TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[24aa2001]

Would you say not to bother if you don’t have the best university grades for Freshfields. I have experience and other aspects

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Ah I see, that’s genuinely a shame.

For people in full-time work Im sure more Direct TC windows would be more appreciated…if anything the processes for entering this profession are only becoming more unfriendly towards mature applicants or grads (3+ week long vac schemes??) . In most other professions the prospect of using 6 days - 3 weeks of annual leave for an AC and an internship only for the prospect* of receiving a job offer is disproportionate…

The winter VS is a week long so not like the summer VS which is 3 weeks. I guess it is still not ideal for those in full-time work who have to use annual leave regardless.

It is unfortunate but I guess they believe it is a lot better for future trainees to do a VS at Freshfields before they offer them a TC.

Other MC firms like CC and Slaughter and May still have two direct TC windows. This may be because they don’t have VS for finalists and/or graduates.

I definitely agree that if anything law firms are becoming less and less inclusive by introducing these changes. It makes it harder for grads/mature applicants to enter the legal profession in the city. ​

 

[SS21]

Nope. I’m still on 60% candidate review

Same! Does your status say “on hold” though?

 

[aspiringcitylawyer]

I think they have now scrapped the summer window for direct TC to make way for the new winter VS. The winter VS is open to law and non-law finalists and graduates and lasts for a week. I think the first VS is this year and applications open in August.

The introduction of the new VS is why they have added an automatic SJT for the direct TC route. It should have been mentioned earlier tbh. This would give applicants sufficient time to prepare for the SJT.

If we apply for direct TC now, would we potentially still be eligible to apply for the Winter Vac Scheme when it comes to the ‘one opportunity per academic year’ rule? In other words, is the Winter VS considered part of a new application cycle? I’d appreciate any insights on this, especially from @Jessica Booker . Thanks!

 

[Tintin06]

If we apply for direct TC now, would we potentially still be eligible to apply for the Winter Vac Scheme when it comes to the ‘one opportunity per academic year’ rule? In other words, is the Winter VS considered part of a new application cycle? I’d appreciate any insights on this, especially from @Jessica Booker . Thanks!

I’m pretty sure the answer’s yes.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If we apply for direct TC now, would we potentially still be eligible to apply for the Winter Vac Scheme when it comes to the ‘one opportunity per academic year’ rule? In other words, is the Winter VS considered part of a new application cycle? I’d appreciate any insights on this, especially from @Jessica Booker . Thanks!

yes - it would be a new recruitment cycle.

 

[BM99]

Has anyone heard from Links re Direct TC? Mine still on 66%

 

[24aa2001]

Please can someone help me, should I expect a PFO if people received an AC for Kennedys

 

[Tintin06]

@Jessica Booker what's your advice here? I'm not sure about raising this. I have Asperger's so somewhat unsure. Anyone else's insights would be appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Raspberry44]

Received invite for Bristows VI. Any tips greatly appreciated!

Same here - really want to nail this one! Does anyone have any insights?

 

[pickyportkey]

Why is Slaughter and May silent...

 

[Zaraa.x]

Why is Slaughter and May silent...

Literally!! When did you apply?

 

[James Wakefield]

yes - it would be a new recruitment cycle.

So in an extreme case, you could be applying to the same firm 3 months apart?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

So in an extreme case, you could be applying to the same firm 3 months apart?

I think Freshfields don’t have any vacancies open after 23 January, so would be more like 8-9 months.

 

[James Wakefield]

I think Freshfields don’t have any vacancies open after 23 January, so would be more like 8-9 months.

Ah sorry yes. I was just making a general point about direct TC apps that might close in June, and then Winter Vac ones which open from August/September.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

View attachment 6681

@Jessica Booker what's your advice here? I'm not sure about raising this. I have Asperger's so somewhat unsure. Anyone else's insights would be appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

There are a number of older cases with similar judgements. I am not completely up to date on employment law though, so cannot advise if this is the most up to date precedent/case that judgements would be used against.

Ultimately, you can ask for adjustments whether there are employment tribunal cases or not though.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Ah sorry yes. I was just making a general point about direct TC apps that might close in June, and then Winter Vac ones which open from August/September.

Check each firm’s individual policies on this, as some will say 12 months rather than a recruitment cycle. But if they say one application per cycle and their cycle restarts in the late summer/early autumn, then yes, you could apply 3-4 months after your earlier application.

It would be important to show a development in your application though, so I wouldn’t necessarily rush into reapplying so soon after your previous application.

 

[24aa2001]

Please can someone help me, should I expect a PFO if people received an AC for Kennedys

Pleaseee advise

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Pleaseee advise

I don't think you can make that assumption.

 

[EK_27]

Hi everyone,

I don’t post often but wanted to say thank you for the support received on the forum. Specifically to @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu as I used your tips this cycle for my VI, AC and general commercial awareness.

I was offered a TC today so feeling very happy.

My first cycle I submitted 15 applications and only progressed to 1 VI.

Second cycle I submitted 11 applications and progressed to 2 VIs and 1 AC.

It’s really cliche but you do only need one firm to say yes. Wishing everyone the best of luck!!