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

[Abii]

How can I prepare for applying to paralegal jobs, I am doing the LPC, but how can I standout, my paralegal rejection emails are about lack of experience and qualifications.

Paralegal jobs are tough to get, some are just as competitive as TCs in terms of applicant numbers. I've personally only ever worked in house as a paralegal, both jobs secured pre-LPC and for large household recognised companies. Do you have any transferable skills to align to paralegal duties - ie time management, working to deadlines, working in teams etc. I always highlighted those in applications and have had success, but to caveat that I have also had a number of rejections on the same basis. for each application that I reached interview there were 30 that I never even heard back from the initial application. It is a very competitive market!

 

[Jessica Booker]

How can I prepare for applying to paralegal jobs, I am doing the LPC, but how can I standout, my paralegal rejection emails are about lack of experience and qualifications.

I’d focus on contract or temp roles first. They can often be more flexible with requirements.

Also look out for roles that may match your unique skill set (eg industry specific, in-house paralegal roles, ones that require knowledge of a country/language).

 

[CC03]

Hi - is anyone still waiting to hear from DLA Piper and A&O?

 

[GXA123]

I’d focus on contract or temp roles first. They can often be more flexible with requirements.

Also look out for roles that may match your unique skill set (eg industry specific, in-house paralegal roles, ones that require knowledge of a country/language).

Paralegal jobs are tough to get, some are just as competitive as TCs in terms of applicant numbers. I've personally only ever worked in house as a paralegal, both jobs secured pre-LPC and for large household recognised companies. Do you have any transferable skills to align to paralegal duties - ie time management, working to deadlines, working in teams etc. I always highlighted those in applications and have had success, but to caveat that I have also had a number of rejections on the same basis. for each application that I reached interview there were 30 that I never even heard back from the initial application. It is a very competitive market!

the issue is that most apps don't ask for written questions or a cover letter, that is why I feel like I am struggling the most

 

[Hele25]

I think it is fine to reference this, but it is important to focus on you rather than someone else, so keep this reference as brief as possible (eg sentence or two tops).

Thanks Jessica,

I’ve tweaked it a little and may just remove it entirely. I know I have stronger points!
Will probably send it in for a review tbh, cover letters always trip me up!

 

[Jessica Booker]

the issue is that most apps don't ask for written questions or a cover letter, that is why I feel like I am struggling the most

Have you spoken to a recruiter about your profile/registered with any agencies?

 

[GXA123]

Have you spoken to a recruiter about your profile/registered with any agencies?

No, how do I register with an agency?

 

[S30]

No, how do I register with an agency?

Here’s a list of legal recruiters you can register with:

https://www.ryderreid.com/registration/

Submit CV | Michael Page

www.michaelpage.co.uk

Candidate Registration and CV Upload - Jameson Legal

Registration and CV upload Please register with us using the below form. You can also call us on +44 (0)203 427 3148 to speak with one of our consultants.

www.jamesonlegal.com

Register | JMC Legal

Register for an account with JMC Legal to access the latest roles and advice from the expert consultants at our legal recruitment agency.

www.jmc-legal.com

Hope that helps!

Once registered, a recruiter would normally contact you within 2-3 days about your job preferences and what ideal role you are particularly looking for based on your CV attached.

 

[GXA123]

Here’s a list of legal recruiters you can register with:

https://www.ryderreid.com/registration/

Submit CV | Michael Page

www.michaelpage.co.uk

Candidate Registration and CV Upload - Jameson Legal

Registration and CV upload Please register with us using the below form. You can also call us on +44 (0)203 427 3148 to speak with one of our consultants.

www.jamesonlegal.com

Register | JMC Legal

Register for an account with JMC Legal to access the latest roles and advice from the expert consultants at our legal recruitment agency.

www.jmc-legal.com

Hope that helps!

Once registered, a recruiter would normally contact you within 2-3 days about your job preferences and what ideal role you are particularly looking for based on your CV attached.

Thank you so muchhhhhhh

 

[AAA_a]

Is it likely to progress with Mayer Brown with two above average and three average in the test?

 

[S87]

Thank you so muchhhhhhh

Also use LinkedIn to network with recruiters and make yourself available, I literally started as an insurance tech on a 18K salary and now I am a paralegal on a trainee salary. So, it is going to take time but exploit every single damn opportunity to get your career going.

 

[John Travoni]

Is it likely to progress with Mayer Brown with two above average and three average in the test?

It’s completely subjective. You may do really well and get all above averages but you may not pass the other tests. You need to pass both tests to progress to the TI.

 

[CC03]

Here’s a list of legal recruiters you can register with:

https://www.ryderreid.com/registration/

Submit CV | Michael Page

www.michaelpage.co.uk

Candidate Registration and CV Upload - Jameson Legal

Registration and CV upload Please register with us using the below form. You can also call us on +44 (0)203 427 3148 to speak with one of our consultants.

www.jamesonlegal.com

Register | JMC Legal

Register for an account with JMC Legal to access the latest roles and advice from the expert consultants at our legal recruitment agency.

www.jmc-legal.com

Hope that helps!

Once registered, a recruiter would normally contact you within 2-3 days about your job preferences and what ideal role you are particularly looking for based on your CV attached.

This is really helpful-thanks for sharing

 

[CC03]

Also use LinkedIn to network with recruiters and make yourself available, I literally started as an insurance tech on a 18K salary and now I am a paralegal on a trainee salary. So, it is going to take time but exploit every single damn opportunity to get your career going.

Did you have any paralegal experience before? As I’m facing a similar issue. I’m a recent graduate (2021) and cannot seem to even get a 18k job. Super impressive to be sitting on a trainee salary

 

[M777]

Is it likely to progress with Mayer Brown with two above average and three average in the test?

Think that's what I got last year and I progressed

 

[S87]

Did you have any paralegal experience before? As I’m facing a similar issue. I’m a recent graduate (2021) and cannot seem to even get a 18k job

So, I am a bit privileged because I had two internships where I worked for free. I made a pact with my parents, I am coming back home for a while I have a bit of money saved..do you mind supporting me? So for 4 months I stayed home and did two legal internships. But in retrospective, this was a mistake because city firms do not care about foreign work and it took me 9 months to find my first ever long-term role. Literally noodles and chicken and endless applications. My first role was not a legal role, I recommend you to consider other industries too because you gain transferable skills. It has taken me 3 years to be where I am so be kind to yourself!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Just got a PFO from Latham post VI

Have been rejected by two firms post VI (Latham and W&C) which feels a bit concerning... Just hope that I am able to convert the winter VS that I do have!! (touchwood)

I am sorry to hear that.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I believe they're non-rolling for all opportunities.

Thank you for this.

 

[CC03]

So, I am a bit privileged because I had two internships where I worked for free. I made a pact with my parents, I am coming back home for a while I have a bit of money saved..do you mind supporting me? So for 4 months I stayed home and did two legal internships. But in retrospective, this was a mistake because city firms do not care about foreign work and it took me 9 months to find my first ever long-term role. Literally noodles and chicken and endless applications. My first role was not a legal role, I recommend you to consider other industries too because you gain transferable skills. It has taken me 3 years to be where I am so be kind to yourself!

Your story is so inspiring. I think the job market itself is so competitive let alone trying to get a training contract. I will take your advice on board

 

[S87]

Your story is so inspiring. I think the job market itself is so competitive let alone trying to get a training contract. I will take your advice on board

Guys,

I repeat once again, My two closest friends were a tax advisor and a PT and they got a training contract! Yes you learn a lot by being a paralegal but that will not necessarily give you a TC. I am the perfect example..so just work!