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

[sxw517]

Hey @T. PM me and I'd be happy to share my experience.

 

[S87]

Yep, it is! Thanks for letting me know. I applied around early June. So going to just assume it's a PFO now and start writing applications for September. Again, Thanks for letting me know and I hope you smash your VI

You have not received your rejection yet so hang in there!

 

[lawnoob]

Hi guys, how would you suggest practicing/learning how law firms can advise businesses for AC commercial questions?

I’m able to identify how commercial issues affect businesses, but how do I learn about what legal advice should be given in response? I feel like there’s no way for me to learn about ALL and EVERY legal response, so are there specific ones that come up a lot in the commercial part of interviews?

Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!

 

[FutureLawyer99]

@Jaysen @Jessica Booker Do you guys have any tips on how to practice SWOT and PESTLE analysis in preparation for assessment centres?

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Hi @Jaysen,

Are there new threads for the 2022-2023 application season?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jaysen,

Are there new threads for the 2022-2023 application season?

I’m due to start one soon!

 

[Brandon93]

Would anyone be able to provide guidance on Stephenson Harwood's written case study?

 

[GXA123]

is the product lead vacancy still open?

 

[thefutureladylawyer]

Just had a reply from Eversheds Cardiff, they filled all their vacancies from VS and encouraged me to apply next year because they were impressed with the quality of my application

 

[Limanehious]

At what point would people recommend chasing a law firm? They told us we would hear end of last week, and I’ve heard nothing. I messaged grad recruitment on Monday but not heard anything back. They specifically said we would hear back either way. What would people recommend?

 

[Abii]

At what point would people recommend chasing a law firm? They told us we would hear end of last week, and I’ve heard nothing. I messaged grad recruitment on Monday but not heard anything back. They specifically said we would hear back either way. What would people recommend?

Do you know if others have heard back?

As you got in touch with them on Monday and haven’t heard back I would wait until next Monday to reach out again unless you have a specific deadline you need to hear the outcome by due to, for example, competing offers.

 

[Ricecakes]

Hi - hopefully someone can help, Im in an incredibly fortunate position of receiving two TCs but im really struggling to decide between two firms but one is for this year and the other starts in 2024. For context both law firms have similar seat options, and do similar work so would get similar experience, both are American (so small intake etc.), and are well regarded.
However the 2022 one was a direct TC so havent been able to send as much 1 on 1 time with the associate/partners etc there whereas i did a VS with the 2024 one so i feel much more emotionally invested in that firm.
Would be super helpful to hear what others have done in similar situations e.g. basing decisions off culture, being able to start work earlier etc?
And how big of a deal is a 2 year gap/starting the law journey 2 years later?
Thanks!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi - hopefully someone can help, Im in an incredibly fortunate position of receiving two TCs but im really struggling to decide between two firms but one is for this year and the other starts in 2024. For context both law firms have similar seat options, and do similar work so would get similar experience, both are American (so small intake etc.), and are well regarded.
However the 2022 one was a direct TC so havent been able to send as much 1 on 1 time with the associate/partners etc there whereas i did a VS with the 2024 one so i feel much more emotionally invested in that firm.
Would be super helpful to hear what others have done in similar situations e.g. basing decisions off culture, being able to start work earlier etc?
And how big of a deal is a 2 year gap/starting the law journey 2 years later?
Thanks!!

A couple of things:

1) You could explain to the firm you didn’t do a VS with that you’d like to come in for a half day or so to meet some lawyers and spend time in the firm. You can explain your position as to why you are requesting if that could be possible

2) you could also ask the 2024 firm whether there is any chance of your start date to be brought forward

 

[LawfulRust00]

Hi all,

A question for @Jessica Booker and anyone else that can speak from experience.

I undertook a Vacation Scheme with a firm, following which candidates are automatically considered for a TC. This was one of two schemes for a medium trainee intake. Some have received offers and I know someone who has been rejected.

I am still waiting and I know of someone in the same boat.

I appreciate it may be difficult to advise without further context. However, is this more likely to mean that I’m rejected, the offers are being staggered or that I’m on a maybe/reserve list?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Ricecakes]

A couple of things:

1) You could explain to the firm you didn’t do a VS with that you’d like to come in for a half day or so to meet some lawyers and spend time in the firm. You can explain your position as to why you are requesting if that could be possible

2) you could also ask the 2024 firm whether there is any chance of your start date to be brought forward

thanks for your reply Jessica! the first suggestion is a good idea, but not sure if they would be receptive of me asking to come in as I have already accepted their offer since the turnaround for that was really quick and they don't know that I have an offer elsewhere but do know that i did vac schemes, so not sure if they would expect me to already be 100% sure that I want to work for them if I have already accepted!

Sadly, I have already asked about moving the start date up and they said its only really possible if someone drops out of the year ahead and so out of their hands, but that I could be considered to be top of the waiting list in that situation.

I also wanted to ask as well, that I have asked the first firm for feedback despite being successful and accepting the tc, as I still want to be able to learn from those experiences, however, the grad rec initially said yes, they would collect feedback, but I haven't received any to date despite me following up a few times in other emails - do you think this has any reflection on the training style and the feedback/lack of feedback that I would receive during the training contract and is this something to note??

Thanks for your help !

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all,

A question for @Jessica Booker and anyone else that can speak from experience.

I undertook a Vacation Scheme with a firm, following which candidates are automatically considered for a TC. This was one of two schemes for a medium trainee intake. Some have received offers and I know someone who has been rejected.

I am still waiting and I know of someone in the same boat.

I appreciate it may be difficult to advise without further context. However, is this more likely to mean that I’m rejected, the offers are being staggered or that I’m on a maybe/reserve list?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

It could be a range of reasons why, but it sounds like decisions are staggered and therefore you are still in contention. If it was a straight no, you would have heard back by now. They maybe looking at other candidates (both VS and direct TC applicants) and waiting to see how accepting TC offer rates go before they make more offers.

 

[Jessica Booker]

thanks for your reply Jessica! the first suggestion is a good idea, but not sure if they would be receptive of me asking to come in as I have already accepted their offer since the turnaround for that was really quick and they don't know that I have an offer elsewhere but do know that i did vac schemes, so not sure if they would expect me to already be 100% sure that I want to work for them if I have already accepted!

Sadly, I have already asked about moving the start date up and they said its only really possible if someone drops out of the year ahead and so out of their hands, but that I could be considered to be top of the waiting list in that situation.

I also wanted to ask as well, that I have asked the first firm for feedback despite being successful and accepting the tc, as I still want to be able to learn from those experiences, however, the grad rec initially said yes, they would collect feedback, but I haven't received any to date despite me following up a few times in other emails - do you think this has any reflection on the training style and the feedback/lack of feedback that I would receive during the training contract and is this something to note??

Thanks for your help !

No - I don’t think it’s a reflection of their training. The team will be exceptionally busy and unfortunately it won’t be a priority, especially if you have accepted the offer.

 

[GXA123]

Hello @Jessica Booker, can you please suggest good resources on the use of SWOT, PESTEL, and porter's 5 forces in the legal industry and the best method. I am struggling to find content related to law firms etc...

thank you

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello @Jessica Booker, can you please suggest good resources on the use of SWOT, PESTEL, and porter's 5 forces in the legal industry and the best method. I am struggling to find content related to law firms etc...

thank you

I don’t have such information - sorry I can’t be of help on this.

 

[YJ]

Hello @Jessica Booker, can you please suggest good resources on the use of SWOT, PESTEL, and porter's 5 forces in the legal industry and the best method. I am struggling to find content related to law firms etc...

thank you

Look on Simranjeet YouTube! She has two videos on article analysis which go into SWOT and PESTLE in depth