TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Rob93]

Wasn't sure where to ask this, but I am curious how much (salaried) partners at firms like CMS and DLA Piper make? Firms that offer £85k - £95k NQ roles. Does anyone know where I can gather such information.

I can't say for sure but I'd reckon anywhere from ~£180-250k assuming 10-15% salary increases annually for 6-7 years from qualification, maybe a bit higher if there's a bigger bump on attaining NEP. All this before bonuses which would probably be quite substantial

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

of course! but some firms have a pro bono secondment now which is interesting

You have to tread carefully even when they do have these great opportunities.

1) A trainee pro bono secondment is unlikely to be helping people directly. You will be helping the corporate entity behind the charity. The work you will be doing will feel very “corporate” - the work an in house lawyer does for a charity like Oxfam or Shelter will not be like helping people in a law clinic who don’t have access to legal advice. The only real difference in many instances to a fee paying international client and a pro bono client is that one is not paying for the service!

2) Pro bono should be seen like an extra curricular. Yes, some firms will ensure you get pro bono work whether via your billable time or through CSR initiatives, but it’s not going to be a decent chunk of your work and not enough to keep you motivated if that is a main criteria for you.

3) A reasonable proportion of your work as a corporate lawyer could be working against the principles many pro bono initiatives are set out to address. Your project finance matters could devastate/displace local communities; your oil client could be asking you to protect their interests after an oil spill; your restructuring work could lead to making thousands of people redundant; your tobacco client could be asking you to find ways to get around regulations that will ultimately lead to people getting ill from using their products. You are ultimately creating profit and although things like ESG are increasing, a lot of what you do will be driven by money and profits rather than the greater good. There is a risk that if your focus is on pro bono, people could question whether you are truly going to be motivated in an environment where a lot of the work you are doing is not always for society’s benefit.

 

[Rob93]

Are we referring to NEP then? Must have misunderstood the question!

Yeah and I mean PEP is also a dodgy measure cause a firm can have £2m PEP but newly-made partners will still be in six figures while senior rainmakers might pull £4+ - one of Kirkland's top guys in 2018 was on £7m, which is probably closer to £10m now

 

[GOI983]

BCLP VI! It appears this interview is with a member of graduate recruitment, does anyone who has been successful with the interview have any tips? It would be much appreciated!

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

@FS Yes, non-equity partner (NEP) was what I was referring to; not PEP - equity partners are completely different from salaried partners.

@Rob93 I would be inclined to agree for a UK firm, like CMS, it would be +/- £20k of the £200k mark as a base salary.

 

[LawfulRust00]

You have to tread carefully even when they do have these great opportunities.

1) A trainee pro bono secondment is unlikely to be helping people directly. You will be helping the corporate entity behind the charity. The work you will be doing will feel very “corporate” - the work an in house lawyer does for a charity like Oxfam or Shelter will not be like helping people in a law clinic who don’t have access to legal advice. The only real difference in many instances to a fee paying international client and a pro bono client is that one is not paying for the service!

2) Pro bono should be seen like an extra curricular. Yes, some firms will ensure you get pro bono work whether via your billable time or through CSR initiatives, but it’s not going to be a decent chunk of your work and not enough to keep you motivated if that is a main criteria for you.

3) A reasonable proportion of your work as a corporate lawyer could be working against the principles many pro bono initiatives are set out to address. Your project finance matters could devastate/displace local communities; your oil client could be asking you to protect their interests after an oil spill; your restructuring work could lead to making thousands of people redundant; your tobacco client could be asking you to find ways to get around regulations that will ultimately lead to people getting ill from using their products. You are ultimately creating profit and although things like ESG are increasing, a lot of what you do will be driven by money and profits rather than the greater good. There is a risk that if your focus is on pro bono, people could question whether you are truly going to be motivated in an environment where a lot of the work you are doing is not always for society’s benefit.

In light of this, would you advise against citing your desire to positively impact society as a motivation to become a solicitor in application forms and interviews?

 

[hopefullylaw2000]

In light of this, would you advise against citing your desire to positively impact society as a motivation to become a solicitor in application forms and interviews?

I think it depends how it’s framed. I’ve always been told to avoid saying phrases which are exactly like that but for example, when talking about the work some law firms do in emerging markets, it might be relevant to talk about how investment and PF often does help these nations? I think it’s just knowing that ultimately corp law isn’t really the *good* guys and that you don’t go into it if you want to become the next biggest societal advocate if that makes sense?

 

[PirateShip]

Don't suppose anyone knows whether BCLP sends ACs on a rolling basis? I have a choice between a date next week or the week after for the VI and I'd ideally like to choose the week after slot but I'm slightly worried I'll be putting myself at a disadvantage.

 

[BM99]

Summer internship offer from DLA Piper after AC an hour ago!

 

[Rob93]

Summer internship offer from DLA Piper after AC an hour ago!

Wow, stellar turnaround from DLA

 

[Deleted member 15870]

Does anyone have any experience with Vantage where the 'work experience' section has gone missing? I filled out all the sections for it yesterday and ready to submit today, but looking at my app now, there's no work experience section?

 

[Samir_O]

Considering people have already started to hear back on offers post AC, is it safe to say that ive got a pfo since i havent even heard back post WG (eek)? I did email a while ago checking in but got told still reviewing applications etc etc - do DLA send pfos much later on?

 

[S87]

Does anyone have any experience with Vantage where the 'work experience' section has gone missing? I filled out all the sections for it yesterday and ready to submit today, but looking at my app now, there's no work experience section?

Apparently my entire undergraduate section disappeared after sending my app.

 

[kat_]

Does anyone have any experience with Vantage where the 'work experience' section has gone missing? I filled out all the sections for it yesterday and ready to submit today, but looking at my app now, there's no work experience section?

I can't really help, but the same thing happened to me. I sent it without checking the section and all my work experience disappeared.

 

[Deleted member 15870]

I can't really help, but the same thing happened to me. I sent it without checking the section and all my work experience disappeared.

Apparently my entire undergraduate section disappeared after sending my app.

these are horrible im so sorry. Vantage needs to sort this out because candidates missing out because of a technical error on their part is beyond unfair.

 

[Deleted member 15870]

I can't really help, but the same thing happened to me. I sent it without checking the section and all my work experience disappeared.

Did you reach out to the firm and explain? Not really sure what to do tbh @Jessica Booker do you have any advice?

 

[manchester12]

Manchester!

I am the same its stressing me out!

 

[TCApp2021]

BCLP VI

I applied way back in November, so those of you still waiting don't give up yet.

BCLP VI

BCLP VI! It appears this interview is with a member of graduate recruitment, does anyone who has been successful with the interview have any tips? It would be much appreciated!

Well done guys! Is this for direct TC?

 

[S87]

Did you reach out to the firm and explain? Not really sure what to do tbh @Jessica Booker do you have any advice?

Hey, it is very likely that the firm will get in touch with you as Dentons did with me. Alternatively, personally, I would get in touch with the firm and explain the situation. It is not your fault, it is a technical issue.

 

[anon123456789]

How many times have you checked your emails today? Yes.