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

[Kubed]

Starting my VS next Monday😭feeling nervous AF
For non-law students is there anything we need to know beforehand (e.g., legal research etc)? Also how does networking actually work - do you just bump into people and talk...? Do people usually talk about commercial related or more personal stuff?
Really appreciate any tips😳

In terms of what to talk about - I would personally approach it like a normal conversation if it's an informal networking session. Of course, find out any information you want from the person you're speaking with, but quite often people just want to work with someone who they can see themselves getting on with.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

In terms of what to talk about - I would personally approach it like a normal conversation if it's an informal networking session. Of course, find out any information you want from the person you're speaking with, but quite often people just want to work with someone who they can see themselves getting on with.

I also found that lawyers very much like talking about themselves and their work so I haven't had to awkwardly ask questions it tends to be quite a natural conversation!

 

[YUKI1201]

I am currently on my vac scheme (though virtually) and I am also non-law! I haven't felt like I needed to know anything specific, just go in open-mindedly and enjoy the experience. It's good to know about the firm, their main areas and a few things you are interested in/want to learn as that makes the first few days a bit easier (and something I should have done!). Re networking, I think it may be similar to online. I went through my trainee buddy and associate mentor who got me in contact with lawyers in those specific areas of interest. Or alternatively follow-up with those who do talks for the vacation scheme or do your own research and contact people you find on the firm website (though its likely you won't get as quick a response!) Hope this helps

In terms of what to talk about - I would personally approach it like a normal conversation if it's an informal networking session. Of course, find out any information you want from the person you're speaking with, but quite often people just want to work with someone who they can see themselves getting on with.

Thank you guys so much!!

 

[George Maxwell]

Starting my VS next Monday😭feeling nervous AF
For non-law students is there anything we need to know beforehand (e.g., legal research etc)? Also how does networking actually work - do you just bump into people and talk...? Do people usually talk about commercial related or more personal stuff?
Really appreciate any tips😳

Hey @YUKI1201,

So in my experience (as a non-law student) firms (and supervisors) tend to presume that you do not have much (if any) legal knowledge. This is firm dependent, but my supervisors were often surprised when I demonstrated any legal knowledge. I have heard of some supervisors being less forgiving and of firms who do expect some level of legal knowledge from non-law students (e.g., K&E). All this is anecdotal.

I would really recommend Jake Schogger's Training Contract Handbook (if it isn't too late to order)! Other than that though, just knowing your CV and application very well is a great start (as your supervisor/buddy will likely be given your CV to gain an idea of your background and might ask you about it informally). Refresh your knowledge of the firm too if you can and try to do some research around the big deals involving the practice area(s) you are due to sit in as this may help to contextualise the work you do. I found that lawyers often made references to notable/significant recent deals in meetings that I sat in on.

With regards to networking, @thirdtimelucky has just provided you with some great thoughts on this. I spoke about this a little in this post, which you might find helpful. My advice really is to be proactive on this and to take advantage of being able to speak with lots of lawyers etc. If you can think about the areas or deals that pique your interest before your scheme (and then you mention this to your supervisor/buddy ahead of the scheme) you might be put in touch with someone related to this.

I also agree with @Kubed on speaking with people. Try not to ask questions for the sake of it- lean into your interest and be your authentic self. I found that lawyers appreciated that I had the confidence to be myself rather than trying to be impressive (or just being fake)

 

[YUKI1201]

Hey @YUKI1201,

So in my experience (as a non-law student) firms (and supervisors) tend to presume that you do not have much (if any) legal knowledge. This is firm dependent, but my supervisors were often surprised when I demonstrated any legal knowledge. I have heard of some supervisors being less forgiving and of firms who do expect some level of legal knowledge from non-law students (e.g., K&E). All this is anecdotal.

I would really recommend Jake Schogger's Training Contract Handbook (if it isn't too late to order)! Other than that though, just knowing your CV and application very well is a great start (as your supervisor/buddy will likely be given your CV to gain an idea of your background and might ask you about it informally). Refresh your knowledge of the firm too if you can and try to do some research around the big deals involving the practice area(s) you are due to sit in as this may help to contextualise the work you do. I found that lawyers often made references to notable/significant recent deals in meetings that I sat in on.

With regards to networking, @thirdtimelucky has just provided you with some great thoughts on this. I spoke about this a little in this post, which you might find helpful. My advice really is to be proactive on this and to take advantage of being able to speak with lots of lawyers etc. If you can think about the areas or deals that pique your interest before your scheme (and then you mention this to your supervisor/buddy ahead of the scheme) you might be put in touch with someone related to this.

I also agree with @Kubed on speaking with people. Try not to ask questions for the sake of it- lean into your interest and be your authentic self. I found that lawyers appreciated that I had the confidence to be myself rather than trying to be impressive (or just being fake)

Thank you George for your amazing advice - now I'm calming down a lot haha!

 

[TCApp2021]

The deadline for this interview is 10 April 2022 (GMT+01:00). Does this mean I’ve got until Sunday midnight?

 

[George Maxwell]

Thank you George for your amazing advice - now I'm calming down a lot haha!

That's great to hear - do let me know if you would like any further thoughts ahead of, or during, your VS! I really hope that it goes well for you ☺️

 

[cecily78900]

Hey, I have just had a paralegal interview - is it necessary to send a thank you email? This is something I had never done for a vacation scheme interview in the past, and I was wondering if this would have seemed rude?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey, I have just had a paralegal interview - is it necessary to send a thank you email? This is something I had never done for a vacation scheme interview in the past, and I was wondering if this would have seemed rude?

You don’t have to do it. You can at the same time, it really won’t matter either way though.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Are there any good tips out there for training contract interviews at the end of a VS?

 

[AnxietyBundle]

Hey guys, this is my first ever time posting. I heard back from Trowers today receiving my first vacation scheme!!! I’m over the moon and it’s all thanks to this forum. It’s gotten me through such hard times and so I’m so thankful for this community created. My next goal is to convert this into a training contract, so I’ll give it my best shot!!

congratulations! If you don’t mind me asking, did you hear back via call or email?

 

[Salin]

Congratulations @Salin!

Do let me, @James Carrabino, @AvniD or @Jessica Booker know if you would like any help prior to or during your scheme!

Thank you so much, I will definitely take you guys up on that offer!! Is there anything I should currently be doing specifically, besides keeping commercially aware etc. (VS is in June and I’m a non law student). Many thanks again everyone!!

 

[Salin]

congratulations! If you don’t mind me asking, did you hear back via call or email?

Thank you! I heard back via email so initially thought it was a rejection 😳 but yeah dw they do it through email. Best of luck!

 

[zak98]

ive been refreshing my email every minute.... i aint seen nothing yet!!!!!

Hey guys, this is my first ever time posting. I heard back from Trowers today receiving my first vacation scheme!!! I’m over the moon and it’s all thanks to this forum. It’s gotten me through such hard times and so I’m so thankful for this community created. My next goal is to convert this into a training contract, so I’ll give it my best shot!!

Congratulations!! Which office was this for?

 

[hungry_for_TC]

No from Cooley post-AC kinda heartbroken as I thought I did better than my AC with Ropes, but I got a VS from Ropes??? krazy kooky world

 

[Ambs123]

No from Cooley ( kinda heartbroken

I’m sorry to hear that I’m feeling the same about a firm too (even though I haven’t had a rejection yet I’ve just lost hope with it) - but we’re going to be okay, one day for us it’ll be a yes !!!

 

[Salin]

Congratulations!! Which office was this for?

London! Which did you apply for?

 

[captainhilts]

Has anyone done the Shoosmiths VI ?

 

[itsfatima_r]

I’m sorry to hear that I’m feeling the same about a firm too (even though I haven’t had a rejection yet I’ve just lost hope with it) - but we’re going to be okay, one day for us it’ll be a yes !!!

Is this firm Trowers ? I’m still waiting for a response too

 

[Ambs123]

Is this firm Trowers ? I’m still waiting for a response too

Yeah it is, I’m just not sure how to feel about it anymore ://