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

[kat_]

Just received an update from Mayer Brown that they cannot give me an offer at this time, but they said they are looking at increasing the numbers on the vacation scheme so may be in touch in due course regarding an offer...

Has anyone encountered this situation before lol, or has anyone received the same email?

I had two similar situations (VS and TC) at the end did not get either of them

 

[Zubin]

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.

 

[CF12345]

@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.

thank you so much!

 

[Cantab_95]

Bird & Bird VS offer!!

 

[show_me_the_tc]

Thank you !!! Do u think they’re doing it in alphabetical order? Also did ur portal update? I am so nervous haha!!!

No in my AC grad rec said they will phone people in a random order and my portal didn't update

 

[APPLE619]

Sorry to bother again! For those who did the HSF AC did you hear back the same day?

heard back the next day

 

[Amanpreet Kaur]

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 😭

 

[jcm144]

No in my AC grad rec said they will phone people in a random order and my portal didn't update

Awww amazing tysm! U must b over the moon r u celebrating!?

 

[YJ]

Sorry to bother again! For those who did the HSF AC did you hear back the same day?

I heard the next morning!

 

[Abii]

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 😭

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.

 

[Bestkid98]

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?😅

 

[rohit301099]

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.

 

[ola1994]

Has anyone heard back this week from OC about Bristol Summer Vac Scheme post final AC? Rejections or offers?

 

[S30]

Hey! Does anyone have experience with the Ashurst online test?

 

[lawlondon65]

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.

Speaking as 'career changer' or someone approaching this whole TC/VS process about 5 years after university, I really would encourage you to focus on life experiences as much as just about what makes you a strong candidate for future TCs. My MA (unrelated to law) was one of the best years of my life, and the academic and other skills you will learn through an MA are immeasurably valuable. I always feel slightly sad seeing undergraduate students on this forum panicking about about getting a TC straight from uni, as there is so much more to life alongside that. Getting on an intense corporate train straight out of uni is not *always* the best thing. I used to regret not seeking paralegal opportunities or applying for TCs straight from university, but now I am so so grateful I have had the career/academic path that I have. You're still at university - you are so young and a year at Cambridge would be an incredible opportunity. Cambridge will also open a lot of doors for you. Massive congratulations for getting in!

You know your own circumstances better than me lol, but just wanted to share my perspective. Wishing you all the best.

 

[Deobicaratexol0804]

heard back the next day

If you dont mind sharing, was it an offer or rejection? And also when did you do the AC? Nobody's contacted me in over 3 weeks ffsss

 

[thirdtimelucky]

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.

I second @lawlondon65 post! I did a masters in Art History (after doing an undergrad degree in history) and it was the absolute best time I ever had because I was so deeply passionate about the subject and it really allowed me to hone in on my writing and research skills. The tailored learning you get from an MA as well as more time to think about what you want out of life it really special (and time you won’t get it you work!). I also managed (somehow) to tie my MA dissertation into law so even in a non-law subject there are always ways to tie it back into your work! In my recent AC, I actually got to speak about my MA and how it fit into my journey into law so it also gives you a way of standing out and having something interesting to talk about in interviews!

Secondly, having done my undergrad at Cambridge, it’s an amazing city and a brilliant university so congratulations for getting in and I would encourage you to go and enjoy yourself. If you have any questions about the Uni let me know!!

 

[Crystal86]

If you dont mind sharing, was it an offer or rejection? And also when did you do the AC? Nobody's contacted me in over 3 weeks ffsss

Hi! Have you tried calling graduate recruitment?

 

[Miki3999]

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

I think the MA will not hurt your chances and being at Cambridge is a fantastic experience (difficult to admit this for an Oxonian haha) so I would 100% go for it.

 

[Deleted member 11671]

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 😭

Hi Amanpreet, like others are saying it's great that you've made it this far so you must be doing something right. If it's a specific interview task you are struggling with, I would recommend you spend some time practicing that. You could also try having a session with a coach - I had one with Aspiring Solicitors and they were super helpful. There are other coaches available too. If you would like to speak with a peer, happy to have a chat with you. I'm a South Asian woman so we come from the same cultural background (assuming you are so from your name). Feel free to DM me 😊