TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Yay me too!

Congratulations! Love to see it….. smashing it @TCseeker101 @Flu1dity

 

[trainee4u]

Anyone know if you count as a 'student' for student discount purposes whilst studying the SQE?

depends which purposes you mean.
the regulations are "full-time, 1 year or longer" for council tax exemption. However, this is certified by the university, not the provider, so a 9-month course is likely for example to be treated as "1 year" (being a whole academic year). However, a 3-month SQE1 course would likely not be.
separately. for things like student beans it's usually sufficient to have an active university email and there is no requirement for proper documentation as this is more marketing than a formal entitlement. However they will likely state "full-time student", which a 3-month course would still be (if not being studied part-time!).

 

[Dogsoooo]

Anyone heard back from Arnold & Porter direct TC application?

 

[Law queries]

Anyone heard back from Arnold & Porter direct TC application?

By when do they usually get back, if you have any idea?

 

[tarastar]

Is it disadvantageous to refer to the role as 'trainee' or 'trainee solicitor' in training contract applications when the (US) firm refers to them as 'trainee associates'? Would be great to hear your thoughts! @Andrei Radu

 

[efm99]

This is going to be one of two things, but with really poor communication from the firm. I would really expect better, especially given you have asked them to update you a couple of times:

1) They have your application and video interview on hold. It is possible they have paused their recruitment or alternatively are waiting to see how other programmes/applicants get on before deciding on your application/candidacy.

2) They have made a decision on your application and have failed to communicate this to you. I suspect this is the more likely given the vacation scheme is in a month's time.

It is not to say that (1) isn't possible. I have worked in firms where they were making last minute decisions and conducting last minute recruitment processes/interviews to either backfill roles that have been reneged/declined, or where recruitment has been conducted exceptionally late due to lack of resource internally to do it earlier. However, given the timings, I suspect its unfortunately (2), which is just really poor recruitment standards and candidate engagement set by the firm (in my opinion!).

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It is a silver circle firm, so I am a little surprised at the poor communication, but I know mistakes happen.