TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[aspiringsolicitor23]

It should be tomorrow

Has any one

Hi does anyone know is the deadline for Perkins Coie is today 23:59 or tomorrow?

I'm wondering about this too - has anyone been able to clarify - it does say by 23 June which makes me wonder if they do mean by midnight today.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Has any one

I'm wondering about this too - has anyone been able to clarify - it does say by 23 June which makes me wonder if they do mean by midnight today.

I’m praying the deadline is 5pm tomorrow omg why is it so hard for them to give a clear deadline

 

[Gin]

Hi there! I’ll inquire about this and get back to you shortly.

Hi Amma would you mind clarifying that? Thank you!!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

I’m praying the deadline is 5pm tomorrow omg why is it so hard for them to give a clear deadline

Yes I take "by date" to mean before that date so 23.59 tonight.

 

[BobThebIlly]

guys I need some help on the education part of Perkins Coie's application. I can only find my university but cannot find my secondary school/sixth form -- where am I supposed to list my grades? Am I supposed to write them out in the GPA box??

 

[lawstudent2]

guys I need some help on the education part of Perkins Coie's application. I can only find my university but cannot find my secondary school/sixth form -- where am I supposed to list my grades? Am I supposed to write them out in the GPA box??

My school isn't on there either but it is on my CV so I am hoping they might see it there? I'm not really sure what else to do atp

 

[Amma Usman]

Thanks for the thoughts - there's no commute per se, as it's online (although realistically I wouldn't feel comfortable doing an interview for a different firm from the firm's office, so I'd need to find a location elsewhere, which would probably add around 15 minutes to my downtime).

As I understand it the 90 minutes is comprised of a 45-minute interview and an assessment: it's not clear whether the assessment can be done separately; I've emailed to ask, but I suspect not - a 45-minute interview seems more doable, but 90 minutes seems excessive.

Ah yes, I believe you are right in suggesting that it may not be within seperate timeframes. As the firm has mentioned 90 minutes, there will likely be a different component included - probably more information to come from the firm on this, though it’s worth clarifying if you have any doubts. In any case, however, I’d still reference my old post in saying that it is still risky and clear communication with all parties is still needed if you do decide to attend the AC with the firm that isn’t your VS firm.

I hope this helps, and please do let us know if you have any more questions at all.

 

[Amma Usman]

What are peoples thoughts on moving from a paralegal role at a low level national firm to a legal secretary/PA role at a large law firm?

There’s a lot of mobility in the legal sector, especially with skilled roles such as these. As an example, any paralegal experience is valuable, such that you could move from a paralegal role at national firms to even other paralegal roles at bigger international firms. I have seen many people succeed in doing so. I also know of people that move between practice areas for paralegal roles, for example. Therefore, there is not only firm-wise mobility, but also sector-related mobility.

 

[chlawstudent]

Hello, I have recently found out my supervisors for my upcoming vac scheme. I have sent requests to connect on LinkedIn and I was just wondering what the best format/structure is to send a message ahead of the scheme to introduce myself? Thanks in advance!

 

[gazdgazd11]

Hello, I have recently found out my supervisors for my upcoming vac scheme. I have sent requests to connect on LinkedIn and I was just wondering what the best format/structure is to send a message ahead of the scheme to introduce myself? Thanks in advance!

Just wait until after the scheme imo

 

[chlawstudent]

Just wait until after the scheme imo

Oh okay, is it just the trainee buddy you should message before then ? And not the supervisors too?

Thanks

 

[trainee4u]

Ah yes, I believe you are right in suggesting that it may not be within seperate timeframes. As the firm has mentioned 90 minutes, there will likely be a different component included - probably more information to come from the firm on this, though it’s worth clarifying if you have any doubts. In any case, however, I’d still reference my old post in saying that it is still risky and clear communication with all parties is still needed if you do decide to attend the AC with the firm that isn’t your VS firm.

I hope this helps, and please do let us know if you have any more questions at all.

They've come back to me today saying that I only need 45 minutes as I can complete the other part the following week - they have offered me 12 or 3pm, neither of which feel exactly ideal - if it was a bit after 12 that would be one thing as it's lunch time, but rushing off at 11:45am would likely raise an eyebrow.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

A mix of bullet points and prose is always recommended. Though, given the word limit constraint, I understand your carefulness around this. I would personally aim for around 2-4 bullet points (depending on how detailed you really want to be) accurately explained. You don’t need to link it to the firm at this point, but it’ll be good to weave in any skills acquired. Though, please don’t stress about it too much for now as the other application questions/cover letters will provide way more scope to go into that in more detail anyway.

Let me give you one example of a bullet point below:

- Interned within the in-house legal team of an investment bank. I was responsible for compiling a detailed list of matters for consideration in the next AI report to be disseminated across global fronts. In addition, typical daily tasks included document review, and recording minute meetings. Feedback from my manager on my ability to manage multiple commitments easily and simultaneously produce high-quality work, fuelled my passion to become a commercial lawyer.

Thanks Amma, that helps!