Opinion on the word "postgraduate"

[Hazal]

I've always taken it for granted that law firms recruit from students and graduates alike and most generally do. However, as I look into other, maybe smaller firms, I've realised that whether or not they take graduates isn't as obvious anymore.

For example, see Sullivan & Cromwell's wording:
We will accept applications for our 2019 summer vacation scheme from penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, as well as those studying for postgraduate degrees, from 1 November 2018 through 11 January 2019.

Other firms are even more ambiguous and just say "postgraduates".

I'm guessing S&C aren't accepting graduates who aren't students anymore? Is this a conclusion I can make?

 

[Hazal]

EDIT:

Found this under their Training Contract heading:

While S&C expects most of its applicants to be penultimate-year law students and final-year non-law students, graduates and postgraduates are also eligible.

Is it safe to say that TC sounds like its geared towards graduates and not the VS?

 

[Salma]

Hmm it sounds quite ambiguous @Hazal, the best option is to email (or maybe call due to holiday season) graduate recruitment and confirm with them?

 

[AJ]

@Hazal I agree with the point you’re making. The way I see it undergrad/postgrad gives firms the biggest pool of potential candidates. Which is why a lot of their marketing is drafted that way. But if you can show the right skills and experience, neither should matter, otherwise that would seem to be blatant discrimination.
I would apply wherever you want to ☺️

 

[Eva]

Might as well email the Graduate Recruitment team or give them a call tomorrow or after the Christmas break to get some clarifications about your eligii.

Hmm it sounds quite ambiguous @Hazal, the best option is to email (or maybe call due to holiday season) graduate recruitment and confirm with them?

I totally agreed with Salma. It's better to ask them directly whether you are eligible or not.