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

[Abii]

Is anyone still waiting for OC (London) to respond post-AC (stage 1)?

Have you logged back in to the apply4law portal and checked there’s been no response - sometimes emails end up in junk folders that auto delete.

I know people have heard back already but stage 2 ACs are still on going.

 

[jhaines]

Anyone get the Travers holding email today?

 

[TCApp2021]

Have you logged back in to the apply4law portal and checked there’s been no response - sometimes emails end up in junk folders that auto delete.

I know people have heard back already but stage 2 ACs are still on going.

Thanks.. Ive checked both but nothing. Am expecting a PFO as London ACs finish tomorrow.

 

[Amanpreet Kaur]

Is anyone still waiting for W&C and Gibson Dunn? Is it safe to expect a PFO this late into the cycle

 

[Anisah1]

I still haven’t heard back from them it feels like its been forever

Got an email today stating that they apologise for the delay and hope to be in touch in the next few weeks. I’m not optimistic at this point tbh 😐

 

[M&Amakesmyday]

Also, is anyone waiting on Freshfields direct TC post-app? Is it most likely a PFO at this point?

 

[Lawyered]

Hi everyone!
I was offered a place for a vacation scheme at one my favourite law firms. I am at my second cycle of applications and I have never received an offer, so I really need this opportunity... but, I recently (not even 2 weeks ago) got a new job, not an entry level job, but a good job in consultancy. Neither placement option would suit my calendar at the moment: the spring vac. scheme might be an option but it is too early to ask for days off at the new job - it may be seen very badly be the new emoloyer; the summer scheme is too long and too close to my project's final dealdline....
Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation or has any advice?
I'm really sad atm and any help is appreciated 😥

 

[Sugarcookies]

Anyone still waiting on a Withers response?

For the summer VS, yes

 

[Legalmel_99]

Hi everyone!
I was offered a place for a vacation scheme at one my favourite law firms. I am at my second cycle of applications and I have never received an offer, so I really need this opportunity... but, I recently (not even 2 weeks ago) got a new job, not an entry level job, but a good job in consultancy. Neither placement option would suit my calendar at the moment: the spring vac. scheme might be an option but it is too early to ask for days off at the new job - it may be seen very badly be the new emoloyer; the summer scheme is too long and too close to my project's final dealdline....
Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation or has any advice?
I'm really sad atm and any help is appreciated 😥

If this job isn’t your career but the vac scheme could potentially get you a TC which would then start your career I don’t see the harm in asking for the days off at your new job I was in a similar situation last year and I told my employer and they were fine with it. They would prefer someone to take them off and be honest than to call in sick for example

don’t be sad my inbox is always open congratulations on the VS xx

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey @Jessica Booker, if a firm is holding 3 different vac schemes in April, June and July, each with 10 people, is it possible that I will be disadvantaged if I do the July one, i.e. if they've given out the vast majority of their TCs by that point? Or do firms typically assess everyone before handing out TCs?

No - it won't work like that. The firm won't risk over offering people for fear of missing out on the strongest candidates in the last scheme.

 

[Abii]

Hi everyone!
I was offered a place for a vacation scheme at one my favourite law firms. I am at my second cycle of applications and I have never received an offer, so I really need this opportunity... but, I recently (not even 2 weeks ago) got a new job, not an entry level job, but a good job in consultancy. Neither placement option would suit my calendar at the moment: the spring vac. scheme might be an option but it is too early to ask for days off at the new job - it may be seen very badly be the new emoloyer; the summer scheme is too long and too close to my project's final dealdline....
Has anyone ever dealt with a similar situation or has any advice?
I'm really sad atm and any help is appreciated 😥

You have annual leave so use it! The only thing I would caveat in this situation is to check your current employment contract - can you work elsewhere i.e. can you do a vac scheme or will you have to ask for permission. It’s not unusual to have a clause either in your employment contact or t&c’s to say you cannot have paid employment elsewhere or you cannot do so without written permission.

 

[A92167!8]

For those in work - can you get unpaid leave for vac schemes? How have you found asking for this any tips etc

 

[A92167!8]

Yes - you can renege on an offer easily. The only time it will become an issue is if you are taking any form of financial support from the firm, and that includes you being signed up to the GDL/LPC/SQE courses. As soon as onboarding processes for those courses happen, if the firm is paying for it directly, you may be liable for those costs (even if you don’t start the course).

I don’t think it will make any difference which dates you go for in all honesty.

Thank you so much for all your help

 

[lawgal101]

One question that always throws me off - "why not consider a TC at your current firm?", anyone know the best way to approach this. I would appreciate any tips, thank you!

 

[LawfulRust00]

If a firm provides LPC/SQE grants/funding to trainees, can these be retrospectively applied for those who have paid for the exam preparation course prior to receiving a TC offer?

 

[Abii]

If a firm provides LPC/SQE grants/funding to trainees, can these be retrospectively applied for those who have paid for the exam preparation course prior to receiving a TC offer?

As far as I am aware this varies from firm to firm. Some will retrospectively pay or reimburse, some only if you are still part way through the course, others won’t at all.

 

[lawcurious]

was waiting for a call from a firm this week and got a call earlier today and my heart dropped......i picked up and it was hello fresh 🤡

 

[Jessica Booker]

If a firm provides LPC/SQE grants/funding to trainees, can these be retrospectively applied for those who have paid for the exam preparation course prior to receiving a TC offer?

Some firms will retrospectively pay GDL/LPC/SQE fees, but won’t retrospectively pay maintenance grants. Firms will often reimburse the amount they would have paid for the courses though, so you may find that not all of your course fees are covered (eg say they pay £12k for their LPC fee, but you pay £15k, you’ll likely find they only cover £12k of the £15k).

Many firms do not retrospectively though - so it’s a question to ask them at an appropriate stage, probably at final interview stage or once you have the offer.

 

[ofm]

For those in work - can you get unpaid leave for vac schemes? How have you found asking for this any tips etc

would also like to know!

 

[Abii]

For those in work - can you get unpaid leave for vac schemes? How have you found asking for this any tips etc

would also like to know!

This is going to vary for people depending on their employer. Unpaid leave is entirely at the discretion of the employer. All you can do is ask.

I’ve previously had unpaid leave for internships from two different employers. And have had unpaid leave to undertake ACs/Interviews. I’ve been very honest with my employers through out that I am seeking a TC and what that involves and they’ve been very supportive of the journey. Although one employer gave me unpaid leave for an VS I couldn’t undertake it as the law firm considered my employment to much of a conflict of interest and I wasn’t in a position to quit a job for a two week vac scheme. A two week vac scheme wasn’t gonna pay my rent!