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  1. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Just want to reiterate this message. Contributions to threads like this really make TCLA the community it is. Thank you @s10 for taking the time to post this and for being so candid too.
  2. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    I think it depends on what you class as common. There will be enough people who secure 4-5 VS offers a year to say it isn't rare but how common it is will depend on the people you are looking at. For instance, I suspect it is different if you are considering regional firms over opportunities in...
  3. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    I’d say this is rare, only where many people will withdraw from recruitment processes and therefore will remove their chances of getting offers from multiple firms once they have their spring/summer full. There will be a fair number of people with 4-5 offers though. I’d say from my experience...
  4. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    From doing application reviews, I would suggest in most instances getting to 80% of the word count (or more) is recommended. I suspect there are some details that are not being explained or detailed if an answer is 25%+ under. There are some exceptions, but I’d say normally with shorter answers...
  5. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Some firms will do it pre-interview or when they invite you to interview. Some firms won’t do it until you have accepted an offer.
  6. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Yes, that will be fine. I’d take it to be anything in the region or closest to that office (compared to other offices they have).
  7. TCLA Community Assistant

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    1) You can add your qualifications/grades and then in brackets put “GCSE equivalent” or “A-level equivalent” 2) There isn’t really isn’t an answer to this. Different people will allocate a number of words differently and still be successful. As you have suggested you might want to amalgamate...
  8. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Yes, it’s fairly common to offer an alternative like this. They know there is a risk you might secure a TC by then, but at the same time your experiences over the summer might push you more towards them. They clearly don’t want to close the door to you, so this is a great outcome in my eyes.
  9. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    There is a chance your application could be withdrawn on such an error - it is not unknown. But there are lots of variables that will impact the decision - the strength of your performance in the recruitment process, whether there are any other mistakes, how good your references are, the weight...
  10. TCLA Community Assistant

    Conflicting open days

    I don’t think there is a number where it necessarily improves a CV, and therefore there won’t be a number where that stops either. It really depends on the rest of your profile as to how much an open day adds. Even someone with a lot of legal work experience might benefit from a specific open...
  11. TCLA Community Assistant

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    Some firms or for particular roles are not looking for people to progress - they are looking for career paralegals (sometimes even with contract roles). Even with contract roles that are not looking for career paralegals, they can be concerned about your longevity even for the length of the...
  12. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    This is not an issue - mistakes happen. If the mistake is made on your application and the details you send the the reference check company, they will probably want to understand why this mistake was made twice. The severity of the mistake (eg presenting a week’s) work experience as a year’s...
  13. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Lawcareers.net usually has a more comprehensive list: https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/TrainingContractDeadlines
  14. TCLA Community Assistant

    Help buying/choosing professional clothing (especially for women)

    Colours are usually fine. I would just avoid anything overly bright and highly patterned.
  15. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    I’d personally wait until the offer stage if you are speaking to HR/the people hiring you. You could ask previous trainees via LinkedIn though what their salary was/is.
  16. TCLA Community Assistant

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    I would just explain that you have to work over the Easter break and won’t be able to take time off from work. Give them your other availability and ask if there is any alternative dates would be available to come in. The firm is going to find out about your other scheme anyway, so I wouldn’t...
  17. TCLA Community Assistant

    Help buying/choosing professional clothing (especially for women)

    My view is spaghetti strap type tops would be too far, but I have seen plenty of people wear sleeveless dresses and for them to still be ok (something like this). As you have suggested, you can always cover up with a jacket for a meeting. But if you were sat at your desk, no one would really...
  18. TCLA Community Assistant

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    Yes, you can do if you want to be sure.
  19. TCLA Community Assistant

    Help buying/choosing professional clothing (especially for women)

    I would always recommend wearing tights, even if they are a relatively low denier and sheer. There is something weird about bare legs that many firms get a bit sniffy about. I don’t think you need to become good at make up. Even a light foundation/powder, a few flicks of mascara, and a nude lip...
  20. TCLA Community Assistant

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    Double check the terms of your offer letter, but I wouldn’t expect there to be any where you are not employed until you start with the firm (and therefore it’s more difficult for them for them to restrict your employment before then).

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