TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

BillSikes

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Feb 16, 2024
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I started my career as a Paralegal in a small regional firm of less than 10 people. Now I'm 2 PQE at a top 100 firm. I wouldn't be here without the skills, experience and knowledge gained from that first role
Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.
 

FM302989

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  • Oct 16, 2020
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    Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.
    An interview is an interview mate; plus that saves you commuting into an office. Paralegal jobs can be quite competitive so be prepared. Good luck!
     

    Amma Usman

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    Do you need to be a real social butterfly to convert a VS? I'm on my second vac scheme in a row and already exhausted and I can feel myself not putting myself out there as much as I did on the previous one. I'm starting to worry that my relative lack of networking is going to be a deakbreaker especially compared to what I'm seeing from my fellow vac schemers, who seem to be closer with their supervisors and others in the department.

    I completely understand how intimidating these situations can feel at first, but it’s important to be socially active. It’s a big part of the job as a lawyer, so you need to showcase that skill and demonstrate that you can build rapport with people quite easily.

    I appreciate that this ability takes time to develop, but a simple greeting like, “Hi, I’m part of the vacation scheme cohort, currently sitting in X department with X,” is a great place to start. From there, people usually begin asking about your experience, you ask them about theirs, and the conversation tends to flow naturally.

    It’s definitely a skill that takes practice, but it’s one you need to work on and visibly demonstrate throughout your scheme. Being good on paper but lacking social engagement can potentially affect your chances of conversion.

    Also, the way you come across matters. Sometimes, in trying to make a good impression, people can be overly eager, speak too quickly, or even accidentally interrupt the other person. That can come off as disrespectful and affect the tone of the conversation, especially in a professional setting. It’s something worth being mindful of.

    Best of luck with the scheme!
     

    Tangcy

    Star Member
    Oct 23, 2024
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    Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?
     

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
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    Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?

    I don't think revenue & PEP affect vac schemers directly. PEP will point to higher pay (and longer hours), which is somewhat relevant for trainees, although you typically only get paid the big bucks after qualification.

    I'm not sure why you are mentioning these, but it's not something that's generally discussed on an application form except insofar as it points to things about the firm - e.g., a firm with $3 million PEP is getting the biggest deals and best work, so that's something you'd be excited to work on. A firm whose revenue is growing 20% YoY is one that is thriving and you're obviously keen to join a firm that's on the up. A firm with massive revenue like Dentons that isn't a PEP leader then you've got huge numbers of lawyers, lots of varied work, dozens of offices, etc.
     
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    trainee4u

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    Sep 7, 2023
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    An interview is an interview mate; plus that saves you commuting into an office. Paralegal jobs can be quite competitive so be prepared. Good luck!

    not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".
     

    FM302989

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  • Oct 16, 2020
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    not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".
    Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

    If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are
     

    trainee4u

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    Sep 7, 2023
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    Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

    If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are
    In a TC context the Teams/Zoom interview is IME referred to either as a "virtual interview" or a 'teams/zoom interview', to distinguish from the more common "video interview" pre-recorded type.

    I guess @BillSikes can clarify what he means.
     

    James Wakefield

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    Oct 7, 2024
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    Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

    Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?
     

    aphelion

    Distinguished Member
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    Apr 4, 2023
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    I completely understand how intimidating these situations can feel at first, but it’s important to be socially active. It’s a big part of the job as a lawyer, so you need to showcase that skill and demonstrate that you can build rapport with people quite easily.

    I appreciate that this ability takes time to develop, but a simple greeting like, “Hi, I’m part of the vacation scheme cohort, currently sitting in X department with X,” is a great place to start. From there, people usually begin asking about your experience, you ask them about theirs, and the conversation tends to flow naturally.

    It’s definitely a skill that takes practice, but it’s one you need to work on and visibly demonstrate throughout your scheme. Being good on paper but lacking social engagement can potentially affect your chances of conversion.

    Also, the way you come across matters. Sometimes, in trying to make a good impression, people can be overly eager, speak too quickly, or even accidentally interrupt the other person. That can come off as disrespectful and affect the tone of the conversation, especially in a professional setting. It’s something worth being mindful of.

    Best of luck with the scheme!
    Thanks Amma! Honestly think this firm might not be the one for me anyway. Did some damage control today with coffee chats but I don't think I'll be too heartbroken if I don't get an offer. Just frustrating that it's not enough to do good work and get along with your supervisor!
     
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    a512003

    Standard Member
    Dec 1, 2024
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    Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

    Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?
    Definitely enough time! I have had two vac schemes both 2 weeks and have helped with pro bono both times. Just ask your supervisor if they are working on anything pro bono related you can help with :)
     
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    3000to1shoteverytime

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    Dec 9, 2023
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    Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

    Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?
    Perhaps arrange a coffee chat with the pro bono coordinator?
     
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    futuretrainee2025

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  • Dec 2, 2022
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    RIP bro, thats arguably the hardest area of law. I sat in tax for a spring vac scheme and didnt convert despite having two years tax working experience. Not to scare you but idk anyone who has got a TC after sitting in tax so prepare yourself and get ready for the challenge. Feel free to message me and i can give you a few pointers.
    Converted it :) Thank you for PMing me your advice!
     

    Amma Usman

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    Converted it :) Thank you for PMing me your advice!

    Huge congratulations on the conversion :)

    Celebrate Happy Birthday GIF by Pembe
     

    Amma Usman

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    Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

    Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

    Definitely! For may law firms, pro bono is a central part of their business. Usually, when you express your interest to your supervisor/trainee buddy, they are more than happy to get you involved in their caseload, or refer you to someone else that has an ongoing pro bono matter. It’s all about putting yourself out there and finding the information you need. So whether you get assigned a small task that contributes to a bigger project, or get the chance to have a coffee chat with someone in the pro bono practice, you’re on the road to a colourful trophy - knowledge is gained!
     

    Amma Usman

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    This year it was 'if you could invite anyone from the past/fictional to dinner' 😂

    The thing I like about questions like these is that they don’t have to relate to law or the field at all. By asking these questions, law firms just really want to understand your personality and see whether that fits neatly into their culture. So, “superpower“ could really be anything that brings a vibrant smile to your face. I appreciate that these questions may shock one when asked, because obviously the expected questions are always something like “why commercial law”, “what do you think about the stock market right now?”, and so on. But truly, just treat it like a fun conversation - striking a balance between informality and professionalism, and you’ll do very well.

    I have been asked these questions in a number of interviews. First one - I completely bombed. But once I spoke to a mentor and they told me what I’ve shared above, they became easier to handle and deal with over time.
     
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    Amma Usman

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    Just received a video interview invite for a PARALEGAL role 🤣 🤣 🤣 . For a firm nobody will have heard of as well💀

    In my opinion, the name of the firm matters less than your ability to make the most of the experience. I have spoken to a lot of people that started off at different roles, even outside paralegal roles, that referenced how the amount of transferable skills they gained helped them secure TCs at top Magic Circle and US firms. Every experience matters. Through a paralegal role, for example, you have the opportunity to get exposed early on to several practices - practices that may end up being core ones at your dream TC firm. This is a solid point to mention in applications and interviews to show demonstrated interest. Now let‘s even say reverse was the case. Say you paralegalled in corporate but did a task in that seat involving contentious matters/ court actions, or something of that sort. You could easily reference in an application for a bigger firm why you want to make that switch from corporate to disputes, and the Magic Circle/US firms will find this just as attractive as the smaller firms.

    Best of luck with the application. I know you will ace it!
     
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