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

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tc.la.vs

Esteemed Member
Mar 1, 2021
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I don’t think it’s a standard rejection. There will be plenty of people they won’t be encouraging to reapply for a TC.

How many people they send such an email to is difficult to tell though. But if they are sending it, I’d encourage you to consider the direct TC route/application.
Thank you! I was hoping it wasn't standard as its a 'transfer my app across' rather than reapply type situation but I never know. Thank you!
 

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Thank you! I was hoping it wasn't standard as its a 'transfer my app across' rather than reapply type situation but I never know. Thank you!
I would reply back and confirm you’d like to be considered for a direct TC and ask if there is any further information you can provide to support your application.
 

s10

Distinguished Member
Oct 1, 2020
60
431
Does anybody know what the TC conversion rate for Latham or Dechert is?
Also does anybody have experience choosing between two different vac scheme offers? I understand this may be highly subjective, but what were the sort of factors you considered before choosing which firm's offer to accept? Feeling extremely lost and under pressure here because I acknowledge the firm I choose might ultimately directly impact any probability of me being offered a TC...
 

Homer

Star Member
Premium Member
Jan 12, 2021
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I have a question regarding strategy/ direct TC applications, which I would really appreciate hearing people's thoughts on. Would be particularly grateful if @Jessica Booker could give some insight.

Direct TCs are opening up now until June/July. Having secured a few Vac Schemes with firms I would enjoy working at, should I apply to some direct TCs at other firms (that i'd also enjoy working at)?

I ask because my main priority is simply securing a TC this year. I realise Vac schemes can be unpredictable and I was considering whether I could advantageously leverage the fact I have vac schemes coming up with other rival firms, during the application (as it would make me seem like a more desirable candidate) to get a direct TC now. If I dont end up converting one of the VS, surely, my position wouldn't be as strong for direct TCs as it is this year.

Another consideration is that I am a final year law UG at Oxbridge. In other words, I have a very demanding few months of exam prep coming and there would be an opportunity cost (in that I'd be taking time away from my revision) to do these direct TC applications.
 

Bestkid98

Star Member
Junior Lawyer
Feb 22, 2020
32
70
Oh amazing, congrats! It's been a week now so I am guessing I am unsuccessful.
Thanks really appreciate it- I wouldn't jump to conclusions. I think some people hear back quicker due to the interviewing partner providing the feedback quickly to grad rec while others may have delayed in giving that feedback to grad rec due to various factors. Fingers crossed for you nonetheless.
 

Jessica Booker

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TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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I have a question regarding strategy/ direct TC applications, which I would really appreciate hearing people's thoughts on. Would be particularly grateful if @Jessica Booker could give some insight.

Direct TCs are opening up now until June/July. Having secured a few Vac Schemes with firms I would enjoy working at, should I apply to some direct TCs at other firms (that i'd also enjoy working at)?

I ask because my main priority is simply securing a TC this year. I realise Vac schemes can be unpredictable and I was considering whether I could advantageously leverage the fact I have vac schemes coming up with other rival firms, during the application (as it would make me seem like a more desirable candidate) to get a direct TC now. If I dont end up converting one of the VS, surely, my position wouldn't be as strong for direct TCs as it is this year.

Another consideration is that I am a final year law UG at Oxbridge. In other words, I have a very demanding few months of exam prep coming and there would be an opportunity cost (in that I'd be taking time away from my revision) to do these direct TC applications.
If there are ultimately firms you want to work for that you haven't secured VS with and can apply this year to, then I would recommend doing so. It just sounds like you can be selective as to who those might be given your three+ vacation schemes you have coming up, and given how busy you will be with your studies and your vacations schemes (don't underestimate how much of your time/energy will be taken up by these too).

If it was me, I'd just be strategic about it - identify the deadlines after my exams so I could focus on them, select the firms that I would only choose over the firms that I have VS with, and make a shortlist from there.

You can definitely leverage your upcoming schemes though.

Even for those with multiple schemes, I recommend making some backup direct TC applications to.
 

Phoenix for all

Distinguished Member
  • Feb 13, 2020
    62
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    TL;DR - Is it ok to ask to be transferred to direct TC route a month after accepting a VS offer?

    Hi hive minds, I am a career changer and I need some advice here - I just got offered a summer VS today :eek: I genuinely didn't expect myself to get this VS because I had a very disheartening winter vs cycle, so I am feeling over the moon! On the other hand, I also applied to many non-legal jobs as a plan B (because the winter cycle was so traumatizing), and not long ago I found myself a role within a well-known PE fund (!), which I already signed.

    I don't think I can definitively accept/turn down this VS now, for two reasons:
    1 - I can't find any clause in my new contract that explicitly mentions part time/second job (kudos to the HSF lawyers drafting my 50 pages contract+NDA o_O - it was a pain to read lolol), but I hesitate to contact my new company's HR regarding this before I start next month, as I don't want to cross them and look uncommitted to my new job. I should also add that i have done VS elsewhere before but that didn't convert. So I am not sure if doing another VS is worth it....
    2 - While law is still my plan A, I am not sure if a TC (let alone a VS) at this specific law firm is worth me giving up this new PE fund job. When I applied to this law firm I hadn't got my new job, so I haven't compared them before and I don't want to come to a quick decision w/o careful considerations. Ideally, I want to start my new job first so I have more info to make an informed decision.

    The said law firm has a direct TC route which is currently accepting applications, so my plan is to accept the VS first, and ask to be transferred to direct TC if I really can't take time off for the VS in the end - how much more does this annoy a law firm than me telling them now that I need to transfer to a direct TC? @Jessica Booker

    Thank you so much in advance for your advice!
     
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