i really wish jessica were back sometimes. i think i need a reality check. i'm a very well-educated person with legal and non-legal work experience but i graduated from the gdl last year. am I too old to be applying for vac schemes? i just have a hard time understanding what i'm doing wrong, when seemingly loads of second/third year students are doing everything right. How big of a factor is age?
@Bread sorry you're feeling this way, as you get older the efforts to get a TC definitely become a little more frustrating BUT age is not a factor in the process at all
With vacation schemes, they're typically for those that perhaps don't have enough experience to display a strong enough interest/capability for commercial law, and so some firms may specifically designate internships for first-years, penultimate years etc. Instead, those with more experience and perhaps after graduation, are encouraged to apply through the DTC route. However, that doesn't mean to say they wouldn't consider you for a vacation scheme if that's what you want - it's still a chance to learn more about the firm, develop some skills, and where they recruit predominantly through these, a better shot at getting a TC. So, nobody is looking at your application thinking "too old... reject".
Truthfully, the average age of a trainee solicitor is 28, I just don't think you see it much because nobody really talks about the struggles they went through, or how long it took them to get to where they wanted to be. Just because it's not publicised, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
It's hard to say at this stage what it is that's holding you back, but I can imagine with older candidates it becomes trickier to explain motivation, because you get to that stage where you think your experience is obvious enough and with more of a reality of working life, you tend to be less "driven" about why it is you're doing this. I'm not saying that is definite, but I can see how that could happen. Whereas, for those still in university, that drive and passion is still relatively new and exciting - so it may translate into words. So, I'd consider reflecting on the quality of your applications, and maybe considering if the "self-inflicted pressure" of getting a TC before the clock runs out is actually chipping away at your writing.
Lastly, at this stage, don't be afraid to apply for any DTC's as well as VS's. Given the fact you're academically qualified, with a wealth of experience behind you, you may be what they're looking for in that particular route at that moment in time - and more often than not, there are still TC's available after a VS e.g. different academic years, different start dates, last-minute drop-outs, SQE fails etc. Leverage the opportunity.
Sorry if this isn't much of a help, but don't write yourself off from anything!
