TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[y3920]

I think normally firms are happy to extend the acceptance deadlines, but it depends on many factors. Some firms don’t offer extensions and so the original deadline remains. 🥲

In that case, you could accept the TC offer and if you convert the SVS into a TC, accept it and renege on the original TC offer (if the SVS firm is the firm you prefer to do your TC with). 🙂

I think the only time this wouldn’t work is if you received financial support from the TC firm for the purposes of PGDL/SQE/LPC etc. Best of luck with the upcoming SVS! 🐐​

Thank you!

 

[tobywstress]

Hi all, does anyone know if CV should include all module grades? I am trying to finish my application for Dorsey, but they didn't mention whether the CV should include detailed breakdowns.
Plus is there an impact if my CV goes beyond one page? Right now mine can stay at one-page as long as I skip the detailed breakdown and only highlights the relevant optional modules.

 

[zonnonomo]

Hi all, does anyone know if CV should include all module grades? I am trying to finish my application for Dorsey, but they didn't mention whether the CV should include detailed breakdowns.
Plus is there an impact if my CV goes beyond one page? Right now mine can stay at one-page as long as I skip the detailed breakdown and only highlights the relevant optional modules.

i think the general guideline is if the application page doesn't ask for grades elsewhere, include them on your cv

but cv length is typically recommended to be 2 pages/~950 words, so you should be fine to include them either way

 

[Tintin06]

Hi all, does anyone know if CV should include all module grades? I am trying to finish my application for Dorsey, but they didn't mention whether the CV should include detailed breakdowns.
Plus is there an impact if my CV goes beyond one page? Right now mine can stay at one-page as long as I skip the detailed breakdown and only highlights the relevant optional modules.

This is very Slaughter and May. Most apps will ask for this. Unusual to have it in CV. Because it takes up much space. Best of luck with your applications.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi there, I heard that Eversheds dont really recruit from Direct TC applicants. Could anyone provide more insights? I know it's always with applying even for a slim chance but feeling a bit burnt out and there are other deadlines soon so wanted to get some statistics / numbers. Couldn't find any percentages on their website.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hiya @InterestInPublicLaw

This is a great start. Just to address your last question at the outset, Burges Salmon has historically recruited on a non-rolling basis. I think it's worth double-checking whether this is still the case, but from what I can tell they've consistently recruited on this basis in recent cycles.

For Q1, I think it would be great to mention culture here (in addition to whatever else you'd like to say). However, I would avoid making culture the sole focus. You could structure your answer with one paragraph on the firm’s sector strengths or standout client work (and this is where you should be quite specific (referring to particular rankings, clients, or cases if possible, rather than generalities about sector focus)). Then you can even follow with a paragraph covering both culture and even training style/opportunities.

In terms of Q2, I think focusing on two aspects of the solicitor role is perfectly fine and often stronger than trying to cover too many points lightly. Just ensure that for each point you go beyond generic statements. In particular, you'll want to convincingly show how and why the skill or aspect appeals to you, perhaps linking it to how you’ve seen it in practice (through work experience or commercial awareness).

On Q3, I think it’s important to be clear about what the question is asking. In particular, the question is about practice areas, not sectors. A practice area is the seat you're sitting itself (e.g. planning, tax, corporate). A sector, by contrast, is an area of the economy or industry (e.g. energy, infrastructure, or financial services) which may cut across several practice areas. If you are interested in a sector, you can certainly mention it, but you need to frame your answer around the specific seats/teams you would want to experience. For instance, an interest in the energy sector might lead you to choose seats like projects, construction, or planning. Avoid simply writing about sectors in the abstract. The firm is looking for evidence that you understand the nature of the seat work and are making choices based on that understanding.

While some overlap between the three questions is inevitable (and fine), I think it's in the framing of your answers that you will be able to avoid repetition. Use Q1 to establish why the firm appeals to you overall (with culture and sector strength), Q2 to show how you think about and approach the role of a solicitor itself, and Q3 to show that you’ve thought carefully about how to build a training contract that aligns with your interests and future goals.

I hope this is helpful and good luck with the application!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam sorry for the late reply - saw this just a few days ago! Thank you so much for your detailed insights, really helped inform my approach!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, does anyone know if RPC is fine with using point form in the Work Experience section? The word limit is only 150 words.

Also, did anyone ask if we could put extracurricular activities/positions of responsibility in this section too?

 

[BillSikes]

Hi there, I heard that Eversheds dont really recruit from Direct TC applicants. Could anyone provide more insights? I know it's always with applying even for a slim chance but feeling a bit burnt out and there are other deadlines soon so wanted to get some statistics / numbers. Couldn't find any percentages on their website.

They rejected me post-app in previous cycle for direct app as all the TC spaces had been filled through the VS.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

They rejected me post-app in previous cycle for direct app as all the TC spaces had been filled through the VS.

Yikes. Thanks for your reply!

 

[lawzade02]

Hey everyone! Eversheds Sutherland's DTC deadline is at 11:59 PM tonight. Do they recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[lawzade02]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons post-app for DTC?

 

[yk1906]

How many trainees does Reed Smith recruit?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Anyone know if Dorsey wants a one-page CV or is a two-page one acceptable?

 

[James Wakefield]

Does anyone know if the commercial exercise at Fried Frank is a group exercise?

I read that on Chamber Student, but on the email from them it just says 'commercial exercise with two associates'. Thanks!

 

[TortillaTC]

Happy Sunday everyone! Is applying to WFW still worth it considering that the deadline is in 2 days and they're rolling? I saw that some people got VI earlier in June already. (I could submit a high quality app, did multiple firm events with them and know the firm quite well, just kept postponing my app due to other firms...:/)

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

Hi, apologies if this has been asked already but does anyone know when Bakers intend to get back to us post-AC? I recall grad rec stating a date during my AC but didn't note it down

I recall someone saying on the forum the week of July 6th(?) Definitely after they hold their last AC on the 26th of June.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @SolicitorHopeful

I've just put together a list of recent publications/reports on law firms and their business models. This should give you some sense of the pressures/trends that are affecting law firms and their strategy.

1. Thomson Reuter's recent report on the state of the legal market (2024)
2. Thomson Reuters on law firm profitability
3. Thomson Reuters on cash flow problems in businesses, including law firms
4. A PwC report on law firms' adaptation to changes in GenAI and ESG
5. Forbes on the essential pillars for a successful law firm
6. Financial Times report on trends that are disrupting firms and their business model
7. The Law Society on Alternative Business Structures
8. The Law Society on trends affecting law firms in 2025

 

[GV]

Is Reed Smith VI competency or strength based?

 

[yk1906]

Has it happened to anyone that RS assessment link does not work?

 

[legal18]

Has it happened to anyone that RS assessment link does not work?

I copied and pasted the link into an incognito browser and it worked then!