Several firms advise some TC deadlines being advanced

Concerns over Olympics congestion has led several London law firms to alter their normal training contract interview schedule for 2012 and advise students to apply for training contracts earlier than usual.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer's Trainee Recruitment Manager Jess Booker told LC.N: "Our application process won't close early, but we, like some other larger recruiters, are trying to hold more interviews before the start of the Games." Her message is: "Don't wait until you have your exam results to submit your application. Fill in your form, send it and take the online verbal reasoning test. When you receive your results - be these LPC, GDL, penultimate-year exams or your final degree - you can then email the transcript or results to us."

Some other firms are carrying information about early applications on their websites. For example, Withers' advises: "Please note we will not be interviewing during the Olympics (27 July to 12 August 2012). For this reason we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible."

Manches' website, meanwhile, states: "Due to the Olympics and knock-on travel disruption in London, we may close the applications for training contracts earlier than 31 July. Please submit your application as early as possible and keep checking our website for updates."

Russell Cooke's website includes a message that indicates its deadline of 31 July has been advanced: "Please note that due to the Olympics being held in London in 2012 and the need to allow as much notice as possible for candidates to make travel arrangements, the closing date for applications for training contracts starting in 2014 is midnight on Sunday 29 July 2012."

To avoid missing out on opportunities, it is important for students to double check the 2012 closing date for applications and any other application advice from their target firms as soon as possible.