TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[vdktn]

Hey everyone

I applied to Slaughters in 2022/23 and got an interview, but was rejected after that. I'm now considering reapplying.

The website says: 'Those who have had an unsuccessful training contract application are unlikely to be successful in a subsequent application unless there has been a significant development which alters their application. We do not tend to re-interview candidates for training contracts.'

However, I asked the HR person who gave me my feedback and she said that it might be possible if I've improved enough (she gave the example of work experience). My feedback was that I hadn't shown a strong enough desire for a legal career. At the time, I was doing a non-law master's course. I've now completed the PgDL (with distinction) and done a vacation scheme at an international firm. Do they keep a record of everyone they've interviewed? Is it worth reapplying? Thanks in advance

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I did a couple of weeks ago

Apologies my PMs have been pretty busy of late. Let me sort this now. You will receive a PM back notifying you what happens when your account is deleted and then I will delete the account shortly afterwards.

 

[Tintin06]

Slaughter and May app sent (4.30 am)

 

[Maddy]

Should we assume HL PFO

I was going through the forum and I noticed that last year there was a noticeable gap in communication until mid-October and after that I couldn't find any communication. Genuinely don't know what to expect.

 

[User5678]

Has anyone who had not heard back from dentons heard back or emailed them?

 

[RiverJules]

pls someone put me out of my misery 😭 View attachment 6193

🙏🙏🙏

 

[Samdeacon1902]

Still have heard nothing from TLT London - do I assume PFO?

 

[VMS]

Slaughter and May app sent (4.30 am)

I'm both impressed and terrified that you were sending applications at 4:30am 🤣

 

[NMA]

just got the AC invite for HL now - only available date on there was Tuesday 10 September

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

just got the AC invite for HL now - only available date on there was Tuesday 10 September

Congratulations! Was this for the London office?

 

[NMA]

Congratulations! Was this for the London office?

thanks! and yes

 

[LB24]

Anything from AG anyone?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Anything from AG anyone?

Received a rejection last week!

 

[Samdeacon1902]

Nothing from AG. Got a PFO from TLT last week.

Should I take it as a positive that I’m still waiting from TLT?

 

[Samdeacon1902]

Anyone heard for AG or TLT

Still nothing from TLT

Anyone heard from TLT post assessment centre this week? Feel like I literally cannot do anything until I have a result lol

i haven’t even heard back post app

 

[Hanna Reeves]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I just have a question regarding application's for this cycle. I graduated 4 years ago- 2.1 Law degree from RG, 1 year as a legal assistant in an international firm pre uni, worked as a Paralegal for a start up for 2 years post uni and now working in a small family business that has nothing to do with law. When applying this cycle, is it worth explaining why I am no longer working in the legal field (it was purely a money thing)?

Also, would it be worth applying for open days and would this actually benefit an application? Or is is better to just apply straight for the VS's? Any help would be appreciated

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I just have a question regarding application's for this cycle. I graduated 4 years ago- 2.1 Law degree from RG, 1 year as a legal assistant in an international firm pre uni, worked as a Paralegal for a start up for 2 years post uni and now working in a small family business that has nothing to do with law. When applying this cycle, is it worth explaining why I am no longer working in the legal field (it was purely a money thing)?

Also, would it be worth applying for open days and would this actually benefit an application? Or is is better to just apply straight for the VS's? Any help would be appreciated

I would apply for open days when they are ahead of the firm's deadlines for either VS or TCs where you can, and particularly where you may not be eligible for the firm's vacation scheme. Where you can apply directly for VS, then go for it, but open days can be a great way to interact with the firm before finalising an application, and it can really help to get your foot in the door (if you impress on the open day, the firm will be waiting for your application).

It might be worthwhile referencing the need to step away from law. You could either present this in an "any additional information" section or within your work experience entry for your family business you could reference at the start or end of the entry something along the lines of "Stepped away from legal roles to take up this opportunity due to the financial benefits of the pay associated with the role".

 

[BillSikes]

What is the deal with the Disability Confident scheme that is apparently there to interview disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria? Never had an interview through this lol.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What is the deal with the Disability Confident scheme that is apparently there to interview disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria? Never had an interview through this lol.

The employer is likely to have a set of benchmarks beyond the basics of an application like academics. This may include a minimum "score" that applications are assessed against.

Any candidate who applies via the Disability Confident scheme who meets this benchmark will be assessed. The difficulty is knowing what the benchmark is or what it consists of. For instance, I know one firm that had it that still used a very strong "spelling mistake and you are out" approach even with Disability Confident applicants, which was pretty detrimental to anyone with neurodiversity like dyslexia.

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

just got the AC invite for HL now - only available date on there was Tuesday 10 September

Congratulations!! Do you know when you applied roughly? I assume for those of us who haven’t heard it’s a PFO