Casual mid-afternoon check of an application portal and the switch from “you have applied” to “you application has been reviewed and is currently being processed” is about the most panic inducing, impending doom set of words ever created. Lol
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)
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Casual mid-afternoon check of an application portal and the switch from “you have applied” to “you application has been reviewed and is currently being processed” is about the most panic inducing, impending doom set of words ever created. Lol
Sorry to bother again! For those who did the HSF AC did you hear back the same day?
@George Maxwell How would you answer an interview question regarding how a firm remains competitive / HSF's competitive strategy? Thank you!
Looking forward to reading @George Maxwell 's thoughts but would like to add mine too as I have answered this question in the past.
Try to think of a few things that you think are the firm's strongest selling points for clients. Certain business development initiatives, strength of their core practice areas, their approach to delivering their legal services- pick anything that stands out to you the most and genuinely interests you from a client view point (it is important for me to emphasise this because it may differ from what you like about the firm as an aspiring solicitor).
Then look for other firms who could boast of similar selling points and identify what the firm you're applying to does differently/better re that particular point to demonstrate how they maintain competitive. This may take a lot of effort on your part because this information is not always readily available, but once you do this, you can rest assured that your answer will stand out.
In the end, put it all together in a neat structure. You could state the thing that you think makes the firm competitive ➡️ justify this with evidence and reasons (you can bring in figures, initiatives, awards etc. here)➡️ repeat for 2-4 points depending on how much time and capacity you have.
Looking forward to reading @George Maxwell 's thoughts but would like to add mine too as I have answered this question in the past.
Try to think of a few things that you think are the firm's strongest selling points for clients. Certain business development initiatives, strength of their core practice areas, their approach to delivering their legal services- pick anything that stands out to you the most and genuinely interests you from a client view point (it is important for me to emphasise this because it may differ from what you like about the firm as an aspiring solicitor).
Then look for other firms who could boast of similar selling points and identify what the firm you're applying to does differently/better re that particular point to demonstrate how they maintain competitive. This may take a lot of effort on your part because this information is not always readily available, but once you do this, you can rest assured that your answer will stand out.
In the end, put it all together in a neat structure. You could state the thing that you think makes the firm competitive ➡️ justify this with evidence and reasons (you can bring in figures, initiatives, awards etc. here)➡️ repeat for 2-4 points depending on how much time and capacity you have.
You could email them now simply stating when you applied and when you can expect an outcome for your application without needing to mention that you're doing so to plan time off as that may come off as being slightly presumptive.Okay so I’ve applied to a rather small firm for a summer vac scheme (held in May🤷♀️), and I received confirmation that they’re received my application on the 13th of Feb, but nothing further.
When is it appropriate to send an email asking for an approximate timeline? I need to start planning time off work etc! Thanks!
Jessica Booker
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They need people in the office to supervise you and also make sure you are ok/learning etc.
That is much trickier to do when people are working from home more. So finding supervisors who can supervise you is much trickier than it ever was before.
I had two similar situations (VS and TC) at the end did not get either of them
Just finished a Baker McKenzie AC for their summer vacation scheme and it went so well. And right after I finished, I got an offer from Bird & Bird! I'm over the moon! Thank you, TCLA, you've been an incredible help to me.
No in my AC grad rec said they will phone people in a random order
and my portal didn't update
PFO from w&c to finally end my application cycle. Having had interviews from 3 firms and flopping them all, I’m feeling seriously deflated. Does anyone have any tips/assurance to provide? I rly need it 😭
Awww amazing tysm! U must b over the moon r u celebrating!?No in my AC grad rec said they will phone people in a random order
It’s really tough getting rejected after interview - I find those hurt more than a post application or tests PFO.
However the fact you got to interview with three firms is huge so be proud of that. And if you did it this cycle you can do it again next cycle but with all the knowledge of what an interview/AC is really like and use the feedback from this cycle to be even better next cycle and get those offers! You only need a yes from the one right firm - and this is coming from someone who it took 3 cycles to get an offer so I know how it feels.
Unrelated question to the current thread, but I wondered how easy or hard it is to renege on a TC offer you accepted? Really interested to hear from @Jessica Booker and your thoughts on this?😅
Hi guys, unfortunately, I have not been successful this cycle because I only started thinking about a legal career in December... I am a third-year non-law student, and I have been offered a place to do an MA at the University of Cambridge (really fortunate). Still, I can't decide between doing that or applying for paralegal opportunities? Would a MA hurt my chances, or am I better off getting experience in Law? Any help would be appreciated! I just lost at what to do atm Currently, I have only a month's experience working in a solicitor's office, that I did at Sixth form.
Currently, I have only a month's experience working in a solicitor's office, that I did at Sixth form.
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