TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2023-4

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

Hi Jess,

I have seen that BDB Pitmans open their direct TC's in April and they close in early July 2024, does the firm recruit primarily through VS or would you describe the direct intake as healthy also?

Thank you!

Not primarily through VS - the firm has made a number of hires through to direct TC process for 2025.

 

[ikeRoss]

Not primarily through VS - the firm has made a number of hires through to direct TC process for 2025.

Glad to hear! Thank you - much appreciated

 

[SoNash]

What date was that?

thursday 1st feb

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

thank you! I did my test on the deadline day, at around 8am-ish

Oh, so did I! I’ll try remain hopeful 🤞😅

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

For anyone fretting, I emailed Freshfields querying when those who have taken WG tests, last week, will hear back. To which they have responded saying we will hear back with an update by the end of next week.

I guess we can rest assured that it’s not a definite PFO then. I assume that they would have just sent out the PFO emails this week if that was the case

 

[AZ97]

Is it likely that FF will send out any more WG invites?

 

[Njaliwe Ungwe]

Is it likely that FF will send out any more WG invites?

Apparently they did at least 3 batches last year so I would think so

 

[missingh]

just got an email from bristows post-vi saying they have progressed my app to a round of screening by partners to decide who gets picked for first round interview. not sure whether to take this as a mini win especially after a reed smith pfo earlier? kinda scary 👀

 

[Studyinglaw]

just got an email from bristows post-vi saying they have progressed my app to a round of screening by partners to decide who gets picked for first round interview. not sure whether to take this as a mini win especially after a reed smith pfo earlier? kinda scary 👀

I got the same, I thought it might be their way of saying they're still screening VIs in response to many people asking about the status of their application rather than a 'progress'. Not sure?

 

[missingh]

I got the same, I thought it might be their way of saying they're still screening VIs in response to many people asking about the status of their application rather than a 'progress'. Not sure?

i remember from speaking to a trainee that it is actually the partners that watch the video interviews and then pick who they want to interview! but yeah im not sure if we like passed the grad rec screening first? hmm

 

[SoNash]

i remember from speaking to a trainee that it is actually the partners that watch the video interviews and then pick who they want to interview! but yeah im not sure if we like passed the grad rec screening first? hmm

Yeah I got the same thing and at the IP workshop, they said they view video interviews in two stages, grad rec then partners so I guess we passed ?😭

 

[Amjaya]

Freshfields AC invite! Shocked and excited as it's my first AC as well!

PLEASE offer your tips on how you got to this stage. I will be applying for the summer scheme and anything will be helpful! My dream firm 😭

 

[trainee2025]

Freshfields AC invite. Shocked but also super excited. Praying more WG and AC invites go out to everyone!

I did the WG on Monday 29 Jan (the day it was sent).

Huge congrats! Been following you for a while hope this comes good for you!

 

[TonyStark]

Still awaiting results for Fresfields post WG completion last week. Congrats to all those who got ACs. Not sure what to think right now but will stay positive!

 

[hehostressed]

Hey did anyone apply to DWF minority access scheme and heard back?
Same with AG (GC) TC?

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Just working on my King & Spalding app, and question C asks to 'describe a current news story which is of interest to you and why'. Looks like the sentence has been cut off...does anyone know if we're supposed to relate this back to K&S?

 

[Lawyer500]

same here!! i feel like i have to exclude things

Do you by any chance know if we are allowed to use bullet points? There wasn’t any guidance on this

 

[PFO King]

just got an email from bristows post-vi saying they have progressed my app to a round of screening by partners to decide who gets picked for first round interview. not sure whether to take this as a mini win especially after a reed smith pfo earlier? kinda scary 👀

Take it as a win, from what I understand youve passed the first stage of vi screening because I know people who didnt pass the screening were informed earlier last week.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just working on my King & Spalding app, and question C asks to 'describe a current news story which is of interest to you and why'. Looks like the sentence has been cut off...does anyone know if we're supposed to relate this back to K&S?

I don’t think it has been cut off - sometimes they want to find out about your interest rather than how you think it aligns with the firm.

 

[Shreya Verma]

Just an out of context question but how do you all stay motivated and focused throughout the recruitment cycle? Would love everyone's insights ☺️