TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Dogsoooo]

Some people were still receiving SJT invites on Tuesday so I really hope it’s not just one round of invites, that would automatically reject those who haven’t even completed them! It is worrying..

Looking at previous threads it seems like people hear back after 3 weeks(?) im guessing the firm is exceptionally impressed with the member who did it this past sat!

Firstly, congratulations to those who have already secured AC invites your success is well deserved!

However, I feel compelled to comment on the firm’s application process, particularly regarding the "rolling deadline." If a firm advertises a rolling process, it is only fair to expect timely communication with applicants. Unfortunately, waiting over a month for a rejection or infact any sort of response, especially after completing the SJTs and VI early, renders the entire concept of a rolling deadline meaningless. What is the benefit of applying early then?

This approach not only undermines the transparency of the process but also shows a lack of consideration for applicants’ time and effort. If the system cannot deliver on its promises, perhaps it is time to reconsider how the process is advertised.

 

[YS391]

Does Reed Smith send only one list of AC invites, or can we expect more?

Some people are only just got sent test/VI invites so I’m sure there’ll send several more AC invites.

 

[TortillaTC]

Some people are only just got sent test/VI invites so I’m sure there’ll send several more AC invites.

Do people who have completed the test and VI already but haven’t got the AC get rejected or they use a similar method as before and send batches instead of doing a rolling basis?

 

[Atam!]

congrats to all of you receiving Reed smith’s ac invite today! I’d appreciate if anyone could tell if the ac is held online or in person!

 

[YS391]

Do people who have completed the test and VI already but haven’t got the AC get rejected or they use a similar method as before and send batches instead of doing a rolling basis?

Nope I reckon it will be in batches. There’s no point worrying it’s out of ur control!

 

[TortillaTC]

congrats to all of you receiving Reed smith’s ac invite today! I’d appreciate if anyone could tell if the ac is held online or in person!

They said in the June Masterclass that it’s in person but there’s an option to do it online if someone cannot be in the UK

 

[TortillaTC]

Nope I reckon it will be in batches. There’s no point worrying it’s out of ur control!

Definitely true, just a bit hard not to think about it since they’re my dream firm and also the only one that progressed me to this stage this whole cycle:/

 

[Madhu0753]

Has anyone heard back from Perkins Coie regarding the LBA programme who applied close to the deadline?

 

[ReedSmithBecca]

Firstly, congratulations to those who have already secured AC invites your success is well deserved!

However, I feel compelled to comment on the firm’s application process, particularly regarding the "rolling deadline." If a firm advertises a rolling process, it is only fair to expect timely communication with applicants. Unfortunately, waiting over a month for a rejection or infact any sort of response, especially after completing the SJTs and VI early, renders the entire concept of a rolling deadline meaningless. What is the benefit of applying early then?

This approach not only undermines the transparency of the process but also shows a lack of consideration for applicants’ time and effort. If the system cannot deliver on its promises, perhaps it is time to reconsider how the process is advertised.

Hello, just to clarify, a 'rolling deadline' does not mean 'first come first served', it means that we review applications and may move candidates through the stages before the deadline, and do aim to review older submissions first where appropriate. We are a small team who review all applications and VIs in house and there are a number of factors which determine the order in which candidates are reviewed.
We aim to be transparent in that we advertise that all candidates will review a response within one month of the deadline (which is what happened).
I'm disappointed to read that you feel this "undermines the transparency in the process" or "shows a lack of consideration for applicants' time and effort", because we do actually put a great deal of time and energy into trying to be as transparent as possible and respecting the time applicants commit to the process. The commitment to transparency is part of our partnership with TCLA and responding to applicants here. Hopefully the above clarifies our approach. I'd also advise that if you have a specific question or concern, please feel free to email [email protected]

To answer questions more broadly, we are issuing AC invites in batches and have so far only issued one batch.

 

[lawstudent2]

Does anyone have any advice for structuring applications which ask for a cover letter and then have multiple additional questions (eg 300 words on extracurriculars or something similar). I struggle to balance what should go in the cover letter vs the other questions as they seem to overlap a lot. For instance, a lot of my evidence for points in the cover letter are my extracurriculars and other activities that would go in those additional questions. I don't want to repeat myself but also don't want to sound like I can't support my points well, if that makes sense. The kind of applications like white & case or travers smith for example.

 

[apapasozomenos]

Hello, just to clarify, a 'rolling deadline' does not mean 'first come first served', it means that we review applications and may move candidates through the stages before the deadline, and do aim to review older submissions first where appropriate. We are a small team who review all applications and VIs in house and there are a number of factors which determine the order in which candidates are reviewed.
We aim to be transparent in that we advertise that all candidates will review a response within one month of the deadline (which is what happened).
I'm disappointed to read that you feel this "undermines the transparency in the process" or "shows a lack of consideration for applicants' time and effort", because we do actually put a great deal of time and energy into trying to be as transparent as possible and respecting the time applicants commit to the process. The commitment to transparency is part of our partnership with TCLA and responding to applicants here. Hopefully the above clarifies our approach. I'd also advise that if you have a specific question or concern, please feel free to email [email protected]

To answer questions more broadly, we are issuing AC invites in batches and have so far only issued one batch.

Hey Becca!

Can I please ask, is the SJT balanced out by the VI or is the VI weighted more heavily given we are able to expand on our own experiences, etc?

 

[apapasozomenos]

Does anyone have any advice for structuring applications which ask for a cover letter and then have multiple additional questions (eg 300 words on extracurriculars or something similar). I struggle to balance what should go in the cover letter vs the other questions as they seem to overlap a lot. For instance, a lot of my evidence for points in the cover letter are my extracurriculars and other activities that would go in those additional questions. I don't want to repeat myself but also don't want to sound like I can't support my points well, if that makes sense. The kind of applications like white & case or travers smith for example.

Personally, the way I am approaching the cover letter for white & case is by focusing on why commercial law, why this firm and why me (basing it on my competencies)

If there are questions outside the cover letter asking about your hobbies that is an indication they don't expect to read about hobbies in the cover letter. I also read somewhere that an effective cover letter rarely goes over 5 paragraphs.

What I want to know is if the question about firm events is there for us to demonstrate we are actively engaging with the legal field.

 

[trainee4u]

Does anyone have any advice for structuring applications which ask for a cover letter and then have multiple additional questions (eg 300 words on extracurriculars or something similar). I struggle to balance what should go in the cover letter vs the other questions as they seem to overlap a lot. For instance, a lot of my evidence for points in the cover letter are my extracurriculars and other activities that would go in those additional questions. I don't want to repeat myself but also don't want to sound like I can't support my points well, if that makes sense. The kind of applications like white & case or travers smith for example.

The W&C questions are

"Please provide a covering letter (1000 words) in the space below.

Please tell us why you are interested in a career in commercial law and, in particular, why you would like to join White & Case. We are also interested in knowing what skills and attributes you have developed that you think are suited to a career in law at our firm. We are specifically looking for you to demonstrate some of our core competencies, in particular tenacity and determination, commercial awareness and a global mindset."

So this is:

1. Why do you like comm law, and our firm in particular?
2. Demonstrate that your skills and attributes are those we are looking for

and then

"Please give details of any interests and extra-curricular activities, including any positions of responsibility or achievements. Tell us what skills and competencies you have developed in the activities you have undertaken and how you developed these."

(350 words)

The second question is very generic - a copy + paste to some extent, but it's important to answer all the questions being asked.

1) interests /extra-curricular
2) positions of responsibility/achievements in these
3) skills developed in these
4) how those skills were developed

So I would make sure my answer answers the question posed - about extra-curriculars & interests. For the main question, it's very much not a given that the question would be answered by talking about extra-curriculars: some people will have work experience, for example. However if you don't, then there's likely to be repetition. I wouldn't see that as a problem per se - they are looking for impressive candidates because it's one of the most desirable jobs for graduates, so providing your e-c and activities do demonstrate the calibre of candidate that they are looking for I don't think duplication is a problem

 

[SR99]

Is the Reed Smith practice test link working for everyone? Mine doesn't seem to load

 

[yk1906]

Is the Reed Smith practice test link working for everyone? Mine doesn't seem to load

Try it from an incognito mode. Also, if you’re located in certain countries (like Russia, etc.) you won’t be able to take the test without VPN

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Firstly, congratulations to those who have already secured AC invites your success is well deserved!

However, I feel compelled to comment on the firm’s application process, particularly regarding the "rolling deadline." If a firm advertises a rolling process, it is only fair to expect timely communication with applicants. Unfortunately, waiting over a month for a rejection or infact any sort of response, especially after completing the SJTs and VI early, renders the entire concept of a rolling deadline meaningless. What is the benefit of applying early then?

This approach not only undermines the transparency of the process but also shows a lack of consideration for applicants’ time and effort. If the system cannot deliver on its promises, perhaps it is time to reconsider how the process is advertised.

I am afraid I disagree. It simply means that applicants will be assessed in between their other workload and that they usually process the applications in the order in which they are made. They will still apply the same criteria.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone have any advice for structuring applications which ask for a cover letter and then have multiple additional questions (eg 300 words on extracurriculars or something similar). I struggle to balance what should go in the cover letter vs the other questions as they seem to overlap a lot. For instance, a lot of my evidence for points in the cover letter are my extracurriculars and other activities that would go in those additional questions. I don't want to repeat myself but also don't want to sound like I can't support my points well, if that makes sense. The kind of applications like white & case or travers smith for example.

Hey,

So generally, the structure comes in three-fold; why commercial law (not just why law as you need to be precise), why the firm, and why you.

In the why you section, you could tend to focus on more substantial/academic/ work experience elements, as opposed to extracurriculars, seeing as there is a section on that already. Even if you feel to mention those, do so lightly as the dedicated application question was created to enable you to expand on it in more detail/ introduce other discussions and elements.

Another thing is that you can mention a point twice in both the cover letter and application question - just paraphrase it and make the application question description more backed up.

I would personally not re-use points for both sections - and this is my subjective opinion. If I were a recruiter, I would love to read fresh things, so try to look deep into your portfolio and I’m sure you’ll find different yet relevant things to include. However, I can also understand why one may want to re-use points if they are truly relevant and I do not think you will be penalized heavily for this.

 

[👩🎓]

Can someone please help with the watson glaser test. I seem to not meet the benchmark firms request. What is considered a good benchmark?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anyone who does well on the WG, can you please PM me? Thank you!

 

[👩🎓]

Anyone who does well on the WG, can you please PM me? Thank you!

I would also really appreciate this please!