General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[H]

Congratulations!

it it so great to hear stories like this.

Thank you Jessica!!

 

[H]

Huge congratulations!!!

Thanks so much Daniel!! I hope you enjoyed your vac schemes

 

[H]

This has made my day! So happy for you, well done

Thank you Jaysen!!

 

[H]

Huge congratulations to you and what a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your journey

Thank you Alice, appreciate it!

 

[W]

Thank you! Do you mean in terms of pursuing a career in law?

Yeah, in terms of showing your commitment in how you approached it this time round

 

[Alice G]

When do you start your TC?

I start in 2022

 

[M777]

Would anyone happen to know when vac scheme applications will start reopening for Winter 2020/2021? I'm aware it's usually around August/September time but any specific guesses based on last year would be really helpful- thank you!

 

[Ashveerruiz]

Hello,

Anyone know of any firms that have deadlines(for training contracts) on the 31st of July? I know Hogan Lovells does, which I recently applied for today. I am also aware of Skadden , though I've heard these US firms recruit exclusively from their Vacation Schemes and the direct route is extremely rare. If anyone knows of any other firms, pls message me or reply on here

Also with Allen & overy, does anyone know when their direct TC/VS apps reopen again? Last year it was 1st of August, though I'm not sure about this year(and cannot find the date on their website..)

 

[M777]

Hello,

Anyone know of any firms that have deadlines(for training contracts) on the 31st of July? I know Hogan Lovells does, which I recently applied for today. I am also aware of Skadden , though I've heard these US firms recruit exclusively from their Vacation Schemes and the direct route is extremely rare. If anyone knows of any other firms, pls message me or reply on here

Also with Allen & overy, does anyone know when their direct TC/VS apps reopen again? Last year it was 1st of August, though I'm not sure about this year(and cannot find the date on their website..)

I've been using this list here:
https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/TrainingContractDeadlines

I believe Paul Hastings recruit only from direct TCs, not sure how it works with the others!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Would anyone happen to know when vac scheme applications will start reopening for Winter 2020/2021? I'm aware it's usually around August/September time but any specific guesses based on last year would be really helpful- thank you!

I suspect for many firms the decision might be much later this year, so it may not be clear until all the new websites/brochures are ready until mid to late September.

1) they might not run winter schemes

2) they might just run virtual schemes

3) either of the above will need budget, and at times like this many firms will be asked to make cost savings, and things like reducing internships can be a relatively easy way to save money.

4) some firms may choose to move their winter schemes to Spring or Summer - especially with the SQE coming in, the standard timeframes for recruitment are going out of the window - there could now be a much shorter time lag rather than the 2-3 years in advance recruitment method. This could mean some firms don’t need to do much recruitment this year, as they could start the recruit Trainees 9-21 months in advance rather than 24-36 months.

5) as recruitment processes are likely to be virtual, the one benefit is the recruitment process from end to end should be much shorter, meaning firms way open applications later than next year.

 

[JD]

Has anyone ever applied for something and were genuinely dumbfounded that they got it whether it be TC, VS or otherwise?

 

[JD]

Also on average, how many apps is a good number to make without going crazy? lol

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Has anyone ever applied for something and were genuinely dumbfounded that they got it whether it be TC, VS or otherwise?

I’ve recruited enough people who clearly thought this going by their reaction when I offered them.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Also on average, how many apps is a good number to make without going crazy? lol

the number will be based on your preferences and requirements in an employer. Don’t focus on what other people are doing - just focus on how many applications is right for you.

 

[jan28]

Has anyone ever applied for something and were genuinely dumbfounded that they got it whether it be TC, VS or otherwise?

Yep - got a vac scheme at a silver circle this year and I was CONVINCED I wouldn't get it. Others on the scheme also felt the same. Really made me realise you never know what they see so all you can do is try your best

 

[tractor12]

I’ve recruited enough people who clearly thought this going by their reaction when I offered them.

What are the best reactions you’ve seen?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What are the best reactions you’ve seen?

the person who thought it was a wind up by one of their friends was particularly funny.

In days of old we used to have to send offers out on the 1st September - I used to stay up until midnight and send all the emails off in one go. We then used to call the offerees the next morning. There were various stories of people screaming their house down and waking up their whole household/neighbours when they got an email at 00.01 on 1 September.

Had several people swear at me (out of shock) and then get really worried their swearing was going to be looked at negatively!

 

[tractor12]

the person who thought it was a wind up by one of their friends was particularly funny.

In days of old we used to have to send offers out on the 1st September - I used to stay up until midnight and send all the emails off in one go. We then used to call the offerees the next morning. There were various stories of people screaming their house down and waking up their whole household/neighbours when they got an email at 00.01 on 1 September.

Had several people swear at me (out of shock) and then get really worried their swearing was going to be looked at negatively!

These are brilliant! Have you had some very bad responses to rejections?

 

[Parent]

the person who thought it was a wind up by one of their friends was particularly funny.

In days of old we used to have to send offers out on the 1st September - I used to stay up until midnight and send all the emails off in one go. We then used to call the offerees the next morning. There were various stories of people screaming their house down and waking up their whole household/neighbours when they got an email at 00.01 on 1 September.

Had several people swear at me (out of shock) and then get really worried their swearing was going to be looked at negatively!

That’s interesting. At the MC firm my child has been offered a TC with - it was the Partner who phoned. Not Grad Recruitment.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

These are brilliant! Have you had some very bad responses to rejections?

Oh yes.... at least you know you made the right decision then. I’ll need to track down my “HR diatribe” response I once had... let me see if I can find it.