TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[aphelion]

Do you need to be a real social butterfly to convert a VS? I'm on my second vac scheme in a row and already exhausted and I can feel myself not putting myself out there as much as I did on the previous one. I'm starting to worry that my relative lack of networking is going to be a deakbreaker especially compared to what I'm seeing from my fellow vac schemers, who seem to be closer with their supervisors and others in the department.

 

[jta227]

Do you need to be a real social butterfly to convert a VS? I'm on my second vac scheme in a row and already exhausted and I can feel myself not putting myself out there as much as I did on the previous one. I'm starting to worry that my relative lack of networking is going to be a deakbreaker especially compared to what I'm seeing from my fellow vac schemers, who seem to be closer with their supervisors and others in the department.

I would say you should put yourself out there - the scheme isn't only for you to do tasks for 2 weeks. That being said you shouldn't network simply for networking's sake i.e. you should have [good] questions to ask and be interested in people, also bring a notebook everywhere unless it's not appropriate. I have heard of candidates who spent their whole scheme having coffee chats and didn't convert their VS, and those who had them sparingly and did convert. There isn't really a one-size-fits-all method—just avoid pointless conversations (if you're scheduling time for a chat specifically) as lawyers' time is valuable. Obviously this also depends on the firm as they may have different assessment components they're looking for - but generally as long as people have a positive impression of you you should be fine in that regard.

Good luck with the VS and good luck with the results from the previous one as well!

 

[FM302989]

Just received a video interview invite for a PARALEGAL role . For a firm nobody will have heard of as well

I started my career as a Paralegal in a small regional firm of less than 10 people. Now I'm 2 PQE at a top 100 firm. I wouldn't be here without the skills, experience and knowledge gained from that first role

 

[FM302989]

are there any good podcast recs? i'm tired of reading articles lmao

BBC Wake Up to Money every morning. Available on Spotify and Apple

 

[EG3]

They asked some stupid question last year 'if you could have any superpower'.

This year it was 'if you could invite anyone from the past/fictional to dinner'

 

[BillSikes]

I started my career as a Paralegal in a small regional firm of less than 10 people. Now I'm 2 PQE at a top 100 firm. I wouldn't be here without the skills, experience and knowledge gained from that first role

Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.

 

[FM302989]

Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.

An interview is an interview mate; plus that saves you commuting into an office. Paralegal jobs can be quite competitive so be prepared. Good luck!

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.

I think you may be underestimating how competitive paralegal jobs are these days too.

 

[Amma Usman]

Do you need to be a real social butterfly to convert a VS? I'm on my second vac scheme in a row and already exhausted and I can feel myself not putting myself out there as much as I did on the previous one. I'm starting to worry that my relative lack of networking is going to be a deakbreaker especially compared to what I'm seeing from my fellow vac schemers, who seem to be closer with their supervisors and others in the department.

I completely understand how intimidating these situations can feel at first, but it’s important to be socially active. It’s a big part of the job as a lawyer, so you need to showcase that skill and demonstrate that you can build rapport with people quite easily.

I appreciate that this ability takes time to develop, but a simple greeting like, “Hi, I’m part of the vacation scheme cohort, currently sitting in X department with X,” is a great place to start. From there, people usually begin asking about your experience, you ask them about theirs, and the conversation tends to flow naturally.

It’s definitely a skill that takes practice, but it’s one you need to work on and visibly demonstrate throughout your scheme. Being good on paper but lacking social engagement can potentially affect your chances of conversion.

Also, the way you come across matters. Sometimes, in trying to make a good impression, people can be overly eager, speak too quickly, or even accidentally interrupt the other person. That can come off as disrespectful and affect the tone of the conversation, especially in a professional setting. It’s something worth being mindful of.

Best of luck with the scheme!

 

[cheeseontoast]

Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?

 

[trainee4u]

Hi guys, i have a question to ask. I was wondering how does a firm PEP or a firm revenue can affect a trainee or a vac schemer? More importanly, how does this link to me as an applicant for a firm vac scheme or TC? How do i link this information to my "why this firm" question?

I don't think revenue & PEP affect vac schemers directly. PEP will point to higher pay (and longer hours), which is somewhat relevant for trainees, although you typically only get paid the big bucks after qualification.

I'm not sure why you are mentioning these, but it's not something that's generally discussed on an application form except insofar as it points to things about the firm - e.g., a firm with $3 million PEP is getting the biggest deals and best work, so that's something you'd be excited to work on. A firm whose revenue is growing 20% YoY is one that is thriving and you're obviously keen to join a firm that's on the up. A firm with massive revenue like Dentons that isn't a PEP leader then you've got huge numbers of lawyers, lots of varied work, dozens of offices, etc.

 

[trainee4u]

An interview is an interview mate; plus that saves you commuting into an office. Paralegal jobs can be quite competitive so be prepared. Good luck!

not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".

 

[FM302989]

not clear whether it is - a "video interview" usually means one of those prerecorded things - it demonstrates a lack of effort on behalf of the recruiting firm. A Zoom/Teams interview over video with an actual human being is better than commuting into an office, but I wouldn't refer to it as a "video interview".

Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are

 

[trainee4u]

Firms (especially ones of a smaller size) wouldn't be doing this when hiring staff. I reckon this is something unique for firms with TC recruitment streams as it helps with the volume of applicants, although I agree they are naff

If it's a Teams/Zoom call, this kind of interview is typically called a 'video interview'. Can't think of a better term for it. I tend to see these used as a first round before an in-person invite is made with firms as well so I suppose it may be helpful to find out the full process and how many 'steps' there are

In a TC context the Teams/Zoom interview is IME referred to either as a "virtual interview" or a 'teams/zoom interview', to distinguish from the more common "video interview" pre-recorded type.

I guess @BillSikes can clarify what he means.

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

 

[aphelion]

I completely understand how intimidating these situations can feel at first, but it’s important to be socially active. It’s a big part of the job as a lawyer, so you need to showcase that skill and demonstrate that you can build rapport with people quite easily.

I appreciate that this ability takes time to develop, but a simple greeting like, “Hi, I’m part of the vacation scheme cohort, currently sitting in X department with X,” is a great place to start. From there, people usually begin asking about your experience, you ask them about theirs, and the conversation tends to flow naturally.

It’s definitely a skill that takes practice, but it’s one you need to work on and visibly demonstrate throughout your scheme. Being good on paper but lacking social engagement can potentially affect your chances of conversion.

Also, the way you come across matters. Sometimes, in trying to make a good impression, people can be overly eager, speak too quickly, or even accidentally interrupt the other person. That can come off as disrespectful and affect the tone of the conversation, especially in a professional setting. It’s something worth being mindful of.

Best of luck with the scheme!

Thanks Amma! Honestly think this firm might not be the one for me anyway. Did some damage control today with coffee chats but I don't think I'll be too heartbroken if I don't get an offer. Just frustrating that it's not enough to do good work and get along with your supervisor!

 

[a512003]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

Definitely enough time! I have had two vac schemes both 2 weeks and have helped with pro bono both times. Just ask your supervisor if they are working on anything pro bono related you can help with

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Hi all, I’ve got a 2-week vac scheme coming up and was wondering if that’s long enough to consider asking to do any pro bono work/ or see what they do?

Is this a good idea? I know pro bono isn’t core to any firm’s business, but would be interested in any views on this?

Perhaps arrange a coffee chat with the pro bono coordinator?

 

[Kakaboo]

Tbh I don't see the relevance of this response to my original post. The point I'm making is that a video interview for a paralegal role, that won't be the most competitive, is excessive.

Competitive role atm, efficiency, saves money, rules out time wasters.

 

[futuretrainee2025]

RIP bro, thats arguably the hardest area of law. I sat in tax for a spring vac scheme and didnt convert despite having two years tax working experience. Not to scare you but idk anyone who has got a TC after sitting in tax so prepare yourself and get ready for the challenge. Feel free to message me and i can give you a few pointers.

Converted it Thank you for PMing me your advice!