One sector focused TC vs Multi-sector TC

gallof

New Member
Nov 1, 2021
1
0
Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
13,342
19,157
Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!
I'd personally suggest doing at least one seat outside on energy, just so you have an understanding of how other sectors/clients may operate. You could still do the majority of your TC in energy and still come out as a specialist but just hedge your bets and develop a wider range of knowledge.
 

George Maxwell

Administrator
Gold Member
Premium Member
Junior Lawyer 50
Oct 25, 2021
552
1,084
Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!
Hi @gallof,

Thank you for the question! Just to add to what @Jessica Booker has said already, when I have reached out to people already in the industry, the resounding answer to this question has been, as far as possible, to try a variety of practice areas when training. I think not only can it reaffirm your intuition (about liking a particular sector), but having a broad experience can be surprising. I have spoken to a number of people who went to a firm expecting to do litigation/contentious work who subsequently realised that they prefer corporate/transactional work.

I have also been told that studying the law and practicing it are often very different things, so I am personally trying to go in with an open mind.

I am not a qualified lawyer and so I really am relaying what I have been advised when I have spoken to people. But this really has been a consistent theme during my conversations!

I hope that helps :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: AvniD and Jessica Booker

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.