International student/Paralegal - Ask me anything

Hi all

I have quite an unusual background as I have studied law in France, did an exchange programme and decided to stay in the UK. I did the GDL and LLM in 2016/2017 and went on to get a job with a brand protection company. I then left to join my first law firm and worked as a paralegal for nearly 3 years. I have low grades in my A levels and average grades for the rest of my degrees, except on the LPC where I am averaging a first.

I struggled when I arrived to find the support I needed to find my way to a training contract and had no idea how to qualify for a little while. When I started applying, I was older than the other candidates and it took me another few years before finally securing a training contract with a city law firm.

I thought I would create this thread in case anyone has questions on getting a job as a foreigner, getting a paralegal position, studying as a foreigner, or cultural challenges or anything like this!

LPC Application strategy

Hi,

Just wanted to ask about the LPC application strategy.
I personally want to go for BPP because they have a campus in Cambridge.
But in terms of getting offered a bursary, I have heard it might be wiser to apply to ULaw as well (as BPP will be able to see this).
And then there is the argument of putting your second preference as your first choice, to perhaps try and get a bursary from the other...

Wellbeing Check-In: How's Everyone Doing?

Hey everyone! I thought of posting this thread because it's a generally weird time of year for most people- exams for some, lull in applications for some and an uptick in apps for those taking the direct TC route. For those working, a lot of you have been going at it since the new year so it's time for a much needed break. And in general, everyone's navigating through a confusing (and for some, scary) transition from a pandemic that had taken over much of our lives for two years.

So here I am checking in with our forum members- how is everyone doing? What are you finding helpful and what challenges are you looking to overcome re your wellbeing?

I am currently balancing a fairly gruelling, almost 2-month long exam season with working part-time which means a lot of 👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻. The transition from having structure in my day with classes and networking events to being wholly responsible for planning my day has tested my motivation to devote long hours to unstructured studying.

I am lucky to live in a vibrant postgrad community so knowing that other people are in the same boat as me and being able to talk about this openly has been quite refreshing and a big support to me. I've also let myself have some days where I try not to do anything and let myself recoup from working hard. Now, this has only been possible so far while I've been slightly sick (hay fever and allergies are ANNOYING 😷) but I'm trying not to get to caught up in how I am reaching where I want to be and focusing on having got there 😅.

The greatest source of support for me has undoubtedly been my best friends + fam. Sharing an important lesson I learnt (the hard way) about receiving this support- YOU. HAVE. TO. ASK. FOR. IT.

No one is a mind-reader and everyone leads busy lives, which is why it's crucial that you clue people into how you feel and ask for what you need from them. Whether it's text check-ins, group calls, weekly coffees or playing some sport- do not hesitate to advocate for yourself with your inner-circle.

Sending you all warmth and wishing you all the very, very best ♥️

Unsure where I stand. LPC or SQE?

I appreciate this may be a really niche situation. I have contacted the SRA, however I am still awaiting a reply. I am a non-law graduate who works at a law firm (currently on maternity leave). Back in July 2021 I secured a training contract and I am in a very privileged position as my employer is willing to fund my PGDL and LPC/SQE. My employer does not have any preference which route I take. I am unsure whether I still fall under the transitional arrangements as I accepted the offer in writing back in July 2021, however I never registered as a trainee with the SRA as I went on maternity so short after. Also, I start my PGDL in September and I return to work starting the training contract in July. I am just wondering which route I will most likely take once this is completed. I hope it all makes sense!

American Express Summer Internship - Deadline Tomorrow!

Hey everyone,

You may have seen me flag this opportunity in our newsletter today. This internship with American Express is targeted at applicants from low income and underrepresented backgrounds. The goal is to provide paid work experience to those who haven't had access to opportunities like this in the past - one of the reasons I'm particularly keen to promote this widely.

You can find out more and apply here. The deadline is tomorrow - good luck!

Jaysen

We're Hiring A Full Time Operations Executive ! Apply by 1 May 2022

Hey everyone,

I'm very happy to say that we are looking for our first full time hire 🚀 It's fully remote.

You’ll be essential to our business. You’ll be working directly with me throughout the week, and I’ll train you on the day-to-day tasks I undertake. Week-to-week, we’ll discuss strategy, the challenges facing a start-up business, and how we can better improve our operations.

The goal is to find someone I can then progress to a head of operations role. Experience matters much less than being exceptionally organised and a strong communicator.

Perfect for someone who began their training contract journey but decided it wasn't for them. At the same time - you don't need to be in the legal space to apply.

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Read more and apply here: https://apply.workable.com/tcla/j/789F4A80AA/

Taylor Wessing Interview 2022

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

February 2022

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2022

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

9 - 9.15 am: ID check
9.15 - 9.30 am: Welcome speech from graduate recruitment team
9.30 - 10.30 am: Group assessment
10.30 - 10.50 am: Break
10.50 - 11.50 am: Commercial interview
11.50 - 12 pm: Break
12 - 1 pm: Competency based interview

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

1) Group assessment (40 min)
We were given written scenarios of approximately 6 or 7 pages long, including a general scenario and a section specific to each individual. We were asked to a) read the documents, b) provide a summary to the group, c) discuss the possible options and d) give our opinion on which is the best course of action. Within the 40 min, there was no time limit for each person but it was suggested we spend 10 min reading and the rest on discussing. One of the candidates designated themselves as the time keeper.

2) Commercial interview (30 min prep, 30 min assessment)
We were given a scenario of around 3 to 5 pages long and were told to assume the client was calling for advice. We were asked to a) provide advice on an immediate response, b) discuss what the next steps would be and c) discuss where Taylor Wessing can help the client. Additional information was given midway through the interview and as questions were being asked.

3) Competency based interview (around 60 min)
The questions asked were:
  1. Present yourself
  2. Having researched Taylor Wessing, tell us why this firm is of interest to you
  3. Tell us about a time when you worked as part of a team
  4. Tell us about your organisation skills, and in particular how you organised yourself in your studies
  5. Tell us about a time when you showed commitment
What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

1) Group assessment
Try not to repeat anything that is in the general scenario, unless you are the first speaker (and do not know what information is in common, what is not). Try to summarise your issue as concisely as possible to allow for other people to speak and do not forget about giving your recommendation on the issue.

2) Commercial interview
For this is it very important to know the firm as well as possible and I suggest going on the website and listing all the different services the firm offers, and in which sectors. From there I was able to tailor my answer to the client’s needs. Ideally, also try to show commercial awareness by discussing how one of the client’s responses may be affected by an ongoing global issue or how Taylor Wessing can specifically help in relation to an issue which may be affecting the client’s sector.

3) Competency based interview
Prepare yourself for follow up questions on your answers. Make sure you know how to present your experiences in the best light and take your time when answering - do not hesitate to say to your assessors that you need a moment to gather your thoughts. If you have leftover time, ask questions to your assessors to show interest or to say anything else you wish to say.

Were you successful?

Yes
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