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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

yellowponytwin

Star Member
  • Aug 8, 2024
    41
    31
    I am looking to get an opinion on which firms I should apply to after this- I do not want to spend more time working on applications for firms that do not consider them since they hire from their vacation schemes predominantly. if anybody can guide me on this, I would be grateful
    there is a thread somewhere listing which firms recruit from direct TC versus from vac schemes. if you have a quick search you should find it:)
     

    norothrow324

    Legendary Member
    Apr 11, 2023
    218
    195
    Does anyone have ideas on what experience is decent for direct TC apps? I don't have paralegal experience but is that necessarily a hinderance?
    I think something to think about isn’t what the title/firm was but what transferable skills you gained.

    With that said though, direct apps usually have experienced applicants (a lot of foreign trained jurists) so experience is definitely valued
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Legallywhatever

    billyonthespeeddial

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 21, 2023
    227
    624
    Does anyone have ideas on what experience is decent for direct TC apps? I don't have paralegal experience but is that necessarily a hinderance?
    Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Legallywhatever

    norothrow324

    Legendary Member
    Apr 11, 2023
    218
    195
    Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs
    Well said.
     

    Legallywhatever

    Distinguished Member
    Jan 29, 2025
    67
    82
    I think something to think about isn’t what the title/firm was but what transferable skills you gained.

    With that said though, direct apps usually have experienced applicants (a lot of foreign trained jurists) so experience is definitely valued
    Really differs from firm to firm but with how competitive things are, I expect that lots of firms expect at least a vacation scheme under your belt if you don't have a legal support role. NRF was (before they axed direct TC completely) honest about this, they said they expected candidates to demonstrate some legal work experience to be considered for direct TC. However, this is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I know some people who have got direct TCs without any legal experience. But that's quite rare. I know the general vibe here is optimistic rather than realistic, but if you're at 0 legal work experience, I think it's better to try and gain some rather than spending time shooting for DTCs
    Thanks both! Really helpful.

    I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’
     

    billyonthespeeddial

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 21, 2023
    227
    624
    Thanks both! Really helpful.

    I’m currently volunteering at a law clinic, and work as an assistant (more admin than legal, but am exposed to legal stuff obv) at a law firm; was just wondering if that would be alright in terms of firms viewing this as ‘legal experience’
    I think @Jessica Booker may be able to give a better view on this as someone who's recruited people for direct TCs
     
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    Reactions: Chris Brown

    MaryAra299

    Star Member
    Feb 2, 2025
    37
    29
    Since the direct tc of baker mckenzie has a deadline of April 1st, I was wondering when would the rest of the assessments take place after that if selected and will they all be online and usually how many steps are there before securing a long contract. These are not written step by step in detail in the firm's website so I'm a bit confused. Insight of anyone who has worked at BM or received an AC from there in the recent years of anyone with any knowledge on this will be helpful and appreciated.
     
    • ℹ️
    Reactions: Chris Brown

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