TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[iklawapps]

Hi everyone, would anyone happen to know if the RS test requires you to keep your camera on? the SJT part, not the VI part ofc. The practice test requires you to connect a camera at the start, but I'm not sure about the actual one. It's supposed to be untimed, and I've never done a monitored assessment before, so I'm just wondering if I need to be hyper aware so they don't think I'm cheating or anything if I look around the room lol

 

[lawelmo]

Has anyone heard back from Browne Jacobson yet post TI? The assessment centres are supposed to be 9th and 17th July 😶

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anything from Burges Salmon or Howes Percival on Direct TC?

 

[axele]

I am unsure about the test structure for the firm, so I have linked a screenshot to help with general law firm assessments. It mainly centres on SJTs though. So, even if it’s not directly applicable to this firm, I’m sure you’ll find it useful for some other purpose. Best of luck - we’re rooting for you!

View attachment 7176

Hi Amma,

Could you elaborate on the last bullet point? For example, in a SJT test, if we are being offered additional work but are unsure whether we will be able to take it on as we have other work that needs to be completed, how should we respond? What option is usually ’correct’?

Also, regarding the points on asking for help - in what scenarios should we not ask for help and attempt it ourselves?

Sorry if it is a little confusing.

Thanks

 

[avocadob]

Hi everyone, I was doing the Reed Smith assessment and I came across a glitch after doing 1 'session' of the test, then when I tried to refresh, it was showing one of those videos (which were just random clips) - I skipped the video and noticed that the % went from 80 to 86% and I reached the video interview stage - I'm very worried now if I skipped a whole SJT/verbal/numberial session? Has anyone also experienced this please?

 

[legallyliving]

Does anyone has a final interview with Fried Frank this week? I had mine on monday and would like to discuss if you have already completed yours.

I have mine tomorrow, how did you find it?

 

[YS391]

Hi everyone, I was doing the Reed Smith assessment and I came across a glitch after doing 1 'session' of the test, then when I tried to refresh, it was showing one of those videos (which were just random clips) - I skipped the video and noticed that the % went from 80 to 86% and I reached the video interview stage - I'm very worried now if I skipped a whole SJT/verbal/numberial session? Has anyone also experienced this please?

I wouldnt worry about it. When I did the Reed Smith assessmetn and other similar ambjeracks assessments, the % increased after the videos too. Also, im sure the system wont let you submit if you havent done all the sections.

 

[avocadob]

I wouldnt worry about it. When I did the Reed Smith assessmetn and other similar ambjeracks assessments, the % increased after the videos too. Also, im sure the system wont let you submit if you havent done all the sections.

Thank you very much for this 🙏🙏

 

[username10341034]

Is there much point in applying to Slaughter and May if I got A*AC in my A levels? I got 68% in my law undergraduate, so not like it was a high first. Thanks

 

[TortillaTC]

Finished Reed Smith’s SJT and VI and I’m absolutely gutted - got a 1 on Applied Intellect, have NO IDEA how… I got 6,7,7 for the other three, and high-high for verbal and numerical reasoning. Is there ANY way my other scores + VI could offset the 1? I felt like all of my VI questions went really well, I covered every aspect with good structures, but this 1 is painful to see..

Can’t believe that 1+ year of work went into this application with attending law fairs and their Open Day.. only to get the test after thinking it’s almost over and now this.. I worked all day on the tests and now I’m sure I’ll get rejected, haven’t heard of anyone progressing with a 1 in any of the areas..

Oh also RS was my first successful application this whole cycle (out of 20+ firms that flat out rejected me post application) because I’m based outside the UK and did my undergad at a non-UK uni too. I feel like it was my last chance this cycle..

 

[farrow]

Finished Reed Smith’s SJT and VI and I’m absolutely gutted - got a 1 on Applied Intellect, have NO IDEA how… I got 6,7,7 for the other three, and high-high for verbal and numerical reasoning. Is there ANY way my other scores + VI could offset the 1? I felt like all of my VI questions went really well, I covered every aspect with good structures, but this 1 is painful to see..

Can’t believe that 1+ year of work went into this application with attending law fairs and their Open Day.. only to get the test after thinking it’s almost over and now this.. I worked all day on the tests and now I’m sure I’ll get rejected, haven’t heard of anyone progressing with a 1 in any of the areas..

Oh also RS was my first successful application this whole cycle (out of 20+ firms that flat out rejected me post application) because I’m based outside the UK and did my undergad at a non-UK uni too. I feel like it was my last chance this cycle..

That sucks, especially after all the effort. Still, solid VI and strong scores elsewhere might get you through. Fingers crossed.

 

[BillSikes]

Is there much point in applying to Slaughter and May if I got A*AC in my A levels? I got 68% in my law undergraduate, so not like it was a high first. Thanks

You don't need a high first for Slaughters - what you need is a minimum of high 2.1 (which you have).

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Anyone heard anything from Macfarlanes or RPC or White & Case

I heard back from RPC to take the WG test last week friday

 

[legallady123]

I heard back from RPC to take the WG test last week friday

When did you apply? congrats also!

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

When did you apply? congrats also!

Thank you! Let’s see if I acc pass it 😭

I applied on the 20th April … but they did say we would start hearing back after the deadline so I think they might still be sending invites

 

[jfb]

I've never had to write a cover letter as part of an application before, what would you include if it's alongside the questions: (1) write about your sport and leisure activities, (2) your greatest achievement and (3) your personal or career goals. Would it just ve focused around motivations for applying or also about my skills ect?

 

[confusedbird]

Hi guys,

I am unsure if anyone else has been in the same situation but I thought its worth an ask.
How does one go about explaining that you achieved a first in your undergrad despite the percentage being 69.9 when your actual percentage should be 70.6 but the university scaled down your marks for a module?
(ik its not the best but i did everything I could for this grade while struggling with personal stuff and it feels absolutely shitty tbh given everything but it is what it is)

Any advice would be helpful!

 

[confusedbird]

I've never had to write a cover letter as part of an application before, what would you include if it's alongside the questions: (1) write about your sport and leisure activities, (2) your greatest achievement and (3) your personal or career goals. Would it just ve focused around motivations for applying or also about my skills ect?

I would still touch on the skills part a bit..gives the cover letter a more holistic approach imo and allows you to show why you're a good match for the firm

 

[Indigo1996]

Have you heard back from them post TI?

I had an email on the 27th of June, saying they're sorry that they're taking longer than expected to get back post TI, but that's it. Have you received anything?

 

[jfb]

I would still touch on the skills part a bit..gives the cover letter a more holistic approach imo and allows you to show why you're a good match for the firm

Thank you! I actually just realised they also ask in the form your motivations for being a solicitor and for applying to the firm. So do you think it would still be necessary to do a cover letter... feels a bit like they've asked everything already.