General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Please what is the new visa process coming in?

With the transition to Brexit coming in on 1 January 2021, the process for Tier 2 is changing. Ultimately it will become easier to get a visa for most law firms, but given it is a new system, law firms are potentially covering their back just in case any curve balls come in.

As of July 2021 there will also be a post-study visa for those studying in the U.K. - although most firms won’t be able to apply this to training contracts though as it doesn’t quite cover the necessary period (given they only last two years, from the point your course ends, not when your job starts).

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If you are not working with larger, international and complex businesses - this can be an issue. Working with SMEs will be exceptionally different to a FTSE 100 company. Working with PE houses that are only investing into smaller businesses will be very different to those who are investing into large established businesses.

It’s not necessarily very difficult - but your experience during a TC and as a NQ will define this much more than the firm. Sometimes people in niche firms get involved in matters that are in growing markets or fast moving sectors - this can then be attractive to larger firms who start to work on these matters as larger parties enter the market.

 

[EA]

With the transition to Brexit coming in on 1 January 2021, the process for Tier 2 is changing. Ultimately it will become easier to get a visa for most law firms, but given it is a new system, law firms are potentially covering their back just in case any curve balls come in.

As of July 2021 there will also be a post-study visa for those studying in the U.K. - although most firms won’t be able to apply this to training contracts though as it doesn’t quite cover the necessary period (given they only last two years, from the point your course ends, not when your job starts).

Thank you very much Jessica for the explanation.

 

[NadineBusty]

I wonder whether anybody has received K&L Gates test invite for direct TC?

 

[tractor12]

Rejection from Dentons!

 

[LegalNim]

Rejection from Dentons!

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you mind me asking which office this was for, whether it was post-app for direct TC and when you applied? I still haven't heard back.

 

[S87]

Rejection from Dentons!

Me too. Join me for a virtual rejection party

 

[jan28]

Anyone heard back from Goodwin? Or seen anyone get offers on Linkedin (been trying to avoid going on there)

 

[tractor12]

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you mind me asking which office this was for, whether it was post-app for direct TC and when you applied? I still haven't heard back.

London Direct TC post app, applied on the deadline. Good luck!

 

[LegalNim]

London Direct TC post app, applied on the deadline. Good luck!

Thanks. Not sure if this is good news for me or if they've just forgotten about me. I applied well before the deadline. Who knows. Sorry about your rejection - there will be others!

 

[tractor12]

Thanks. Not sure if this is good news for me or if they've just forgotten about me. I applied well before the deadline. Who knows. Sorry about your rejection - there will be others!

Well I only just found out and havent seen anyone else finding out before today so news news may be good news!

I've been rejected from every direct TC app I've made - definitely think the July window is harder than earlier in the year!

 

[LegalNim]

Well I only just found out and havent seen anyone else finding out before today so news news may be good news!

I've been rejected from every direct TC app I've made - definitely think the July window is harder than earlier in the year!

I definitely agree. I had much more luck applying in the Autumn/Winter but then Covid took away my Vacation Schemes. I'm the same candidate now but getting rejection after rejection so I think timing is important. Good luck though - if this cycle doesn't work out then next cycle will be our time!

 

[Samar]

V&E just emailed to say all their offers have now been accepted

 

[M777]

Did anyone else get an error email from V&E telling them they were rejected for a TC application?

I applied for their Summer Vacation Scheme in January and I was rejected at video interview stage- I didn't apply for a direct TC because you obviously have to wait until the next cycle. I just got an email telling me that my training contract application (which I never made) was rejected.

Curious!

 

[M777]

Also curious if anyone has heard back from A&O for a vac scheme yet, after passing SJT?

 

[Aish]

Anyone heard back from Macfarlanes?

 

[Zoo]

Did anyone else get an error email from V&E telling them they were rejected for a TC application?

I applied for their Summer Vacation Scheme in January and I was rejected at video interview stage- I didn't apply for a direct TC because you obviously have to wait until the next cycle. I just got an email telling me that my training contract application (which I never made) was rejected.

Curious!

I also received the rejection email in error too. I was rejected after interview in March this year. We must still be on their system!

 

[Lawgirl123]

Anyone heard back from Macfarlanes?

nope!

 

[Daniel Boden]

Did anyone else get an error email from V&E telling them they were rejected for a TC application?

I applied for their Summer Vacation Scheme in January and I was rejected at video interview stage- I didn't apply for a direct TC because you obviously have to wait until the next cycle. I just got an email telling me that my training contract application (which I never made) was rejected.

Curious!

Yep same here!

 

[LegalNim]

I know a few firms take applications that are rejected for VSs and re-review them as if they're direct TC applications just in case. So that might be why? I had this with Stephenson Harwood in a previous application cycle and I'm fairly sure Farrer do it too.