TCLA General Discussion Thread #2 (2021)

[james134]

Been a bit discouraged with the several TC rejections later so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to begin paralegal applications?

Do I need to complete my LPC to be offered a paralegal job? Does it help with TC applications?

If anyone has any advice or experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Jay-Lo]

Been a bit discouraged with the several TC rejections later so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to begin paralegal applications?

Do I need to complete my LPC to be offered a paralegal job? Does it help with TC applications?

If anyone has any advice or experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

@Jessica Booker may have a good idea on this question?

 

[Jacob Miller]

Been a bit discouraged with the several TC rejections later so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to begin paralegal applications?

Do I need to complete my LPC to be offered a paralegal job? Does it help with TC applications?

If anyone has any advice or experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

There's no one set answer.

If I'm to speak with total candour, most paralegal positions have been extremely hard to come by. Because the TC market has been so horrifically competitive this cycle, employers are upping the standards for paralegals simply because they can. Some are only looking to recruit future trainees and some want those who have completed the LPC.

With that said, it isn't speaking for every large firm - far from it. Firms will almost always recruit the right candidate for the job, and there's absolutely nothing to say that you're not the right candidate!

In terms of making applications strong and stand out, the same broad principles apply as TC applications: identify why you want that role at that firm, identify your strengths and why you're the person for the job and go from there. Understanding the actual role of a 0aralegal is.important, but can also be challenging as the role will vary by firm and even by department. In bigger departments of bigger firms, paralegals will have quite a set, defined role. In smaller departments or smaller firms, paralegals may almost be in a quasi-trainee role where there's more 9verlap in that regard.


Very best of luck with your applications.

 

[Jacinta N]

Has anyone heard from Teacher Stern recently?

 

[Lumree]

Has anyone heard from Teacher Stern recently?

Still waiting post app! What about you?

 

[Hele25]

Is there any point to applying to a firm for a TC which has high A-level requirements and I don’t meet them?
My uni grades are fortunately great, but my A-levels are pants.
Tbh just in general, how much of an impact do mitigating circumstances make upon applications?

 

[Jacinta N]

Still waiting post app! What about you?

Same! They said we would hear back mid-june, but nothing so far.

 

[George.E.]

Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone had just taken part in the first Stephenson Harwood vacation scheme this summer? Thanks

 

[Andrew M]

Is there any point to applying to a firm for a TC which has high A-level requirements and I don’t meet them?
My uni grades are fortunately great, but my A-levels are pants.
Tbh just in general, how much of an impact do mitigating circumstances make upon applications?

I would reach out to their graduate recruitment and ask. Some firms are very strict with their requirements, whereas others seem to be much more flexible.

 

[WRM19]

Been a bit discouraged with the several TC rejections later so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to begin paralegal applications?

Do I need to complete my LPC to be offered a paralegal job? Does it help with TC applications?

If anyone has any advice or experience, I would greatly appreciate it.

Hey there. I am currently a paralegal, and haven’t completed the LPC yet (due to start in September). I found the best way to find a role is through using legal recruiters - they often have a few jobs on the go at one time (although competitive..)! If you have any office work experience, Pro Bono or commercial experience, definitely leverage it when interviewing.

You definitely don’t need to have done the LPC to do the role - as long as you have good soft skills (strong written communication skills etc), and work hard to know the industry you’re working in, you should be fine. My in-house paralegal role definitely helped me to get a TC as you work closely with general counsel, and you get brilliant exposure to the runnings of a business which develops lots of different skills. You can also meet lots of other lawyers who are often willing to provide helpful career guidance and advice! Best of luck!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is there any point to applying to a firm for a TC which has high A-level requirements and I don’t meet them?
My uni grades are fortunately great, but my A-levels are pants.
Tbh just in general, how much of an impact do mitigating circumstances make upon applications?

I’d email them to ask.

Also look at language - “we typically look for” is very different to “candidates must have achieved”.

 

[james134]

Hey there. I am currently a paralegal, and haven’t completed the LPC yet (due to start in September). I found the best way to find a role is through using legal recruiters - they often have a few jobs on the go at one time (although competitive..)! If you have any office work experience, Pro Bono or commercial experience, definitely leverage it when interviewing.

You definitely don’t need to have done the LPC to do the role - as long as you have good soft skills (strong written communication skills etc), and work hard to know the industry you’re working in, you should be fine. My in-house paralegal role definitely helped me to get a TC as you work closely with general counsel, and you get brilliant exposure to the runnings of a business which develops lots of different skills. You can also meet lots of other lawyers who are often willing to provide helpful career guidance and advice! Best of luck!

Thank you, do you have any examples of legal recruiters I could contact

 

[WRM19]

Thank you, do you have any examples of legal recruiters I could contact

Some of the ones that I have heard good things about/ had good experiences with are: The Stephen James Partnership, Chadwick Knott, Ryder Reid Legal (they post a lot on LinkedIn), and Forte Legal. I’m sure there’s plenty more out there!

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

@Daniel Boden @Jacob Miller @Dheepa

Hi guys,

I have done my research but would like to hear what you would have to say about this considering you are all future trainee solicitors: what are the latest current affairs/ business news that are likely to affect M&A activity (it doesn't have to be M&A news - just anything that you think will considerably affect M&A transactions now/foreseeable future).

Would love to hear your opinion on this!

Thanks

 

[rb26]

Hi everyone,

I'd just like to say that earlier today I got a call to say I was successful in obtaining a paralegal role at a firm I absolutely love. I know it's not the end goal of a TC, but after many apps this year and no success (although 2 I'm waiting to hear back from) it's finally some positive news. I would like to thank this forum as even from just lurking I have obtained some invaluable advice that definitely helped me stand out

 

[Dheepa]

@Daniel Boden @Jacob Miller @Dheepa

Hi guys,

I have done my research but would like to hear what you would have to say about this considering you are all future trainee solicitors: what are the latest current affairs/ business news that are likely to affect M&A activity (it doesn't have to be M&A news - just anything that you think will considerably affect M&A transactions now/foreseeable future).

Would love to hear your opinion on this!

Thanks

Not an expert but I'd say the biggest M&A trend right now is everything and anything surrounding private equity firms. If you look at some of the biggest deals that have happened recently in both the UK and the US - they are all PE deals or SPAC deals (look into de-SPAC deals as well). There have also been significant M&A deals by tech companies - Amazon buying MGM entertainment, Facebook has also just recently bought a gaming company I think. Taking a broader view of this, it absolutely makes sense that these are the companies driving big value work - the Tech and PE sectors have benefited the most from the pandemic in a way that large multinational companies that are more reliant on efficiently working supply chains and consumer spending haven't.

 

[Dheepa]

Hi everyone,

I'd just like to say that earlier today I got a call to say I was successful in obtaining a paralegal role at a firm I absolutely love. I know it's not the end goal of a TC, but after many apps this year and no success (although 2 I'm waiting to hear back from) it's finally some positive news. I would like to thank this forum as even from just lurking I have obtained some invaluable advice that definitely helped me stand out

Paralegal roles are so hard to come by and can be even harder to secure (especially at a firm you like!) so this is amazing! Huge congratulations!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone,

I'd just like to say that earlier today I got a call to say I was successful in obtaining a paralegal role at a firm I absolutely love. I know it's not the end goal of a TC, but after many apps this year and no success (although 2 I'm waiting to hear back from) it's finally some positive news. I would like to thank this forum as even from just lurking I have obtained some invaluable advice that definitely helped me stand out

Great news! Remember this is a journey not a destination, and that what you are doing is helping you with that journey. Congratulations and good luck with your new roles.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Read the title of this week’s newsletter and was like

Then read the content and realised what it was about and was

Absolutely no chance of me waking up at 5.00am each day

 

[LegalNim]

Looking for a bit of advice. Two weeks ago I was taken to hospital by ambulance with an irregular ECG - turns out I have a virus (not Covid) and I'm still off work and not well. On the Friday (two days after my hospital admission), I had a training contract final partner interview - I attended the interview, in person in London. I obviously felt horrendous and definitely performed badly - I got into bed as soon as I got home and didn't leave my bed except to go to the bathroom until Sunday when another ambulance was called. In the interview, even questions that I had completely and totally prepped answers to, I completely forgot and just rambled something completely insane. I'm really concerned that I've cost myself the TC (after two years in the application process for this firm - who I ADORE). Part of me thinks I should email Grad Rec and tell them about the situation, part of me thinks that's a terrible idea and that it'll reflect badly on me to bring it up. Equally, I don't know what the purpose of informing them would be - could I request another interview? Do I just want them to bear it in mind? Or is this a lost cause?
Any advice would be really greatly appreciated.