2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[LegalNim]

I had such a horrible experience with Aspiring Solicitors last year. A timetable change meant that I couldn't attend one of their events I had signed up to. I sent them an email a week or two before the actual event and got SUCH an abusive reply. That just completely put me off ever doing anything with them again.

I had a similar experience. I was on AS Aspire and as a result of my disability was hospitalised at short notice. I contacted them to tell them and got a really sharp response telling me that it was my "final warning" (this was the first time I'd ever not attended) and that I must give 48 hours notice in future (I had given in excess of 48 hours notice but when I was hospitalised on the Monday, I knew I wouldn't be able to attend on the Friday). It was a really awful experience.
HOWEVER, I've also had my life completely changed by them as an organisation. Chris White is one of the most unbelievable human beings I have ever met and works tirelessly to support people in every possible way. Gemma Baker (who now works for Willkie's Grad Rec) completely changed my entire perspective on applications, law firms and life in general. My mentor at firms, the countless people who've checked applications, run mock interviews, attended sessions and give up their free time have honestly enabled me to access a world I never thought I could be an "insider" in.
I have more respect for Aspiring Solicitors than perhaps any other organisation I've ever interacted with - and if I win the Euromillions tonight then they should expect a hefty donation tomorrow morning.

 

[GK8997]

Ok that makes sense - do you mean exclusively VS Schemes? I’ve been working in legal/professional roles for 16 months now so I assume that would easily cover that

No I don't think they specify VS Scheme though it would definitely be a bonus! I would say though that TC recruitment rates vary from firm to firm so it would probably be best to talk to GR about this before you apply!

 

[KS94]

So anyway in other CC news https://t.co/zlwvQEFuZe 🤣



Try reaching out to Harri Davies as well. I was on the Aspire scheme last year and if I remember correctly he headed up most of the liasing with firms for different events and fast track schemes AS have.

I’m really sorry to hear that so many people on the forum have had a less than great experience with AS. The Aspire scheme helped me in so many ways and when I had to cancel attending a Dechert event the night before due to medical reasons they were very understanding about it.

AS sponsorships from these firms must ride hugely on specific numbers showing up to events and I generally get the feeling that they are very understaffed. So I suppose the responses people get from them vary depending on whose in charge of that particular event and how over/under subscribed it is (I know they have wait lists as well for events and send people invites when original attendees cancel)

I’m in no way trying to make excuses on their behalf. I’m shocked to see that they’ve been rude in some instances and I honestly feel pretty disappointed (especially because I rave about them to anyone who does ask me for advice on the process). I really hope they have been improving or are at least trying to improve these things.

Thanks for this.

My aim is to secure a TC then reach out to initiatives like AS (there are quite a few others too) that aim to improve diversity and offer some assistance.

Most initiatives will have ran their programmes already but for the next cycle I want to create a new thread and share all the initiatives here on TCLA as I know Jaysen and Jessica are passionate about diversity.

I firmly believe a combination of TCLA's scholarships with these initiatives (and the introduction of the SQE) will do more to improve diversity than any of the previous attempts by the Law Society.

 

[law230]

yeah. so a yes, no and somewhere in between!

I hope there still giving out SOME Acs otherwise this waiting is for nothing

 

[2020Applicant]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

 

[U98]

Btw is anyone applying to Latham Dubai? Perhaps I should start a thread

Hey I am! I was wondering what kind of length people are aiming for in response to the 3 questions as I couldn't find a word count on their website - am I right in thinking there isn't one or have I missed something?

 

[tractor12]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

No they won't care

 

[SamTam99]

Taylor Vinters AC invite!!!

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

I actually legitimately had the same thought 🤣 because if I do get one I wouldn't, even though I'm very active on LinkedIn. I wouldn't want people in my current sector knowing unless/until I secure a TC.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have more respect for Aspiring Solicitors than perhaps any other organisation I've ever interacted with - and if I win the Euromillions tonight then they should expect a hefty donation tomorrow morning.

You have just reminded me too buy a lottery ticket....

 

[2020Applicant]

No they won't care

Okay great, I tend to get anxious over the silliest scenarios and kept worrying about it 😂

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

They really won't care.

 

[Andrew M]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

Erm I'm pretty sure that not posting your VS offer on LinkedIn is illegal.

 

[Dheepa]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

I have a lot of respect for the people that don’t immediately post long acceptance speeches on LinkedIn...so I mean I think it could actually be seen as a positive 😅

In all seriousness I didn’t even have LinkedIn when I got my TC offers so you’re probably good

 

[breadpitt]

Same, plus I assume the cover letter and the 3 questions are SEPARATE documents?

Hey I am! I was wondering what kind of length people are aiming for in response to the 3 questions as I couldn't find a word count on their website - am I right in thinking there isn't one or have I missed something?

 

[2020Applicant]

I actually legitimately had the same thought 🤣 because if I do get one I wouldn't, even though I'm very active on LinkedIn. I wouldn't want people in my current sector knowing unless/until I secure a TC.

That's exactly my thinking! It's such a random thought to have but I just find the posts so awkward to make 😂

 

[Andrew M]

I have a lot of respect for the people that don’t immediately post long acceptance speeches on LinkedIn...so I mean I think it could actually be seen as a positive 😅

In all seriousness I didn’t even have LinkedIn when I got my TC offers so you’re probably good

Me on LinkedIn if I get a VS offer:

 

[Mxkry]

I’d probably just put an incoming vac scheme/ Tc on my LinkedIn, but won’t write some long motivational monologue about it. But that’s just me 😂

 

[LegalNim]

You have just reminded me too buy a lottery ticket....

Who needs £157million?! It's just pocket change really.

 

[Jacob Miller]

I have an utterly stupid and pedantic question that has been playing on my mind. Upon accepting a vacation scheme offer, would a firm perceive me badly if I did not post this on LinkedIn. I'm not fond of posting on LinkedIn for a few reasons and generally don't do so.

I know it's highly unlikely the firm would be stalking my LinkedIn page but I was just wondering since most people do tend to post their acceptances.

Not a stupid question at all!

Like others have said, it is of no consequence.

Personally I didn't put up a post when I got vac schemes, but did when I got my TC offer/ when I accepted it. How you use LinkedIn is also very personal to you, too. I personally don't post much to it, aside from sharing some TCLA posts, mainly if it's something I've been involved in. That said, I'm not super busy on any of my social media platforms (I only use Facebook, Insta and LinkedIn) so that's not necessarily surprising. Really is horses for courses, totally up to you how you go about it