TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[desperateTCseeker1998]

when did you get the invite?

Hi Guyss, any commerical awareness preparation needed for CMS VI? Would appreciate it

 

[gggg]

when did you get the invite?

Last friday

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Last friday

Ah I only took my WG on the weekend but getting antsy haha

 

[fcac98]

Is this after the application form? If so I never heard back after submitting my form

Did you not even get a rejection email? I think I'm in the same boat. Such bad practice if thats the case!

 

[Tintin06]

hello 👋

This is my first application cycle, and I’ve been solely applying to VS.

I was wondering if it’s worth applying to direct TCs, considering that I have a non-law undergraduate degree from a Russell Group university and an LLM in commercial law. I also have legal experience in a legal clinic and 8 months of non-law professional work. Additionally, I attended an important law academy and held two leadership positions, but I’m extremely unsure if this is relevant compared to candidates who have already completed the SQE or have paralegal experience. 😅

If anyone has any input, please let me know !

I'd try for a mix, honestly. There's a range of opportunities available. I've seen people get straight TCs. They have not always had experience. Look at where firms hire from. Some will want Vac Scheme students. Others will take you without one. The legal clinic can help IMO. That can help with 'why law'? Use other experiences for 'why commercial/corporate?'. Best of luck with your applications.

 

[Legalitaly]

No, after app acc

Me too

 

[gazdgazd11]

Baker McKenzie pfo and I got the app TCLA-reviewed 🥲

 

[kokoprep]

Baker McKenzie pfo and I got the app TCLA-reviewed 🥲

Sorry to hear this, all the best for future applications!

If you do not mind, Is this for Summer or Spring?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Baker McKenzie pfo and I got the app TCLA-reviewed 🥲

This happened to me last cycle and some of my answers were similar to ones that had been successful at other firms so I was a bit lost… curious what Bakers look for

 

[Lawyering13]

Is this for Summer or Spring?
Can someone who cracked and moved past Bakers to test stage, share if they wrote a law topic or non law topic for the topic you are interested in question and how to approach it?

I had a VS there last year, I would encourage you to speak about a non-law topic. For instance, I spoke about a famous scientist that impacted my life. Most of my cohort discussed topics unrelated to commercial law and I think grad rec quite likes finding out more about you as an individual, as well as reading answers that are 'different', as they probably get a lot that are to do with business or the law.

 

[kokoprep]

Can someone who sucessful past application stage for Bakers, share if they wrote a law topic or non law topic for the topic you are interested in question and how to approach it?

 

[wise readers]

Hello! Has anyone completed the Fieldfisher phone interview and has any advice? Thank you!!

 

[M_m]

Can someone who sucessful past application stage for Bakers, share if they wrote a law topic or non law topic for the topic you are interested in question and how to approach it?

I applied last year and made it to the AC. For this question, I spoke about my interest in coffee brewing. From what I could gather from the interview, this aspect was what made my application stand out. So I don’t think it needs to be a law topic as long as you frame the answer in a strategic way. For instance, two things I really focused on my answer were: (I) the skills I was able to pick up from coffee brewing like attentional to detail, creativity, and how experimenting with coffee brews from around the world enhanced my cultural awareness; and (ii) a clear narrative on how I became interested in this and a tangible example of what I was able to do with this interest. I gave the example of how I was able to showcase a coffee brewing technique from my hometown during a university event, etc.

I think overall, the firm is looking for passion for whatever subject-matter you’re talking about and how it has shaped you as a person.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Is there any reason why an applicant with full-time legal work experience and a previous vac scheme at a top firm on their CV would be continuously unsuccessful with direct TC applications even though they almost always pass application + test stage for vac schemes? I’m so lost at this point but this is a very clear pattern, it’s not lack of experience so what am I missing?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Is there any reason why an applicant with full-time legal work experience and a previous vac scheme at a top firm on their CV would be continuously unsuccessful with direct TC applications even though they almost always pass application + test stage for vac schemes? I’m so lost at this point but this is a very clear pattern, it’s not lack of experience so what am I missing?

It's just a numbers game unfortunately. With 2 to 3000 applying to firms offering 10 training contracts it's anyone's guess where they make the cut off decisions.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

It's just a numbers game unfortunately. With 2 to 3000 applying to firms offering 10 training contracts it's anyone's guess where they make the cut off decisions.

The thing is that it’s always direct TC I get rejected from right away and vac schemes I make it to the next stage even when numbers wise it’s a more competitive process (like firms that go straight to AC after application) so it feels like there must be some reason

 

[EK_27]

Does anyone know of any firms that encourage a direct TC app without a previous vac scheme?

Vac scheme deadlines are coming up and if I’m not successful I’m hoping to make direct TC apps but most grad recs say they want more legal experience.

 

[GigiB2001]

I'd try for a mix, honestly. There's a range of opportunities available. I've seen people get straight TCs. They have not always had experience. Look at where firms hire from. Some will want Vac Scheme students. Others will take you without one. The legal clinic can help IMO. That can help with 'why law'? Use other experiences for 'why commercial/corporate?'. Best of luck with your applications.

Thank you so much for your advice and kind words!

 

[ilovegardening1111]

If I have 5 working days from Monday 3pm to complete a test does that mean I have until Friday or the following Monday

 

[User5678]

If I have 5 working days from Monday 3pm to complete a test does that mean I have until Friday or the following Monday

I would assume Friday even tho it is likely to be Monday 3pm, I wouldn’t take a risk to leave it to the deadline day (considering that there is a chance a candidate may be having issues like accessing the test/tech issues on the page so they would want to contact grad rec before the last day)