TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Chris Brown]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

It’s hard to know for sure what practice group you would want to qualify into prior to commencing a TC, as it’s very possible you gain experience in a completely different seat and change your mind mid-way through your TC. I think it’s important to keep an open mind going into a TC and forming relationships with all of the associates and partners there, regardless of whether they are in a certain practice area of interest or not. It’s probably too early at this point to figure out whether reaching out now would affect the chances of getting that seat. I think @Jessica Booker can give a better answer than this though to be honest. 🥲​

 

[jta227]

It’s hard to know for sure what practice group you would want to qualify into prior to commencing a TC, as it’s very possible you gain experience in a completely different seat and change your mind mid-way through your TC. I think it’s important to keep an open mind going into a TC and forming relationships with all of the associates and partners there, regardless of whether they are in a certain practice area of interest or not. It’s probably too early at this point to figure out whether reaching out now would affect the chances of getting that seat. I think @Jessica Booker can give a better answer than this though to be honest. 🥲​

This is true, but:

- You could reach out to multiple teams (as you say)
- Building relationships can never be a bad thing I would hope, even if you don’t end up in that team
- At a firm where retention is not guaranteed/some seats are very competitive, it seems wise to try and think ahead (though I’m not really sure about this, hence my query)

I definitely agree about changing your mind! But without having the chance to do the seat at all it would be an incomplete decision I feel. I was also considering trying to paralegal in the related area before doing the SQE which could end up an advantage come seat selections.

Thanks for the perspective (and congrats on your PW offer 😀)

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

I would only do this once you are in the firm - it will be far more practical to do it then rather than now.

 

[jta227]

I would only do this once you are in the firm - it will be far more practical to do it then rather than now.

Thanks Jessica!

 

[lolasparks]

brabners test invite! happy about this one as i got rejected post app for them last year

Congrats! May I ask when did you apply?

 

[spamelinazoid]

I thought HL AC invites would be going out by now. I remember seeing people announcing HL TC offers in April last year…

 

[Tintin06]

I thought HL AC invites would be going out by now. I remember seeing people announcing HL TC offers in April last year…

That’s still technically possible here though! But yes, a month since WG.

 

[B101]

Does anyone know if you can apply to White & Case DTC if you were unsuccessful with their vacation scheme this cycle?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Does Penningtons Manches Cooper have a healthy TC intake?

 

[SS21]

Is anyone still waiting for Links PFO?

 

[Hal_07]

Brabners test invite! Has anyone got any tips for it? Would be greatly appreciated !

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

What's the most natural/sophisticated way I can make Firm A, who I'm only at the application stage with for a Direct TC (app already sent), aware of my vacation scheme offer at Firm B? I know you mostly just don't do this, but these firms are very similar, which I think would make my application more competitive (Firm A specifically asks for applicants to state their future vacancies too). I wish I had my offer from Firm B before sending the application to Firm A. Is my only realistic move right now to pray for an interview at Firm A so I can mention my vacation scheme at Firm B? Thank you

 

[lawbear123]

has anyone done the bristows first round interview?

 

[lawelmo]

i applied a week before the deadline!

Congratulations! Which office did you apply for?

 

[Tintin06]

What's the most natural/sophisticated way I can make Firm A, who I'm only at the application stage with for a Direct TC (app already sent), aware of my vacation scheme offer at Firm B? I know you mostly just don't do this, but these firms are very similar, which I think would make my application more competitive (Firm A specifically asks for applicants to state their future vacancies too). I wish I had my offer from Firm B before sending the application to Firm A. Is my only realistic move right now to pray for an interview at Firm A so I can mention my vacation scheme at Firm B? Thank you

I think just tell them, honestly.

 

[Mug Fan]

If you’re a future trainee at a firm and know you want to qualify into a certain team, would it be helpful to begin reaching out to associates in that team to build relationships before you join the firm or would that be too early and/or not affect your chances of getting that seat at all?

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mug Fan]

Does anyone know if you can apply to White & Case DTC if you were unsuccessful with their vacation scheme this cycle?

Yes, you can. At least I have. Or at least I was able to via the system! Imagine they'll just auto-reject me.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with this.

Some firms put on networking opportunities for the future trainees, especially as part of their sponsored SQE pre courses. Some also do things like "careers fairs" where they get to meet people from the various departments before putting in seat preferences. These type of activities would be the best way to engage with departments before starting a training contract.

 

[norothrow324]

I don't think they've invited anyone to the video interview and work scenario element as of yet, let alone to the final AC. I may be wrong though!

That’s what I thought too - was very surprised so thought to ask haha

 

[jta227]

I'd wait til you've joined then go on the org chart and offer to take people for a coffee chat once you've figured who you want to speak to. Sounds very Love Island but that's generally the most effective route.

Reaching out on LinkedIn etc might be a bit keen. Just my 2 cents.

Thank you!