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

[s10]

During a vacation scheme, are you required to inform grad rec if you have arranged coffee catch-up's with associates and partners? I ask because I understand there can be hundreds of lawyers at a firm and not all of them will have the opportunity to get in touch with grad rec and let them know that you have shown initiative or interest in their practice areas.

 

[Jessica Booker]

During a vacation scheme, are you required to inform grad rec if you have arranged coffee catch-up's with associates and partners? I ask because I understand there can be hundreds of lawyers at a firm and not all of them will have the opportunity to get in touch with grad rec and let them know that you have shown initiative or interest in their practice areas.

No - you don't need to tell Grad Rec/HR and there is little point of informing them. The purpose of a coffee catch up is not to demonstrate to HR/Grad Rec that you have shown initiative or interest, it is for your benefit only to help you understand more about the firm.

 

[letmeintolaw]

In answering the question ‘tell us about a time you demonstrated commercial awareness’ is a good answer to talk about being runner-up in a commercial awareness article writing competition, or are they looking for a more real-world example?
@Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

In answering the question ‘tell us about a time you demonstrated commercial awareness’ is a good answer to talk about being runner-up in a commercial awareness article writing competition, or are they looking for a more real-world example?
@Jessica Booker

You could use the competition and I have seen such answers work well. But I think you really need to demonstrate how you applied commercial thinking (try to think of this more as your unique/innovative/creative thinking in a commercial context rather than applying factual knowledge) rather than explain the process of the competition for such an answer to really work.

 

[antisocial applicant]

I would say that you can think about allocating roles but do think about the content you're going to speak about too. Often times, the note taker/timekeeper focuses too much on their role and ends up missing the juicy bits of the presentation because someone else volunteered before them. But do remember that you are usually being observed in the group exercise so speak up when needed, be collaborative and offer to help others out with their point too.

Thanks Cat!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Travers Smith rejection all places for interviews filled now.

 

[lawstudent1111]

Hi @lawstudent1111

I completely agree with everything @Jessica Booker said in her post. My advice would be to work after you graduate, rather than spend a huge amount of money on the LPC, when you don't need to. Remember that most law firms will pay for your LPC/SQE but few reimburse.

Thanks
Gemma

It technically won't be for nothing - it will give you an exemption for SQE1 which means you could skip some of the prep (probably do a shorter prep course just focused on SQE2) and would obviously not have to pay out for the SQE 1 exams or prep course.

I just think this is a really expensive and time consuming way of getting an exemption.

Most firms are moving to the SQE by 2023 or 2024 because there will be such a small pipeline of talent who are still eligible to take the LPC route by 2024. By 2023 no non-law grads will be able to qualify via the LPC route unless they have done a part-time GDL or have deferred exams. In addition, many firms are not offering the option of how to qualify for those who have got a choice because trainees could ultimately be dealt with very differently. It is easier for many firms to just transition everyone over to the SQE to ensure consistency in how the trainees are managed.

I think my advice is to hold off until the late summer before making any decisions. LPC providers are notorious for piling on the pressure for you to commit early but put frankly, they never sell these courses out, and will really struggle to do so now the courses are on their way out. They are always advertising the courses weeks before they start in the late summer/early autumn. They will often try to sell the courses with early discounts etc to get people to commit when ultimately there is no need to do this. I would continue applying over the summer, see how your applications go, and then make a decision as to whether the LPC or the SQE is the right route for you.

If you go into the autumn recruitment cycle, a lot of firms will be recruiting for 2024/25 by that point, and I think it would be worthwhile checking which firms you want to apply to and whether they have moved across to the SQE or not to help inform your decision on what to do.

Hi Gemma and Jessica! Thank you so much for your insight and advice on this. It has really reassured me and clarified any doubts I had regarding the LPC/SQE (especially regarding the fact that it is not imperative to accept an offer right now, despite all the pressure by the providers). I will most definitely take on your advice and continue sending applications until the late summer before committing to any of these. Hopefully it all goes well thanks once again, I really appreciate it!

 

[Adrian_S]

Travers rejection - now just waiting for Mishcon to put me out of my misery. What a cycle it’s been!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Travers rejection and FF direct TC rejection ✨

 

[Law1099]

Making myself sick waiting for outcomes for a tc!!

 

[Miki3999]

Travers rejection as well.

 

[rightletsdothis]

Travers Smith grad recruitment. It’s not a great idea to tell students who spent weeks applying to your firm that you didn’t give them a chance because you filled spots too early haha. Just lie. Say our apps were trash and give a PFO. Its worse to know I literally had no chance because my app was lower in the bundle then some other guy. Bloody hell

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Travers rejection - now just waiting for Mishcon to put me out of my misery. What a cycle it’s been!

It is weird that Travers Smith rejection came this early as I am still waiting for Gibson post application and Travers rejection came before Gibson rejection.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Making myself sick waiting for outcomes for a tc!!

S a m e 😭

 

[Kubed]

Travers Smith grad recruitment. It’s not a great idea to tell students who spent weeks applying to your firm that you didn’t give them a chance because you filled spots too early haha. Just lie. Say our apps were trash and give a PFO. Its worse to know I literally had no chance because my app was lower in the bundle then some other guy. Bloody hell

I think it may just be the wording in the email as they have said at grad events that they do read all applications. I don't think it necessarily matters when you apply, but all the same, I know a PFO is never fun.

 

[syw]

TS PFO, but then TS invite for direct tc route! They said in the email they are expanding their trainee pool, and increasing numbers

 

[GOI983]

Travers PFO

 

[Law1099]

TS PFO, but then TS invite for direct tc route! They said in the email they are expanding their trainee pool, and increasing numbers

Well done! Did you get a plain rejection and then a new email or was it in one email?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Guys a friend of mine has got an assessment centre for Slaughter and May legal operations role. Does anyone have any advice at all or done an interview for a similar role that can share advice.

 

[syw]

Well done! Did you get a plain rejection and then a new email or was it in one email?

A plain PFO and then a new email