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

[rightletsdothis]

If I have not had a vacation scheme offer yet, do I have any chance when applying to Training Contracts in upcoming months? Starting to lose hope while everyone around me seems to be getting offered 😔

100% you have a chance. The amount of people I know who got 0 vacations schemes but broke through at TC offers in the summer is quite sizeable honestly. It’s kind of simple why. Most people are WAY better at applications after a year of writing applications. So be confident, use our help as a community, and keep firing those applications off. It only takes one grad recruiter who thinks your back story is unique enough to be the face of their firm ✌🏽😎

 

[zizszhplum]

100% you have a chance. The amount of people I know who got 0 vacations schemes but broke through at TC offers in the summer is quite sizeable honestly. It’s kind of simple why. Most people are WAY better at applications after a year of writing applications. So be confident, use our help as a community, and keep firing those applications off. It only takes one grad recruiter who thinks your back story is unique enough to be the face of their firm ✌🏽😎

Thank you so much! This is really reassuring!

 

[APPLE619]

If my tc starts in 2024, when is it likely that I will start the LPC or SQE?

Depends! I know CC for those starting in February 2024 is making them do the accelerated LPC Msc. I think HSF however is making you do the SQE – if you really want to know I suggest it would be best to ask the firm directly

 

[James Carrabino]

If I have not had a vacation scheme offer yet, do I have any chance when applying to Training Contracts in upcoming months? Starting to lose hope while everyone around me seems to be getting offered 😔

100% you have a chance. The amount of people I know who got 0 vacations schemes but broke through at TC offers in the summer is quite sizeable honestly. It’s kind of simple why. Most people are WAY better at applications after a year of writing applications. So be confident, use our help as a community, and keep firing those applications off. It only takes one grad recruiter who thinks your back story is unique enough to be the face of their firm ✌🏽😎

Agreed! I know people who applied to a lot of firms for vac scheme and did not get any offers, but subsequently did well in the direct TC round I myself got to interview stage at one firm for direct TC with the exact same app I had used for the vac scheme where I had been rejected at application stage 🤣 At the end of the day, sending in more applications (whether it is for vac schemes or direct TCs) can never hurt as you develop your application-writing skills and always have a shot with each one

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi. I am in the process of applying to an international law firm for a TC and would really appreciate advice on whether I should mention a particular experience I have on the application form.

I am currently a paralegal and I sometimes have to work with Scottish lawyers and negotiate contractual terms with them.

I was thinking to somehow incorporate my experience in dealing with different legal jurisdictions as doing so entails excellent attention to detail to ensure that I am referring to the relevant laws which is a skill that I will be able to incorporate when working in an international firm, etc.

However, I am hesitant to include this within the application as I know that the jurisdictional rules that apply across the UK are largely similar. Do you think it would benefit me by mentioning this within my application?

I think this sounds like a great experience to mention and I could be wrong, but my understanding is that Scots law has some significant differences from England & Wales law. If you have something specific to point to where you had to use your attention to detail to refer to the relevant laws then that will make this a great answer

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi everyone, there are new Starred Thread Awards on offer over the coming week! Links to the threads and further details on what you need to do to win a free month of TCLA Premium are outlined here Please reach out if you have any questions!

 

[HopefulForALawJob]

Anyone heard from V&E or K&L Gates Post Interview? Expecting PFO now...

 

[Frankiette]

Taylor Wessing Vac Scheme offer, literally started crying in the middle of Oxford Circus 😅😂

Hey congratulations, big achievement !! I have an AC coming up with them do you have any tips?

 

[Frankiette]

Taylor Wessing VS offer following my AC yesterday 🥳 Emotional moment as it's my first offer after four years of applications

hey well done!! I have an AC coming up do you have any tips

 

[Adrian_S]

Anyone heard from V&E or K&L Gates Post Interview? Expecting PFO now...

not sure about k&l gates, but i wouldn’t worry yet about V&E

i was told they were making decisions only after interviews were completed - and if i remember correctly, they had interviews all of last week. should be getting back to us in the next 10 days.

 

[sunflowerducks]

Hey congratulations, big achievement !! I have an AC coming up with them do you have any tips?

I do. I'll message you some tips after work today ☺️

 

[George Maxwell]

@Jessica Booker @George Maxwell

Hey @GXA123,

I have never needed something like this before, so nothing immediately comes to mind. That being said, YouTube always has some fantastic resources for this sort of thing. I searched "financial statements" (as I am sure you have already done) and it seemed to throw up some useful content!

What prompted you to ask for this out of interest?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Does anyone know how long BCLP’s first round interview is?

 

[George Maxwell]

In general does anyone have advice regarding dress code for women on a vac scheme? Can skirts be above the knee (not high though), do you have to wear heels or can you wear smart shoes like loafers? Alsooo can you wear tight clothing (appropriate ofc)? Just stressing about this currently 😭

Hey @aspiringlawyer123_,

I know that you have had some great replies to this query already, but I thought that this thread might be helpful! Let me know what you think 🚀

Hi. I am in the process of applying to an international law firm for a TC and would really appreciate advice on whether I should mention a particular experience I have on the application form.

I am currently a paralegal and I sometimes have to work with Scottish lawyers and negotiate contractual terms with them.

I was thinking to somehow incorporate my experience in dealing with different legal jurisdictions as doing so entails excellent attention to detail to ensure that I am referring to the relevant laws which is a skill that I will be able to incorporate when working in an international firm, etc.

However, I am hesitant to include this within the application as I know that the jurisdictional rules that apply across the UK are largely similar. Do you think it would benefit me by mentioning this within my application?

Hey @Law009,

As others have said, I think highlighting this as evidencing a transferrable skill (in this case, adaptability, attention to detail, ability to understand complex legal concepts, legal research/other broad legal skills) is a great idea!

It sounds like this experience will really stand you out against other applicants too as it is fairly unusual! I really like the link that you have made and the transferrable skills/general professional you have drawn out from this experience 🙌

Hi guys,

Would you describe Stephenson Harwood as a medium-sized firm and compare it to Watson Farley or Reed Smith? I want to focus on the firm's international strategy which seems a bit on pause. The firm is strong in Asia, South-East Asia and Europe but it is not pushing further which could be also a positive considering the continental's growth.

What do you think?

Hey @S87,

I am not very familiar with any of the firms that you have named there. All I would say is to be wary of comparing firms which might seem similar at first glance, but in reality have significant foundational differences.

What made you draw this comparison with WFW and RS out of interest? This is the sort of question that would be great to ask a current lawyer at SH as they will have a greater insight into the inner workings of the firm (and will be aware of appropriate comparator firms)

 

[LawfulRust00]

On paper, Fladgate and Teacher Stern appear to be quite similar. Which firm do people favour overall?

Like for Fladgate
Friendly react for Teacher Stern

I know this is somewhat an unfair question to ask as there are so many factors to take into account, but I am interested to get a rough scope on the perception of these firms.

 

[Cantab_95]

Got a question, @Jessica Booker, I have two vacation schemes in the Summer - one is in late June and the other in the first half of July. I currently work for legal services tech company and know that 2 vacation schemes is a lot of time to request off/use annual leave for. What do you think is the likelihood of being able to take unpaid leave? Both schemes are for training contracts that only start in 2024.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Does anyone know how long BCLP’s first round interview is?

Is this for VS or for direct TC.

 

[psr23]

Does anyone know how long Orrick take to come back to us after WG?

 

[Adrian_S]

Re: Mishcon, I just emailed the careers team. They said they’re still reviewing applications and hope to get back to everyone by the end of March.

 

[S87]

Hey @aspiringlawyer123_,

I know that you have had some great replies to this query already, but I thought that this thread might be helpful! Let me know what you think 🚀

Hey @Law009,

As others have said, I think highlighting this as evidencing a transferrable skill (in this case, adaptability, attention to detail, ability to understand complex legal concepts, legal research/other broad legal skills) is a great idea!

It sounds like this experience will really stand you out against other applicants too as it is fairly unusual! I really like the link that you have made and the transferrable skills/general professional you have drawn out from this experience 🙌

Hey @S87,

I am not very familiar with any of the firms that you have named there. All I would say is to be wary of comparing firms which might seem similar at first glance, but in reality have significant foundational differences.

What made you draw this comparison with WFW and RS out of interest? This is the sort of question that would be great to ask a current lawyer at SH as they will have a greater insight into the inner workings of the firm (and will be aware of appropriate comparator firms)

Hi George,

They are all mid-sized law firm with strong shipping practice but their international strategy differs quite a bit.
My plan is to compare 3 aspects of SH: international strategy when it comes to shipping firms, the growth from a litigation specialist to becoming a good finance specialist and diversity.