TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[aspiringfuturetrainee2025]

They got back to me 2 days after doing the test!

Thank You! I finished my test on Wednesday, so a bit nervous!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hello @Jessica Booker with regards to this, I am finding 100 words per point difficult because it does not allow me to be specific or develop my points.

You can focus on one point then if this is the case.

I would just usually say that 3 sentences is enough depth to make your point.

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

"Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector" is one of the questions on the Hogan Lovells application form.
I have attended events related to a career at the Bar too, including open days at the Inns of Court - is it worth mentioning these? If only to use them as an example of why I chose the solicitor route instead?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

"Tell us about any open days and events that you have attended in the legal sector" is one of the questions on the Hogan Lovells application form.
I have attended events related to a career at the Bar too, including open days at the Inns of Court - is it worth mentioning these? If only to use them as an example of why I chose the solicitor route instead?

You may want to group them together rather than listing them all out - eg “I attended X, Y, Z events to find out more about alternative legal careers. Attending these events confirmed I was more suited to a career as a solicitor”

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

You may want to group them together rather than listing them all out - eg “I attended X, Y, Z events to find out more about alternative legal careers. Attending these events confirmed I was more suited to a career as a solicitor”

Thanks Jessica.
Another small question, when mentioning open days / personal networking, is it appropriate to use acronyms (mainly to save on word count - I am about 10 words over) - e,g. NRF for Norton Rose Fulbright?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks Jessica.
Another small question, when mentioning open days / personal networking, is it appropriate to use acronyms (mainly to save on word count - I am about 10 words over) - e,g. NRF for Norton Rose Fulbright?

I personally wouldn’t unless the firm uses the acronym themselves.

This thread gives some useful examples of how you can save word count though in other ways:

How to get your applications within their word limits

After reviewing applications over the last 7-8 months, one of the most common issues for candidates is getting their answer within word limits. Often people find it difficult to cut their answers down, and in doing so usually cut out interesting content or points to ensure the answer meets any...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[O]

Has anyone heard from HL since their application for direct tc including any PFOs?

someone posted earlier that they got a PFO

 

[lw2000]

I have an interview at Simkins - they said I didn't need to prep anything and we would just go through my application, but does anyone have any previous experience with them and tips on things likely to come up?

Hey I also have an interview, no previous experience but I've been going through my application and trying to come up with follow up questions they could ask based on the points I made

 

[CallumJR]

Has anyone NOT heard from Forsters / did people already hear back with PFO?

I am asking because my app was moved from VS to direct TC (was not eligible to apply for the VS) and I know they have already sent out AC invites.

 

[wz_13]

What specifically are the SQE questions?

Sounds like the cover letter should be more motivational based. Are you being asked about why the firm in the application?

Sorry the sqe was a typo it was meant to be some! but the questions are:

• Covering Letter -350 words
• Work History – 250 words each
• Legal Work Exposure (open days, vac schemes, shadowing, commitment to law)
• How do I fill up my time outside work and studying and why? – 300 words
• Positions of responsibility held and skills developed
• What makes Farrer stand out – 300 words
• Particularly challenging experience and how I dealt with it

 

[ssssstttt1]

Has anyone heard back from Withers post-AC? Thanks!

 

[Londoner271]

Has anyone heard back from Greenberg Traurig (GT) post AC for 2024 and 2025 TC?

 

[Boating]

Has anyone NOT heard from Forsters / did people already hear back with PFO?

I am asking because my app was moved from VS to direct TC (was not eligible to apply for the VS) and I know they have already sent out AC invites.

I’ve not heard back, but I’m assuming PFO

 

[Phoebe123451]

I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!

 

[Humanoidlawyer]

Hi, anyone heard back from Baker since the AC after following up? More offers/PFOs? Anything?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Sorry the sqe was a typo it was meant to be some! but the questions are:

• Covering Letter -350 words
• Work History – 250 words each
• Legal Work Exposure (open days, vac schemes, shadowing, commitment to law)
• How do I fill up my time outside work and studying and why? – 300 words
• Positions of responsibility held and skills developed
• What makes Farrer stand out – 300 words
• Particularly challenging experience and how I dealt with it

Cover letter should focus on your motivations then - there is a slight overlap with the what makes Farrer stand out question, but I think you can talk about things that are important to you but maybe don’t “stand out” in the cover letter as to why you applied to them.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!

Amazing news - congratulations!

 

[Noodles]

Has anyone heard from Macfarlanes yet? Would be pretty early but thought I'd check!

 

[aspiringlawyerr]

I've let it sink in a little bit and yet it still feels ridiculously surreal but, last week, I received a TC offer!!!! I cannot stress how this would not have been achieved if it were not for the resources, and guidance, of TCLA and its wider community.

Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support this cycle <3; if anyone has any questions, I would love to continue the kindness shown to me by so many of TCLA's finest!!!!!

So deserved!!!!

 

[wz_13]

Cover letter should focus on your motivations then - there is a slight overlap with the what makes Farrer stand out question, but I think you can talk about things that are important to you but maybe don’t “stand out” in the cover letter as to why you applied to them.

Thank you SO much!!