General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone-

Does anyone have any experience of asking for more time to consider a TC offer?

I’ve received an offer and been given only a week to accept. However, I have an AC for a TC at another firm a week today, which I would rather take if offered. Really not sure what to do! Thanks

one of two options here:

1) ask for an extension, explain you have another AC that you’d like to attend before making the decision. Be prepared for them to say no though

2) Accept and then renege at a later point if you need to. If they don’t abide by the voluntary code, neither do you.

 

[S87]

Thank you so so much for this! I can't seem to get past a certain mark but am trying not to overthink it.

Really analyse your mistakes and practice to improve that particular part. Believe me you will master it

 

[2019grad31]

one of two options here:

1) ask for an extension, explain you have another AC that you’d like to attend before making the decision. Be prepared for them to say no though

2) Accept and then renege at a later point if you need to. If they don’t abide by the voluntary code, neither do you.

Thank you Jessica

 

[itjusttakesoneappoutof23230293 and counting]

Anyone heard back from Macfarlanes yet?

Nothing yet but I know they completed their VC schemes last week and offered people TCs from that so hopefully the wait won't be too long!

 

[D]

Hi everyone-

Does anyone have any experience of asking for more time to consider a TC offer?

I’ve received an offer and been given only a week to accept. However, I have an AC for a TC at another firm a week today, which I would rather take if offered. Really not sure what to do! Thanks

I was able to juggle multiple extensions with firms. Feel free to DM me if you want some specific advice. Jessica's advice holds true, however.

 

[Flk10]

So, it looks like I might really start saving for the SQE.

This week I received two rejections following final interviews. "You are an excellent candidate... You performed very well in interviews and tasks... Your performance in exercise X was outstanding... We really enjoyed talking to you... You have an impressive record... You would fit very well in our firm... You are going to make an excellent solicitor... but, we are sorry to inform you that after long consideration, we made offers to other candidates."

Any feedback, any areas of improvement? Not really, "you are an excellent candidate".

It's "only" my second cycle, but I am two years out of uni and I feel that today I have reached my all time low point. I am so fed up with this entire process that I have actually started questioning whether a career in law is for me and that maybe I should just move to Scotland and work on some sheep farm (I like sheep and at least there is very little chance that they would bleat at me: "You are an excellent candidate, but I don't think you are worthy of trimming my fur").

Just as I actually managed to build my confidence up during this cycle following a painful rejection last year (which, however, came with a very valuable feedback), I can see it shattering into million pieces in front of my eyes. Again.

I am genuinely happy for everyone who has heard good news recently and I am rooting for everyone who is going through the ACs / interviews right now - sorry for creeping in with such a depressing post but while I still can't break the glass ceiling, I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and I know that many of you will finish this cycle with TC offers

I know it’s hard, but try not to get too disheartened. I truly believe that the opportunity that is right for you will not pass you by.

I had a similar experience at a VS last year where all the feedback I had throughout the scheme was excellent and I even had a feedback meeting with the partner supervising me on the final day who said all the work I’d done for them was really good and they’d only heard great feedback from the rest of the team. I got rejected for the TC the following week and feedback that didn’t make sense at all.

I managed to get another VS this year at a firm that is bigger and probably more prestigious and was fortunate to be offered a TC last month.

A bigger and better opportunity that is perfect for you will come along soon!

 

[Law123]

@Jessica Booker

Hi, could you explain what the term first generation means please? My parents did not go to university, but my elder sister did, does that still make me part of the first generation of my family to go to university?

The question in the application form asks: If you went to University (to study a BA, BSc course or higher), were you part of the first generation of your family to do so?

Thank you very much!

 

[LegalNim]

Hi, could you explain what the term first generation means please? My parents did not go to university, but my elder sister did, does that still make me part of the first generation of my family to go to university?

You're the first generation. You and your sister are in the same generation so your generation was the first, even though you're the second person in that generation. It wouldn't be fair to discriminate against younger siblings - I'm the youngest of five so I wouldn't stand a chance if they did that haha.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker

Hi, could you explain what the term first generation means please? My parents did not go to university, but my elder sister did, does that still make me part of the first generation of my family to go to university?

The question in the application form asks: If you went to University (to study a BA, BSc course or higher), were you part of the first generation of your family to do so?

Thank you very much!

It means your parents, not siblings. You are the first generation in your family to attend university. Your sister is part of the same generation, which is why the question states “were you part of the first generation of your family to do so”.

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

Beware though, that some firms simply ask "were you the first person in your family to go to university?" - which obviously includes siblings.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Beware though, that some firms simply ask "were you the first person in your family to go to university?" - which obviously includes siblings.

It’s bad wording. They really need to know whether your parents went to university or not.

 

[Law123]

Thank you all!

@Jessica Booker

I submitted my application at the end of December and have a vacation scheme next week. I have just realised I stated no to the first generation question when it should be yes.

It states in the Equal Opportunity section: 'This information will be used solely for the purposes of monitoring our equal opportunities policy and will not be visible to those shortlisting or interviewing candidates.'

Should I change this on my application to answer yes? I do not want to be disadvantaged in any way as the firm is very strong on diversity and inclusion.

Thank you!

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone on here that has commented or messaged me, this is going to sound very cheesy but all of the support on here really gives me the strength to carry on. I genuinely hope and pray that by the end of this cycle, every single person on this forum has found their success, which is inevitable because of the determination and intellect on this thread.

Also I may not pass the WG, but I did save my app answers in a general template form if anyone is interested in having a look for future reference?

I'd be super interested!

 

[tractor12]

Hi Jess, would it be appropriate to write a cancelled Vac Scheme on my CV?

Also should I change anything from the CV I send for training contracts to the CV I send for paralegal positions?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you all!

@Jessica Booker

I submitted my application at the end of December and have a vacation scheme next week. I have just realised I stated no to the first generation question when it should be yes.

It states in the Equal Opportunity section: 'This information will be used solely for the purposes of monitoring our equal opportunities policy and will not be visible to those shortlisting or interviewing candidates.'

Should I change this on my application to answer yes? I do not want to be disadvantaged in any way as the firm is very strong on diversity and inclusion.

Thank you!

Don’t worry about it now. It doesn’t affect your application in anyway.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi Jess, would it be appropriate to write a cancelled Vac Scheme on my CV?

Also should I change anything from the CV I send for training contracts to the CV I send for paralegal positions?

I think it would need its own section on a CV if you did put it on there.

I am struggling to think where it would fit on a CV really, it’s one of those things that is good for an “extra information” section on an application form but doesn’t really fit into a CV in the same way.

If you were applying with a CV and cover letter it could be briefly mentioned in the cover letter if spun the right way.

You may want to adapt your CV so it focuses more on the type of skills/work that a paralegal does. That can easily be done by just changing a bullet point or two, and toning down some language and amplifying others.

 

[tractor12]

I think it would need its own section on a CV if you did put it on there.

I am struggling to think where it would fit on a CV really, it’s one of those things that is good for an “extra information” section on an application form but doesn’t really fit into a CV in the same way.

If you were applying with a CV and cover letter it could be briefly mentioned in the cover letter if spun the right way.

You may want to adapt your CV so it focuses more on the type of skills/work that a paralegal does. That can easily be done by just changing a bullet point or two, and toning down some language and amplifying others.

Thanks Jess.

I see what you mean. It was replaced with an ‘Experience Day’ where we were given insight to different departments and had a couple of tasks to do. Is it a stretch to put it under work experience?

 

[Law123]

Thank you for all your help! @Jessica Booker

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks Jess.

I see what you mean. It was replaced with an ‘Experience Day’ where we were given insight to different departments and had a couple of tasks to do. Is it a stretch to put it under work experience?

I’m not a fan of putting insight/open days in work experience (although it can work for some people). Given this instance, I would put in in as an entry in your work experience and in the description put something like “Having secured a X week vacation scheme, the programme was reduced to an insight day due to Covid-19”.

Just don’t put a really heavy description of what an insight day is. Focus on the tasks you were asked to do and this will be sufficient.

 

[L777]

Thanks Jess.

I see what you mean. It was replaced with an ‘Experience Day’ where we were given insight to different departments and had a couple of tasks to do. Is it a stretch to put it under work experience?

Hey, was this the Mishcon Experience Day? If so, I have mine on Monday and would really appreciate any tips/advice! Thanks