TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Andrei Radu

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Hi everyone! I've reached the final AC stage for a DTC. The previous stage was a virtual interview with a partner and a member of HR. At the AC, I will also have an interview with two partners. Is it a good idea to ask for feedback from my previous interview to help with my preparations, or is this generally avoided?
I do not think asking for feedback from previous stages is something that is commonly done by candidates who successfully progress past them, but I also do not believe asking for it can have any negative impact on your progression chances. If you feel there are aspects of your performance you could have clearly improved on, and that your interviewers might have valuable input, I think it makes sense to try to get it.
 

Jessica Booker

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Hi, I haven’t sent in my application for my PGDL as of yet, I am applying to both BPP and uni of law birmingham campuses but im paranoid the slots will have all filled up, is this likely to be the case?
Highly unlikely. GDL courses are regularly unfilled by quite a substantial amount:

IMG_9375.jpeg

Nothing much will have changed about this in the last 3 years.
 

Jessica Booker

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Hey everyone! Is it worth applying to rolling TC deadlines of firms like Dentons and BCLP a month in advance of the deadline?
Yes - I would say so, especially for the summer deadlines as most people are not applying at this time of year due to exams.
 

AS24

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Hi @Jessica Booker,

I trust you are well.

I would like to ask your opinion on a matter. I completed my AC on April 1st, and the GR team said that we would hear back by the 1st of May.
I know that they made a bunch of offers, which also means that I probably did not get the VS, so my question is, how can I get a response from the firm? I do not want to sound rude, but I have to request annual leave and deal with HR.
 

Jessica Booker

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Hi @Jessica Booker,

I trust you are well.

I would like to ask your opinion on a matter. I completed my AC on April 1st, and the GR team said that we would hear back by the 1st of May.
I know that they made a bunch of offers, which also means that I probably did not get the VS, so my question is, how can I get a response from the firm? I do not want to sound rude, but I have to request annual leave and deal with HR.
If you haven’t heard by Wednesday afternoon, I would send them an email asking when you may hear back - this wi be nearly a week from their original deadline but give them some additional time to respond on Tuesday/Wednesday morning.
 

Jessica Booker

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I assume that there will be a long-term decline in GDL enrolment, as the GDL loses relevance due to its optional status under SQE.

View attachment 7130
Yes, this is most likely the case.

It will also be where some “conversion” courses are not labelled as the GDL. For instance, you could now do an LLM which effectively covers the GDL but does not need to be restricted to the GDL’s curriculum.
 

Jessica Booker

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@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! I have two modules which were 2.2 and a 3rd in my first year, but my overall average grade in first year were 2.1. My overall degree is 2.1 as well. I'm wondering whether these two modules would influence my application or not. But I have some mitigating circumstances
If you have mitigating circumstances specifically related to those modules, then it will most likely not be an issue.

If you only have your first year results, you may find you have more success once you have your second year results to show the majority of your grades are 2.1s or above, and also that the mitigating circumstances only caused a minor blip.
 

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