TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

yuk0n

Active Member
Apr 4, 2021
18
67
Hey everyone, sorry to be a bit of a damper on what seems to be a pretty successful day for most people but I just wanted to ask for some advice.

I am an Oxbridge law finalist (with a mid-high 2.1 in my first year exams) and, with a PW post-interview PFO seeming imminent, I have gotten rejected from everything I have applied to this cycle.

Short story is, I don’t really know that to do now. A masters degree is not an option for me due to financial reasons. Almost everyone I know has a job by now, the thoughts of inadequacy are a bit overwhelming to say the least…

I have the backup option of applying to DTCs which I will do for sure, however, without much prior legal work experience I doubt I will get one. The other alternatives are a graduate visa, and starting the SQE without a TC or paralegal jobs, however I don’t really know how to start looking for them.

Honestly the biggest issue is I just don’t know how to deal with it emotionally, I feel I’m less capable than everyone else, and that combined with the uncertainty of being an international student makes it even worse. I have friendships here, a relationship, and it all seems to on the line. Anyways really sorry for treating this thread with a bunch of strangers like my therapist but I just wanted to get people’s thoughts on what my next steps could be.
Hey- I was in a similar position to you last year (minus being an international student). Feel free to reach out via DM if you need an ear x
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
265
587
Hey everyone, sorry to be a bit of a damper on what seems to be a pretty successful day for most people but I just wanted to ask for some advice.

I am an Oxbridge law finalist (with a mid-high 2.1 in my first year exams) and, with a PW post-interview PFO seeming imminent, I have gotten rejected from everything I have applied to this cycle.
How many places did you apply to?
 
Reactions: The-PFO-Collector

Zaraa.x

Esteemed Member
Oct 23, 2024
85
109
I feel like I messed up with SH application. I applied for vs when I think I should've actually applied for the diversity placement of SH with aspiring solicitors instead, being someone from the minority groups. I might be wrong, but assuming a PFO since I haven't heard anything back yet
On LinkedIn Aspiring Solicitors made it clear that SH are not recruiting any future trainees from the scheme and it’s merely a work experience initiative. You haven’t made the wrong decision - hang in there and I hope that makes you feel better!
 
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Reactions: MaryAra299 and Chris Brown

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,366
21,458
Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam! Can I talk about my volunteering experience in a question asking about non-academic interests, but the volunteering is at my university's law clinic. If not, what sort of examples would you draw upon?

Thank you
Yes - this would be considered non-academic unless you received academic credits for the work done there.
 

Mug Fan

Esteemed Member
Dec 15, 2024
93
167
Good news: stephenson harwood test invite (i needed some good news)

Bad news: my laptop finally packed up and died after 11 years so, i can't actually do the test🤣



✨️✨️Perfectly balanced as all things should be✨️✨️

Jokes aside, I don't suppose anyone has advice for sjt's and vid interviews? After my abysmal reed smith one I need the advice
I suck at VI’s but I would say that of all I’ve done, Reed Smith’s was the WORST so it won’t be worse than that if it helps.
 

SamiyaJ

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2024
210
563
Just want to say a massive congratulations to all those who received VS/TC offers today/this week so far. You all deserve it so much and are truly inspirational.

It’s so easy to become negative in this journey but you all give me (and I’m sure others) hope that we too can get there so thank you for sharing your updates and success stories. Can’t wait to hear you all convert the VS to TCs!
 

lawstudent2

Distinguished Member
Dec 9, 2024
67
70
Hi @Jessica Booker and anyone else who might know, I was wondering about the TCLA accelerator path two and if that would still be accessible in the summer around June/July?
I don't want to pay for Premium Gold during exams since I cannot full take advantage of it and it will be quite hard to pay for in the first place, but I do want to get some of my apps looked at so if anyone has info on it that wld be great!
 

Tintin06

Legendary Member
Oct 23, 2019
895
2,137
Congratulations to people getting VS offers. All mine look to be rejections. Focusing on direct TCs for now. Any tips on those negotiation exercises? Always fall down on these stages. I think my autism doesn’t help.

Congrats and well deserved @Chris Brown. Your positive attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed. I’d look at VS v TCs. Willkie looks somewhat harder to convert.
 

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