TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[FKJJ]

Has anyone heard back from BCLP post test?

Hello, does the test include a Watson Glaser or it is just SJT?

 

[Tintin06]

When do Fried Frank send WGs?

 

[OliverTwist]

Does anyone have any advice for a Mayer Brown assessment centre/partner interview? It would be very much appreciated!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Does anyone have any advice for a Mayer Brown assessment centre/partner interview? It would be very much appreciated!

I don't have any personal experience with the firm, but I have found a useful post on TCLA. it is written by a candidate who did the AC before and contains a description of their experience and the main tasks. You can take a look at it here.

 

[Anon Lawyer]

Does anyone know what to expect from a hill Dickinson ac?

 

[Chris Brown]

When do Fried Frank send WGs?

I think Fried Frank is non-rolling. The deadline is 23rd May 2025. They will probably shortlist candidates for WGT before sending them out. I imagine they will send out the WGTs in June. I’m assuming they use WGT scores to shortlist first-stage interview candidates. Best of luck with your Fried Frank application. 🙂​

 

[OliverTwist]

I don't have any personal experience with the firm, but I have found a useful post on TCLA. it is written by a candidate who did the AC before and contains a description of their experience and the main tasks. You can take a look at it here.

Thank you, Andrei.

Do you have any advice for a fact-finding exercise with an associate? From what I can gather the context is you're provided with a commercial backdrop and have to ask questions and come up with advice for a client. Posing questions to the Associate.

 

[B101]

Just got invited to Ashursts written case study. Does anyone have any tips as this is the stage I struggle with the most? 🙏

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone! Would really appreciate any tips on how to go about preparing for a Direct TC AC as a penultimate year law student.

Basically I was able to switch to Firm A's DTC process (from their VS process) after accepting a VS offer elsewhere that overlaps with Firm A's VS dates.

I know that many Direct TC applicants have some work experience under their belt and are generally mature applicants; will being a penultimate year student with minimal legal work experience (at the time of AC) disadvantage me? And is there anything in particular I should focus on during AC prep in order to gain an equal footing?

No, not at all. While having years of experience can certainly help, it does not limit your chances in any way if you are able to leverage your own experiences effectively, whatever they may be. Firms are looking at how you present yourself just as much as what you have done.

It is also worth remembering that some candidates might have years of experience or impressive backgrounds, but still struggle in the direct TC process if they have not honed key competencies firms assess such as communication skills, commercial awareness, and structured interview preparation. So, your success does not hinge solely on the quantity of experience, but rather on how you show your potential.

In fact, the very fact that you have already secured a vacation scheme offer and have been moved to the direct TC process is clear proof that the firm sees something in you. You are already in a strong position, and it would be a good idea to reference this in your interviews as evidence of your capability and commitment.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if the firm knows you were unable to take part in the vacation scheme due to a clash with dates for a separate VS, you should be prepared to answer the question of why X firm over Y firm. Firms will already know that candidates are applying elsewhere, but this question will still likely be asked to gauge your application strategy. Maybe both firms have similar practices that are of interest to you, similar training structures, or something of that sort.

For preparation, I would recommend focusing on:

• Structuring your answers clearly using the STAR method for competency questions.
• Having two or three strong commercial stories you can reference confidently.
• Keeping your motivations for the firm razor-sharp and tailored.
• Practising case studies or written exercises if they are part of the process.

You have done so well already, and I am sure you will nail it. Best of luck with all the opportunities.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, I got the holding e-mail as well. I am still waiting for Howard Kennedy which is really disappointing because I felt they were initially quite clear about timeframes and now it’s just silence

thanks for letting me know!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just got invited to Ashursts written case study. Does anyone have any tips as this is the stage I struggle with the most? 🙏

Congratulations!

Have they told you what the written exercise is comprised of, or shared any other specific information in the invite email?

Sometimes firms will give a rough indication of what to expect (like a business scenario, legal issue, or time limit), and that can help guide your prep more effectively. Perhaps I’ll be able to advise better then.

 

[amb303]

anything from Withers post test? (have seen some people get interviews but not sure if all the invitations have been sent?)

 

[wantatc]

Moore Barlow reserve List email Kinda

 

[B101]

Congratulations!

Have they told you what the written exercise is comprised of, or shared any other specific information in the invite email?

Sometimes firms will give a rough indication of what to expect (like a business scenario, legal issue, or time limit), and that can help guide your prep more effectively. Perhaps I’ll be able to advise better then.

Thank you

This is what the email says - This exercise will test your analytical ability, commercial instinct and written communication skills. In your written response you will need to justify a recommended course of action from information you are given.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Bakers vi

 

[Logan1101]

Does anyone know if KPMG would ever open applications for their Law Programme(Training Contract)?

Last time I applied, I progressed to in in-person assessment centre and they said their programme was full, so they had to withdraw everyone. Do the Big 4 firms generally recruit rolling like this? It seems odd.

 

[LawInTheNorth]

Bakers VI!

 

[Chris Brown]

Baker McKenzie DTC VI!! 😅​

 

[20tunnj]

seems like everyone's getting Ashurst MB and BM! still waiting to hear back from all 3 (and BM post-test). what r my chances

 

[Tintin06]

Sullivan & Cromwell DTC opens tomorrow. It seems a backup for them. The VS seems more important honestly. So not expecting anything positive really. But they are a great firm.

This has been a rough cycle. Only one TI back in February. Having multiple VSs might be detrimental. I don’t want to do more. Feeling like it’s my last cycle. Mostly just going backwards this time. I’m also turning 28 in June. I can’t be bothered applying endlessly. Why should I keep on going? Failed to convert multiple VSs (three). There's no demand for my skills. There's no demand for my experiences. At least, that's how it feels.