TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[BolderBlackPrincess]

Well for one you just tried to do a strawman fallacy argument when I never said in verbatim that grad rec said to sit at home for a year and do nothing. If you read anything I said, that would’ve not been the conclusion you tried to push - quite the opposite actually. It’s fine though, just leave it be - I said we can agree to disagree ages ago.

You were providing poor advice to someone who needed it. Less strawman, more simply hyperbole.

 

[Seven]

You were providing poor advice to someone who needed it. Less strawman, more simply hyperbole.

Okay ☺️ Best of luck on ur tc journey xx

 

[law2022x]

You were providing poor advice to someone who needed it. Less strawman, more simply hyperbole.

I will give you some good advice: try to be more tactful in how you respond to others who are merely trying to help and share their insights. And do not misstate what someone else has said (this one is pretty important for lawyers).

 

[Hopefultrainee22]

Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.

I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?

This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).

Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.

It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)

 

[BolderBlackPrincess]

This is incorrect actually. They will never ask why you have a gap. Once you pass the app stage, your work experience is irrelevant until they ask you competency questions during the interview e.g. tell me when you worked in a team and then you can draw on one of your work experience or even at university. They will never ask at interview stage especially when they know you just recently graduated, as to why you have a “gap”. What you can do to bridge that gap though after graduation is attending open days and virtual events to put in the work experience section. A lot of firms value this proactive approach to attending legal-specific events, especially when you’re doing master classes or workshops at such firms.

Look at the bold. This is entirely wrong, an attempt to make an objective statement based on anecdotal examples. One could very easily argue this type of disregard for an opinion is also abrasive and flippant.

Not at all, I most definitely understand the competitiveness but having gaps in work experience really doesnt indicate incompetence or lack of skill. I’m basing it off what I’ve seen and have been advised from grad rec at events I’ve been to. You can sell yourself remarkably either way.

Bold. Equally strawman, never even alluded to this.

At the end of the day, its two people with vastly different opinions. However, if you want the best chance of securing a TC, your suggestion is unlikely to be the best course of action.

 

[BolderBlackPrincess]

I will give you some good advice: try to be more tactful in how you respond to others who are merely trying to help and share their insights. And do not misstate what someone else has said (this one is pretty important for lawyers).

Again, example? Where was i disproportionately untactful?

 

[law2022x]

Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.

I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?

This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).

Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.

It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)

You should be so proud to have received an offer but that doesn't mean it's not ok to feel this way. I suppose after working so long to receive an offer, it can seem a bit frustrating if you didn't get one from a firm you really liked so I get why it feels sort of underwhelming. I am sure others can give deeper advice than me but my own opinion is to take the TC and change firms after two years. I think you would regret if you had to wait another 3 years to receive an offer. That's just my two cents as I cannot give a longer answer right now but I would be curious as to what you decide so do keep us updated if you can. Congratulations again!!!

 

[law2022x]

Again, example? Where was i disproportionately untactful?

i don't wish to derail the thread so good night

you can dm me if you want genuine advice but other than that i don't wish to engage if you are going to be dismissive as you are above

 

[Seven]

Look at the bold. This is entirely wrong, an attempt to make an objective statement based on anecdotal examples. One could very easily argue this type of disregard for an opinion is also abrasive and flippant.

Bold. Equally strawman, never even alluded to this.

At the end of the day, it’s two people with vastly different opinions. However, if you want the best chance of securing a TC, your suggestion is unlikely to be the best course of action.

In the words of JT, I don’t even say bye no more. I just say mwah 😘 no barz.

 

[laby201]

Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.

I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?

This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).

Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.

It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)

First off, congratulations on your VS offer! You should be very proud of yourself as it’s a great achievement

In no way should you feel bad; I think the way you feel right now is understandable if you had your heart set on a particular firm and the “consolation prize” part makes sense.

If I’m honest, I think if this does turn out to be your only VS this cycle and you do (hopefully) convert it into a TC, it would likely be a mistake not to take it. TCs are very hard to come by (as I’m sure you’ve experienced!) and to be in the position to have one is something I feel you should take with both hands. Even if the practice areas or firm’s specialisms don’t entirely align with your original goals, you may end up surprised during your seats at what you enjoy. In any event, if it’s a full service firm, you’ll still likely gain exposure to your standard corporate, finance, employment, real estate etc seats, even if the firm isn’t a Legal 500 Band 1 for them.

Moreover, you’re not tied to that firm forever. A TC only lasts 2 years and once you’re qualified, you can move laterally to another firm and plenty people will do that.

I’d advise you take the offer if successful; I imagine it’ll turn out to be an excellent decision and you’ll thrive. Best of luck!

 

[BolderBlackPrincess]

i don't wish to derail the thread so good night

you can dm me if you want genuine advice but other than that i don't wish to engage if you are going to be dismissive as you are above

I don't think you understand what dismissive means

 

[lawstudent5533]

Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.

I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?

This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).

Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.

It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)

I'm by no means qualified to give an answer here but I thought I'd share my own personal experience as it's quite similar, in the hope that it helps you

Firstly, a massive congrats on your VS! This is a huge achievement and you should be really proud!! I was in the same boat and applied to a firm that specialised in a niche sector of law I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue a long-term career in. Nevertheless, I applied as they had a semi-decent corporate practice. Doing the VS will undoubtedly provide you with a fantastic insight into a law firm and life as a trainee. During the VS, you might find you enjoy their main practice areas, in which case, this may help the TC selection process. As a trainee (depending on the firm) you do 4 seat rotations and so if the firm offers more mainstream seats like Corporate/Litigation/Real Estate etc, this is still a really good option for you. If you find this firm hasn't got the breadth and depth of work you're hoping for, it's also very common to move firms as an NQ.

 

[BolderBlackPrincess]

In the words of JT, I don’t even say bye no more. I just say mwah 😘 no barz.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.

I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?

This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).

Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.

It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)

Your feelings are valid so you should not apologise for how you feel. Of course it is a good dilemma to have as far as dilemmas go but it is still something affecting you and you should not apologise for it.

What I would say is I would give this firm a chance and wait for this consideration once you get the training contract offer after the vacation scheme. I always say to keep an open mind because you might love your time at the firm and you also might love the other vacation schemers and the lawyers you meet.

Your experience will vastly depend on a variety of different reasons so I personally would wait until you have an offer to decide what you want to do.

What I would do in your shoes is still applying for direct training contract in April/May to the firms that I might be more interested in to see if you might have success with those. However, I would recommend waiting until the end of the scheme to decide.

I hope I was helpful,

Good luck!!

 

[Meena]

Anyone do the Mayer brown job simulation?

 

[Seven]

Anyone do the Mayer brown job simulation?

Hey!! Pm me

 

[fingersarecrossed]

In a partner interview, what sorts of firm-specific questions may they ask?

 

[BlessingA]

Pinsent PFO post AC

Now i would like to say I'm surprised based off of my performance from the in tray exercise but i have just read my feedback (which was delivered on amberjack not via a human) and i actually am surprised. I met every single one of their capabilities they were looking for "natural talent, strong potential" and only got "showed some strengths" for attention to detail.

Maybe i'm delusional but i do think that is a little unfair and annoying to give feedback via a generic amberjack assessment report. I took the day off of work, travelled into central London to not get feedback from a human. i understand there are others so they can't get through everyone but even scheduling a call in the future regarding feedback or making it tailored via amberjack. I dunno.

I am not going to dwell as i knew my in tray did mess me up but maybe not that much? The firm not having my adjustments set in stone from the beginning did play a part but at least fieldfisher can give a telephone feedback after a TI.

The beginning of my cycle downfall starts here 😭

Hi! Sorry to hear about your PFO I have a PM AC at the end of the month coming up. Do you have any tips on what you would’ve done differently or on how the AC was in general?

 

[zoobla20]

Email from Mishcon explaining I will hear result from VI by end of Feb. Sent dead on 6 so I assume it is generic.

Did you email them to ask when you'll hear back? I also submitted a VI but haven't had any emails from them since Dec (even mass ones!)

 

[Law_Between_Life]

Did you email them to ask when you'll hear back? I also submitted a VI but haven't had any emails from them since Dec (even mass ones!)

I did not. I wasn’t expecting to hear back as only completed the VI about a week beforehand.