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?
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)
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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.
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
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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.
would also like to know!For those in work - can you get unpaid leave for vac schemes? How have you found asking for this any tips etc
For those in work - can you get unpaid leave for vac schemes? How have you found asking for this any tips etc
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!
say what your current firm doesnt have that the new firm DOES have which will make the switch more easier
Jessica Booker
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The advice above is spot on, but you can also say you are still considering a TC at your current firm if you are - firms are expecting people to explore multiple opportunities.
Awwww shucks ☺️!
Love messages like this, really make my day
I do actually have a couple of questions now though...
1. I have a placement at Firm A in April and a placement at Firm B in June. If I get a training contract offer from Firm A in April should I still go on to attend Firm B's placement? This wouldn't be a bad problem to have but it would be tricky to renege on Firm B given I have rented a room for £600.
2. There are some administrative issues with an LLM in Asia which mean that I might get a lower than expected degree in my Master's degree. There's a long story about this involving the university giving me the wrong date for a paper's submission then suddenly demanding submission with no notice. Would this be a problem for a firm and their consideration in maintaining a tC offer, similar to how graduates often need a 2:1? Background info: i have a strong 2:1 undergrad
If you can find some time to get back to me on these it would be highly appreciated.
Jessica Booker
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1) Yes, if you want to and there are no restrictions on your second VS offer (some contracts will state you can't have accepted a TC if you want to go ahead with the placement) you can continue with your second VS.
2) Any TC offer is typically subject to your undergraduate grade, not your masters, so I don't think this will be an issue. Even if it was, if it is something you can explain, then its unlikely to be an issue as this sounds like extenuating circumstances.
FBD AC! Any help would or pointing to TCLA resources would be super useful!
Have you considered asking the firm to interview you for a direct TC instead (if they offer that route)?
hi is this for the freshfields TC? and if so, when did you do the WG - thanks !! xFBD AC! Any help would or pointing to TCLA resources would be super useful!
I am literally in an identical situation.
Received a vac scheme offer for summer which I was able to negotiate prior to accepting my role which will start end of March.
I then received another vac scheme offer for April.
The new job starting in March is really good so I don't want to ask them for more time off already. I called the firm and explained that I want to accept the vac scheme for Spring, but only closer to signing my contract date will I be able to mention this to my new job employer. I then asked it, as a worst case scenario, I can't obtain the vac scheme, whether I can postpone it to next year. The recruitment team was exceptionally kind and understanding and said that they will allow it.
I think it's up to you what you feel comfortable with doing though!
Say you fail the GDL and hence don’t meet the conditions of your TC offer, are you likely to have to pay back your maintenance grant and fees 😅😅
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