General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Asmee DC]

Hi guys,

I'm a final year student just weighing up my options in terms of applications for vacation schemes/TCs. I'm wondering whether its better to apply directly for a TC or a vacation scheme (most likely a summer one at this point), given that I was unsuccessful last cycle.

Thank you!

My personal (non-expert) advice would always be to go for a vacation scheme.

I would also agree with @LegalNim and would say to go for a vacation scheme. A lot of firms mostly recruit from their VS, so the odds are more in your favour. Also, don't forget that recruitment goes both ways! As much as the firm likes you, you also have to feel the same about them! VS allows you to experience the firm in full to see if it's a good fit for you as opposed to a TC where you can't experience that at all.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Agree with the above - just make sure you are eligible to apply. That is usually the main factor that will influence which vacancy to apply to

 

[George Rowe]

Is CMS WG test automatic after submitting application?

 

[Fifi]

Has anyone here done a final round interview with Travers Smith and can offer any advice?

I had an interview for the VS in January 2020.

The first 10minutes or so covered: why you? why Travers? why law?

The main portion of the interview focused on moral scenarios, regarding a fictional M&A deal that was briefly outlined by the interviewer.

I was asked what I would do in a situation where my client wants to buy a long-standing family business and tear down the factory, but it was not in the interests of the seller.

They then went on to ask a hypothetical scenario of what I would do if my client had asked me to fire employees who were the biggest financial burden to the company, regardless of their personal circumstances. I was asked whether I would incorporate a sense of morality into my decision for which employees were to be made redundant.

I was also asked what I would do if a client wanted advice on how to avoid tax.

I was also asked what was the last thing that made me laugh.

I hope this is useful. Good luck!

 

[AverageHotSauce]

Just a quick question. Is there a list of firms that offers visa for Vacation Schemes?

I got a reply back from Simmons & Simmons saying I was not eligible due to the fact that I require a visa.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Just a quick question. Is there a list of firms that offers visa for Vacation Schemes?

I got a reply back from Simmons & Simmons saying I was not eligible due to the fact that I require a visa.

Most firms are unlikely to offer visas for internships given the costs for such a short placement. Exceptions tend to be when they have specific recruitment drives to recruit people from certain countries (typically China/Dubai).

It can cost several thousand pounds just to get a visa, so firms don't really see the value in getting them for a 1-4 week vacation scheme unless there is a true talent pipeline needed.

 

[LS12]

Has anyone got advice for applying for vac schemes whilst working full time? I graduated and work as a paralegal but I know a lot of firms predominantly hire through vac schemes, but I don’t have that much holiday with my current position and I’m worried that they’ll refuse to let me technically go try out for another job lol

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Has anyone got advice for applying for vac schemes whilst working full time? I graduated and work as a paralegal but I know a lot of firms predominantly hire through vac schemes, but I don’t have that much holiday with my current position and I’m worried that they’ll refuse to let me technically go try out for another job lol

First port of call is finding out whether your current employer would allow it. If its a no, then there isn't much you can do (apart from quitting the job).

 

[LegalNim]

Has anyone got advice for applying for vac schemes whilst working full time? I graduated and work as a paralegal but I know a lot of firms predominantly hire through vac schemes, but I don’t have that much holiday with my current position and I’m worried that they’ll refuse to let me technically go try out for another job lol

I don't have much advice but I feel your pain. I'm a teacher so I don't get to choose my holiday at all - no exceptions. So, I'm pretty limited on the vacation schemes I can apply for.

 

[LS12]

I don't have much advice but I feel your pain. I'm a teacher so I don't get to choose my holiday at all - no exceptions. So, I'm pretty limited on the vacation schemes I can apply for.

I'm glad I'm not the only one, are you trying to apply for direct tc's aswell?

 

[LegalNim]

I'm glad I'm not the only one, are you trying to apply for direct tc's aswell?

I'm applying for the vacation schemes that I can and direct TCs. I'm also doing as many online sessions and virtual events and things as I can. Many of these are in the evenings so I'm getting some good firm exposure that way.

 

[c1070]

Has anyone got advice for applying for vac schemes whilst working full time? I graduated and work as a paralegal but I know a lot of firms predominantly hire through vac schemes, but I don’t have that much holiday with my current position and I’m worried that they’ll refuse to let me technically go try out for another job lol

I’m in the exact same position - working as a full time paralegal and working really long hours, I’m not sure how they’d take to me taking time off at Xmas so think I’m gonna have to go down the direct TC route, and then the firms I’m super super keen on that only recruit through VS applying for their summer ones (in the hope that somehow by summer things will have quietened at work and it’s a more usual time to take a week/two off) but other than that... I think just keep reminding yourself that the experience you’re getting now will be super helpful when it comes to interviews and so hopefully we won’t be at a disadvantage not having done their VS!! Feel free to PM if you want to chat further

 

[MarathonNotaSprint]

Is CMS WG test automatic after submitting application?

Hey, I don't think so as they sent me an email along the lines of 'congratulations, upon reading your app, we'd like to progress you to the next stage which is our WGT'

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Has anyone got advice for applying for vac schemes whilst working full time? I graduated and work as a paralegal but I know a lot of firms predominantly hire through vac schemes, but I don’t have that much holiday with my current position and I’m worried that they’ll refuse to let me technically go try out for another job lol

I’m in the same position! I just started a job as a court clerk and I’m still on probation so I know I won’t be able to take the time off I need for a winter vac scheme!!

I’m actually just going to apply to vac schemes and see if I get past the first round then deal with getting time off later. I’m planning to ask my manager at our monthly meeting if I’m actually able to do a vac scheme but it’s really hard when you only have 25 days of holiday :/ I’m also considering some direct TCs but most of my top firms hire through vac schemes so I’d prefer the VS route!

 

[Lawbour]

Anyone heard anything from Simmons post SJT test?

 

[Ryan B]

Anyone heard post WG from NRF?

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Rejection from HSF post test

 

[orange32]

Rejection from Sidley Austin 2022 TC :'(

Really thought I nailed my answers on this one. Did anyone hear back positively? Want to know if it's just that they filled their TC from the VS cohort or...

 

[TChopeful2021]

I'm currently filling out my undergraduate modules for Simmons & Simmons but they are asking for the 'Letter Grade' next to our 'Number Grade'. Does anyone know what this is?

 

[M1999]

Rejection from Sidley Austin 2022 TC :'(

Really thought I nailed my answers on this one. Did anyone hear back positively? Want to know if it's just that they filled their TC from the VS cohort or...

Sorry to hear this. They do fill a lot of their places from their VS and I suspect even more due to COVID because its harder for firms to build trust over one virtual AC!