Hi everyone,
I haven't posted here in a while and that is because
(dramatic pause).... I will soon officially start my TC in the company that I have been working as an in-house paralegal for the past year
*happy dance*
I honestly couldn't be happier about the outcome - not only it will allow me to qualify earlier than I expected (no need to wait another 2 years for TC to start, huh) but also I will continue working with people that I like, doing things that I enjoy, in the company that I genuinely think is a great business and which I am eager to support as part of a legal team. Weirdly enough, even when I was applying for training contracts in law firms, I was still thinking about going back in-house once qualified. I did not really consider in-house TCs, because they are generally harder to find and also I thought it was only "proper" to train at a law firm but here we are and I am insanely happy about it!
Some of you may recall that this year alone I had a couple of painful rejections for the TCs after reaching final interview stage. I remember crying on the phone whilst talking to my Dad and him saying in his infinite wisdom and composure that "some things happen for a reason and there might a better deal somewhere there for me". Of course, back then, I just lashed out at him (sorry, Dad) whining that this year sucks, I suck, everything sucks and maybe it's time to reconsider if all this effort is worth it. Fast forward a few months and I have to admit that, as per usual, my Dad was right and things did work out in the end and perhaps in the most surprising way, because it turned out that I achieved it without going through the grueling application process.
For all those who are still looking for a TC - I don't have have many words of advice, probably because my case just highlights how unconventional some paths may be. I can only say, however, that although I did not secure a TC in the traditional way (i.e. in a law firm through application, interviews, etc.) and instead was offered it based on my performance in my current job (as it is often the case with in-house TCs), I do not regret one bit all the hard work I have put over the past couple of years and, even, all the rejections that I received along the way (these are truly the words I never imagined I would be able to write one day). I learned a lot during the process, I had a chance to discover what areas of law I'd like to practice and what in general I would like my career to be one day.
And, of course, I owe a lot to everyone in this forum. Having found this place after the toxicity of some other platforms for legal wannabes, I felt relieved to meet people who had similar doubts and experiences as I did. Not to mention all the extra material that helped with building up my commercial awareness and, mostly, my confidence. So thank you Jaysen for creating this space, I think it means a lot to many of us!
Lastly, while I won't use this forum as often as I did in the past, my inbox is still open so if anyone would like to talk about career in-house (which I think is not discussed too often here), please do not hesitate to drop me a line, I will be happy to help and share my experience!
Can I ask when you applied and whether it was for a TC or a VS?
