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

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Jessica Booker

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Hi, I was wondering if it is common practice to announce on LinkedIn that you’ve been offered a Vac scheme or do most people not do that?
It’s a bit like marmite, some people love it some people hate it.

In my personal opinion, there is no harm in doing it as long as you are definitely accepting the place. If there is any chance of you turning it down for another offer, then don’t.
 

LEL

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Jul 22, 2020
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Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol
 

S87

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Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol
From my understanding it depends on the firm's availability but in general you qualify in a specific team.
 
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TC fiend

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  • Apr 27, 2021
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    Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol
    You qualify as a solicitor generally. I’ve heard of associates moving within a practice area (ie from a specialist area to a more generalist area or vice versa) but not personally of moving between practice areas. I imagine in limited cases this may be possible but within specific topic confines.

    EDIT: I mean you qualify into a team but you are generally on the roll as a solicitor, not as an “X qualified” solicitor.
     

    GXA123

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  • Nov 30, 2020
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    here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


    Yes
    Boodle Hatfield
    Farrer & Co
    Linklaters
    Macfarlanes
    NRF
    Slaughter & May

    No
    Addleshaw Goddard
    Allen & Overy
    Baker McKenzie
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
    Clyde & Co
    CMS
    Dechert
    Herbert Smith Freehills
    Hogan Lovells
    Mishcon de Reya
    Ropes & Gray
    Shearman & Sterling
    Sidley Austin

    Unclear
    Dentons
    Vinson & Elkins
    Weil, Gotshal, & Manges
    just adding to the list, Mills & Revve is a no
     

    GXA123

    Legendary Member
  • Nov 30, 2020
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    does any
    here’s what I have so far. going to keep looking, send a bunch of emails out, and update the list accordingly:


    Yes
    Boodle Hatfield
    Farrer & Co
    Linklaters
    Macfarlanes
    NRF
    Slaughter & May

    No
    Addleshaw Goddard
    Allen & Overy
    Baker McKenzie
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
    Clyde & Co
    CMS
    Davis Polk & Wardell
    Dechert
    DLA Piper
    Herbert Smith Freehills
    Hogan Lovells
    Mishcon de Reya
    Ropes & Gray
    Shearman & Sterling
    Sidley Austin

    Unclear
    Dentons
    Vinson & Elkins
    Weil, Gotshal, & Manges
    does anybody know anything about Latham?
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
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    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,505
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    Has anyone ever seen/heard of associates switching practice areas after they're qualified? Probably more so within the same field e.g. M&A to capital markets, as opposed to a drastic change like M&A to arbitration. Do you qualify as a solicitor generally, or as a solicitor in a specific practice area? I feel like the idea of staying in one area for the rest of my career is daunting, what if I don't like it anymore lol
    I have heard of it, but it is rare. I know an associate who moved from finance to litigation, but I have met 1,000s of lawyers in my time and that's the only instance I can think of off the top of my head.

    You may want to look at firms who offer more generalist solicitor roles rather than clearly defined practice areas if you do want more flexibility.
     

    lawcurious

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 23, 2021
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    if in an interview when they ask "introduce yourself to me in 60s" i was wondering what kind of things would one include? should it be more personal (i.e personal attributes, hobbites, etc) or more achievement/career based (awards, career interests/achievements, etc)?
     
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    GXA123

    Legendary Member
  • Nov 30, 2020
    804
    887
    if in an interview when they ask "introduce yourself to me in 60s" i was wondering what kind of things would one include? should it be more personal (i.e personal attributes, hobbites, etc) or more achievement/career based (awards, career interests/achievements, etc)?
    I normally just give background info like my name, age, studies and that's it.
     

    thirdtimelucky

    Legendary Member
    Junior Lawyer
  • Nov 12, 2019
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    1,394
    How should I handle feeling burnt out from this cycle? I have an AC coming up and I feel like I’m not doing enough work for it :( but I feel super exhausted and anxious all the time!!
    I felt similarly but I really think you just have to listen to your body. I was sick so I was forced not to work the 4 days before my AC which I thought was the end of my chances but I ended up getting it. Rest is really underrated but it really helps clear your mind. If you can, I'd say focus on two core things, keeping up your commercial awareness (podcasts are great if you dont want to read) and knowing your story/experiences so you can answer why law, why the firm (firm research is what I focused on so competitors, a case or two I am interested in and what makes them unique) and why you! The rest is really just luck and thinking on your feet which only becomes harder if you are burnt out :D Best of luck with the AC!
     
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