TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[F12M34L]

I have a similar question. Have they sent out PFOs for London Office? gave my test in april. no response from them.

For anyone doing the Stephenson Harwood july vac scheme (Dubai office if that makes a difference), do you know when the scheme takes palce? I just booked a rave ticket in July and then got the online test from the firm 😭i thought they had ghosted me since it's been so long

 

[l789]

I can relate. My feedback after a failed vac scheme was that I needed more confidence and more experience within professional services as my background was predominantly retail. But otherwise I have “lots of potential”. It really made me feel like I was just there to tick a diversity box.

Sorry I just read this comment now and that is absolutely pathetic and I feel discriminatory feedback in terms of not acknowledging that for some of us- myself included, retail jobs are the only reason I’m able to get through and fund university.

It’s not like everyone has the privilege of connections and being able to do a months internship at US law firms in Dubai- which I see A LOT of.

I felt really angry and disheartened to read this, sentiments of classism coming through despite law firms constantly pushing “DEI” - makes you wonder.

Sorry to hear about your experience, I know you will get there.

 

[bangarangbass39]

Highly doubt many people have applied, but has anyone got an assessment centre for the Labour Party internship?

 

[legal18]

I'm so confused about SH - does anyone want to take one for the team and ask them wtf is going on... I would but I sent an email recently

 

[Zaina]

I'm so confused about SH - does anyone want to take one for the team and ask them wtf is going on... I would but I sent an email recently

I’m so confused so people have gotten a next stage assessment and that deadline is for June 5 so does that mean everyone else who didn’t get this basically got rejected?

 

[PlscanIhaveaTC]

Sorry I just read this comment now and that is absolutely pathetic and I feel discriminatory feedback in terms of not acknowledging that for some of us- myself included, retail jobs are the only reason I’m able to get through and fund university.

It’s not like everyone has the privilege of connections and being able to do a months internship at US law firms in Dubai- which I see A LOT of.

I felt really angry and disheartened to read this, sentiments of classism coming through despite law firms constantly pushing “DEI” - makes you wonder.

Sorry to hear about your experience, I know you will get there.

Thank you for this! It’s so relieved to know I’m not the only one.

Exactly - I didn’t feel it was constructive feedback at all. I’ve been trying for two years now to move into a professional services role and although I’ve reached interview stage multiple times, my feedback is consistently that they went with another candidate with more experience. It’s honestly so tiring.

It’s also really disheartening when graduate recruitment push the narrative that you don’t need any experience and to showcase your transferable skills to then receive that feedback.

Thank you for your kind words, I’m rooting for you too. And to anyone else out there who has had a similar experience, don’t give up!

 

[Thatcorporatelawyer]

has anyone heard back from the BUILD programme with Shearman?? (I applied in May and haven't heard anything yet)

Same, have you heard back yet?

 

[EzeLaylor]

Same, have you heard back yet?

So some have heard back already - well, I’ll wait for the pfo.

 

[jplaw1010]

@Jessica Booker Are exam deferrals for personal extenuating circumstances looked down upon by grad rec on an application form and would you include this in the 'resit' section?

 

[jade6760]

How long do you get to prepare for each question for the Stephenson Harwood VI? Also, can you take a break before doing it once you have done the online assessment? Thank you!

you can take however long you want though, there's no limit of time I think (as long as you submit it before the deadline)

 

[EzeLaylor]

BUILD @ Shearman PFO

 

[AS24]

BUILD @ Shearman PFO

Same with feedback which included my not up to standard academic value..most of the BUILD candidates are Cambridge/Oxford..I am sorry but not sorry!

 

[bangarangbass39]

Same with feedback which included my not up to standard academic value..most of the BUILD candidates are Cambridge/Oxford..I am not sorry but not sorry!

Is that what the feedback really said? If you don't mind clarifying was it a level grades, University grades or the University you attended?

 

[EzeLaylor]

Same with feedback which included my not up to standard academic value..most of the BUILD candidates are Cambridge/Oxford..I am not sorry but not sorry!

I thought the feedback was generic. Mine said:

"We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we wish we could provide individual feedback. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to do so. Nonetheless, we encourage you to reflect on the following aspects:
1. Your academic history and achievements.
2. Your work experiences and how they align with your career goals.
3. Your motivation for pursuing a career in law."

As someone with only A/A*s at A-level, and good degree classification/legal work experience, I think it was just a generic note they sent to everyone ...

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Does anyone know where I can find information on how best to go about looking for paralegal work whilst waiting to start SQE/securing TC?

Would appreciate any tips please, thank you! @Jessica Booker

 

[Future$trainee]

Has anyone that has applied to Lester Aldridge heard back?

 

[lawstudent15]

Hi everyone! I have a question regarding working hours on vacation schemes. Is it generally expected for vac schemers to stay late (or is this the exception)? I appreciate that this may be firm specific, but I have an upcoming vac scheme at a large international firm and am curious! Can you make late evening plans with friends (e.g. 7/8 pm) or would this be a bad idea?

 

[Broadwater]

Hi everyone! I have a question regarding working hours on vacation schemes. Is it generally expected for vac schemers to stay late (or is this the exception)? I appreciate that this may be firm specific, but I have an upcoming vac scheme at a large international firm and am curious! Can you make late evening plans with friends (e.g. 7/8 pm) or would this be a bad idea?

The vast majority of firms won't want vac schemers staying late. It's exhausting trying to put your best foot forward for 1/2/3 weeks and no one wants you burning out.

Do bear in mind though that there will be some socials which you will be expected to go to. I'd therefore wait to make plans until after you've found out your schedule.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone! I have a question regarding working hours on vacation schemes. Is it generally expected for vac schemers to stay late (or is this the exception)? I appreciate that this may be firm specific, but I have an upcoming vac scheme at a large international firm and am curious! Can you make late evening plans with friends (e.g. 7/8 pm) or would this be a bad idea?

Most likely fairly standard hours - most supervisors will be pushing you out the door at 5.30-6.00pm. There can be occasions where vacation scheme students stay later, and there will be social events that will be in the evenings, but generally I would expect vacation scheme students to not be in the office after 6.00pm, maybe 6.30pm at a push.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

For those fortunate to have a June SH VS, has Grad rec reached out beyond the first email to give us instructions?