Thinking Ahead - Post TC Stagnation

[elle woods]

I've been trying to find anyone with the same query as me but have been unsuccessful, hence why I've decided to start a new thread!

I feel like it's a bit of a silly question, but I'm also too cautious right now to make any big moves haha. Would love to hear people's experiences/ thoughts/ advice!

TDLR: I'm wondering whether it's still possible to apply for other types of internships or do jobs etc. prior to your TC start date?

How would this work? Would recruiters/employers see your secured graduate role and reject you straight out? Would applying to banking summer internships (just as an example) despite already having signed a TC be against the terms of contract of both employers? I know most TC terms indicate that you must inform the firm of any outside employment, but I believe that is only for once you start your QWE with them right?

I just feel so stagnant with nothing more to do...no more applications to write, no more big things to chase, no more proper work to do (until uni term starts that is)...would love to find a part-time job for the rest of the summer but 2 months is not an attractive length of employment to most restaurants/ cafes/ other employers haha. Most people are saying to take a well-deserved break but I think I've gotten too used to always having something to do so it's become quite unsettling now that I've achieved my goal (and I'm not able to go on holidays or anything so I'm a bit bored at this point!). (Yes, I'm doing some hobbies right now but they don't feel fulfilling enough haha...what have I become...) I guess the deeper feeling is that the next 3 years of my life are planned out for me (which is a BLESSING) but simultaneously it makes me feel slightly ambitionless hahah (I'm not too sure what this dilemma / contradictory feeling is lol).

Any recommendations on what one can do after securing a TC? Would boutique/ local firms/ practices take in a paralegal for 2-3 months only? Would I even be able/ allowed to do that? It feels almost like working for a competitor HAHA

What do people normally do after securing a TC?

 

[elle woods]

Extra: been thinking about learning skills like content creation and building a personal brand / starting a small business etc. to tap into my creative side but I'm also hesitant that it will all come down once the TC starts either due to HR issues or just lack of time and mental space.

Is it correct that I am thinking about the firm before starting/ doing anything I do? It gets a bit tiring sometimes haha...I'm wondering how others combat the fear of getting your TC rescinded or accidentally doing something so that you won't pass the SRA's character assessment etc?

Sorry for the rant/ brain dump ahaha - I've just been thinking A LOT over the past week.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I've been trying to find anyone with the same query as me but have been unsuccessful, hence why I've decided to start a new thread!

I feel like it's a bit of a silly question, but I'm also too cautious right now to make any big moves haha. Would love to hear people's experiences/ thoughts/ advice!

TDLR: I'm wondering whether it's still possible to apply for other types of internships or do jobs etc. prior to your TC start date?

How would this work? Would recruiters/employers see your secured graduate role and reject you straight out? Would applying to banking summer internships (just as an example) despite already having signed a TC be against the terms of contract of both employers? I know most TC terms indicate that you must inform the firm of any outside employment, but I believe that is only for once you start your QWE with them right?

I just feel so stagnant with nothing more to do...no more applications to write, no more big things to chase, no more proper work to do (until uni term starts that is)...would love to find a part-time job for the rest of the summer but 2 months is not an attractive length of employment to most restaurants/ cafes/ other employers haha. Most people are saying to take a well-deserved break but I think I've gotten too used to always having something to do so it's become quite unsettling now that I've achieved my goal (and I'm not able to go on holidays or anything so I'm a bit bored at this point!). (Yes, I'm doing some hobbies right now but they don't feel fulfilling enough haha...what have I become...) I guess the deeper feeling is that the next 3 years of my life are planned out for me (which is a BLESSING) but simultaneously it makes me feel slightly ambitionless hahah (I'm not too sure what this dilemma / contradictory feeling is lol).

Any recommendations on what one can do after securing a TC? Would boutique/ local firms/ practices take in a paralegal for 2-3 months only? Would I even be able/ allowed to do that? It feels almost like working for a competitor HAHA

What do people normally do after securing a TC?

Hi!

Firstly, congratulations on securing your TC!

I completely relate to how you are feeling - after spending so long chasing applications, interviews, and assessment centres (often alongside university), it can feel a bit strange when everything suddenly stops!

From my understanding, there is nothing inherently wrong with taking on other jobs or internships before your TC starts, provided you are not breaching any contractual obligations. Plenty of future trainees spend the time paralegalling, travelling, working in other industries or pursuing personal projects before they begin. If you are ever unsure about something specific, it is always worth checking your contract or asking graduate recruitment - they are usually more than happy to answer any queries. I feel very fortunate to be working at TCLA until I start my TC, so I completely appreciate the need to be doing something before then!

On the creative side, I also do not see anything wrong with building a personal brand or starting a small business, as long as it doesn't create a conflict of interest or involve anything that could raise professional concerns. Again, if you are in doubt, I would just ask the firm - they'd much rather you check than worry about it!

I also would try not to overthink the SRA character and suitability aspect. It is there to identify serious issues, rather than to catch people out for taking a part-time job or pursuing a hobby. As long as you are sensible, I can't imagine this being an issue at all.

As for short-term legal work, I don't think it is impossible at all! Some smaller firms and boutiques are happy to hire paralegals on fixed-term contracts or to cover busy periods, so it is definitely worth looking into if that is something you are interested in. I've heard of 8-week contracts being offered, so there are usually shorter ones if that is what you are looking for. Equally, if you wanted to explore something completely different before starting your TC, this is one of the few opportunities you'll have to do that - I'd make the most of it!

I know it is easier said than done, but I would also try to enjoy this period! Opportunities to explore different interests without the pressure of applications don't come around very often, and once your TC starts you'll probably be glad you made the most of the time!