TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[farrow]

Hey, I was the same as you, could only apply to DTC’s whilst doing the SQE and only made it to one AC. However this cycle I went back to vac schemes only and got 5 AC’s, 3 schemes and a TC. So it definitely gets better and remember DTC apps are harder for a reason!

Yeah, next cycle I'm amending my approach to the above.

 

[FfffNnn13]

I'm curious as to why apply and get that far, and then be unable to make it? Out of curiosity.

Like, I wouldn't apply for a job in Australia if I could not attend the required in-person job interview.

You are aware that there are many international law students and graduates, right? Some of them can’t afford to be in the UK now

 

[farrow]

You are aware that there are many international law students and graduates, right? Some of them can’t afford to be in the UK now

Yes of course. However if you cannot make a core part of the interviewing process, does that not factor in whether you apply in the first place?

I’m just surprised, that’s all.

 

[yk1906]

You are aware that there are many international law students and graduates, right? Some of them can’t afford to be in the UK now

Exactly! Also, do they know that some people require a visa to enter the UK? With my 3rd country citizenship I also have to wait for 2-3 months for home office to make a decision on a 6-months visitor visa. And it costs quite a lot, too. When I hear law firms that do not provide for a virtual AC opportunity talk about inclusivity and not caring about your university (ha-ha), I laugh out loud.

 

[yk1906]

Yes of course. However if you cannot make a core part of the interviewing process, does that not factor in whether you apply in the first place?

I’m just surprised, that’s all.

Some law firms do not explicitly mention they do not have virtual ACs.

 

[FfffNnn13]

Yes of course. However if you cannot make a core part of the interviewing process, does that not factor in whether you apply in the first place?

I’m just surprised, that’s all.

I understand where you are coming from. Yes, but at the same time these firms don’t mention whether it will held virtually or in person. Also, if push comes to shove and if one is desperate enough and with enough finances of course, they would be prepared to travel to the UK to attend the AC.

Another thing is that a lot of the bigger firms advertise that they can sponsor international students, therefore they should be prepared to accommodate the process while bearing in mind that the candidate might be abroad.

So all of these factors can make up the reasons why international candidates would apply.

 

[farrow]

Some law firms do not explicitly mention they do not have virtual ACs.

I would assume that the majority of ACs are back to being in-person, as the accommodations due to Covid fade into obscurity.

 

[farrow]

I understand where you are coming from. Yes, but at the same time these firms don’t mention whether it will held virtually or in person. Also, if push comes to shove and if one is desperate enough and with enough finances of course, they would be prepared to travel to the UK to attend the AC.

Another thing is that a lot of the bigger firms advertise that they can sponsor international students, therefore they should be prepared to accommodate the process while bearing in mind that the candidate might be abroad.

So all of these factors can make up the reasons why international candidates would apply.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[legallybrunette8]

I got an email stating outcome due Fri 25 July. 🤞

WHAT????????

My email was for the office I applied to though (Manchester), so maybe they still have spaces for other offices!

 

[legallyells]

boodle hatfield direct tc AC invite!!

 

[yk1906]

I would assume that the majority of ACs are back to being in-person, as the accommodations due to Covid fade into obscurity.

Well, that's just sad, considering how much they advertise their inclusivity. But obstacles are a part of life. Good luck to every fellow international here

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Whilst they may be open to international applicants my guess is that the majority of international applicants are already international students studying in the UK and that is what they are catering to rather than applicants applying from abroad?

 

[mcqueens]

Has anyone heard back from HFW? I

Still waiting to hear back :/

 

[yk1906]

Whilst they may be open to international applicants my guess is that the majority of international applicants are already international students studying in the UK and that is what they are catering to rather than applicants applying from abroad?

Does not change my point

 

[farrow]

Does not change my point

Inclusivity doesn’t mean firms have to warp the process around every individual constraint. It means giving fair access to those who can meet the requirements of the job. If they have a diverse pool of internal to the UK applicants, why would they go outside of that pool?

Go ask the subreddit /uklaw, and you'll get the most honest to God answer of what it means to be an international applicant. It is a brutal browse.

NB: I am an immigrant.

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Whilst they may be open to international applicants my guess is that the majority of international applicants are already international students studying in the UK and that is what they are catering to rather than applicants applying from abroad?

I do think a large number of international graduates of UK universities end up in the scenario of being forced to apply from abroad if they don't secure something before their visa runs out.

 

[yk1906]

Inclusivity doesn’t mean firms have to warp the process around every individual constraint. It means giving fair access to those who can meet the requirements of the job. If they have a diverse pool of internal to the UK applicants, why would they go outside of that pool?

Go ask the subreddit /uklaw, and you'll get the most honest to God answer of what it means to be an international applicant. It is a brutal browse.

NB: I am an immigrant.

I wholeheartedly agree with you and understand how hard it is. It wasn't my point that it should be easy, plus I know and follow the UK government's position on immigration My point is that if they do welcome internationals as they say, it would be fair to be transparent about ACs/interviews being held in-person only.

I follow the /uklaw subreddit and it's full of enraged British citizens, unfortunately. I am fully aware of my chances as an international but it does not make me less ambitious.

N.B. not trying to argue here, just posting my personal opinion. I hope you get a TC soon!

 

[farrow]

I wholeheartedly agree with you and understand how hard it is. It wasn't my point that it should be easy, plus I know and follow the UK government's position on immigration My point is that if they do welcome internationals as they say, it would be fair to be transparent about ACs/interviews being held in-person only.

I follow the /uklaw subreddit and it's full of enraged British citizens, unfortunately. I am fully aware of my chances as an international but it does not make me less ambitious.

N.B. not trying to argue here, just posting my personal opinion. I hope you get a TC soon!

I would assume that all ACs are in person unless explicitly stated. Not the other way around. (For anyone ghost reading this). If you cannot attend an in-person AC, ask before you apply. I would be so disappointed if I did all that work, made it that far in the application process, and could not join an in-person AC.

The subreddit is full of people who have also seen the underbelly and exploitation of international students, who often times get sold a pipe dream by universities about qualifying and getting a UK job. They often receive waves of posts from disappointed and at times tragically stressed international students and graduates.

Your comment about enraged British citizens, well, aren't we after a training contract in Britain? Where we would contribute to the British country, economy, and values? I'm confused by that comment.

It is good to be ambitious. It is also good to have a frank conversation around expectations, and likelihoods. We can be outliers, however not everyone can be an outlier. The reality is stark and brutal, and I think a healthy dose of reality is important.

 

[yk1906]

I would assume that all ACs are in person unless explicitly stated. Not the other way around. (For anyone ghost reading this). If you cannot attend an in-person AC, ask before you apply. I would be so disappointed if I did all that work, made it that far in the application process, and could not join an in-person AC.

The subreddit is full of people who have also seen the underbelly and exploitation of international students, who often times get sold a pipe dream by universities about qualifying and getting a UK job. They often receive waves of posts from disappointed and at times tragically stressed international students and graduates.

Your comment about enraged British citizens, well, aren't we after a training contract in Britain? Where we would contribute to the British country, economy, and values? I'm confused by that comment.

It is good to be ambitious. It is also good to have a frank conversation around expectations, and likelihoods. We can be outliers, however not everyone can be an outlier. The reality is stark and brutal, and I think a healthy dose of reality is important.

Assumptions lead to missed opportunities I do not undermine values and experiences of the British -- it is simply the experience I usually get on Reddit. I never get this negative energy from people on this forum.

I am realistic. But I go after every chance I get and try to do my best because you will never know until you try. Again, I am not trying to argue what you said, just saying my views on life and personal opinion.

 

[otw2atc]

Hey, I was the same as you, could only apply to DTC’s whilst doing the SQE and only made it to one AC. However this cycle I went back to vac schemes only and got 5 AC’s, 3 schemes and a TC. So it definitely gets better and remember DTC apps are harder for a reason!

In my first cycle I did only DTC applications thinking I wouldn’t be able to do a VS and got through to only one final round interview. In my second cycle I did only VS applications and I now have a TC so definitely would recommend applying for some VS if you can!