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

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Arche172372

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Jan 7, 2022
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Anyone know which firms actually prioritise RG/Oxbridge grads?

I understand that there is a huge misconception that firms prioritise RG candidates when in reality this is largely incorrect. However, does anyone know of firms that actively do engage in this practise?

i.e. Sherman and sterling have 4% non RG trainees.
The thing is RG is not really an equal playing field in itself. There is quite a gap in ‘prestige’ or whatever you want to call it between UCL/ LSE law compared to less known RG’s for example. I’m not saying it’s right or correct but it’s just about reputation and probably difficulty of admission.
 
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CorporateLaw101

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  • Nov 16, 2021
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    The thing is RG is not really an equal playing field in itself. There is quite a gap in ‘prestige’ or whatever you want to call it between UCL/ LSE law compared to less known RG’s for example. I’m not saying it’s right or correct but it’s just about reputation and probably difficulty of admission.
    Indeed, Re my reply above; there are many factors at play. My universities admission standards are absolutely atrocious!
     

    Asil Ahmad

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  • Mar 29, 2020
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    I understand the Legal Cheek percentages, but they are often misconstrued as favouritism.

    for example less non RG universities apply, arent lectured on how to apply well to firms, and less non RG students wish to peruse careers in commercial law. In fact it’s been stated many times than non RG applications are just weaker than RG students in general.

    I was wondering whether anyone knew of any firms that do specifically cherry pick universities.

    I come from a high ranked in law (but not so high overall) non-RG university and want to maximise my time applying to firms where I will actually be considered for my abilities, not the name of my university so just looking for the last few before this cycle ends!
    I umderstand what you mean.
     

    Rob93

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    Dec 29, 2020
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    Anyone know which firms actually prioritise RG/Oxbridge grads?

    I understand that there is a huge misconception that firms prioritise RG candidates when in reality this is largely incorrect. However, does anyone know of firms that actively do engage in this practise?

    i.e. Sherman and sterling have 4% non RG trainees.
    Few, if any, will say outright that they prioritise RG/Oxbridge. Others have noted that there is a self-selection element, and that is responsible for a lot of the discrepancy.

    However - and I don't have data to support this, this is entirely anecdotal - the US firms with very small footprints in London are, in the round, probably more inclined to place a high premium on prestige. By this I mean the firms that are taking on like... 2-6 trainees per year.
     

    Asil Ahmad

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    I haven’t been put off applying to firms because of legal cheeks university breakdowns but in these last few days of applications I need to maximise my productivity.

    I.e. Goodwin, Shearman, Osbourne, Trowers.

    anyone know whether grad recruitment have ever specified a preference to certain universities?
    Good luck with applications and don't think too much into this as law firms are changing their approach to this.
     

    Donuttime

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    May 17, 2021
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    I haven’t been put off applying to firms because of legal cheeks university breakdowns but in these last few days of applications I need to maximise my productivity.

    I.e. Goodwin, Shearman, Osbourne, Trowers.

    anyone know whether grad recruitment have ever specified a preference to certain universities?
    Not too sure but I know Shearman prefers Oxbridge as it adds prestige to the firm not sure about others tho
     
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