TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Tintin06]

anyone still waiting to hear back from Ashurst?

Expecting a rejection to be honest. Lots have already heard back positively. Still waiting for other firms, however:

Fried Frank
Macfarlanes
Paul Hastings
Stephenson Harwood
Sullivan & Cromwell
White & Case

 

[emay7]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

 

[adrian_nlh]

Has anyone heard from PMC?

If this is for the DTC - last year, apparently they only got back to people in June, so it looks like we may have a little while to wait before hearing back from them.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Shoosmiths PFO! However, this time with the following interesting caveat which I’m not so sure what to think of:

“However, we were impressed with your application, and you did score highly, so you have been placed on our reserve list. This means in the event that someone declines their place on the assessment day, you may be invited at relatively short notice to an assessment day in our Leeds office on Tuesday 8th July.”

Has anyone else received a PFO like this? I’m assuming it’s very unlikely someone declines their place since it’s only so few people who make it to that point 😂 the annoying thing is the lack of certainty…

I wouldn’t say it’s very unlikely that a space would not be taken up. You would be surprised how many people withdraw from recruitment processes, change their mind or are just generally not available on the dates the firm is going to run assessment centres on.

 

[Tintin06]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

HSF and NRF spring to mind. I'd say it depends on departments.

But there are parallels with HSF. Strong projects and disputes practice groups. Both merged with Australian firms too.

Ashurst is broadly considered silver circle. Silver circle firms are compared here.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hey,

I would like to get others' opinions on who Ashurst's main competitor is. There are a few firms that come to mind for me (HSF, Linklaters) but would be interested to see if others think the same? 😊

The main competitors would depend on the practice area in question, but firms like HSF and Linklaters are strong contenders due to overlaps in corporate, finance, and dispute resolution work. Other competitors could include Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy, particularly in areas like banking and energy. Firms like Norton Rose Fulbright or Hogan Lovells might also come to mind for energy and infrastructure-related work, given Ashurst's strength in these sectors.

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Have people heard from Mayer Brown post job sim?

 

[SLD817]

As an international student myself, I can share some insight into the general process after accepting a TC offer. If there’s a gap before starting the SQE, you might opt for a Graduate Visa if you wish to work during that time. Keep in mind that some firms may cover the costs of this visa, but others may not, so it’s worth confirming with your firm. Alternatively, you can avoid visa applications altogether if you plan to return home during this period.

Once your SQE preparation begins, you’ll typically be on a Student Visa, or you may convert from a Graduate Visa to a Student Visa. Firms are usually very supportive and provide guidance on the process, so there’s no need to worry.

Finally, once you begin your TC, you’ll switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. This is part of a standard process, and firms that sponsor international trainees are well-versed in managing this transition, ensuring everything is in place before your start date. If you have any specific questions, your graduate recruitment contact at the firm will be your best resource. Hope this helps

Hi, thank you so much, this was very helpful!

 

[traineewannabe]

Has anyone heard back from Winckworth Sherwood (WS) post first interview? We were meant to hear back COB yesterday but there's been no communication

 

[Indigo1996]

Just heard back from Browne Jacobson (Birmingham office) after applying on March 1st, SJT on the 30th of March. Got a Telephone Interview, (honestly, was not expecting it because it's been so long). Do they normally take ages? Also, any tips?

 

[Traineeoneday]

Does anyone know how many people are generally at Foot Anstey’s DTC AC and how many they generally recruit via DTC? Thanks!

 

[User5678]

Howard Kennedy VI invite post Watson Glaser. If anyone has done this before please please dm me or reply to this thread

Would be very grateful for any tips!

Thanks very much!

 

[bored7887]

anyone got any experience with applying for dentons? Their direct TC route is still open for another 2/3 weeks but I think it's rolling and opened in december
so not sure what chance i have this late?

 

[Tintin06]

anyone got any experience with applying for dentons? Their direct TC route is still open for another 2/3 weeks but I think it's rolling and opened in december
so not sure what chance i have this late?

I’m also applying there funnily enough. It’s different to my VS firms. But what is there to lose?

My experience is mostly US firms. How do I justify applying there? Honestly struggling for motivation just now. Dream firm is White & Case. However, I’ve never actually worked there.

So many apps have led nowhere. It’s hard to keep going, honestly.

Best of luck with your app.

 

[dlc3266]

Does anyone know if the Fried Frank deadline is 23/5 12am, or 22/5 12am? The website just says 'the deadline is 23/5'. Thanks!

 

[Tintin06]

Does anyone know if the Fried Frank deadline is 23/5 12am, or 22/5 12am? The website just says 'the deadline is 23/5'. Thanks!

I think 23:59 on 23rd May.

 

[TortillaTC]

How rolling is BCLP? Is submitting my application in the next 2 days worth it or should I take a few extra days to perfect it?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

How rolling is BCLP? Is submitting my application in the next 2 days worth it or should I take a few extra days to perfect it?

Ive submitted my app on the last day and still gotten through

 

[User5678]

Beale and co DTC partner and HR interview invite. The only thing mentioned in their email is the interview would be for 30 mins on teams.

Does anyone who did the interview for the firms VS know what the interview is like (commercial or motivation and competency based or a mix of both?)

many thanks!

 

[B101]

Does anyone know how long Ashurst typically takes to get back to candidates after the first stage interview?