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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

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laby201

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Could anyone please offer some guidance on how to approach the following question:

What specific aspects of Fieldfisher's business units/sectors align with your career goals and interests?

It's worded differently to the typical "why this firm", so am I supposed to talk about which of their sectors appeal to me (i.e. technology, life sciences etc) or specific elements of their sectors (i.e. the dispute resolution strength, international element).
 

TCLA Community Assistant

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Could anyone please offer some guidance on how to approach the following question:

What specific aspects of Fieldfisher's business units/sectors align with your career goals and interests?

It's worded differently to the typical "why this firm", so am I supposed to talk about which of their sectors appeal to me (i.e. technology, life sciences etc) or specific elements of their sectors (i.e. the dispute resolution strength, international element).

Wondered if you had any ideas @Jessica Booker?
Could anyone please offer some guidance on how to approach the following question:

What specific aspects of Fieldfisher's business units/sectors align with your career goals and interests?

It's worded differently to the typical "why this firm", so am I supposed to talk about which of their sectors appeal to me (i.e. technology, life sciences etc) or specific elements of their sectors (i.e. the dispute resolution strength, international element).
It doesn’t mean things like international elements, it is more about the subject area of the work, whether that be practice area or sector specialism.
 

TCLA Community Assistant

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So in effect, just picking out which of their practice areas most appeal to me and the motivations for that? Thank you as always, @Jessica Booker!
It doesn’t have to be practice areas, your interests can be sector based. I would look at their website and they divide their work up by services (practice areas) and sectors. Choose what genuinely interests you most/you most curious about.
 
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Anyone heard back from CMS about AC for offices other than Bristol?
i doubt we’ll hear soon tbh as people just finished their VIs yesterday, some today! heard that although they review on a rolling basis they dont fill up the ac slots on a rolling basis, not sure how accurate that is
 

laby201

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Jan 28, 2021
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Thanks - what experience would you say is sufficient to have a realistic scope for success in direct apps, of course its subjective per firm but appreciate your thoughts!
I believe some firms recruit more from VSs, while others will have a mix of VS and direct TC applicants chosen. Can’t view it as a “one size fits all” approach I don’t think.

I know some firms prefer you to have had at least some paralegalling or equivalent legal experience before going down the direct TC route, but I also wouldn’t say not having had that would exclude you entirely. Like you point out, it’s subjective per firm, and I would really just go down the route which fits you better. Say you have work commitments where getting time off for a VS may be challenging, a direct TC route could be the better option. I’d say it’s a case of individual preference.
 
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