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

[JD]

They call you! Was gutting because I made the mark for the Vac scheme which I can’t do, but not direct Tc which I defintely could do ahaha

What is the criteria for what they assess you when it comes to VS and direct TCs? Surely it's the same?

 

[Law2021vacschemer]

I waited 2-3 days to get my written offer from CMS, think it’ll depend on the firm

Okay great- thanks for your help!

 

[RachelLouise22]

What is the criteria for what they assess you when it comes to VS and direct TCs? Surely it's the same?

Criteria is the same but you have to score higher for Direct TC (may not be the same for every firm)

 

[Donuttime]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

oh wow never even thought of this. Maybe shake their hand then immediately apply hand sanitiser to show them your covid safe?

 

[John Travoni]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from W&C spring VS post application?
Honestly, what are they even playing at 😩😩

 

[S30]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from W&C spring VS post application?
Honestly, what are they even planning at 😩😩

Hey - I applied a day before the deadline (spring scheme) and received a VI couple weeks back. I’m sure they are still going through applications slowly. As I’m still waiting to hear post-VI. Best of luck! ☺️

 

[antisocial applicant]

oh wow never even thought of this. Maybe shake their hand then immediately apply hand sanitiser to show them your covid safe?

That might give them the impression you think they don't wash their hands or are unclean

 

[S30]

does anyone know what level of experience (do they want you to have a vac scheme) freshfields look for in direct TC applications

I know someone who applied via the direct TC route and received a TC offer with them with no legal experience, not even a vacation scheme

 

[Jaysen]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

My suggestion is always to ask when you first meet them. It'll show your confidence and avoid a potentially-uncomfortable situation. Also gives you an immediate talking point!

 

[deckoking123]

anyone heard back from NRF & Akin Gump post AC?

 

[LawfulRed]

does anyone know what level of experience (do they want you to have a vac scheme) freshfields look for in direct TC applications

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

 

[GXA123]

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

don't they only let you add 3 experiences on their form LOL

 

[Jessica Booker]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Oh good question - it's strange, but I have gone right back to handshaking but I think it's where I have 18+ years of doing so it has been hard for me to not do it.

I don't think there is any harm in either 1) waiting for the other person to take the lead, 2) asking what the etiquette is these days/whether the individual is comfortable with a handshake or 3) declining (in the most polite and apologetic way) if someone goes to shake your hand and you don't want to.

 

[LawfulRed]

don't they only let you add 3 experiences on their form LOL

I don't know specifically about that. However, if each experience is over a week it'll be fine.

As I said, this is only a rule of thumb that grad rec told me. So if you have less experience I am sure they will assess your application holistically .

 

[PirateShip]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Go for a fist bump. No worries about touching the dirty inside of your hands and you can show them you're down with the kids.

This is a joke, please don't do that.

 

[LS07]

yep and i'm not holding my breath hahaah

When did you do your VI?? the wait is horrible but keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[LawfulRed]

oh god just dawn on me. I have an in person interview on Friday. Surely I don't shake their hand ? As although we are nearly out the pandemic its not really appropriate/ safe yet? lol don't mind me stressing about tiny issues

Go for a fist bump. No worries about touching the dirty inside of your hands and you can show them you're down with the kids.

This is a joke, please don't do that.

default to fist bump unless they initiate the handshake first (provided that you are comfortable touching them)

 

[Jessica Booker]

GR at Linklaters told me the rule of thumb is 4 weeks legal experience minimum for a direct TC, but ofc it may differ firm to firm

Definitely won't be the case for other firms. Many firms will want to see some work experience and probably 4 weeks or so, but it doesn't necessarily need to be legal.

 

[PirateShip]

default to fist bump unless they initiate the handshake first (provided that you are comfortable touching them)

I believe bumping chests and then proclaiming "ooh, ooh, ooh" is also a hygenic alternative.

 

[ps123]

Just when you've packed up for the cycle...Mayer Brown AC lol, absolutely love the firm but just started my new job today & so no chance I would do the VS this summer. Should I do the AC wait to see the result & ask to be considered for a TC? Any advice would be great.