Received the invite on Friday and did the VI week of 2nd Dec... but I am a Campus Ambassador so that may have affected the timing so don't worry if you haven't heard back!!
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
- Start date
Received the invite on Friday and did the VI week of 2nd Dec... but I am a Campus Ambassador so that may have affected the timing so don't worry if you haven't heard back!!
I would just say try answer the question as directly as possible and do a lot of firm research beforehand
From a CMS Campus Ambassador who has asked this question a thousand times... They don't progress anyone to AC's before the deadline and everything progressed before is automatic if you receive above a certain score at WG I think?!
Then, respectfully, since it is a non-rolling deadline they should give a fair shot to everyone, even to that person that submitted an hour before the deadline. I am not saying they should not review applications as they come, but that they should still allow everyone to have their application considered despite the application potentially being submitted right before the deadline.
I am currently in the process of applying for DLA Piper's Summer Internship programme (Sheffield office). One of the application questions is:
'At DLA Piper, we believe great business can make a better world. We believe in being collaborative, bold, exceptional, and supportive. We are keen to hear what inspired your application. Why are you interested in starting a legal career at DLA Piper? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)'
I have written the following as a rough draft, but I'm not overly convinced by what I've written so far. It feels too generic. (?) I was also wondering whether applicants are expected to tailor their applications with the strengths of a specific office (i.e. Sheffield as opposed to London) in mind? Any feedback hugely appreciated!
DLA Piper genuinely substantiates its claim as a "global firm" with a 16% international secondment rate for trainees and operations across numerous jurisdictions. As a modern languages graduate, I value the opportunity to work for a firm that offers true international experiences. I am eager to apply my multilingual abilities, cross-border intellectual property experience, and diverse cultural knowledge to my legal career.
Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have earned a PGDL and worked in various roles, including management in hospitality, translation, and business intelligence research. This multi-disciplinary background aligns with DLA Piper's emphasis on individuality and diversity. My unique perspective allows me to approach problems differently from traditional law graduates, offering innovative, business strategy-oriented solutions that align with clients’ commercial goals.
My academic and professional experiences have fostered a strong interest in intellectual property, M&A, and private equity. DLA Piper’s consistent ranking as number one by deal count for global M&A over the past 14 years and its recognition as a top firm for global private equity are remarkable. With such high volumes of work, DLA Piper is the ideal place to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry-leading experts.
'At DLA Piper, we believe great business can make a better world. We believe in being collaborative, bold, exceptional, and supportive. We are keen to hear what inspired your application. Why are you interested in starting a legal career at DLA Piper? (Max 200 words/1,500 Characters)'
I have written the following as a rough draft, but I'm not overly convinced by what I've written so far. It feels too generic. (?) I was also wondering whether applicants are expected to tailor their applications with the strengths of a specific office (i.e. Sheffield as opposed to London) in mind? Any feedback hugely appreciated!
DLA Piper genuinely substantiates its claim as a "global firm" with a 16% international secondment rate for trainees and operations across numerous jurisdictions. As a modern languages graduate, I value the opportunity to work for a firm that offers true international experiences. I am eager to apply my multilingual abilities, cross-border intellectual property experience, and diverse cultural knowledge to my legal career.
Since completing my undergraduate degree, I have earned a PGDL and worked in various roles, including management in hospitality, translation, and business intelligence research. This multi-disciplinary background aligns with DLA Piper's emphasis on individuality and diversity. My unique perspective allows me to approach problems differently from traditional law graduates, offering innovative, business strategy-oriented solutions that align with clients’ commercial goals.
My academic and professional experiences have fostered a strong interest in intellectual property, M&A, and private equity. DLA Piper’s consistent ranking as number one by deal count for global M&A over the past 14 years and its recognition as a top firm for global private equity are remarkable. With such high volumes of work, DLA Piper is the ideal place to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry-leading experts.
I respect you for posting this. The structure is pretty solid, overall. I would maybe add more evidence. The secondment rate is an example. How would you benefit from it? Impressively succinct for only 200 words.
Cheers! The 200 word limits for apps and 1 minute talking time limits for VIs are brutal 😰
I quite shorter words limits, honestly. It forces you to learn conciseness. It’s easier to edit too, IMO. VIs are an altogether different beast. But quite useful for actual interviews. You’re more used to answering questions.
Have you heard back post-app? I still haven’t heard anything.
It'll be a while yet, they still haven't even sent the online tests out for the TC group yet (I emailed and asked and they said it would be coming soon).
Hi everyone! I’m an international student who did both my schooling and law degree abroad. While I am applying for VS and TCs this year, I also want to have a firm backup plan. I’ve reached out to a few law firms, and given that my law degree is not a qualifying degree in the UK, they would require me to finish the PGDL. Do you think it would be wise for me to self-fund the PGDL this year in case I don’t get a TC? Would it be beneficial in any way?
Hi all,
I hope you’re all doing well!
Just wanted to give a random update on this cycle so far. Need to get back into it after I wrap up some exams in a couple of weeks:
VS
-NRF ❌
-W&C ❌
-Bird & Bird ❌ (post WG)
-HSF ❌
-Cleary ❌
-Covington ❌
-Linklaters ❌
- Sidley Austin ❌
- Jones Day ❌
-Reed Smith- SJT/VI completed
-Baker McKenzie Summer VS- -app submitted
-Gibson Dunn- app submitted
-Cooley- app submitted
-Womble Bond Dickinson- app submitted
TC
- Sullivan & Cromwell ❌
- Clifford Chance ❌
- CMS ❌ (post WG)
- AO Shearman ❌
- Freshfields- app submitted
- HFW- app submitted
- Goodwin- app submitted
- Mayer Brown- app submitted
- Greenberg Taurig- app submitted
- Trowers & Hamlins- SJT done
Thoughts: I am very happy to know that I am starting to move past the application stage for some firms! Also been working hard to understand the logic behind SJT/WG tests, just hope it fully clicks sooner rather than later.
I hope you’re all doing well!
Just wanted to give a random update on this cycle so far. Need to get back into it after I wrap up some exams in a couple of weeks:
VS
-W&C ❌
-Bird & Bird ❌ (post WG)
-HSF ❌
-Cleary ❌
-Covington ❌
-Linklaters ❌
- Sidley Austin ❌
- Jones Day ❌
-Reed Smith- SJT/VI completed
-Baker McKenzie Summer VS- -app submitted
-Gibson Dunn- app submitted
-Cooley- app submitted
-Womble Bond Dickinson- app submitted
TC
- Sullivan & Cromwell ❌
- Clifford Chance ❌
- CMS ❌ (post WG)
- AO Shearman ❌
- Freshfields- app submitted
- HFW- app submitted
- Goodwin- app submitted
- Mayer Brown- app submitted
- Greenberg Taurig- app submitted
- Trowers & Hamlins- SJT done
Thoughts: I am very happy to know that I am starting to move past the application stage for some firms! Also been working hard to understand the logic behind SJT/WG tests, just hope it fully clicks sooner rather than later.
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To those who applied to Deloitte, have you heard anything since applying? I applied about two months ago and did not even receive an email confirming this... I then logged on into the application portal and saw "Continue your Immersive Online Assessment", even though I havent received anything at all... Is this normal? (Summer VS)
Sorry to hear about your rejections. However, you have a positive attitude. I’m sure you’ll get something ultimately.
Hey! I know this feeling, I am also an international student (qualified overseas and completed an LLM in the UK).
After reading a lot of FAQs and speaking with some grad rec, I honestly believe that a PGDL is not advantageous. Firms primarily look at your undergraduate grades, and the PGDL won't compensate lower grades. Additionally, for TC purposes, you are considered a non-law candidate, which means that if a firm selects you, they will fund both the PGDL and the SQE.
Similar to LLM courses, the PGDL can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a solicitor and your interest in English law. However, unless you plan to move to the UK to build your network and attend firm events while studying in person or extend your stay with a graduate visa, I would not recommend self-funding the PGDL.
I would consider looking for a paralegal role to gain work experience, studying another undergraduate degree, or even pursuing a two-year LLB.
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