TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[AB]

Hi all,

Has anyone heard from:

- AS/ Harbottle & Lewis regarding the tc application
- NRF ( who completed AS/WG in the first round) ( I believe yesterday was the last day for TI interviews so why have they taken so long to reject me/I am pretty sure everyone else in the first round got rejected earlier on)
- AS Barclays work experience ( since it starts in a week's time I am assuming a rejection but I haven't seen any LinkedIn posts) ( I know this thread is for TCs but idk where else to ask) .

I got rejected after AC for BCLP which sucks because I suspect it was mainly confidence ( I was a mess and at one point the partner mentioned lawyers needing to be tough (which could have been an indirect or could have just flown from our previous conversation on settlement negotiations)) ( it may have been everything and the only thing I got right was showing up on time ( I hope they give good feedback calls)). Any tips for confidence? It sucks because I feel like it's not something you can fix overnight like CA or not knowing enough about the firm.

 

[Tintin06]

At what point do non-rolling firms’ recruitment processes become rolling?

For example, a candidate completes the WG tor Hogan Lovells, does the firm wait until they’ve got all WG scores to progress people? Cf. VIs at firms like W&C.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker W&C say they review their VIs on a rolling basis, but they won't be looking at them over the weekend + bank holiday right? so I should have up until Tuesday to practice answers and get it in for then?

No one will be working weekends.

But rolling recruitment doesn’t mean they are reviewed daily on a working day. They are likely to only review in batches, maybe once a week or every couple of week depending on numbers.

 

[Tintin06]

I am once again asking what are Ashurst's questions. Thank you.

 

[BubbleTeaFan]

I am once again asking what are Ashurst's questions. Thank you.

In previous years, typically one of the three questions was a 750-word cover letter (why you, why commercial law, why Ashurst)

Their Winter vac scheme applications open tomorrow - I don't think anyone will know the rest of the questions before then

 

[katierose]

Can anyone confirm if the A&O blended assessment/SJT deadline is the same as the deadline to apply? In the email they sent with the link they didn't specify a deadline, they just say to look at individual deadlines on the website, so I assume this means we have until the winter vac deadline (22nd September) to complete the test?

 

[Marissa]

I am once again asking what are Ashurst's questions. Thank you.

Last cycle's TC questions:

• Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max)
• Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor. (300 words max)
• Please tell us about a recent news article that interests you and how this relates to Ashurst? (300 words max)

 

[icl]

sorry if this is a weird question but did they specifically say that your app didn't make the cut? because 78 on the WG seems like a good score to me (pls correct me if I am wrong).

they said "Having reviewed your Watson Glaser score, unfortunately, we will not be progressing with your application.", so I'm not sure how much my app had an influence on it. Personally I also think 78th percentile may not be high enough for a firm like Freshfields sometimes, especially when the next stage is AC

 

[Dib31]

"Within the next week" - W&C

As an aside, which firms don't use psychometric testing?

Covington
Debevoise
Jones Day
Kirkland
Macs
Milbank
Sidley
Slaughters
Travers
V&E
W&C
Willkie

Milbank use Watson Glaser at the AS for the VS!

 

[F12M34L]

I am once again asking what are Ashurst's questions. Thank you.

This year's WVS questions:



Tell us in 250 words why you are applying to Ashurst and what you know about the firm. (250 words max) *


In 250 words tell us what a commercial lawyer does. (250 words max) *

Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max) *

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

Has anyone heard back from Weil? I applied on 31/7

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Hi, I’m an international student who has finished her undergrad and is now undertaking the SQE. I’m on a tier 4 visa. Will I be able to apply for any winter schemes?? Would really appreciate if @Jessica Booker or anyone else can shed some light

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

Has anyone heard back from Weil? I applied on 31/7

Well, hopefully tomorrow/ this week Weil will start giving responses. I am pretty nervous though because their vac scheme will be opening soon, they only recruit up to 15 a year and whilst I do I think I have the potential to get a TC - I don't like my chances, especially as we near September.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I’m an international student who has finished her undergrad and is now undertaking the SQE. I’m on a tier 4 visa. Will I be able to apply for any winter schemes?? Would really appreciate if @Jessica Booker or anyone else can shed some light

If they fall outside of your term dates, then yes you will be able to. If they fall within your term dates, you will be limited to 20 hours a week.

 

[F12M34L]

This year's WVS questions:



Tell us in 250 words why you are applying to Ashurst and what you know about the firm. (250 words max) *


In 250 words tell us what a commercial lawyer does. (250 words max) *

Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max) *

I feel like the first and last question might be too repetitive. should we focus more on my skills/achievements in the last question and link it back to ashurst. little confused. @Jessica Booker could you advise on this

 

[s002]

Hi all, looking for some advice

I've recently received a TC offer which I am incredibly happy about, and have four weeks to accept. I am also still waiting to hear back from a few other firms and I want to know the options available to me before making a decision. Is it okay for me to email these other firms and ask if I can have the status of my application sooner, in light of my receiving an offer from another firm so that I can make my decision on time? Or is this not worth it / likely to damage my chances?

@Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all, looking for some advice

I've recently received a TC offer which I am incredibly happy about, and have four weeks to accept. I am also still waiting to hear back from a few other firms and I want to know the options available to me before making a decision. Is it okay for me to email these other firms and ask if I can have the status of my application sooner, in light of my receiving an offer from another firm so that I can make my decision on time? Or is this not worth it / likely to damage my chances?

@Jessica Booker

Yes, it is ok to ask whether you will receive an update on the status of your application ahead of your TC offer deadline.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I feel like the first and last question might be too repetitive. should we focus more on my skills/achievements in the last question and link it back to ashurst. little confused. @Jessica Booker could you advise on this

There is the risk of repetition here.

I would say “why the firm” more broadly in the first answer and “why the training contract at the firm” in the latter one though. These answers can then be distinct from one another.

 

[Abgaal]

Has anybody heard from Latham & Watkins?

 

[Emilia]

Boodle Hatfield PFO