TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[safari3]

Did Freshfields get rid of the Watson Glaser? https://www.freshfields.com/en/your-career/united-kingdom/early-careers/trainee-associate-program

Seems so, but I can imagine it coming up somewhere else in the recruitment process - maybe AC? Also seems they have removed the personal statement for standard questions and they now recruit on a rolling basis. Lots of changes this year

 

[ZNadeem]

Did Freshfields get rid of the Watson Glaser? https://www.freshfields.com/en/your-career/united-kingdom/early-careers/trainee-associate-program

Hi! Yes, you're correct — they appear to have replaced it with a situational judgment type test

​

 

[amrita6399]

I got an invite to the AC for the direct TC today. Anyone else in the same boat?

Any suggestions for useful resources to prepare with would be greatly appreciated as I’m very out of practice with ACs.

That is interesting, because I emailed Grad Rec at HL today and they said they would get back to candidates only by the end of this month. When is the AC? Also, do you remember when you submitted your app and did the WG?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

I got an invite to the AC for the direct TC today. Anyone else in the same boat?

Any suggestions for useful resources to prepare with would be greatly appreciated as I’m very out of practice with ACs.

Hi @Fitzroy,

First things first, huge congratulations on securing an assessment centre. It's a huge achievement!

I can give you a couple of general suggestions that would be applicable to pretty much any AC at a commercial law firm.

1. For motivational questions, I would focus on striking a balance between coming across as genuine and authentic and well-prepared. This includes practising the presentation and structure of your answers - it matters just as much as the content.
2. I would try and stay abreast of the firm's latest deals, cases and other developments, especially within the practice areas that you are interested in the most. Keeping up with your research will also allow you to answer questions about the firm's strategy, opportunities and risks confidently.
3. I would also try and get an in-depth understanding of the possible technical questions/ tasks that may come up. I recommend that all candidates learn about the fundamentals of an M&A deal, key documents, as well as foundational contract terms such as warranties/ indemnities/ consequences for breach of contract.

Hope this helps - wishing you the best of luck!

 

[Fitzroy]

That is interesting, because I emailed Grad Rec at HL today and they said they would get back to candidates only by the end of this month. When is the AC? Also, do you remember when you submitted your app and did the WG?

That is strange, the AC is in about a week. I submitted both my app and WG really late, in the last couple of days before the deadline for both.

 

[amrita6399]

That is strange, the AC is in about a week. I submitted both my app and WG really late, in the last couple of days before the deadline for both.

Yes even I am not too sure. Well good luck to you!

 

[Fitzroy]

Hi @Fitzroy,

First things first, huge congratulations on securing an assessment centre. It's a huge achievement!

I can give you a couple of general suggestions that would be applicable to pretty much any AC at a commercial law firm.

1. For motivational questions, I would focus on striking a balance between coming across as genuine and authentic and well-prepared. This includes practising the presentation and structure of your answers - it matters just as much as the content.
2. I would try and stay abreast of the firm's latest deals, cases and other developments, especially within the practice areas that you are interested in the most. Keeping up with your research will also allow you to answer questions about the firm's strategy, opportunities and risks confidently.
3. I would also try and get an in-depth understanding of the possible technical questions/ tasks that may come up. I recommend that all candidates learn about the fundamentals of an M&A deal, key documents, as well as foundational contract terms such as warranties/ indemnities/ consequences for breach of contract.

Hope this helps - wishing you the best of luck!

This is really helpful, thank you.

Is there anywhere you recommend that has a comprehensive guide on the technical info you mentioned?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

That is interesting, because I emailed Grad Rec at HL today and they said they would get back to candidates only by the end of this month. When is the AC? Also, do you remember when you submitted your app and did the WG?

I applied close to the deadline and got rejected like 2 weeks ago. I must have had a bad application😂

 

[BillSikes]

I applied close to the deadline and got rejected like 2 weeks ago. I must have had a bad application😂

Can I ask what your grades are like?

 

[amrita6399]

Can I ask what your grades are like?

Had you applied to HL too and did you get a response from them?

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Can I ask what your grades are like?

2:1 at uni. High score in A level equivalent. But I actually don’t know whether they take individual grades into account.

 

[BillSikes]

Had you applied to HL too and did you get a response from them?

I have not applied yet.

 

[ZNadeem]

This is really helpful, thank you.

Is there anywhere you recommend that has a comprehensive guide on the technical info you mentioned?

Hi! Have a look at TCLA’s commercial awareness courses—they’re really solid. Also, the book All You Need to Know About the City is a great resource.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

This is really helpful, thank you.

Is there anywhere you recommend that has a comprehensive guide on the technical info you mentioned?

Glad you found this helpful! I'd definitely recommend TCLA Academy for commercial awareness and building a great understanding of M&A, finance, and current commercial awareness.

 

[neverdidiever]

I never thought the day would come that I’d write this message on TCLA. But I have just received a direct training contract from White & Case!

I’ve been applying to more than 30 places across the last two application cycles and this firm’s application was in fact the last one I was ever going to apply to, before shifting to a different path. The direct TC process here was definitely the most intense one I’d come across — involving an application, video interview, telephone interview, AC (group exercise, written exercise and interview), and a final commercial presentation round with two partners.

It was definitely hard to keep up hope across my applications and I sometimes wondered if it was worth it to keep going. But, when I got the call today, I knew it was worth every minute of my hardwork.

It was my last ever TC application, and this is a surreal emotion. I am very grateful to a lot of people on this community for their support. TCLA was a huge boost at times! I’d be more than happy to answer any questions — especially since I come from a non-UK non-law background and didn’t have the opportunity to apply for places that didn’t sponsor visas (which eliminated the vacation scheme process for me).

 

[yasmars]

I never thought the day would come that I’d write this message on TCLA. But I have just received a direct training contract from White & Case!

I’ve been applying to more than 30 places across the last two application cycles and this firm’s application was in fact the last one I was ever going to apply to, before shifting to a different path. The direct TC process here was definitely the most intense one I’d come across — involving an application, video interview, telephone interview, AC (group exercise, written exercise and interview), and a final commercial presentation round with two partners.

It was definitely hard to keep up hope across my applications and I sometimes wondered if it was worth it to keep going. But, when I got the call today, I knew it was worth every minute of my hardwork.

It was my last ever TC application, and this is a surreal emotion. I am very grateful to a lot of people on this community for their support. TCLA was a huge boost at times! I’d be more than happy to answer any questions — especially since I come from a non-UK non-law background and didn’t have the opportunity to apply for places that didn’t sponsor visas (which eliminated the vacation scheme process for me).

I am so incredibly happy for you! You never really know when your yes is around the corner.

 

[SamiyaJ]

I never thought the day would come that I’d write this message on TCLA. But I have just received a direct training contract from White & Case!

I’ve been applying to more than 30 places across the last two application cycles and this firm’s application was in fact the last one I was ever going to apply to, before shifting to a different path. The direct TC process here was definitely the most intense one I’d come across — involving an application, video interview, telephone interview, AC (group exercise, written exercise and interview), and a final commercial presentation round with two partners.

It was definitely hard to keep up hope across my applications and I sometimes wondered if it was worth it to keep going. But, when I got the call today, I knew it was worth every minute of my hardwork.

It was my last ever TC application, and this is a surreal emotion. I am very grateful to a lot of people on this community for their support. TCLA was a huge boost at times! I’d be more than happy to answer any questions — especially since I come from a non-UK non-law background and didn’t have the opportunity to apply for places that didn’t sponsor visas (which eliminated the vacation scheme process for me).

Super happy for you, congratulations! I hope you celebrate well x

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

I never thought the day would come that I’d write this message on TCLA. But I have just received a direct training contract from White & Case!

I’ve been applying to more than 30 places across the last two application cycles and this firm’s application was in fact the last one I was ever going to apply to, before shifting to a different path. The direct TC process here was definitely the most intense one I’d come across — involving an application, video interview, telephone interview, AC (group exercise, written exercise and interview), and a final commercial presentation round with two partners.

It was definitely hard to keep up hope across my applications and I sometimes wondered if it was worth it to keep going. But, when I got the call today, I knew it was worth every minute of my hardwork.

It was my last ever TC application, and this is a surreal emotion. I am very grateful to a lot of people on this community for their support. TCLA was a huge boost at times! I’d be more than happy to answer any questions — especially since I come from a non-UK non-law background and didn’t have the opportunity to apply for places that didn’t sponsor visas (which eliminated the vacation scheme process for me).

Huge congratulations @neverdidiever! This is incredible, and I hope that you celebrate well.

I wish you the best of luck on your training contract journey!!!

 

[ZNadeem]

I never thought the day would come that I’d write this message on TCLA. But I have just received a direct training contract from White & Case!

I’ve been applying to more than 30 places across the last two application cycles and this firm’s application was in fact the last one I was ever going to apply to, before shifting to a different path. The direct TC process here was definitely the most intense one I’d come across — involving an application, video interview, telephone interview, AC (group exercise, written exercise and interview), and a final commercial presentation round with two partners.

It was definitely hard to keep up hope across my applications and I sometimes wondered if it was worth it to keep going. But, when I got the call today, I knew it was worth every minute of my hardwork.

It was my last ever TC application, and this is a surreal emotion. I am very grateful to a lot of people on this community for their support. TCLA was a huge boost at times! I’d be more than happy to answer any questions — especially since I come from a non-UK non-law background and didn’t have the opportunity to apply for places that didn’t sponsor visas (which eliminated the vacation scheme process for me).

Huge congratulations — I’m so happy for you! What an amazing achievement, especially after such a long journey. Really inspiring to hear that all your persistence paid off