinking about 450-500 ? Thanks!

 

[sxw517]

Hi - I am currently completing my application for Fried Frank. Questions do not include the maximum wording; what is a good length ? I was thinking about 450-500 ? Thanks!

The going rate on many applications is 250-300 words, so personally I would try and make answers as succinct as possible really, as being concise and not verbose is often better!

But, someone that has completed an application for Fried Frank before and progressed may have a better insight.

 

[Louise59]

The going rate on many applications is 250-300 words, so personally I would try and make answers as succinct as possible really, as being concise and not verbose is often better!

But, someone that has completed an application for Fried Frank before and progressed may have a better insight.

Thanks for the advice !

I worked on the application and I agree, 450-500 is actually lengthy!

 

[academicweapon121]

Is it worth taking a laptop to an AC?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it worth taking a laptop to an AC?

No harm in doing so, but I think they would tell you if you needed to bring one.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

Does anyone have any advice for not giving up throughout this whole process? It's honestly felt so brutal since I first decided to apply for TCs, and it's genuinely so hard to know if I'm actually good enough for this.

 

[HopefulLawyer99]

Anyone heard back from Ashurst post AC?

did you hear?

 

[islasorna]

Anyone heard back from TLT post-app for direct TC?

 

[Aliceczernia]

did you hear?

Just a blanket email that we will hear by the 23rd June. Have you?

 

[Fd321]

Has anyone heard from Forsters post application?

 

[Samir_O]

Has anyone followed up with grad rec for bakers post AC direct tc? I still haven’t heard anything and just want to get some clarity ://

 

[kmo20]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for applying to Slaughter & May and Freshfields for the direct TC if I haven’t had a vacation scheme? Is it worth applying or will this greatly reduce my chances? Thank you

 

[laurabeaumont]

Hi Laura, thanks for the advice!

I just wanted to get your thoughts on something. I'm quite conscious of the fact that getting intricate details on specific firm deals can often be a bit of a Hail Mary (unless you have resources, then please suggest! ). As an alternative to what you proposed, I was thinking about maybe name dropping one of the London office's more high profile partners and explaining how their commercial awareness has made them exceptionally successful (with tangible examples)

Please let me know if you think this is something even worth pursuing (or if I'm overcomplicating things). I welcome any and all advice!

Hi @CorporateCrocodile,

Typically the most in-depth details you can get on law firm deals as applicants are via news channels such as FT or The Lawyer (which unless you specifically have subscriptions via university library channels etc can also be difficult to access).

It is a little bit of a Hail Mary, I agree, but not impossible to find unique facts about firms. I've never heard of specific partners' names being used and would perhaps advise against this (@Jessica Booker any thoughts?). Instead, focus on what you can find on the law firm's website (this is as much information on deals as they would expect). I would think about more holistic commercial concepts than zeroing in on very specific facts because the firm may expect more knowledge on the matter at the interview than you are able to offer.

 

[laurabeaumont]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for applying to Slaughter & May and Freshfields for the direct TC if I haven’t had a vacation scheme? Is it worth applying or will this greatly reduce my chances? Thank you

Hi!

I have had friends who have succeeded in direct TC applications at both those firms without a vacation scheme! Definitely not impossible and worth applying if you feel your application/s is/are ready

Laura

 

[O]

Any bakers pfo?

 

[laurabeaumont]

Does anyone have any advice for not giving up throughout this whole process? It's honestly felt so brutal since I first decided to apply for TCs, and it's genuinely so hard to know if I'm actually good enough for this.

Hi @HopefulFutureTrainee123,

I am so sorry you are feeling so defeated by this whole process. I want you, firstly, to know that myself and the rest of this community are here to support you in this journey. That's the beauty of this forum - we truly are all in this together. I hope in some ways that alleviates any feeling of isolation that you may feel in what can seem like a blind and brutal process. I want everyone on here to know that they are good enough and that there is a light at the end of what appears like a never-ending tunnel. I will be manifesting good energy for you today and every day.

I just couldn't frame my advice in a way that is better than my colleague @Erin so please enjoy her wisdom because I so wish I'd heard them during my application cycle:

 

[kmo20]

Hi!

I have had friends who have succeeded in direct TC applications at both those firms without a vacation scheme! Definitely not impossible and worth applying if you feel your application/s is/are ready

Laura

Thank you! This is reassuring to hear

 

[spamelinazoid]

Any bakers pfo?

At this point I feel like they’ll start sending responses when they see how the vac schemers progress… the scheme started today