TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, I was wondering if it is common practice to announce on LinkedIn that you’ve been offered a Vac scheme or do most people not do that?

It’s a bit like marmite, some people love it some people hate it.

In my personal opinion, there is no harm in doing it as long as you are definitely accepting the place. If there is any chance of you turning it down for another offer, then don’t.

 

[LEL]

Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol

 

[OB]

Manifesting positive news for us from Gowling today 🙌✨

 

[S87]

Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol

From my understanding it depends on the firm's availability but in general you qualify in a specific team.

 

[TC fiend]

Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol

You qualify as a solicitor generally. I’ve heard of associates moving within a practice area (ie from a specialist area to a more generalist area or vice versa) but not personally of moving between practice areas. I imagine in limited cases this may be possible but within specific topic confines.

EDIT: I mean you qualify into a team but you are generally on the roll as a solicitor, not as an “X qualified” solicitor.

 

[GXA123]

Manifesting positive news for us from Gowling today 🙌✨

Sending positive energy to the universeeee 🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄

 

[S87]

It is a pity that Latham is so corporate focused..their app questions are not so tricky.

 

[lawyering]

It is a pity that Latham is so corporate focused..their app questions are not so tricky.

They're growing their lit practice and have been involved in some major disputes/arbitration work too - so I wouldn't rule them out!

 

[ellwilsen]

Has anyone heard from Winckworth Sherwood, or do they only contact applicants after the deadline?

 

[Rachael.Elisa]

Has anyone heard from Winckworth Sherwood, or do they only contact applicants after the deadline?

I applied on 25/1, not heard anything yet

 

[GXA123]

here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


Yes
Boodle Hatfield
Farrer & Co
Linklaters
Macfarlanes
NRF
Slaughter & May

No
Addleshaw Goddard
Allen & Overy
Baker McKenzie
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Clyde & Co
CMS
Dechert
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hogan Lovells
Mishcon de Reya
Ropes & Gray
Shearman & Sterling
Sidley Austin

Unclear
Dentons
Vinson & Elkins
Weil, Gotshal, & Manges

just adding to the list, Mills & Revve is a no

 

[GXA123]

does any

here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


Yes
Boodle Hatfield
Farrer & Co
Linklaters
Macfarlanes
NRF
Slaughter & May

No
Addleshaw Goddard
Allen & Overy
Baker McKenzie
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Clyde & Co
CMS
Davis Polk & Wardell
Dechert
DLA Piper
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hogan Lovells
Mishcon de Reya
Ropes & Gray
Shearman & Sterling
Sidley Austin

Unclear
Dentons
Vinson & Elkins
Weil, Gotshal, & Manges

does anybody know anything about Latham?

 

[SOAS22]

Anyone heard from BLM post-app?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol

I have heard of it, but it is rare. I know an associate who moved from finance to litigation, but I have met 1,000s of lawyers in my time and that's the only instance I can think of off the top of my head.

You may want to look at firms who offer more generalist solicitor roles rather than clearly defined practice areas if you do want more flexibility.

 

[GXA123]

does any

does anybody know anything about Latham?

the portal does not let me do another app so I think its a no

 

[Ambs123]

How should I handle feeling burnt out from this cycle? I have an AC coming up and I feel like I’m not doing enough work for it but I feel super exhausted and anxious all the time!!

 

[lawcurious]

if in an interview when they ask "introduce yourself to me in 60s" i was wondering what kind of things would one include? should it be more personal (i.e personal attributes, hobbites, etc) or more achievement/career based (awards, career interests/achievements, etc)?

 

[GXA123]

if in an interview when they ask "introduce yourself to me in 60s" i was wondering what kind of things would one include? should it be more personal (i.e personal attributes, hobbites, etc) or more achievement/career based (awards, career interests/achievements, etc)?

I normally just give background info like my name, age, studies and that's it.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

How should I handle feeling burnt out from this cycle? I have an AC coming up and I feel like I’m not doing enough work for it but I feel super exhausted and anxious all the time!!

I felt similarly but I really think you just have to listen to your body. I was sick so I was forced not to work the 4 days before my AC which I thought was the end of my chances but I ended up getting it. Rest is really underrated but it really helps clear your mind. If you can, I'd say focus on two core things, keeping up your commercial awareness (podcasts are great if you dont want to read) and knowing your story/experiences so you can answer why law, why the firm (firm research is what I focused on so competitors, a case or two I am interested in and what makes them unique) and why you! The rest is really just luck and thinking on your feet which only becomes harder if you are burnt out Best of luck with the AC!

 

[abelegrant]

Anyone heard back from V&E post VI?