Hi!
I don't think you would be disadvantaged at all!
For most firms, it isn't a requirement to have legal experience or previous VS experience to apply for via the direct TC route - often, what matters most is your written application and your performance in their assessments, as they aren't able to assess you over a week or so (like in a VS).
In your case, a placement year plus ongoing paralegal experience is really strong evidence that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to law and gives you plenty of substantive examples to draw on in your application and interviews. Although I had completed vacation schemes when I applied to Reed Smith's DTC route, I actually found that my placement year was the most valuable experience to draw from, and I spoke about that far more than my previous schemes.
I would just make sure to clearly articulate what you have learned, how you have developed commercially, and why you are particularly motivated to work at BCLP specifically.
Best of luck with the application!
