TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[SarahB3]

I was sent an invitation for the assessment&VI just now. I submitted my application on 03/06

Hey would love to hear about your experience with the video interview if you’re open to sharing. No pressure at all, but I’d really appreciate any insight or tips. Happy to connect or chat if that works for you

 

[TortillaTC]

I feel like a broken record at this point but has anyone that applied closer to the deadline for Reed Smith’s direct TC heard back? Good luck with the VI+SJT for those that received it already!

 

[SarahB3]

Has anyone here open to sharing their experience of the Reed Smith Tests and Online Interview for their Direct TC. I can provide in exchange insights of the firm's culture as well as experience of the assessment centre.

No pressure at all, but I’d really appreciate any insight or tips. Happy to connect or chat if that works for you!

 

[Tintin06]

I feel like a broken record at this point but has anyone that applied closer to the deadline for Reed Smith’s direct TC heard back? Good luck with the VI+SJT for those that received it already!

Applied when they opened and nothing.

 

[legal18]

Do you need to do the Macfarlanes test again if you did it for the VS this cycle?

 

[Mayooshi]

Congratulations on receiving the test and VI invite! Mind if I please ask when you applied and heard back? Thank you!

Hey i applied on the 2nd of June and got the invite yesterday.

 

[Tintin06]

Hey i applied on the 2nd of June and got the invite yesterday.

They’re still sending out invites then. I can understand people’s confusion here. What the app says after applying:

“The Graduate Recruitment Team will be in touch with an update on your application after the deadline closes.”

I feel like people heard before…

 

[SarahB3]

Can someone advise on whether they managed to access the link for the practice tests and if so How?

 

[Law_APP]

Have anyone heard back from Fried Frank post first round interviews?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Maybe a stupid question, but if you're a paralegal and you're actually working on the same case as the firm you're now seeking a TC at (same side on litigation), is there a way of gracefully mentioning that in a way that's helpful... It feels like it should be such an advantage to actually know what it's like to be working on these cases, but a difficult fact to say in a "Why X firm" question without making it sound like boasting

 

[Raspberry44]

Just completed Ashurst Partner interview, let me know if you want to discuss!

 

[lizliczs]

Anyone heard back from Browne Jacobson post TI? I was told we would hear back w/c 23rd

Nope, I am still waiting to hear back

 

[zplookingforaTC]

Finally have a TC offer! Just wanted to tell everyone to keep their heads up! I persisted long and hard hours and it's all been worth it in the end! Thank you so much to all of the TCLA community and to the many friends that have privately messaged me and exchanged advice (you know who you are), I will endeavour my best to pass my knowledge

 

[FM302989]

Maybe a stupid question, but if you're a paralegal and you're actually working on the same case as the firm you're now seeking a TC at (same side on litigation), is there a way of gracefully mentioning that in a way that's helpful... It feels like it should be such an advantage to actually know what it's like to be working on these cases, but a difficult fact to say in a "Why X firm" question without making it sound like boasting

'Why x firm?'

I was drawn to the work of x firm's [DEPARTMENT] when I collaborated with [NAME] on [DEAL]. I was impressed with their collaborative spirit, knowledge and creative ways we reached the deadline to our respective clients' satisfaction. From my experience here, I can see x firm as an excellent environment for me to learn and grow as a lawyer

 

[amrita6399]

Finally have a TC offer! Just wanted to tell everyone to keep their heads up! I persisted long and hard hours and it's all been worth it in the end! Thank you so much to all of the TCLA community and to the many friends that have privately messaged me and exchanged advice (you know who you are), I will endeavour my best to pass my knowledge

Congratulations! Which firm did you get the TC from, if you don't mind sharing? Thank you!

 

[emma.d]

Hi all, do I need to finish the Macfarlanes test by midnight today or a week from today if I just received it? Thank you!!

 

[lawtc2026]

They’re still sending out invites then. I can understand people’s confusion here. What the app says after applying:

“The Graduate Recruitment Team will be in touch with an update on your application after the deadline closes.”

I feel like people heard before…

RS have said that you can expect to hear back within 4 weeks. They did clearly state they were recruiting on a rolling basis which means they review the applications as they are received so people who submitted theirs early will obviously hear back sooner. They are still sending out invites for those who submitted later so I wouldn't worry!

 

[TortillaTC]

RS have said that you can expect to hear back within 4 weeks. They did clearly state they were recruiting on a rolling basis which means they review the applications as they are received so people who submitted theirs early will obviously hear back sooner. They are still sending out invites for those who submitted later so I wouldn't worry!

Thank you for the information!!

 

[TortillaTC]

Hi all, do I need to finish the Macfarlanes test by midnight today or a week from today if I just received it? Thank you!!

You get 7 days so a week from today. It’s separate from the actual application deadline.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Great question. Been in a similar situation myself. This may sound a bit obvious, but for the "tell us about yourself" question, focus on exactly what has been mentioned. They do say that you can go outside this scope, which is great, but I would personally start any answer by referencing one or more of those mentioned elements. There’s no need for an intro as it’s just 300 words and will eat up your word count, but starting with a thesis-like statement will help. So, for example, “I have taken part in many extracurriculars at university” – then you cover those in that little paragraph. Then move onto the next element and do the same in another paragraph. It’s not necessary to do this, but it helps with structure.

Another thing is that it is great you’ve listed some of these things in the work experience section, but remember that you may not have been able to touch on it in depth. In my opinion, the word count will never be fully enough to expand on these in the depth your application needs to bring it to life – and the additional question is giving you an extra green light to shed light on these even more. So, take your time with ensuring that you don't just “list”, but also expand and link to its relevance to the trainee role at Macfarlanes and their values. I remember once approaching a question like this by referencing skills, how I demonstrated them through past experiences, and then mentioning speaking to trainees at the firm who said XYZ, reinforcing my desire to train there. So, there are many ways to approach this question with whatever you choose to elaborate on. Just ask yourself: is it true to me, and does it sound convincing enough?

And yes, definitely worth highlighting those achievements!

Also, contrary to popular opinion, personal interests are actually really valued by law firms, but perhaps touch on those other main things at this point given the word limit, and shed more light on the personality-related point later down in the application stage if the needs of the situation demand it.

Thanks so much Amma, that's really helpful