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

[deckoking123]

anyone heard back from NRF & Akin Gump post AC?

 

[LawfulRed]

does anyone know what level of experience (do they want you to have a vac scheme) freshfields look for in direct TC applications

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

 

[GXA123]

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

don't they only let you add 3 experiences on their form LOL

 

[Jessica Booker]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Oh good question - it's strange, but I have gone right back to handshaking but I think it's where I have 18+ years of doing so it has been hard for me to not do it.

I don't think there is any harm in either 1) waiting for the other person to take the lead, 2) asking what the etiquette is these days/whether the individual is comfortable with a handshake or 3) declining (in the most polite and apologetic way) if someone goes to shake your hand and you don't want to.

 

[LawfulRed]

don't they only let you add 3 experiences on their form LOL

I don't know specifically about that. However, if each experience is over a week it'll be fine.

As I said, this is only a rule of thumb that grad rec told me. So if you have less experience I am sure they will assess your application holistically .

 

[PirateShip]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Go for a fist bump. No worries about touching the dirty inside of your hands and you can show them you're down with the kids.

This is a joke, please don't do that.

 

[LS07]

yep and i'm not holding my breath hahaah

When did you do your VI?? the wait is horrible but keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[LawfulRed]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Go for a fist bump. No worries about touching the dirty inside of your hands and you can show them you're down with the kids.

This is a joke, please don't do that.

default to fist bump unless they initiate the handshake first (provided that you are comfortable touching them)

 

[Jessica Booker]

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

Definitely won't be the case for other firms. Many firms will want to see some work experience and probably 4 weeks or so, but it doesn't necessarily need to be legal.

 

[PirateShip]

default to fist bump unless they initiate the handshake first (provided that you are comfortable touching them)

I believe bumping chests and then proclaiming "ooh, ooh, ooh" is also a hygenic alternative.

 

[ps123]

Just when you've packed up for the cycle...Mayer Brown AC lol, absolutely love the firm but just started my new job today & so no chance I would do the VS this summer. Should I do the AC wait to see the result & ask to be considered for a TC? Any advice would be great.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

anyone heard back from NRF & Akin Gump post AC?

Nothing from NRF, AC on the 8th

 

[James Carrabino]

All the hearts on my screen RN

Perfectly captures how I feel about this forum and Taco Bell 😭

Fine dining for the win!

 

[LawfulRust00]

fist bump, high five and tickle them

could you take annual leave for the VS?

Give them a big wet granny kiss on the cheek and pants them before taking your seat on the desk.

 

[LawfulRed]

Just when you've packed up for the cycle...Mayer Brown AC lol, absolutely love the firm but just started my new job today & so no chance I would do the VS this summer. Should I do the AC wait to see the result & ask to be considered for a TC? Any advice would be great.

why not take annual leave?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just when you've packed up for the cycle...Mayer Brown AC lol, absolutely love the firm but just started my new job today & so no chance I would do the VS this summer. Should I do the AC wait to see the result & ask to be considered for a TC? Any advice would be great.

I'd probably contact them before the AC in all honesty to see if they have any flexibility. I think they would appreciate this more than being told afterwards.

 

[ps123]

I'd probably contact them before the AC in all honesty to see if they have any flexibility. I think they would appreciate this more than being told afterwards.

Thank you Jessica!

 

[LS_1998]

When did you do your VI?? the wait is horrible but keeping my fingers crossed!

i think i did on the 27th?? it definitely was a shambles though so i'm not expecting anything

 

[ps123]

why not take annual leave?

The peak business in the role is the June / July months so I don't want to take my holiday in the busiest period, especially when I am in no real rush with this career path.

 

[James Carrabino]

I recently received an AC invite from HSF but it falls on the same day as something else. Both things are stressing me out but although they fall on the same day, they are occurring at different times and the timings won't overlap (they are 2 hours apart). I've told grad rec and they said I could reschedule. However, the next possible date is on 16 March, which is quite far from now.

1. My question, will completing my AC at a later date affect my ability to secure a vac scheme? I am asking as I heard that HSF responds on the day itself. I am worried that choosing a later AC will mean that I am competing for a lesser number of slots.
2. Additionally, would it be rude to email grad rec and ask if choosing a later date will impact my chance of securing a vac scheme with them?
3. How much time is actually enough to prepare for an AC? I currently have 10 days till my AC. Is that enough time to be ready?

I would appreciate any advice. Thank you very much <33

If you email them to ask, they are only going to come back and say no it won't impact your chances, even if it was to impact (which I don't think it will).

Remember a lot of the preparation needed for an AC is already done, You researched the firm when you applied, you have been building your skill set for many years etc. I personally feel like you could prep for an AC in half a day (many people may say this isn't enough) and that could easily be broken down into bite-size chunks over the next week or so. And most of that prep is reading things about the firm/market trends, familiarising yourself with key commercial topics the firm works with, and at best maybe a mock interview or practising some interview questions.

I think you have to do what is best for you though. If delaying your AC until next month is better for you mentally, then it's a no brainer in my opinion to move it to that date. You have to consider any risks that you are not in the right frame of mind for the AC and whatever else you have going on that day.

Hi @Lian Lian I completely agree with @Jessica Booker on this! If you were sent into your AC right now my guess is you would actually be completely prepared, although a couple days to reach out to those who have done one before and look up a few things never hurts. Ten days is more than enough - for me, I never worried about having enough time to prepare as long as I was able to leave the full day prior to my AC free for preparation. If I was busy the previous day then I would make sure to do more in advance, and my preparation would also consist of going about my daily business and thinking 'Wait a second, I just thought of an excellent point I need to bring up in my interview' etc, which I would then duly add to my notes!

Regarding the scheduling issue, I am not really qualified to say, but I agree that it would probably be a waste of time e-mailing to ask whether it would hurt your chances.