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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
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Hi! First-time poster here after many months of reading and lurking 
Writing for advice because I am truly at a crossroads.
I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student, hopefully significantly improving my skillset and application-writing in preparation for the next cycle, or (b) consider practicing at my home-country as a foreign-qualified lawyer (probably the NY Bar). I know both aren't mutually exclusive; I can continue applying and prep for the bar at the same time, but really it's the opportunity cost that concerns me. How should I spend my time in a way that would give me the best return?
For context: I'm an international student, having graduated UCL Law in 2023 with a 1st. After graduating, I chose to go back home because of a job offer. Fast-forward to now, I'm realising that I much prefer the structure of a legal career than what venture capital can offer me.
While working full-time, I applied to Direct TCs to 12 firms and reached the final-stage for only one MC firm last year, but got rejected. I was hoping to have the opportunity to do more interviews, but only managed to get 1.
TLDR; Is it a good use of my time to prep for the NY Bar for the July exam, and then focus on TC applications after the exam? This is so that, if I indeed don't get anything the next cycle in London, I'm qualified and have options to work here at home.
Anyone with experience doing the NY bar, or in a similar position — or really anyone at all — please advise and I'd love to talk!
Writing for advice because I am truly at a crossroads.
I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student, hopefully significantly improving my skillset and application-writing in preparation for the next cycle, or (b) consider practicing at my home-country as a foreign-qualified lawyer (probably the NY Bar). I know both aren't mutually exclusive; I can continue applying and prep for the bar at the same time, but really it's the opportunity cost that concerns me. How should I spend my time in a way that would give me the best return?
For context: I'm an international student, having graduated UCL Law in 2023 with a 1st. After graduating, I chose to go back home because of a job offer. Fast-forward to now, I'm realising that I much prefer the structure of a legal career than what venture capital can offer me.
While working full-time, I applied to Direct TCs to 12 firms and reached the final-stage for only one MC firm last year, but got rejected. I was hoping to have the opportunity to do more interviews, but only managed to get 1.
TLDR; Is it a good use of my time to prep for the NY Bar for the July exam, and then focus on TC applications after the exam? This is so that, if I indeed don't get anything the next cycle in London, I'm qualified and have options to work here at home.
Anyone with experience doing the NY bar, or in a similar position — or really anyone at all — please advise and I'd love to talk!
Freshfields WG invite!
Can I ask how you found out about this? Was it on their website?
I got the same strengths as you and my weakness was adaptability. I thought I was in with a good shot with that ngl hahaha
I applied to an open day. They invited me to this instead.
Freshfields WG, 3.45 pm today
has anyone still not heard back from freshfields? 
I believe if you qualify there ie. in NY you will just need to do SQE2 to transfer to being qualified here but do check further.Hi! First-time poster here after many months of reading and lurking
Writing for advice because I am truly at a crossroads.
I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student, hopefully significantly improving my skillset and application-writing in preparation for the next cycle, or (b) consider practicing at my home-country as a foreign-qualified lawyer (probably the NY Bar). I know both aren't mutually exclusive; I can continue applying and prep for the bar at the same time, but really it's the opportunity cost that concerns me. How should I spend my time in a way that would give me the best return?
For context: I'm an international student, having graduated UCL Law in 2023 with a 1st. After graduating, I chose to go back home because of a job offer. Fast-forward to now, I'm realising that I much prefer the structure of a legal career than what venture capital can offer me.
While working full-time, I applied to Direct TCs to 12 firms and reached the final-stage for only one MC firm last year, but got rejected. I was hoping to have the opportunity to do more interviews, but only managed to get 1.
TLDR; Is it a good use of my time to prep for the NY Bar for the July exam, and then focus on TC applications after the exam? This is so that, if I indeed don't get anything the next cycle in London, I'm qualified and have options to work here at home.
Anyone with experience doing the NY bar, or in a similar position — or really anyone at all — please advise and I'd love to talk!
Hi @Jessica Booker, I received an invite to do the Freshfields WG test which also contained a link to do a practice test. I clicked on the link to check whether it was working and closed the window after. When I try to access the practice test now, it doesn't let me do it. Do you think it would be detrimental to ask the recruitment team to send me a new link to the practice test? In case it may showcase me as not having attention to detail or another competency required for a lawyer.
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no it goes to practice test but apparently you can only access the practice test once
@Jessica Booker is 2018 work experience too old? I want to include everything ideally. Thanks in advance for your advice.
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No - any work experience ideally should be included unless you are limited to a number of entries.
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