TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Miki3999]

This may just be conjecture on my part but I think the dominance of oxbridge may in part also be due to self-selection out of the process by many students that went to lower ranked / non-RG institutions. I myself went non-RG for undergraduate and many undergraduate friends just won’t even apply to more prestigious law firms as they have decided they don’t stand a chance. I also think A level requirements play a role here, those that meet the A level grades of AAB - ABB require by management firms are more likely to have gone to oxbridge/RG universities.

I do agree that better universities get better access to law firms - my undergraduate university law fair was not visited by MC/US/SC/city law firms whereas they almost all attended the london RG I did my masters at and held exclusive events for that university as well.

Yes, in my view firms should combat such harmful biases, because their existence, apart from being wrong, limits the firms’ talent pool.

 

[Rob93]

This may just be conjecture on my part but I think the dominance of oxbridge may in part also be due to self-selection out of the process by many students that went to lower ranked / non-RG institutions. I myself went non-RG for undergraduate and many undergraduate friends just won’t even apply to more prestigious law firms as they have decided they don’t stand a chance. I also think A level requirements play a role here, those that meet the A level grades of AAB - ABB require by management firms are more likely to have gone to oxbridge/RG universities.

I do agree that better universities get better access to law firms - my undergraduate university law fair was not visited by MC/US/SC/city law firms whereas they almost all attended the london RG I did my masters at and held exclusive events for that university as well.

Self-selection is absolutely a huge part of it. Interesting point about A levels, I hadn't thought of that (didn't do A levels and elected to go to a less prestigious uni in my home country cause I liked the programme there better).

I did my LLM at a London RG and yeah, the access and support there was miles beyond what I found in my UG or GDL (City, which is great for barristers but thin on the ground for solicitors' firms)

 

[skmx]

has anyone who did the cms ac this week - heard back either way (good or bad)?

 

[Rob93]

Honestly the shift to online recruitment events is probably the best thing to happen to diversity in the profession in years. Huge boon in terms of accessibility outside the hallowed halls of institutions ancient and venerable.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Honestly the shift to online recruitment events is probably the best thing to happen to diversity in the profession in years. Huge boon in terms of accessibility outside the hallowed halls of institutions ancient and venerable.

It’s also been great for graduates too! I didn’t know I wanted to go into corporate law when I was at uni and the shift to online events has been amazing (especially because they work around my work hours!) though I do miss Legal Cheeks’ events at firms and getting to chat face-to-face with trainees/partners!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

pfo from Bird & Bird---- greaaaaaat

I am sorry to hear that but don't worry you only need 1 yes.

 

[Ambs123]

Has anyone heard from MDR?

 

[manifestingaTC]

pfo from Bird & Bird---- greaaaaaat

So sorry to hear. Keep going you’ll get there 🤩
I’m yet to hear back from them post-VI, may I ask when you applied ?

 

[TC fiend]

It’s also been great for graduates too! I didn’t know I wanted to go into corporate law when I was at uni and the shift to online events has been amazing (especially because they work around my work hours!) though I do miss Legal Cheeks’ events at firms and getting to chat face-to-face with trainees/partners!

Fully agree! Being able to set up my personal laptop on a break to watch the grad rec events is a game changer. I hope it’s here to stay!

 

[Strugglinglawstudent]

Does this mean everyone who applied to macfarlanes will probably hear back today?

 

[GXA123]

Does this mean everyone who applied to macfarlanes will probably hear back today? View attachment 3782

No, law firms could mention this and never reply it depends on the number of apps they received ... etc

 

[Adrian_S]

I just want them to give me my PFO and stop daaaangling me.

Also it feels like it was just yesterday that I was frantically pounding back low calorie red bulls and getting my macfarlanes application together. Absolutely mad that it’s almost been 2 weeks.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Anyone heard from blm law? Last year there turn over was fast

 

[Adrian_S]

Everytime I see someone post about BLM on here, I keep thinking they’re talking about the activist group. If only. I’d love to work for Black Lives Matter.

 

[Adrian_S]

How do ppl feel about NRF’s Business and Legal operations scheme? I can’t tell if I’m allowed to apply for both that and a training contract (I’m a final year law student so can’t apply for their vac scheme)

 

[Rob93]

Everytime I see someone post about BLM on here, I keep thinking they’re talking about the activist group. If only. I’d love to work for Black Lives Matter.

There are actually a couple firms that set up programmes to have some associates undertake multi-year stints at civil rights orgs in the wake of George Floyd's murder (I want to say Orrick and Freshfields but I'm hazy on that) - so you never know!

 

[SemperParatus]

Does this mean everyone who applied to macfarlanes will probably hear back today? View attachment 3782

If I don’t hear from them today I am assuming rejection.

 

[Rob93]

How do ppl feel about NRF’s Business and Legal operations scheme? I can’t tell if I’m allowed to apply for both that and a training contract (I’m a final year law student so can’t apply for their vac scheme)

You probably can apply to both, but I'd be wary as I reckon that could call into question your motivation for/commitment to each.

 

[rose0904]

Hey, I hope it went well! DO you mind if I ask you how it went and the kind of questions they asked? I have mine this week. Thanks!

Ngl I thought it was super hard but I made it to AC! For the tests I just practiced the ones they recommend but just as a pre-warning, I found the real ones to be harder (especially the verbal reasoning). For the written exercise I'd just say be aware of the time to make sure you can finish. For the VI, they're pretty standard questions tbh so nothing out of the ordinary. Good luck!

 

[Adrian_S]

There are actually a couple firms that set up programmes to have some associates undertake multi-year stints at civil rights orgs in the wake of George Floyd's murder (I want to say Orrick and Freshfields but I'm hazy on that) - so you never know!

That’s amazing!