TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

Is the Reed Smith test/VI pretty much automatic if you meet their minimum requirements as I don’t think anyone has got a PFO?

I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca to help with this.

 

[PQ]

I know so many people have asked at this point but has anyone heard back from Bakers post AC. I’m starting to freak out.

 

[a1024]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Chris Brown Hi! What would you guys recommend working on this month and next month to prepare for next cycle?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Anyone heard from Macfarlanes for direct TC?

 

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Chris Brown Hi! What would you guys recommend working on this month and next month to prepare for next cycle?

• Build your commercial awareness. Use digestible platforms like TCLA Academy, Finimize, and Investopedia. Try short articles in the morning, podcasts, or newsletters — test what sticks and build a habit around it.

• Reflect on last cycle. Did your applications not make it to interview stage? Or was it your interview or AC performance? Use any feedback you received and be honest with yourself — self-awareness is key.

• Revisit the basics: why law, why commercial law, and why each firm. If these answers aren’t personal to you, your applications will feel generic. No two people have the same motivations, so take time to journal and find yours.

• Believe in yourself. The cycle is tough, but your mindset needs to be tougher. Discipline will carry you through when motivation fades, and mindset is what creates that discipline.

• Prioritise your mental health. The stronger your mental health, the more energy and clarity you’ll have to submit quality applications. Don’t let this slip for too long — reset as often as needed.

 

[L177]

Hey, has anyone heard back from Michelmores DTC yet? Thanks!

I just got invited to take their online amberjack assessment today

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey guys, I have my first ever AC tomorrow. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Have they told you what the AC is comprised of? Perhaps we’ll be able to advise better from there. Otherwise, let us know and we’ll be happy to give you general AC tips on frequent components typically seen across firms

 

[sunshine101]

Congratulations! Do you mind telling when did the invite come through?

Hi,

Congratulations, when did you apply if you don't mind me asking? Was it close to the deadline?

 

[sunshine101]

Anyone heard from Perkins that applied on the deadline?

 

[lapapapapo]

Any news from Orrick post WG?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

I've recently been invited to complete Morgan Lewis' telephone interview - if anyone has any insight or advice for being successful at this stage I would really appreciate it! I've never completed a telephone interview before.

 

[emma.d]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

 

[Equity'sDarling]

Hi,

Congratulations, when did you apply if you don't mind me asking? Was it close to the deadline?

Early June

Congratulations! Do you mind telling when did the invite come through

Last night at 2AM. The US office must be handling the recruitment

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

I worked as a legal secretary for a conveyancing specialist firm which I have found extremely helpful for commercial law applications. I imagine a job as a conveyancing assistant would be similar! For example, if I am applying to a firm with a strong real estate practice I often talk about how my interest in real estate law was sparked by my time working at the conveyancing firm.

 

[BillSikes]

Hi all, I have a job as a conveyancing assistant. Will this be helpful with applications? I fear it is too far removed from commercial law

Twist it as real estate work?

 

[livelaughlawve]

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

 

[c1907]

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

I think you definitely should make the firm aware of this. Even though I haven't checked their website, I am pretty sure the firm considers applicants' personal circumstances.

 

[BealMcAlly]

I think you definitely should make the firm aware of this. Even though I haven't checked their website, I am pretty sure the firm considers applicants' personal circumstances.

Reed Smith online tests/VI invite! Does anyone have insight into these? From my understanding, they are quite long. Any tips apart from research the firm and prep your competencies?

Also, I sometimes have abnormal speech patterns due to health stuff (i.e. pause once every minute before saying a word for about 3 seconds becuase my brain is buffering even though I know what I want to say). Is this something I should make the firm aware of i.e. "I have this problem so please consider this when analysing my speech patterns and body language"? How would I even phrase this? I am not even sure if they do analyse things like this

They say on the invite email to let them know of any necessary adjustments. I would do it as soon as possible.

 

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman I wondered if you could possibly give me advice for an upcoming interview 😊 I am just preparing some competency examples and have some that I’d like to use but they are not recent, and also not related to law. I have worked in the legal industry for the last 3 years so could think of other relevant scenarios but would prefer to speak about some that happened at university / within part-time jobs I had at uni (retail, etc) for certain competencies. Do you think would be detrimental?

Honestly, I don’t think it’s detrimental at all. Just because an experience isn’t recent or directly related to law doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. If it taught you something meaningful, challenged you, or helped you grow in a way that’s relevant to the competency, then it’s still a valid part of your story.

Yes, law firms might want to see what you’ve been up to more recently to get a sense of your current skillset and mindset, but that doesn’t mean older experiences suddenly lose their worth. If your examples from university or part-time jobs are stronger or show you in your best light, then absolutely use them. What matters most is the quality of your reflection - how well you explain what you did, what you learned, and how it shaped you.

So I’d say don’t disregard past experiences just because they’re a few years old. Instead, make them work for you. Be intentional about what each one is showing and try to strike a balance by mixing in at least one or two recent examples so they get a sense of what you’ve been doing more currently. But the past is still a very real and valuable part of your journey, and it can absolutely speak to the kind of professional you are today.

 

[cheeseontoast]

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask for some honest opinions, is it really worth paying for a TC coaching or mentoring programme? I’ve come across a few options, but they’re really expensive, and I’m unsure if the investment will actually make a difference.

I’m starting to feel a bit lost on this training contract journey. Last year was my first application cycle, and my application just kept stucking at the application stage, which I am aware of and now I am trying to do a really proper research and only to make high-quality, tailored application for a few firms that I really want to apply for the upcoming cycle. However, as I am graduating, I am not sure whether I should apply for paralegal/legal assistant role as now i actually need to support myself financially. In addition, as an international student, I don't think I have the luxury of unlimited application cycle, which adds up another pressure.

Therefore, if anyone has experience with coaching or has any advice on whether it’s truly helpful (or what worked for you instead), I’d really appreciate it!