TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

I will probably scrape a 2.1 to be honest. Poor second year grades but all of my third year grades should be 2.1 (low-mid). In this situation, would doing the SQE be worth it to boost my chances of an AC? I feel the SQE is very different from university and closer to GCSE/A-Level and I am confident I can excel in it.

I don’t think the SQE is comparable to GCSE or A-levels - I have never heard it described this way anyway.

I don’t think it will directly improve your chances of securing an AC as so much more goes into an application, but it may help contribute to securing one.

 

[lookingforaTC]

I don’t think the SQE is comparable to GCSE or A-levels - I have never heard it described this way anyway.

I don’t think it will directly improve your chances of securing an AC as so much more goes into an application, but it may help contribute to securing one.

Yeah sorry I meant GCSE/A-Level is basically a memory test and university (at least for me) has been the complete opposite. Many people say SQE is a memory test also. Weird comparison without context I guess but that is what I meant. So in what would you say it help to contribute to improve my chances?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Yeah sorry I meant GCSE/A-Level is basically a memory test and university (at least for me) has been the complete opposite. Many people say SQE is a memory test also. Weird comparison without context I guess but that is what I meant. So in what would you say it help to contribute to improve my chances?

I don’t think the SQE is purely a memory test. You definitely need a good memory but you will still need the analytical skills developed from a degree. There is also a very strong correlation between degree performance and SQE pass rates.

It is really difficult to advise on what will contribute to chances as this can vary a lot from candidate to candidate.

Generally, anything that will aid self development and growth of key skills will be helpful though - but this can be done through work experience, further studies, research into the career, or just taking on responsbilities.

 

[Legalregal]

does anyone have a draft email accepting a VS offer that I can steal? Pls PM if so, thanks!

 

[axelbeugre]

TAYLOR WESSING VS!!

Congratulations! Huge achievement!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

does anyone have a draft email accepting a VS offer that I can steal? Pls PM if so, thanks!

There is no need to over think this. But some key things to include (in as brief way as possible)

- Thank them
- detail how you have received the offer or date of the offer letter
- confirm the dates of the scheme you are able to attend
- explain you are delighted to accept (or similar phrasing - use words you would use!)
- say you look forward to receiving further details (if required)
- include any further information explicitly stated in your offer documents that they have said you need to include when accepting (eg if they have asked your for scheme date preferences or department).

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Aks.Khurana Hi Aks! I applied for the first-year spring scheme at Latham but I (alongside a bunch of other applicants) haven't heard anything at all yet. The scheme is set to begin in April. Is Latham usually late with such responses? Or should I take this as a rejection?

 

[trainingcontract]

"do you know the role of commercial solicitors in facilitating an M&A transaction?" no but i know kindness. i know friendship. i know love. i know how to see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower. i know how to hold infinity in the palm of my hand and eternity in an hour.

 

[Legalstalker]

"do you know the role of commercial solicitors in facilitating an M&A transaction?" no but i know kindness. i know friendship. i know love. i know how to see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wildflower. i know how to hold infinity in the palm of my hand and eternity in an hour.

ThErE iS nO WrOnG AnSwEr 😅

 

[trainingcontract]

womble bomble dombleson

Received my Pomble Fomble Ombleson.......

 

[Moncherry]

Anyone else waiting for an update post-SJT with Browne Jacobson?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

What kind of test is it for Bakers

 

[hanz123]

What’s the best way to email a firm if I haven’t been reimbursed for travel costs?

 

[InvesmentBanker]

does anyone have a draft email accepting a VS offer that I can steal? Pls PM if so, thanks!

when I got my first VS offer i replied saying "this is the greatest moment of my life." (I got aired and probably wouldn't do this again😅)

 

[ohnoselim]

anyone know if lee & thompsons vac scheme is applicable to graduates only or are final years included?

 

[trainingcontract]

when I got my first VS offer i replied saying "this is the greatest moment of my life." (I got aired and probably wouldn't do this again😅)

When i got my verbal offer, the first thing I said was "please tell me you don't reject candidates over the phone" lol i'm sure they understand our outsized anxieties

 

[l789]

@Aks.Khurana Hi Aks! I applied for the first-year spring scheme at Latham but I (alongside a bunch of other applicants) haven't heard anything at all yet. The scheme is set to begin in April. Is Latham usually late with such responses? Or should I take this as a rejection?

@Aks.KhuranaHello Aks, hope all is well!

I haven’t received an interview invite/AC invite for the first year scheme and it’s almost the end of April, I’ve checked LinkedIn and people have been through the whole assessment centre for the scheme, and received an offer.

If Latham decided who to progress to interview/AC, surely they would reject and communicate this to everyone else whose application they didn’t progress in the same timeframe.

It’s very unfortunate

 

[lawbear123]

It really depends what your purpose is for following up. Is it just a polite thank you, or are you asking for an outcome or update or when you will hear back?

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I'm asking for an outcome / a tentative timeline on when I can hear back

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I'm asking for an outcome / a tentative timeline on when I can hear back

I would stick to what I said then, you thank them for their time and effort, reinforce your interest in the firm, and explain that you need an earlier update and why.

This is what I personally used to do it when I wanted to ask for an earlier update and always received an answer, either on the phone or via email, the same day.

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre Would you say this is correct? Is there any benefit of self-funding SQE exams (just the exams - not the prep course)?

I agree with Jessica here, I think this depends on each individual's personal circumstances. If you have the money and you do not want to wait to get a training contract do sit the test, then you can do ahead and self-fund it yourself. I would say that the only benefit I see is that you do not have the pressure of passing on the first try because you do not have a sponsor (since some law firms want you to pass at first try).

However, this depends on whether you can afford it or not, so I would reflect on your situation and see if the only benefit I just mentioned is important to you or not.