TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[chlawstudent]

Hello,

I am a little confused about how the CRS reserve lists works. I was reserved following my VS application and told that I would I could be offered a last minute Summer VS place and that I will also be considered for the TC route. For reference, I have not heard anything from them since.

How do you think the VS reserve list is operating in relation to the TC reserve list if VS reserves are an option for both?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hello,

I am a little confused about how the CRS reserve lists works. I was reserved following my VS application and told that I would I could be offered a last minute Summer VS place and that I will also be considered for the TC route. For reference, I have not heard anything from them since.

How do you think the VS reserve list is operating in relation to the TC reserve list if VS reserves are an option for both?

I don't think you will be on the direct TC reserve list.

It is likely you are only on the reserve list for the vacation scheme and if a place becomes available on that, then you would secure that first and then potentially convert to a direct TC through the vacation scheme.

 

[chlawstudent]

I don't think you will be on the direct TC reserve list.

It is likely you are only on the reserve list for the vacation scheme and if a place becomes available on that, then you would secure that first and then potentially convert to a direct TC through the vacation scheme.

Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."

 

[fitzer401]

Update: HL PFO.

 

[farrow]

Update: HL PFO.

nothing has come through yet for me.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you for your answer!

This is what they said, however, as AC invites have gone out I appreciate that option has probably passed now:

"We are also reviewing Direct Training Contract applications with a view to inviting candidates to standalone assessment days. We will keep you in consideration for this option too and get in touch if we are able to offer you a place to a Direct Training Contract assessment day. Assessment Days are taking place in the last couple of weeks of May."

It sounds like they have had two separate processes - one hold process for VS candidates and another for direct TC candidates. I suspect they had enough strong direct TC applicants, that they didn't feel the need to go to their VS on hold pool.

 

[farrow]

Bevan Brittan - email stating outcome due 30 May.

 

[saj2002]

Farrer & Co shortlist/proofreading exercise! Has anyone got insight or experience with this task? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! This is pretty much my last shot at a TC at this point

 

[V2002]

Michelmores post-VI invite to online interview with HR team!

Hi, have you heard post the interview?

 

[V2002]

Hello everyone has anyone applied to Michelmores Vac Scheme or TC? and heard back ?

 

[Babablacksheep]

Anyone else who’s heard back from Farrer?

 

[emay7]

Congrats! May I ask when you submitted your TC application?

I believe it was the 27th March

 

[adrian_nlh]

Can I discuss the Fried Frank application with someone who’s submitted or been successful in the past please? The format is throwing me a bit lol

Sorry if I'm late to the party but I've done FF before and first-stage interview. I can help if you like.

 

[EG3]

3 PFOs in one morning, good start to my day hahaha

 

[B101]

Mayer Brown pfo

 

[legallyells]

Mayer Brown trainee job simulation, any insights would be massively appreciated!!

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heard anything from Ashurst today?

I think those successful heard last week, PFOs will be in June.

 

[EG3]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

 

[OliverTwist]

Question for whoever:

I'm thinking of re-applying next year, as my applications this year were just a bit rubbish (although it's my first year applying and I did make it to a couple ACs/final stages and had a couple interviews and got an offer from a regional firm - didn't accept as pay was abysmal and would need to self-fund PGDL and SQEs). I do still have some applications in the mixer but I kind of just want to work for a year anyway and get some money/experience (current master's student straight from non-law undergrad).

Is it best to work part-time, perhaps as a paralegal, while doing the PGDL? As then I could apply for 2027 start as well as 2028, or best to just work full-time and do PGDL the following year?

And anything I could do before the next application season alongside that would boost my applications? Eg, volunteer, show interest in a hobby, additional qualifications etc - obviously all would be good but anything in particular that sets a candidate apart and recruitment often like to see?

I found the PgDL incredibly intensive when I did it - and many of the part-time students on the course felt the same. Personally, I’d recommend doing it full-time and working for a year either before or after, depending on what suits you best. It’s essentially eight modules of law condensed into a few months. To give myself the best shot, I left full-time work to focus on it and then returned to work while applying for direct training contracts. That said, it really comes down to what works best for you. I can see part-time paralegal work alongside part-time PgDL study being a good option - especially if you hope to do vacation schemes throughout the year.