TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[A worried paralegal]

haha, same situation with burges. all the best, keep me updated. they said they'll lmk if a place frees up by 17/07/2025 4pm.

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

haha, same situation with burges. all the best, keep me updated. they said they'll lmk if a place frees up by 17/07/2025 4pm.

Good luck to you too!

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

Haha maybe none of us!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Thank you so much Ram, really appreciate this advice! Is there a course or a thread which is focused on tackling ACs?

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Yep! We have several threads that focus on various aspects of ACs. I've included them below:


Questions to ask at interviews
Guide to negotiations
Andrei’s interview guide
George’s interview advice
Preparation videos
Example interview questions
Partner interviews
Avni’s guide to ACs
Managing nerves for an AC
Maintaining confidence during an interview
Future trainee insights on strange interview questions

Good luck with any AC preparation!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme(the one i just converted) but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

 

[A worried paralegal]

Good luck to you too!

Haha maybe none of us!

Been told that there are twenty in total on the list

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

Fantastic work @mfuturetrainee! I've seen you grind and improve and keep going! This is what happens when you don't quit!!! Well done!!!

 

[zonnonomo]

im quite literally shaking as i write this, but i've just accepted a TC offer and i don't think i've registered it at all

i just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole community, everyone's so friendly but also so willing to help- i've done so many different ACs and everyone i spoke to always was willing to point me in the right direction. so THANK YOU all you've all been so incredible

honestly, this was my 3rd cycle- im a grad working as a paralegal and i only ever did one vac scheme but its true when they say it only takes one yes. it still feels surreal to me because ive dreamed about writing this post to close my cycle but honestly guys, it is tough, but not impossible. i found the right firm for me after so many trial and error and they decided the same. i've also had SO many rejections which never made sense to me but now, it feels so insignificant in the grand scheme of things- if i had to do it all again, i would, because you do eventually find the right firm, you do find the right people. i know this forum is going to close soon so i thought i'd close my journey here too

ANYWAY im gonna try and not be soppy but if anyone needs any advice/ help, pls do reach out <3

congratulations this is so epic!!!!!! posts like yours remind me that the TC app process isn't just a twisted form of rejection therapy but that there is another side, im so happy that you made it there 👊

 

[ilovegardening1111]

Hiya @ilovegardening1111

Yep! We have several threads that focus on various aspects of ACs. I've included them below:


Questions to ask at interviews
Guide to negotiations
Andrei’s interview guide
George’s interview advice
Preparation videos
Example interview questions
Partner interviews
Avni’s guide to ACs
Managing nerves for an AC
Maintaining confidence during an interview
Future trainee insights on strange interview questions

Good luck with any AC preparation!

Thank you

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Been told that there are twenty in total on the list

Heard nothing. Guess there’s no luck for me.
But interesting to know how many people are invited to the AC?

 

[asdfghjkl]

And me too

Crikey

Who of us is first in reserve I wonder?

Havnt heard back yet so I’m assuming it’s a pfo

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Havnt heard back yet so I’m assuming it’s a pfo

At least we have some reassurance that with a bit of refinements of our application we can probably get to the next cycle’s AC

 

[BillSikes]

WFW rejection post-app

 

[eirake]

Hi everyone, I just received my results, and I was wondering if it is a good idea to send them to some of the firms I applied to for DTCs. I am quite happy with how I performed, so I think them knowing my updated results would increase my chances of progressing to interview. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi everyone, I just received my results, and I was wondering if it is a good idea to send them to some of the firms I applied to for DTCs. I am quite happy with how I performed, so I think them knowing my updated results would increase my chances of progressing to interview. Let me know your thoughts!

Think there’s no harm in doing so! Worst thing is they don’t consider it. But if some firms mention specifically that they don’t take individual grades into account then I guess there’s not a need to do so

 

[takop1467]

W&C VI!

 

[asdfghjkl]

At least we have some reassurance that with a bit of refinements of our application we can probably get to the next cycle’s AC

That’s true. I feel like I’ve already stretched mysself this cycle, and don’t quite have any more room for improvement apart from getting more experience which I can then use on my next cycle applications. Which in turn puts me in the same old loop.

Good luck with your other applications

 

[whywhy88]

Question re reusing personal statements! I didn't make it to the Freshfields application review stage as I didn't pass their new online assessment thingy, so could I reuse my personal statement again next cycle? I was really proud of it and was devastated that it wasn't read, but don't know the rules surrounding this. Any advice appreciated!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

At least we have some reassurance that with a bit of refinements of our application we can probably get to the next cycle’s AC

It doesn't always work like that. Two of the applications where I got to ACs in my first cycle I didn't get past first round in my second even with arguably improved applications. It was disappointing (and a but of a kick in the gut to be honest at the time). However I did go on to progress with other firms and secure a TC after a vac scheme.

So basically don't assume anything but also do persevere.

The second cycle I made far more and much better applications which led to success.

Good luck with your applications.

 

[Kakaboo]

Is Hogan Lovells Direct TC rolling?

 

[farrow]

Does anyone know when the TC 2028 cycle opens?

Also does anyone know of any firms with only a one-year lead time for TCs instead of two years?