TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
- Start date
Hi guys - apologies in advance if I'm posting this on the wrong thread! I originally posted this as a standalone thread, but didn't get any responses, so I thought it might be more useful to post in a busier thread.
I’m graduating from university in June, and although I’ve done well academically so far (I'm at a good university, and I've got good grades), it’s looking likely (for various reasons) that I’m not going to have a training contract at a commercial law firm lined up by the time I leave university.
I’m currently trying to work out what the best course of action is (immediately after graduation) if I don’t graduate with a training contract – at the moment, I’ve narrowed it down to two broad choices: (1) doing the SQE in some form, or (2) doing some work as a paralegal. Obviously, with either option (1) or (2), I’ll be applying to firms for vacation schemes and/or training contracts at the same time as working/studying (as the case may be).
Out of these two options, what would you guys say would be the best thing to do, in order to be in the best position in which I can be vis-à-vis future vac scheme/training contract applications?
Also, would you say that it’s advisable to do at the SQE (at least in some form) in order to even be able to land a paralegal role at a decent firm (and if so, would it be enough to just do the SQE1 in the short term, rather than the whole SQE1&2 LLM option)?
If I don’t graduate with a training contract, then in an ideal world, I’d quite like to do some work as a paralegal after graduation (not least because the various SQE options, if self-funded, are quite expensive!), but I thought it best to get the benefit of your advice.
If you can give any pointers, I’d be really grateful!
@Jessica Booker @Jaysen
I’m graduating from university in June, and although I’ve done well academically so far (I'm at a good university, and I've got good grades), it’s looking likely (for various reasons) that I’m not going to have a training contract at a commercial law firm lined up by the time I leave university.
I’m currently trying to work out what the best course of action is (immediately after graduation) if I don’t graduate with a training contract – at the moment, I’ve narrowed it down to two broad choices: (1) doing the SQE in some form, or (2) doing some work as a paralegal. Obviously, with either option (1) or (2), I’ll be applying to firms for vacation schemes and/or training contracts at the same time as working/studying (as the case may be).
Out of these two options, what would you guys say would be the best thing to do, in order to be in the best position in which I can be vis-à-vis future vac scheme/training contract applications?
Also, would you say that it’s advisable to do at the SQE (at least in some form) in order to even be able to land a paralegal role at a decent firm (and if so, would it be enough to just do the SQE1 in the short term, rather than the whole SQE1&2 LLM option)?
If I don’t graduate with a training contract, then in an ideal world, I’d quite like to do some work as a paralegal after graduation (not least because the various SQE options, if self-funded, are quite expensive!), but I thought it best to get the benefit of your advice.
If you can give any pointers, I’d be really grateful!
@Jessica Booker @Jaysen
Hey,
I am not sure if you’re a law grad, but speaking from my own experience, and that of others I know, you can certainly get paralegal experience without the SQE. You can prove your commitment to a legal career in other ways (uni events, shadowing experience etc). You may need to start out in “less desirable” roles (fixed term or context review positions) before progressing to the bigger firms. It can be quite challenging to get your foot in the door but once you do get the first bit of paralegal experience on your CV, it becomes much easier. It took me a while to get there as I am a 2020 grad. For me, I did not see the benefit of paying for the SQE course myself when every firm I am applying to will fund it for me and for the most part, do not see not having the SQE as a disadvantage. When going for TCs, law firms like to see experience which is why I’ve focused my efforts on gaining experience. I also think it can help develop you into a better candidate by having that first person experience in a law firm. It has massively helped my confidence at least! Hope that helps and happy to chat!
Did you not even get a rejection email? I think I'm in the same boat. Such bad practice if thats the case!
I'd try for a mix, honestly. There's a range of opportunities available. I've seen people get straight TCs. They have not always had experience. Look at where firms hire from. Some will want Vac Scheme students. Others will take you without one. The legal clinic can help IMO. That can help with 'why law'? Use other experiences for 'why commercial/corporate?'. Best of luck with your applications.
Sorry to hear this, all the best for future applications!
If you do not mind, Is this for Summer or Spring?
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This happened to me last cycle and some of my answers were similar to ones that had been successful at other firms so I was a bit lost… curious what Bakers look for
I had a VS there last year, I would encourage you to speak about a non-law topic. For instance, I spoke about a famous scientist that impacted my life. Most of my cohort discussed topics unrelated to commercial law and I think grad rec quite likes finding out more about you as an individual, as well as reading answers that are 'different', as they probably get a lot that are to do with business or the law.
I applied last year and made it to the AC. For this question, I spoke about my interest in coffee brewing. From what I could gather from the interview, this aspect was what made my application stand out. So I don’t think it needs to be a law topic as long as you frame the answer in a strategic way. For instance, two things I really focused on my answer were: (I) the skills I was able to pick up from coffee brewing like attentional to detail, creativity, and how experimenting with coffee brews from around the world enhanced my cultural awareness; and (ii) a clear narrative on how I became interested in this and a tangible example of what I was able to do with this interest. I gave the example of how I was able to showcase a coffee brewing technique from my hometown during a university event, etc.
I think overall, the firm is looking for passion for whatever subject-matter you’re talking about and how it has shaped you as a person.
Is there any reason why an applicant with full-time legal work experience and a previous vac scheme at a top firm on their CV would be continuously unsuccessful with direct TC applications even though they almost always pass application + test stage for vac schemes? I’m so lost at this point but this is a very clear pattern, it’s not lack of experience so what am I missing?
It's just a numbers game unfortunately. With 2 to 3000 applying to firms offering 10 training contracts it's anyone's guess where they make the cut off decisions.
The thing is that it’s always direct TC I get rejected from right away and vac schemes I make it to the next stage even when numbers wise it’s a more competitive process (like firms that go straight to AC after application) so it feels like there must be some reason
Does anyone know of any firms that encourage a direct TC app without a previous vac scheme?
Vac scheme deadlines are coming up and if I’m not successful I’m hoping to make direct TC apps but most grad recs say they want more legal experience.
Vac scheme deadlines are coming up and if I’m not successful I’m hoping to make direct TC apps but most grad recs say they want more legal experience.
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