TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Jessica Booker]

Why so much emphasis on grades? Law firms are business, not universities. I know it's a "data point". Still, endless questions about exam marks. Is law not just a business? Is it really that academic? It seems you just apply rules. The work is easy, unlike WG. It feels like a gate-kept profession. Grades are surely not that relevant. I know Partners who got 2.2s.

Part of it is down to the correlation of passing the SQE/LPC if you have higher grades.

Some of the recruitment reviews I have done have also shown a correlation between academic performance and on the job performance (not always the case, but have seen it enough to understand why firms would pay close attention to grades).

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

No, just the application forms. Video interview. Maybe the test will be after?

Same, it's thrown me off a bit lol was expecting a test first! Have you managed to schedule yours yet?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Why so much emphasis on grades? Law firms are business, not universities. I know it's a "data point". Still, endless questions about exam marks. Is law not just a business? Is it really that academic? It seems you just apply rules. The work is easy, unlike WG. It feels like a gate-kept profession. Grades are surely not that relevant. I know Partners who got 2.2s.

I think it's in big part just a supply-demand issue: there has been an exponential increase in the number of applicants, but there hasn't been a anything close to a proportional increase in the number of places available at top firms. When firms are getting 50 or 100 applicants per spot, they have to filter candidates one way or another. Grades or WG scores are just a very easy way to do so, as looking at scores come with an apparent "objectivity" that is not as present in a more holistic and multifaceted assessment.

I'd also say this happens because law is unfortunately a very prestige-driven industry. Clients who pay high fees want to be represented by prestigious firms - firm prestige is apparently very relevant at the negotiating table, sometimes more so that the actual arguments levied by each side's counsel. To create and maintain a perception of high prestige which attracts high-paying clients, firms want to show themselves as incredibly selective, by recruiting the students with the highest grades from the 'best' universities.

I agree that in practice law is a not a very accessible profession, but I do not think any one firm gate keeps it intentionally. Because of the culture of prestige which has evolved over the centuries in the legal market, firms do not have much choice in pursuing prestige-focused recruitment strategy.

 

[Rebeccal]

Same, it's thrown me off a bit lol was expecting a test first! Have you managed to schedule yours yet?

I got my link to the interview at 5:30 yesterday. I imagine they'll send the rest out on Monday.

This is my first interview (albeit only the video version). I am going in blind!

 

[Tintin06]

I got my link to the interview at 5:30 yesterday. I imagine they'll send the rest out on Monday.

This is my first interview (albeit only the video version). I am going in blind!

Plenty of YouTube videos on these.

 

[AGRACHEL]

Could anybody who has completed the PWC application give me some tips for what to include in the skills section of my PwC application? I am quite confused as I have never come across this before.

 

[LRR23]

Same waiting to hear back! Did you apply last year? How far did you get if so?

I got to VI last year and then fumbled one Of my responses.

Were the VI questions competency based? Do you remember any of the questions/ how long you had to prepare a response?

 

[A worried graduate]

Bit of a useless rant but idk how I’ve completed my LLB, passed the SQE and my LLM but am still being brutalized by the Watson Glaser and SJT’s??? This is even after paying for practice tests and getting about 80-90% on them😭😭 I actually don’t know what to do anymore

Some firms filter WG’s and the forms themselves at the same time so it could be the form instead.

 

[vr36]

I had a question regarding what one must put down in the work experience sections of an application to be persuasive. Could one use specific information about the firm such as past deals or must this be limited to the cover letter section?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I had a question regarding what one must put down in the work experience sections of an application to be persuasive. Could one use specific information about the firm such as past deals or must this be limited to the cover letter section?

If you talking about your work experience, then you wouldn’t need to include any reference to the work the firm you are applying to has done in this section.

If you want to include references to particular client work you have done in work experience sections, you need to consider any confidential aspects and whether you can name the client and matter specifically.

 

[LegalLordLox]

Could anybody who has completed the PWC application give me some tips for what to include in the skills section of my PwC application? I am quite confused as I have never come across this before.

I included the skills I’ve gained from work. Don’t think too much into it. You automatically get an invite to the test.

 

[jy1041405]

Hello,

I am writing here because I just feel a little frustrated and would like some advice. I have a law degree (RG uni, 2.1) and since I’ve been working in the creative industry. I passed both sqe1 and 2 while working full-time and self funded. I literally wasted no time working and studying at the same time.

Now I’m trying to get a paralegal job/secure a TC but it just seems impossible. I can’t do a VS because of my job, and even attending an open day is sometimes not really possible as I work at a small company and I often have a client meeting everyday and stuff. On top of that, I am on a skilled worker visa, so I need a firm that is willing to sponsor me.

I did 5 TC applications this summer just passed, and I was unsuccessful after the second stage or at the first stage of process. I haven’t heard back from a lot of paralegal jobs either. I know that I just need to keep pushing and try harder but it really makes me doubt myself.

If anyone can advise me on what would be the best way to navigate through this or any advice on securing a paralegal job, I would be very grateful. I know a lot of people in this forum are going through similar things so sorry for whinging! Thank you.

 

[AGRACHEL]

I included the skills I’ve gained from work. Don’t think too much into it. You automatically get an invite to the test.

Thank you!

 

[Niall]

has anyone else not heard back from Stephenson Harwood?

 

[latome19]

Hello,

I am writing here because I just feel a little frustrated and would like some advice. I have a law degree (RG uni, 2.1) and since I’ve been working in the creative industry. I passed both sqe1 and 2 while working full-time and self funded. I literally wasted no time working and studying at the same time.

Now I’m trying to get a paralegal job/secure a TC but it just seems impossible. I can’t do a VS because of my job, and even attending an open day is sometimes not really possible as I work at a small company and I often have a client meeting everyday and stuff. On top of that, I am on a skilled worker visa, so I need a firm that is willing to sponsor me.

I did 5 TC applications this summer just passed, and I was unsuccessful after the second stage or at the first stage of process. I haven’t heard back from a lot of paralegal jobs either. I know that I just need to keep pushing and try harder but it really makes me doubt myself.

If anyone can advise me on what would be the best way to navigate through this or any advice on securing a paralegal job, I would be very grateful. I know a lot of people in this forum are going through similar things so sorry for whinging! Thank you.

Hi, realistically, if you require a visa, paralegal jobs won’t really be available to you unfortunately because in most cases there’s no opportunity for sponsorship. Furthermore, you technically can’t do a VS on a skilled worker visa because, as you know, you are not allowed to work in an occupation other than your current one and above certain hours. I’m just afraid that very few firms would proceed with your candidacy for a VS after they see a skilled worker visa, as opposed to a student or graduate one.

That being said, it sounds like you’re still in a great spot as you actually have a good prospect to stay in the UK permanently as an international while you’re looking for your TC! Just thinking about your situation strategically, you will benefit from applying to firms that 1) recruit most of their intake via the direct route (that way there’s no competition with VS people as such) 2) OR would have a heightened interest in your current work due to a connection to their own specialism (maybe media/technology?). But please remember that if your priority is staying in the UK and enjoying your life here, you’re already in a great position as this virtually gives you an unlimited number of times you can apply!

 

[SamiyaJ]

Slaughter and May PFO. Applied on 4 Sept I think. Personally I think I did a solid cover letter but I think some of my uni grades let me down, damn those 2:2s!!!

Since Slaughter and May is so grade crazy, they should just hire robots. No need for humans at that firm. 😭

 

[Maddy]

Did anyone get a hear back from Stobbs Trainee trademark attorney position?

 

[bangarangbass39]

"Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? 200 words"

Does anyone know an example which would signal a good experience using such technologies? All I can think of using an AI review tool for my university essays/vac scheme application. I don't think they will suffice as a relevant demonstration of competency when using technical skills.

 

[LegalLordLox]

Anyone completed the VI for PWC?

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Anything from A&O?