TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[sunnyd]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I hope you're well!

I have just progressed to the Assessment Day for WInckworth Sherwood and would really appreciate some advice about how to prepare and what to expect? They haven't given further details about what to expect just yet. Are there any resources I could utilise?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Should I assume PFO if I haven’t heard from Wiggin by now?

It in fact was a PFO lol🫠

 

[AS24]

Out of curiosity, is this a waiting list in terms of spots for an AC session in the event that the current AC candidates do not progress?

I do not know

 

[lawyerletsgo]

3 pfos in one day - starting to feel crap lol

what options r there for someone who might not land a TC in his 2nd year at uni?? im going into third year now

 

[LegalEagle02]

Wiggin PFO!

 

[Petallove1]

3 pfos in one day - starting to feel crap lol

what options r there for someone who might not land a TC in his 2nd year at uni?? im going into third year now

To be fair I think it takes something like an avg of 3 applications cycles to secure a TC. As much as it’s frustrating, I don’t think it’s the end of the world to get to third year or even graduate uni without getting a TC. I graduated two years ago and am still applying, but that gave me the opportunity to gain more legal work experience which firms do value and it’s got me much further through the application process. It’s great if you can get one when you’re at uni, but defo don’t put that pressure on yourself!! Ultimately in the grand scheme of things the average age to qualify as a solicitor is late 20s, so you’re still way ahead of the trend

 

[Gday33]

Orrick PFO - at least I’m ticking firms off my list one way or another 😂

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Did anyone who applied to orrick not get a PFO? Or know someone who hasn’t/has progressed? Or is it loooking like this is another firm that’s de facto not bothering with the direct TC route this hear

 

[evianmineral]

3 pfos in one day - starting to feel crap lol

what options r there for someone who might not land a TC in his 2nd year at uni?? im going into third year now

as commenter above mentioned, average age of qualification is late 20s/early 30s

you are incredibly young and have a lot of chances, no point in giving up now

you will get loads more pfos its not an indicator of your ability, this is to some degree all based on luck; people get 1-3 TC offers max anyway

people i know with TCs range in age from 21-29 - some got it first time some have been trying for years and persevered. there's little difference in getting one at 21 or 25 etc anyway the important thing is to just focus on getting one.

make yourself as attractive a candidate as possible, think about meeting firm reps/going to events, extracurriculars etc - between each cycle try to improve yourself and build on your successes.

 

[Arvee Specktour]

Did anyone who applied to orrick not get a PFO? Or know someone who hasn’t/has progressed? Or is it loooking like this is another firm that’s de facto not bothering with the direct TC route this hear

Still haven't heard back 😓

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Still haven't head back 😓

That sounds like a good sign to me!!! Well or at least not a bad one hahaha

 

[Mxxb]

3 pfos in one day - starting to feel crap lol

what options r there for someone who might not land a TC in his 2nd year at uni?? im going into third year now

You just need a little patience- I completed an insight scheme (not a VS) at HSF back when I thought I wanted to be a corporate lawyer and the trainee there started her TC at 29.

I know another solicitor who started her TC at Mishcon when she was 31.

You have the option to target a smaller firm but the reality is that not all TCs are made equally. If you really want to train at a high flying firm, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth waiting for

I graduated without a TC and got my dream
Firm this year.

Best thing you can do now is get some legal work experience (or any other kind of work experience, but try to get work experience in a professional role)

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

3 pfos in one day - starting to feel crap lol

what options r there for someone who might not land a TC in his 2nd year at uni?? im going into third year now

I would stress the majority of people will not secure a TC in their second year of uni. This is very normal! Your options are still the same - keep plugging away with applications and look for opportunities to continue to develop your skill set and knowledge.

 

[legal_student2024]

through to the next stage for Withers 🥳 does anyone know if this stage is automatic for all applicants or selective?

 

[adrk1234]

through to the next stage for Withers 🥳 does anyone know if this stage is automatic for all applicants or selective?

I also got through this morning, from the wording on the email and their site it seems to be selective, (I hope!!)

 

[legal_student2024]

I also got through this morning, from the wording on the email and their site it seems to be selective, (I hope!!)

congrats!! have you done a cappfinty test before? if anyone has any tips re prep would be forever grateful

 

[Eeeazyyy8]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Dentons?

 

[JLaw56]

Hi, has anyone heard from Haynes Boone?

 

[norothrow324]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Dentons?

Nothing in the past month. They closed the apps yesterday though so might get some movement soon.

 

[lawyerletsgo]

when an exercise says 'review a case and prepare a note' what sort of exercise will this be? I have a written exercise this evening and have never done one before