General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Alice G]

Have noticed so many of you guys are sharing your experiences and your tips and advice on this process, especially as deadlines and schemes are upon us. I just wanted to say a huge shoutout to you all and to say thank you from the TCLA team as it is so important to get a diverse spread of views, experiences and perspectives. Please do keep sharing and supporting as it means such a lot and makes a huge difference to so many people in this process

Hope you have all had a good start to your weeks!

 

[SH414]

BLM have paused their recruitment for the time being, they emailed us an update but just thought it was worth sharing in case anyone was waiting for news!

 

[Amandeep]

Hi, has anyone completed Shoosmiths' VI and willing to share any insights? Thanks!

 

[OH]

Anyone heard from Dentons (post-1st interview) or BCLP for TC?

I had my first round direct TC interview for Dentons in the first week of April and have still heard nothing. They told me during it that they had no idea when they would get back given corona. I emailed over the weekend asking for a rough date and they provided a response which can be summarised as 'god knows'. Best of luck.

 

[azbwcy]

maybe i'm just being defeatist haha but is there any point in applying for RPC direct TC at this stage?

 

[thecorporatelawyer]

Hi All, so in the Slaughter and May application in the section where they say "your covering letter, cv and additional documents" would it be suitable to attach letters of recommendation for the additional documents? I have three really good letters of rec and I was wondering if anyone has done this or if it's advised. The examples they give for additional documents are
1. An explanation of the grading structure for the school and/or university you attended, if non standard
2. Academic transcripts if a full breakdown has not been provided within your application

I don't have either one of those, so attaching my letters of rec instead I think could be helpful, but curious on everyones thoughts on this.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi All, so in the Slaughter and May application in the section where they say "your covering letter, cv and additional documents" would it be suitable to attach letters of recommendation for the additional documents? I have three really good letters of rec and I was wondering if anyone has done this or if it's advised. The examples they give for additional documents are
1. An explanation of the grading structure for the school and/or university you attended, if non standard
2. Academic transcripts if a full breakdown has not been provided within your application

I don't have either one of those, so attaching my letters of rec instead I think could be helpful, but curious on everyones thoughts on this.

If you do, one is sufficient. They aren’t going to read three, especially if they are lengthy

 

[Jaysen]

Hey guys,

Just to flag that every Thursday we're doing a weekly commercial awareness Q&A via our Instagram stories. Each week we pose a real/fictional commercial scenario and invite your participation. You can check out this week's one above on corporate insolvency!

 

[KS94]

Christ - glad I've always steered clear of TSR!!

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6119930&page=254

Makes you grateful for the moderation on this forum when responses may even come across as rude.

Props to @Jaysen and the CLA team!

Edit - didn't realise CLA actually got mentioned on there too (although somewhat controversially)

 

[Daniel Boden]

Christ - glad I've always steered clear of TSR!!

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6119930&page=254

Makes you grateful for the moderation on this forum when responses may even come across as rude.

Props to @Jaysen and the CLA team!

Edit - didn't realise CLA actually got mentioned on there too (although somewhat controversially)

Wow... I'd better get the popcorn out for the responses on that thread! Does make you more appreciative of the community we have on here that 99% of the time is looking to build others up and help them succeed rather than drag people down

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Christ - glad I've always steered clear of TSR!!

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6119930&page=254

Makes you grateful for the moderation on this forum when responses may even come across as rude.

Props to @Jaysen and the CLA team!

Edit - didn't realise CLA actually got mentioned on there too (although somewhat controversially)

It’s a really toxic environment on there - and full of really bad advice too (the latter is why I started posting in there in 2014). It literally made me a worse person as I used to get so riled by people constantly wanting to be snarky towards others. I was harassed constantly and in time my only way to respond to people on there was to communicate in the way they were. Being anonymous on that forum creates some god awful personas. Some of their community rules have a lot to be desired with too.

Even I didn’t like the person I became because of TSR. I am very happy to have left and now to be in this environment which is more productive and supportive.

 

[KS94]

It’s a really toxic environment on there - and full of really bad advice too (the latter is why I started posting in there in 2014). It literally made me a worse person as I used to get so riled by people constantly wanting to be snarky towards others. I was harassed constantly and in time my only way to respond to people on there was to communicate in the way they were. Being anonymous on that forum creates some god awful personas. Some of their community rules have a lot to be desired with too.

Even I didn’t like the person I became because of TSR. I am very happy to have left and now to be in this environment which is more productive and supportive.

Wow I didn't realise how hostile it was (and I guess still is).

It made me think about the number of people who have really benefitted from, as you say, CLA's supportive environment and may not have obtained TCs if all they had were TSR users to rely on.

It's a great credit to the whole CLA team (which includes you too Jessica!) who provide insights with genuine enthusiasm to see us all do well.

 

[thecorporatelawyer]

If you do, one is sufficient. They aren’t going to read three, especially if they are lengthy

Thanks! However, for the breakdown of grades document, I just got an email from Slaughter and May stating that it's required to have an explanation of the grading structure for the school and/or university you attended, if non standard.They basically said my application would not be reviewed unless I have that document. I'm assuming that doesn't extend to the IB program because it's considered 'standard," however for the GCSE equivalent would I need to provide a document explaining my grade structure as I just had standard Canadian public education?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks! However, for the breakdown of grades document, I just got an email from Slaughter and May stating that it's required to have an explanation of the grading structure for the school and/or university you attended, if non standard.They basically said my application would not be reviewed unless I have that document. I'm assuming that doesn't extend to the IB program because it's considered 'standard," however for the GCSE equivalent would I need to provide a document explaining my grade structure as I just had standard Canadian public education?

that isn’t a letter of recommendation though. My point was only upload one letter of recommendation - sorry if that was unclear.

 

[Jaysen]

It’s a really toxic environment on there - and full of really bad advice too (the latter is why I started posting in there in 2014). It literally made me a worse person as I used to get so riled by people constantly wanting to be snarky towards others. I was harassed constantly and in time my only way to respond to people on there was to communicate in the way they were. Being anonymous on that forum creates some god awful personas. Some of their community rules have a lot to be desired with too.

Even I didn’t like the person I became because of TSR. I am very happy to have left and now to be in this environment which is more productive and supportive.

I definitely felt the same way when I posted on TSR!

Am very grateful to this community too - you guys are always so supportive of each other, which makes our job easy. We definitely have some work to do still to do here, especially in terms of community rules/improving the forum, but as we grow, I'm so keen to keep it like this.

 

[Alice G]

Completely echo everything you guys have said - the reason I got involved with TCLA is because it is so supportive. The application process can be incredibly trying and kindness, support and camaraderie are so important. Our whole team will always endeavour to preserve the support and sense of community in these forums!

 

[S87]

Guys, is anyone taking part in the workshop organised by Paul Hastings?

 

[S87]

Guys,

I hope you are all well and safe.

Dentons is organising event for BAME students. I strongly advise you to connect especially if you are looking to apply for a TC!
I know that many of us are waiting to hear about our applications but for those who have yet to apply this is a good opportunity.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in an applications skills session, virtual speed networking and a panel discussion. Speakers include mary boakye, David Neita, James Adeleke (FRSA) and Rathi Thiagamoorthy.

The event is open to all students who are interested in a career in law, particularly those who identify as being of Black ethnic minority heritage or who are supportive of diversity and aspire to work in a diverse and collaborative environment.

If this sounds like you, apply by sending a CV and a brief paragraph on why you would like to attend to bpn.insightday@dentons.com by June 15th.

 

[Daniel Boden]

Guys,

I hope you are all well and safe.

Dentons is organising event for BAME students. I strongly advise you to connect especially if you are looking to apply for a TC!
I know that many of us are waiting to hear about our applications but for those who have yet to apply this is a good opportunity.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in an applications skills session, virtual speed networking and a panel discussion. Speakers include mary boakye, David Neita, James Adeleke (FRSA) and Rathi Thiagamoorthy.

The event is open to all students who are interested in a career in law, particularly those who identify as being of Black ethnic minority heritage or who are supportive of diversity and aspire to work in a diverse and collaborative environment.

If this sounds like you, apply by sending a CV and a brief paragraph on why you would like to attend to bpn.insightday@dentons.com by June 15th.

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[thecorporatelawyer]

that isn’t a letter of recommendation though. My point was only upload one letter of recommendation - sorry if that was unclear.

no you were clear I was specifically asking about the other document m. Apparently it’s mandatory to submit it but I don’t have a document of such, but because I went to school outside the UK I need to provide something. Do you think this document also applies to A-level equivalents and not GCSE equivalents?