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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

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#481
I graudated this year and am currently looking for a job to work alongside reapplying again. I am in final stage interviews for a legal recruiting job at my ideal location and great pay for a graduate.
However, I am worried that it will be a negative on my applications and ruin my chances of getting a TC, but I am also getting nowhere with paralegal applications as I don't have prior paralegal experience.
Any advice on if taking the job will negatively impact my applications? Getting a TC remains the priority so I don't know if I should hold out and hope for a paralegal job offer instead of taking this one.
 
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#482
Hi everyone, does anyone have any advice on roles I could pursue outside of paralegal work? Alternatively, does anyone know of paralegal roles that do not require previous paralegal experience?

For context, I am a future trainee starting my training contract in 2028 and the SQE in September 2027. I graduated with a First a year ago and have completed several vacation schemes, but I am currently struggling to secure a corporate or commercial role. I am also very keen to move to London.

I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations!
 
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#486
After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided. ❤️
 
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#488
lawstudent2 said:
I graudated this year and am currently looking for a job to work alongside reapplying again. I am in final stage interviews for a legal recruiting job at my ideal location and great pay for a graduate.
However, I am worried that it will be a negative on my applications and ruin my chances of getting a TC, but I am also getting nowhere with paralegal applications as I don't have prior paralegal experience.
Any advice on if taking the job will negatively impact my applications? Getting a TC remains the priority so I don't know if I should hold out and hope for a paralegal job offer instead of taking this one.
Click to expand...
Hey!

I definitely wouldn't turn down a good job purely out of fear that it will hurt your TC applications (as it is unlikely to!). If anything, a legal recruiting role could give you some useful insight into the legal profession, law firms and the recruitment processes, and you will also be developing transferable skills that you can talk about in applications or interviews.

I would also be wary of holding out indefinitely for a paralegal role when the market is so competitive right now. If the recruiting job is at your ideal location, pays well, and gives you the flexibility to continue applying, it sounds like a pretty good option! You could always keep applying for paralegal roles alongside it if something comes up.

Ultimately, firms care much more about what you have actually done and what you have learned from it than whether your job title is "paralegal". I'd just make sure you continue getting some legal exposure where possible (e.g. open days, insight events, etc.) and use your recruiting experience to demonstrate relevant skills and commercial awareness.

Generally, having a job while reapplying is probably preferable to sitting around waiting for the ideal paralegal role. I would take the job if you like it and let the TC applications remain the priority alongside it :)
 
#490
tc2026 said:
Hi everyone, does anyone have any advice on roles I could pursue outside of paralegal work? Alternatively, does anyone know of paralegal roles that do not require previous paralegal experience?

For context, I am a future trainee starting my training contract in 2028 and the SQE in September 2027. I graduated with a First a year ago and have completed several vacation schemes, but I am currently struggling to secure a corporate or commercial role. I am also very keen to move to London.

I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations!
Click to expand...
Hey!

I think it can be useful to look beyond paralegal roles! More general administrative roles can still give you plenty of transferable skills, particularly organisation, attention to detail, managing deadlines and communicating with different stakeholders. You don't necessarily need your next role to be directly legal for it to be useful experience before your TC.

It might also be worth reaching out to legal recruiters such as Ryder Reid, if you haven't already. They often advertise fixed-term paralegal roles specifically aimed at future trainees, which could be a good fit given your 2028 start date. We have a thread with them here if you wanted to ask any questions :)
 
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#491
wooliewoo said:
Does anyone know what the Jones Day open evening registration entails (e.g., any questions)? I missed the most recent one and spaces are full so I want to be prepared for the next!
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Hi!

When I had a look the other day, I believe it just asked for your name, email, university and course, year of study, and dietary requirements - there weren't any specific questions :)
 
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#492
Donna Paulsen said:
After an amazing vacation scheme last month I'm very pleased to share I've been offered a TC!! I'm genuinely in shock! The final interview was pretty tough and was so unsure about my performance but I knew I took so much away from the scheme so I kept telling myself that even if I don't get it, it's a net positive. Getting that call today was genuinely such a (welcomed) shock.
I had quite a rocky journey this year with applications - it was my first proper cycle and getting rejections early on definitely took a toll on my confidence. However, I have learned that what is meant for you will never pass you by. This firm genuinely feels like such a good fit for me and the best place for me to begin my journey to become a solicitor.
I thought I'd report here because this platform has helped me incredibly. @Abbie Whitlock and @Jaysen I will forever be so grateful for all the help and support you have provided. ❤️
Click to expand...
Huge congratulations, I'm so happy to hear this - that is fantastic news!!

I hope you take some time to celebrate all of your hard work paying off 🥳 🥳

200.gif
 
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#493
Abbie Whitlock said:
Hi!

When I had a look the other day, I believe it just asked for your name, email, university and course, year of study, and dietary requirements - there weren't any specific questions :)
Click to expand...
Hey Abbie,

I am invited to the Open Day, however I am working that day. I have a bit more flexibility since I work freelance so I might cancel my shift. Do you reckon it would be very beneficial to participate? To add, I haven’t take part in an Open Day before, not quite sure what to expect in that regard. Would it help me improve my applications to other firms as well?
 
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#497
Just had email confirmation from RPC regarding the rolling vs non–rolling question, here is their reply if it helps anyone:
We review all applications we receive up until the application deadline, however we encourage people to apply as soon as possible.
 
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#500
Did anyone attend the STB event with TCLA, and if so, would you mind sharing some of the main insights or takeaways from the event? I have only seen now that the event took place and I am pplying to STB so the insights would be super useful
 

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