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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

yuk0n

Star Member
Apr 4, 2021
36
99
Really sorry to hear this. Sending you big vibes. Take the rest of the week easy.


pat GIF
Thank you, I appreciate it x
 
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adrian_nlh

Distinguished Member
Feb 22, 2023
54
125
Has anyone got any insight for slaughter and may interview? I’ve seen people say it’s a bit different to others, any advice on how to best prepare?
Yes. I do.

Be prepared to be backed into a corner. Seriously, it is unlike any interview you will ever encounter.

Be prepared for weird questions, but also intellectually challenging ones which will test your grit and ability to overcome difficult scenarios.

If you do get backed into a corner, don't start justifying something crazy, concede but don't give up, state something like *but consider it from this angle..., etc.*

And be prepared to be asked any aspect of your CV or covering letter - a GCSE grade, about which school you went to, a 2:2, an essay you wrote - anything.

The make or break question could be about "why commercial law?" Or "why this firm?". Like any other firm. Answer those well.

Sorry, I made that seem like the Hunger Games, but it can be a very tough interview. Good luck!
 
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iklawapps

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Mar 1, 2025
50
46
I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!
 

billyonthespeeddial

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 21, 2023
270
728
I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!
I have three small things to contribute

1. Everyone has different application strategies, but for a lot, including me, 9 is not a lot. Zero out of nine doesn't mean you're not competitive. It's luck.

2. Vac schemes are on the surface easier to get (not always- I know some DTCs are easier) because they will usually have a bigger cohort than the full TC intake, but some are quite tough to convert.

3. Next year, since you can do VSs, I'd choose the firm first, then pick which option seems easier to convert. For example, you might find that a Freshfields DTC is just as likely as a vac scheme place statistically, while others like Travers Smith might prioritise their vac schemes.
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
550
1,130
I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!

that's a reasonable rate of progress tbh: 2 out of 9 to VI.
VIs are tough, but you can improve a lot, so realistically that speaks to improving VI skills.

I would look to substantially increase those application numbers. Also not all firms are equally competitive - IME I get more success with firms paying under £100k as a NQ in London, than those say £150k+, so that's an other issue.
 

aphelion

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Apr 4, 2023
72
335
I don't mean to be a downer but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. I could only really apply for direct TCs this year for reasons. I sent like nine apps while doing the SQE, and all were rejections w/ only getting as far as the VI round twice. Next season I'll be able to apply for vac schemes again, but I just feel really awful and disheartened. I know everyone must feel like way quite a bit but I was wondering if anyone knows if I might have better chances for vac schemes apps because this season was just brutal. I have a bit of legal experience and think I'm writing good apps but I just know really know what else to do.sorry for the vent and thank you for any insight if possible!
This may just be anecdotal, but I only progressed with VS applications and not DTC applications this year. This is despite over a year of full-time legal experience. I do think VS apps are worth doing if possible. Keep pushing, you've got this!!!
 
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