TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[The-PFO-Collector]

I believe they are secretly rolling…

From my understanding, ROLLING means that they hand out TC offers before the official deadline... Non-rolling means (1) that they look at no applications until after the deadline, OR (2) they look at applications and move people onto the next stage, but do NOT hand out TC offers until all applications have been read and progressed to the end stage, hence giving everyone who applies before the deadline a chance.

 

[elsx]

Hi,
Does anyone know whether Mayer Brown test is automatic? I applied early November and haven't gotten anything.

 

[xxx]

Hi,
Does anyone know whether Mayer Brown test is automatic? I applied early November and haven't gotten anything.

Which one? Because the critical thinking is automatic (after initial app) but the job simulation is the next stage.

 

[WhiskeyCharlie]

Just further context for people worrying: they couldn't have sent out all of them as people are still doing VIs (unless they're actually rolling despite saying they're not)

The timeslots offered are all full FYI. This leads me to believe they are secretly rolling, but who knows, maybe they will open up further ACs? These are scheduled for W/C 13 Jan.

 

[elsx]

Which one? Because the critical thinking is automatic (after initial app) but the job simulation is the next stage.

Hi, I was talking about the first one. I saw that vac scheme application already received it so I thought it might be different for TC applications.

 

[xxx]

Hi, I was talking about the first one. I saw that vac scheme application already received it so I thought it might be different for TC applications.

I would say email the grad recruitment to ask. I got mine about a day after my initial app and I have a week to do it

 

[SamiyaJ]

Which one? Because the critical thinking is automatic (after initial app) but the job simulation is the next stage.

I’m in the same boat! Haven’t heard anything after initial TC application

 

[andrecsaa]

I’m in the same boat! Haven’t heard anything after initial TC application

I think it is common for most firms. Though recruiting from both, Addleshaw Goddard has sent invites for next stages for VS but none for direct TC.

 

[Tintin06]

How many do Paul Hastings interview? Also curious about King & Spalding.

I really want a direct TC. Four Vac Schemes feels like enough. Obviously most firms seem to disagree. Hence the scarcity of direct TCs.

 

[Mug Fan]

Hey there! I’ve linked this thread to provide more context on the proportionality of VS and TC applications between firms - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

I’m in the same boat! Haven’t heard anything after initial TC application

Me either! I just asked about this in the SV thread (thinking it was this one) and somebody said grad rec said to them that it might take a while!

I also found MB unusual because they didn’t have any questions! (I’m ok with that because I think I have decent experience) but it did feel unnerving at the time!

 

[User5678]

I think it is common for most firms. Though recruiting from both, Addleshaw Goddard has sent invites for next stages for VS but none for direct TC.

I had emailed addleshaw to provide some additional info about my degree and they mentioned in their email that they have only started reviewing applications so they will get back soon

Hope this helps anyone curious about addleshaw!

 

[andrecsaa]

I had emailed addleshaw to provide some additional info about my degree and they mentioned in their email that they have only started reviewing applications so they will get back soon

Hope this helps anyone curious about addleshaw!

Good to know, last year AG held AC around February and March, and sent VS offers a couple days later. I suspect this year will be the same for TC. We should hear from them early in January.

 

[lulilucha11]

Hello all! I have received a CMS Assessment Day invitation for a Direct TC and would be grateful for any tips please!!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hello all! I have received a CMS Assessment Day invitation for a Direct TC and would be grateful for any tips please!!

Hi, congrats! When did you receive the invite?

And when did you complete the VI if you don’t mind answering?

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

Hello all! I have received a CMS Assessment Day invitation for a Direct TC and would be grateful for any tips please!!

Congratulations, that's amazing news! I am about to do my VI and was wondering if you would be willing to provide any insights, as I am s***ting my pants!

 

[xxx]

Congratulations, that's amazing news! I am about to do my VI and was wondering if you would be willing to provide any insights, as I am s***ting my pants!

How did you find it?

 

[Sad_Old_Grad]

How did you find it?

Ah, I haven't done it quite yet, planning on doing it this evening! This is my first ever VI, so I imagine I won't be giving a stellar performance...

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello all! I have received a CMS Assessment Day invitation for a Direct TC and would be grateful for any tips please!!

Hey there @lulilucha11 ,

Well done on the AC! I’ve provided some tips below.

• Prepare for the components as you have been told. This will enable you to laser focus on a few key areas of revision, rather than everything that could possibly come out. The firm will likely have told you this, or will in due course. It is worth reaching out to future trainees to learn from their experiences and provide more firm-specific insights.

• Continue your commercial awareness journey. This is where it will be tested, challenged, and embraced more than at any other stage in the process. For case study and article discussions, you will find it beneficial to link even the tiniest matters to current affairs globally, and more industry-specific arenas if you have insights on that too. Now, it is also worth mentioning that commercial awareness in an interview setting also encompasses how well you can link the case discussion to the firm. In this, I mean how the firm’s practices or expertise could be utilised or affected. Doing so shows you not only understand businesses, but legal advisory as it applies to businesses. This approach has always served me well. I will note, however, doing so will enable your interviewers to challenge and question your thoughts - after all, you are mentioning the firm’s role in an advisory scope. In no way should this be viewed as a scary thing though - in fact, you are on the road to a colourful trophy if you expatiate on it well. Further, it will also be a nice opportunity to learn from your interviewers about their work too. At the end of the day, you are not only being assessed for a TC - you are surrounded by a plethora of legal talent. Utilise it and make the most of the learning opportunity. It will also turn the vibe from initially hot, to more cool.

• Be confident in how you communicate your answers, but avoid coming off as the negative opposite of that.

• Ask questions. There is no harm in asking for clarification when you are unsure on something. This is even more noble than making things up along the way, and your assessors will respect this.

 

[Legalitaly]

From my understanding, ROLLING means that they hand out TC offers before the official deadline... Non-rolling means (1) that they look at no applications until after the deadline, OR (2) they look at applications and move people onto the next stage, but do NOT hand out TC offers until all applications have been read and progressed to the end stage, hence giving everyone who applies before the deadline a chance.

From my understanding of what a rolling deadline is I would say point (2) falls within the rolling category instead of the non-rolling one. If a deadline is non-rolling then they should specify that they do, however, go through applications and progress people before the deadline is passed, as that is more of an exception to the rule rather than the norm.

 

[The-PFO-Collector]

From my understanding of what a rolling deadline is I would say point (2) falls within the rolling category instead of the non-rolling one. If a deadline is non-rolling then they should specify that they do, however, go through applications and progress people before the deadline is passed, as that is more of an exception to the rule rather than the norm.

I disagree... If they get 3000 applications and there is a team of 5 + perhaps other Partner helpers, you cant blame them for wanting to get a head start. There is nothing wrong with reading an application and then progressing to the WGT and then VI and stopping there.