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

[George Maxwell]

In general does anyone have advice regarding dress code for women on a vac scheme? Can skirts be above the knee (not high though), do you have to wear heels or can you wear smart shoes like loafers? Alsooo can you wear tight clothing (appropriate ofc)? Just stressing about this currently 😭

Hey @aspiringlawyer123_,

I know that you have had some great replies to this query already, but I thought that this thread might be helpful! Let me know what you think 🚀

Hi. I am in the process of applying to an international law firm for a TC and would really appreciate advice on whether I should mention a particular experience I have on the application form.

I am currently a paralegal and I sometimes have to work with Scottish lawyers and negotiate contractual terms with them.

I was thinking to somehow incorporate my experience in dealing with different legal jurisdictions as doing so entails excellent attention to detail to ensure that I am referring to the relevant laws which is a skill that I will be able to incorporate when working in an international firm, etc.

However, I am hesitant to include this within the application as I know that the jurisdictional rules that apply across the UK are largely similar. Do you think it would benefit me by mentioning this within my application?

Hey @Law009,

As others have said, I think highlighting this as evidencing a transferrable skill (in this case, adaptability, attention to detail, ability to understand complex legal concepts, legal research/other broad legal skills) is a great idea!

It sounds like this experience will really stand you out against other applicants too as it is fairly unusual! I really like the link that you have made and the transferrable skills/general professional you have drawn out from this experience 🙌

Hi guys,

Would you describe Stephenson Harwood as a medium-sized firm and compare it to Watson Farley or Reed Smith? I want to focus on the firm's international strategy which seems a bit on pause. The firm is strong in Asia, South-East Asia and Europe but it is not pushing further which could be also a positive considering the continental's growth.

What do you think?

Hey @S87,

I am not very familiar with any of the firms that you have named there. All I would say is to be wary of comparing firms which might seem similar at first glance, but in reality have significant foundational differences.

What made you draw this comparison with WFW and RS out of interest? This is the sort of question that would be great to ask a current lawyer at SH as they will have a greater insight into the inner workings of the firm (and will be aware of appropriate comparator firms)

 

[LawfulRust00]

On paper, Fladgate and Teacher Stern appear to be quite similar. Which firm do people favour overall?

Like for Fladgate
Friendly react for Teacher Stern

I know this is somewhat an unfair question to ask as there are so many factors to take into account, but I am interested to get a rough scope on the perception of these firms.

 

[Cantab_95]

Got a question, @Jessica Booker, I have two vacation schemes in the Summer - one is in late June and the other in the first half of July. I currently work for legal services tech company and know that 2 vacation schemes is a lot of time to request off/use annual leave for. What do you think is the likelihood of being able to take unpaid leave? Both schemes are for training contracts that only start in 2024.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Does anyone know how long BCLP’s first round interview is?

Is this for VS or for direct TC.

 

[psr23]

Does anyone know how long Orrick take to come back to us after WG?

 

[Adrian_S]

Re: Mishcon, I just emailed the careers team. They said they’re still reviewing applications and hope to get back to everyone by the end of March.

 

[S87]

Hey @aspiringlawyer123_,

I know that you have had some great replies to this query already, but I thought that this thread might be helpful! Let me know what you think 🚀

Hey @Law009,

As others have said, I think highlighting this as evidencing a transferrable skill (in this case, adaptability, attention to detail, ability to understand complex legal concepts, legal research/other broad legal skills) is a great idea!

It sounds like this experience will really stand you out against other applicants too as it is fairly unusual! I really like the link that you have made and the transferrable skills/general professional you have drawn out from this experience 🙌

Hey @S87,

I am not very familiar with any of the firms that you have named there. All I would say is to be wary of comparing firms which might seem similar at first glance, but in reality have significant foundational differences.

What made you draw this comparison with WFW and RS out of interest? This is the sort of question that would be great to ask a current lawyer at SH as they will have a greater insight into the inner workings of the firm (and will be aware of appropriate comparator firms)

Hi George,

They are all mid-sized law firm with strong shipping practice but their international strategy differs quite a bit.
My plan is to compare 3 aspects of SH: international strategy when it comes to shipping firms, the growth from a litigation specialist to becoming a good finance specialist and diversity.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Is this for VS or for direct TC.

Summer VS

 

[Jessica Booker]

Got a question, @Jessica Booker, I have two vacation schemes in the Summer - one is in late June and the other in the first half of July. I currently work for legal services tech company and know that 2 vacation schemes is a lot of time to request off/use annual leave for. What do you think is the likelihood of being able to take unpaid leave? Both schemes are for training contracts that only start in 2024.

It is really difficult for me to comment on this - it is going to be down to your employer, who else has got time off in your team during the time you need off, how busy your department is etc. Unpaid leave is usually an option employers will consider in the right circumstances, but I think it is more the point of whether they can give you the time off or not.

You should speak to your Manager ASAP to help understand how likely this is and if there are any other obstacles (like conflict of interest/terms in your employment contract that might stop you from working elsewhere).

 

[applyingfortc]

Another PFO after an AC. Pretty gutted.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Another PFO after an AC. Pretty gutted.

I hope your okay, I know how devastating it is to be so close my inbox is open xx

 

[refy]

I never got a response from W&C for summer vac scheme post app and I applied in December? lmao rip me

 

[Bestkid98]

Taylor Wessing Vac Scheme offer, literally started crying in the middle of Oxford Circus 😅😂

Congratulations on your Taylor Wessing vac scheme offer! I have an AC coming up, I wanted to ask if you have any tips or advice on how to make the most of it, please

 

[elizabethjo123]

How long after receiving a phone call offer is it acceptable to email about receiving the written offer?

 

[ellensdaleoriginal]

Has anyone else still not heard anything from MoFo post application for the summer VS? Sent an email to [email protected] for an update but haven't received a response. Wondering if anyone has a grad rec specific email that I could try?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Summer VS

Good luck

 

[Jessica Booker]

How long after receiving a phone call offer is it acceptable to email about receiving the written offer?

Two weeks unless you need to understand something specific in the offer to make a decision on whether you will accept it or not.

You can just email to ask when you should expect to get the written confirmation if you haven't got any need to see it.

 

[Abii]

Has anyone else still not heard anything from MoFo post application for the summer VS? Sent an email to [email protected] for an update but haven't received a response. Wondering if anyone has a grad rec specific email that I could try?

I know offers have started going out for the summer VS.

Chambers student under firm profile provides another email address for GR

 

[lp998]

Hey all, finally heard back from OC on Thursday after two AC's with them - PFO but I've been placed on a reserve list in case someone drops out. That was the last of my applications this year with unfortunately no success, but I want to say thanks to you all for the help & insight with applications! Good luck everyone

 

[Cantab_95]

Wonder if we’ll hear from V&E this week?