TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi all - Have my first 2 ACs next week/week after. I am a career changer and have completed ACs for other sectors (finance) but never for law.

Any advice on what might be different please? Also, should I take a copy of my CV for the interview part, as the firm notes they don't provide the interviewer with any previous details.

Thanks!

No the point is they don't know your background so have no preconceived ideas about you.

 

[BuddingLawyer1211]

has anyone heard from CMS Manchester yet? been ages since I did the VI but not heard that anyone else has heard back yet

Hi,
I heard back but I didn’t realise since it was sent to my junk mail. U should deffo check that x

 

[lenalong02]

Hi,
I heard back but I didn’t realise since it was sent to my junk mail. U should deffo check that x

when did you find out if you don’t mind me asking? x

 

[BuddingLawyer1211]

when did you find out if you don’t mind me asking? x

Ummm the email was sent on Monday x

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

I just don't get why they advertised the opening

Looks like 'London' isnt available on their dropdown either anymore - something going on? https://careers.mwe.com/

 

[sxw517]

Looks like 'London' isnt available on their dropdown either anymore - something going on? https://careers.mwe.com/

Is it not open anymore because of the fact that the application window is shut?

 

[EliteWhovian]

Very tempted to drop the HR officer a message on Linkedin but that would likely be unprofessional

 

[sxw517]

Very tempted to drop the HR officer a message on Linkedin but that would likely be unprofessional

It's tempting, but I agree – probably not the most professional approach.

 

[sxw517]

It's even more egregious to think that I wrote just shy of 2000 words for their application answers and haven't even been updated.

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

Is it not open anymore because of the fact that the application window is shut?

That includes experienced hires too though - looks like the whole office may not be hiring (or something pending like a merger / office closure?)

 

[hannah04]

does anyone know what time the Freshfields TC application closes tomorrow (18 Jan)?

 

[Green]

has anyone heard from CMS Manchester yet? been ages since I did the VI but not heard that anyone else has heard back yet

I still haven’t heard either

 

[axelbeugre]

If you get through to the WG do you think it then falls down to WG performance to make it to an AC or is it then seen as WG plus overall app? My question more or less stems from whether being sent the WG is a notion of ''we like this application and it is worthy of an AC, but we need to cut numbers down''?

I am pretty sure it is watson glaser and overall application but I am not really sure. I would say that you are pretty much correct with your assumption or at least that was the impression I was under.

 

[e1996]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I've just made a TC application for Freshfields which I've just realised their personal statement word limit was 850 words, which I have gone over the word limit. What should I do?

 

[axelbeugre]

Hi @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre, for McDermott Will & Emery, the deadline for TC applications was 31 October but it looks as though nobody has received any communication from them post-app.

Is it safe to assume that they’ve just decided to not take trainees on or have offered TCs internally?

I spoke to a future trainee who got a TC offer in 2023 and they had already had their AC by this time last year.

It might be that they are very busy for whatever reason so I personally would not think too much into it. I totally understand that waiting so long is nerve-wracking and so you could message them graduate recruitment asking for updates on your application. I did it a couple of time last year and they usually either give you the result or explain why they are being late.

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica！Is it possible to apply for a direct TC without any VS previously

It is definitely possible to do so and I personally know people who were successful without any legal experience whatsoever. It is just a matter of explaining really well how your past experiences make you the perfect future trainee lawyer at the firm.

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I've just made a TC application for Freshfields which I've just realised their personal statement word limit was 850 words, which I have gone over the word limit. What should I do?

How much did you go above that? I personally think that it is fine and law firms will read your application even if it is slightly above the word count, especially if it is a personal statement. If it is less than 1000, I think it is fine. I personally would not do anything also because chances are they might not even notice.

 

[Legalstalker]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I've just made a TC application for Freshfields which I've just realised their personal statement word limit was 850 words, which I have gone over the word limit. What should I do?

I'm neither of them but email Freshfields - [email protected]
I made a huge error which i noticed today i emailed and asked if they could withdraw my application. they responded within 20 minutes confirming they had withdrawn me to allow me to reapply with an updated personal statement. this was only 1 hour ago!

 

[e1996]

How much did you go above that? I personally think that it is fine and law firms will read your application even if it is slightly above the word count, especially if it is a personal statement. If it is less than 1000, I think it is fine. I personally would not do anything also because chances are they might not even notice.

I was quite over the word limit - 1200 words.

 

[Legalstalker]

I was quite over the word limit - 1200 words. As it didn't say anything in the application form itself about word limit (only on the website) I didn't realise until I went to check something else on the website just now

wow 1200 words!! you had a lot to say huh 🤣