TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[bored7887]

Congratulations on your interview invite at Ashurst! From personal experience, their interview is largely motivational and competency-based, so make sure you’re ready to discuss your reasons for applying to Ashurst, your interest in their practice areas, and how your skills align with their values. Revisit your application and prepare to elaborate on any examples or experiences you’ve mentioned.

That said, Ashurst interviews often include a commercial element as well. Be prepared to discuss a recent news story or deal that interests you. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the broader commercial implications and your ability to think critically about challenges or opportunities.

Good luck—you’ve got this! 😊

thank you so much, super helpful!

 

[amb303]

Anyone still in limbo for Withers post test? No rejection no interview—do we think they will still send out invites later based on past cycles?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi all, hope you are well. I recently booked an assessment centre at a London law firm. I am not from the UK and will be travelling to London for the first time. Does anyone have any cheap accommodation suggestions. I am okay to commute from 30-45 minutes away into the center everyday. I plan on spending a week after the AC as well to solo travel. I did try and look all these things online but I am not really sure if I am making the right decision. Any help will be appreciated. My top priorities are cheap (but not horrible) accommodation yet safe areas. thanks.

 

[jy1041405]

I just did KN written case study and it was TOUGH. I guess it’s meant to be tough :-(

Does anyone who’s in the process know if we need a pass to do the next stage or automatic group exercise?

Thanks! x

 

[zonnonomo]

I just did KN written case study and it was TOUGH. I guess it’s meant to be tough :-(

Does anyone who’s in the process know if we need a pass to do the next stage or automatic group exercise?

Thanks! x

i know right i felt like there was just too much information & not enough time

group exercise is the next stage and not automatic unfortunately

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all, hope you are well. I recently booked an assessment centre at a London law firm. I am not from the UK and will be travelling to London for the first time. Does anyone have any cheap accommodation suggestions. I am okay to commute from 30-45 minutes away into the center everyday. I plan on spending a week after the AC as well to solo travel. I did try and look all these things online but I am not really sure if I am making the right decision. Any help will be appreciated. My top priorities are cheap (but not horrible) accommodation yet safe areas. thanks.

Travelodges near major train stations in zones 3 or 4 are your best bet. Look at places like Wimbledon, East Croydon, Dagenham.

Wimbledon/Kingston upon Thames are probably seen as the safest areas. Wimbledon would be very easy as there are trains to Waterloo that only take 15 minutes or so and you can get the District line on the tube too.

 

[Raspberry44]

Who is still waiting to hear back from BM following VI?

I heard back, got pfo :/ Heard back on Friday and submitted VI on Sunday.

 

[K5]

Hi all,

I have looked at the very helpful Definitive Guide to Law Case Studies and the 2 Case Study examples on TCLA.

I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find more written practice Case Studies? I am currently struggling with them and would really appreciate any recommendations.

Thank you!

 

[trainee4u]

Hi all, hope you are well. I recently booked an assessment centre at a London law firm. I am not from the UK and will be travelling to London for the first time. Does anyone have any cheap accommodation suggestions. I am okay to commute from 30-45 minutes away into the center everyday. I plan on spending a week after the AC as well to solo travel. I did try and look all these things online but I am not really sure if I am making the right decision. Any help will be appreciated. My top priorities are cheap (but not horrible) accommodation yet safe areas. thanks.

you can get a travelodge for around £50/night. a hostel is around £25-£30, but that will be a shared room so isn't recommended. premier inn is likely to be more expensive but is worth checking

if you are going to be in London long-term you should buy an Oyster card and a 16-25 railcard (assuming you are of the appropriate age). You need to ask at an Underground or Elizabeth line station for them to load the discount on to the Oyster card (1/3 off fares, not applicable before 09:30 or 4pm till 7pm going home, so potentially not very useful during your VS but still worth doing for long-term savings).

It's cheaper to use Elizabeth Line than other rail (non-underground services) (assuming in both cases you stay within London).

E.g., Romford is zone 6 and is £5.80 peak, £3.80 off-peak into London including Underground, whereas for East Croydon (Zone 5) it's £8.80 or £6.30 to an Underground station (it's £1.90 cheaper if you don't use the Underground); it's £300 for 6 nights in Romford Travelodge and £373 for 6 nights in East Croydon Travelodge. So e.g., Croydon £16.30/day (cap within London), Romford £11.60/day, something in zone 2 £7/day, all at peak times.

It depends where you are working - if you are in the City (i.e. around Moorgate/Liverpool Street/Bank), then going east is likely to be quicker than other parts of London for the money. However, if you're in the West End then this is not applicable. Also it's worth checking walking distance to train/underground stations. If you're staying in South London then there's often no underground, so you should check train frequencies, as they can be infrequent; however, it's more pleasant to take a train the underground, and if you happen to be working, say, near City Thameslink, then getting one train into there would be preferably to having to use the underground (although as above, it's likely slightly more expensive)

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

t

you can get a travelodge for around £50/night. a hostel is around £25-£30, but that will be a shared room so isn't recommended. premier inn is likely to be more expensive but is worth checking

if you are going to be in London long-term you should buy an Oyster card and a 16-25 railcard (assuming you are of the appropriate age). You need to ask at an Underground or Elizabeth line station for them to load the discount on to the Oyster card (1/3 off fares, not applicable before 09:30 or 4pm till 7pm going home, so potentially not very useful during your VS but still worth doing for long-term savings).

It's cheaper to use Elizabeth Line than other rail (non-underground services) (assuming in both cases you stay within London).

E.g., Romford is zone 6 and is £5.80 peak, £3.80 off-peak into London including Underground, whereas for East Croydon (Zone 5) it's £8.80 or £6.30 to an Underground station (it's £1.90 cheaper if you don't use the Underground); it's £300 for 6 nights in Romford Travelodge and £373 for 6 nights in East Croydon Travelodge. So e.g., Croydon £16.30/day (cap within London), Romford £11.60/day, something in zone 2 £7/day, all at peak times.

It depends where you are working - if you are in the City (i.e. around Moorgate/Liverpool Street/Bank), then going east is likely to be quicker than other parts of London for the money. However, if you're in the West End then this is not applicable. Also it's worth checking walking distance to train/underground stations. If you're staying in South London then there's often no underground, so you should check train frequencies, as they can be infrequent; however, it's more pleasant to take a train the underground, and if you happen to be working, say, near City Thameslink, then getting one train into there would be preferably to having to use the underground (although as above, it's likely slightly more expensive)

this is so helpful honestly. can i please pm you for more questions? dont want to spam here.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

@ZNadeem @Jessica Booker

i have an upcoming interview where eight partners will be interviewing me and i have been told their names in advance. i have never had this before (during past acs, its usually been communicated that they can't say who in advance).

other than researching them and knowing what their specialities are, what big cases they've worked on, etc, how can i use this to my advantage and ask good and unique questions at the end of the interview? or just, use this information throughout the interview in general?

 

[LawLawMcGraw]

For those who did their KN assessment today, do you receive a confirmation email when you email your submission in? Thank youu