TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Legalstalker]

I learned my lesson with trainees and understood that they would not reply. I get it, they're busy. That's why this time I contacted STUDENTS who got the vac scheme
Like c'mon - how busy can you be? Especially since they viewed my message and are online most of the time...

I should’ve specified “future trainee” they didn’t start at the firm yet 😭😭 so totally agree with the how busy can you be🤣 everytime I go onto my LinkedIn messages they’re online! She applied for the Scotland office too no competition whatsoever 🤣

 

[laby201]

I learned my lesson with trainees and understood that they would not reply. I get it, they're busy. That's why this time I contacted STUDENTS who got the vac scheme
Like c'mon - how busy can you be? Especially since they viewed my message and are online most of the time...

I get completely where you're coming from, but I probably attribute it to law just being such a cut-throat, often self-absorbed industry.

Even if they've secured a VS, that doesn't necessarily mean they're guaranteed a TC. If they give you VS tips and you get a place, it may be you that prevents them from getting that TC. It sounds petty, but I honestly think those are the small margins that go through people's heads.

Rather than LinkedIn, I've found people on here to be really helpful. If you just type in "VS Mishcon" say from someone who secured it, then just message them as I feel they're way more likely to provide tips. Generally a much more helpful environment than LinkedIn, which I find is often more about those who want to boast or inflate their ego.

 

[Will123]

Hill Dickinson assessment invite! Was waiting forever for that one. Does anyone have any advice for an Amberjack assessment? It is my first time doing one and from what I have read on this forum, I should be wary of it

 

[LawJourney101]

How did people find the NRF VI?

 

[bangarangbass39]

I think we’ll have to agree to disagree!

I know many people who graduated with 1sts, started their own societies and STILL could not manage to land any VSs/TCs. University prestige isn’t a crazy advantage anymore either. Those factors are absolutely null and void if speaking to the candidate is like speaking to a brick wall. University prestige won’t help when they need to work in a team or take risks. Also, just because someone has done ALL of those things doesn’t mean they are able to transfer what they’ve learnt into an appropriate format for interviews and assessments.

From personal experience, every single TC/VS interview I have been to, the interviewers have asked me about two experiences on my CV that are not related to law. I’ve been working in the profession for over 3 years now and it’s those two particular experiences that they’re interested in. Everyone can paralegal these days but partners have said they’re interested in people who have done things outside of law.

Regarding your point about legal experience, even if someone went off to be an accountant for a year, they may still have an advantage over those who did loads of law related stuff at university. They’ve got real life experience and being an accountant is very similar to being a lawyer. And the question the firm would want to know is why did they become an accountant in the first place? Why did they switch to law? What was it like taking such a leap? Questions that anyone could answer!

Sorry for the clogging the forum guys but bottom line is whether you’re an air hostess, paralegal or cleaner, your REAL LIFE experiences will never put you at a disadvantage as long as you are able to sell it to your interviewers!

Legal Experience is great, but I think too many people get by on weak legal experience - Like open days (god i'm still confused as to why it's considered valuable). I also think people are obsessed with it. Sure if it works for some, don't fix it. But I think you should really focus on what you are passionate about or interested in outside of law. Especially if you are someone who has a law degree! You don't need to do much more than that to show you have a passion for law! I'm non law applicant and I've had to really dig deep in to what makes me stand out compared to other candidates and why that helps in law. I think this is why I have enjoyed the application cycle this year. (it's my first time)

I've found found the writing process so easy and also enjoyable. I also have a clearer understanding of what sectors I'd like to work in - sure the lack of legal experience is a downside but the direct experience I have with sectors I am passionate about working in is way more valuable than having down a weeks worth of shadowing where I didn't do a lot. I'm so shocked that Law students aren't encouraged to delve in their interests outside of law a lot more. It's a shame. So many applicants are a like because they go for the same experiences and insights. I think it would help with CV's and apps if people spent more time doing curriculars/work experience outside of law.

 

[bella98]

I get completely where you're coming from, but I probably attribute it to law just being such a cut-throat, often self-absorbed industry.

Even if they've secured a VS, that doesn't necessarily mean they're guaranteed a TC. If they give you VS tips and you get a place, it may be you that prevents them from getting that TC. It sounds petty, but I honestly think those are the small margins that go through people's heads.

Rather than LinkedIn, I've found people on here to be really helpful. If you just type in "VS Mishcon" say from someone who secured it, then just message them as I feel they're way more likely to provide tips. Generally a much more helpful environment than LinkedIn, which I find is often more about those who want to boast or inflate their ego.

Oh..I reached out to people who got the spring vacation scheme thinking they'd likely receive their training contract offers before those in the summer schemes. It's incredibly disheartening I swear, especially when I always make an effort to share detailed insights about my assessment centers. I'm holding onto hope that they'll respond by next week.

Thank you for your tips; the support in this community is far superior, which is why I love it! I always try to contribute by offering my insights as well.

 

[oyku]

I've been placed on a reserve list 😕

How do you know if you’ve been placed on a reserve list also what is that if you’ve been unsuccessful from the placement ?

 

[Farhan65756]

How do you know if you’ve been placed on a reserve list also what is that if you’ve been unsuccessful from the placement ?

They’ll tell you in the email whether you’re on the reserve list or not

 

[EK_27]

Does anyone have a list of firms far aren’t as strict with module grades please?

 

[ghostyb]

hogan pfo today :/

 

[ohnoselim]

hi ppl is amberjack timed
have to do the browne jacobson SJT and im tired of tests honestly

 

[ChasingTCS]

Does anyone else have DWF’s AC coming up?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre I just got invited to an assessment centre for a spring vac scheme but i'm already going to one on the same dates - do you think i should email to ask to be considered for summer instead? and would you advise telling them that i've got another vac scheme on those dates, or just saying that i've got another commitment? thanks for your help

They are likely to ask what the commitment is anyway and will expect it to be another scheme (as this is the most common reason), so I wouldn’t worry about disclosing it.

If you wouldn’t accept this VS over the one you already have, then I would ask them whether you can be considered for the summer scheme before the assessment centre.

 

[B.B.]

How do you know if you’ve been placed on a reserve list also what is that if you’ve been unsuccessful from the placement ?

They’ll tell you in the email whether you’re on the reserve list or not

Yes, they told me in the email
If someone declines their placement, I’ll be invited

 

[NMA]

Macfarlanes VS - haven't seen anyone else post it here, PM me if you're doing spring!

 

[neonorange]

Pals, I know this was asked earlier but did anyone hear from ML today? Need to know if I should brace myself for a post-TI PFO next week

 

[legallyad]

Pals, I know this was asked earlier but did anyone hear from ML today? Need to know if I should brace myself for a post-TI PFO next week

I got an email about letting us know where they are in the recruitment process at around 7:20 ish! my heart almost fell out of my chest as i thought it was an update 😭 but they’re planning to let us know early next week!

 

[Mariyah_T]

I got an email about letting us know where they are in the recruitment process at around 7:20 ish! my heart almost fell out of my chest as i thought it was an update 😭 but they’re planning to let us know early next week!

I've heard back. Second Stage Interview invite

 

[legallyad]

I've heard back. Second Stage Interview invite

Oh congratulations! When did you do the TI and when did you hear back?

 

[Mariyah_T]

I've heard back. Second Stage Interview invite

Oh congratulations! When did you do the TI and when did you hear back?

Thank you! I literally did it today as I was away during the normal TI period. Just heard back around 7.15pm