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

[MW110601]

Well done! 🥳 What office? I'm going to the Reading one

Thank you and congrats! I went for Leeds

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I have an offer for a paralegal role (FIRM A) but I only have one more week to accept. I am waiting for the outcome for another paralegal position (FIRM B) I would much rather have but will hear back in the next coming weeks...

How do I KINDLY say.. Can I have a few more weeks to decide to firm A?

I think you should accept it as if you don't get offer 2 then you have a job at least and also what is your notice period for job offer 1 as if it is less than 2 weeks or 2 weeks then it will be fine if you get an offer from firm 2.

This is from my experience of being in a situation like this before but others an maybe provide you with better advice than this as I am new to the job market.

I hope it is helpful.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

White & Case vacation scheme offer!!!
I’m so happy to finish this application cycle with a magic circle training contract and 2 vacation scheme offers!

I’ve applied to all 3 firms at least 3 times and only had 1 interview before this cycle. So I’m so pleased that I’m finally seeing results and looking forward to the vacation schemes this summer 🥳🥳🥳

Congratulations this is so good and am so proud of you.

 

[summer207]

I have unfortunately caught COVID, and I have an AC (in person) tomorrow. The other available date for an AC (also in person) would still fall within my isolation period.

Is it worth saying that I would still like to be considered for this cycle, and I would be happy to take part virtually or another form of assessment? I am unsure if this is a reasonable ask.

Additionally, is it reasonable to ask to be considered for next year’s cycle?

I haven’t had to do this before so unsure if the above asks are reasonable or if it is better to apologise, and explain the situation. It is a really rubbish situation given all the preparation

I hope your symptoms aren’t too bad! I think that is a very reasonable ask. The firm will not expect you to show up for an AC with COVID because you risk infecting others and some people may be more vulnerable to it.

I’d call them first thing tomorrow morning explaining your situation, maybe offering to send evidence of your positive result and requesting a virtual alternative because both dates are within your isolation period. I guess you could apologise for the inconvenience, but it’s not really your fault or something you could have anticipated. Best of luck!

 

[Alison C]

I have unfortunately caught COVID, and I have an AC (in person) tomorrow. The other available date for an AC (also in person) would still fall within my isolation period.

Is it worth saying that I would still like to be considered for this cycle, and I would be happy to take part virtually or another form of assessment? I am unsure if this is a reasonable ask.

Additionally, is it reasonable to ask to be considered for next year’s cycle?

I haven’t had to do this before so unsure if the above asks are reasonable or if it is better to apologise, and explain the situation. It is a really rubbish situation given all the preparation

How very frustrating!

I completely agree with @summer207 . It's also worth noting that you are doing the responsible thing, exactly as they will expect of you when a professional. You cannot attend, and GR will undoubtedly have had to deal with situations of illness previously. It will be interesting for you to see how accommodating they are towards you.

Good luck and let's hope you aren't feeling too rough.

PS they may even have an answering machine if you call immediately - and you could send an email (eg with a photo of your positive test) so that all bases are covered ASAP. That helps them with their organisation (staffing, etc) too.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have unfortunately caught COVID, and I have an AC (in person) tomorrow. The other available date for an AC (also in person) would still fall within my isolation period.

Is it worth saying that I would still like to be considered for this cycle, and I would be happy to take part virtually or another form of assessment? I am unsure if this is a reasonable ask.

Additionally, is it reasonable to ask to be considered for next year’s cycle?

I haven’t had to do this before so unsure if the above asks are reasonable or if it is better to apologise, and explain the situation. It is a really rubbish situation given all the preparation

Yes, either of these options is reasonable to ask for but should still be explained that you are asking as you cannot attend an assessment centre until your isolation period is up. They will understand, it is just whether they can provide any alternative dates/methods that might be the issue. There is absolutely no harm in asking though.

 

[Zoe1512]

Has anyone heard anything from Arnold & Porter?

Just heard back now, offered and interview

 

[Han.louise]

Dear all,

I have just been notified that I have failed converting a spring vacation scheme into a training contract. I feel quite lost particularly since I am a final year international student...

I also wonder whether my vacation scheme experience will be a good asset for future applications I am extremely anxious of getting questioned 'explain why you failed'.

I would appreciate any comments. Thank you so much.

I didn't convert last year for the only vac scheme that I had in my first cycle. But now in my second cycle, I have 3 vacation schemes, 1 TC AC and I haven't been asked about my previous vac scheme.

If I converted the first time, I wouldn't have had the opportunity with these firms. Just remember that this rejection is a redirection!

 

[OO28]

Congratulations this is so good and am so proud of you.

Thank you!!

 

[F12M34L]

baker mckenzie video interview invite

Congrats. are u done with it ?

 

[aspiringlawyer123_]

@Jessica Booker if a firm is using vero to check employment background, how do you input work you did (like tutoring) where I took cash in hand?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

I got the call on Monday offering me a TC at NRF (my dream firm). After 3 cycles, over 40 applications and multiple rejections I really didn't think it was possible but as my username suggests, it was indeed third time lucky! I truly couldn’t have gotten it without the support of the forum and the resources available on the TCLA so thank you all so much for everything! And if I can help anyone/or the forum in any way it would be a huge privilege! Now to relax until January!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker if a firm is using vero to check employment background, how do you input work you did (like tutoring) where I took cash in hand?

If it’s on your application, then yes. They will probably want some proof of the income if possible though (eg self assessment).

 

[Jessica Booker]

So… I got the call on Monday offering me a TC at my dream firm after 3 cycles, over 40 applications and multiple rejections. I truly couldn’t have gotten it without the support of the forum and the resources available on the TCLA so thank you so much for everything! And if I can help anyone/or the forum in any way it would be a huge privilege! Now to relax until January!

This is amazing news - delighted for you!

 

[aspiringlawyer123_]

If it’s on your application, then yes. They will probably want some proof of the income if possible though (eg self assessment).

What if you cant prove income? This was like 3 years ago

 

[AvniD]

So… I got the call on Monday offering me a TC at my dream firm after 3 cycles, over 40 applications and multiple rejections. I truly couldn’t have gotten it without the support of the forum and the resources available on the TCLA so thank you so much for everything! And if I can help anyone/or the forum in any way it would be a huge privilege! Now to relax until January!

@thirdtimelucky so, so happy for you! You've been such an insightful contributor to the forum and I hope that you find everything you're looking for and more at your dream firm. Please do take all the time you can to relax and let this news sink in- it's absolutely well deserved. And I do hope to see you around on the Junior Lawyers' Community here at TCLA now that you have your TC!

A huge congratulations and wishing you the very best!

 

[AvniD]

I didn't convert last year for the only vac scheme that I had in my first cycle. But now in my second cycle, I have 3 vacation schemes, 1 TC AC and I haven't been asked about my previous vac scheme.

If I converted the first time, I wouldn't have had the opportunity with these firms. Just remember that this rejection is a redirection!

Love this! You're absolutely right- treating rejection as redirection really is key.

 

[Jessica Booker]

What if you cant prove income? This was like 3 years ago

Then you just explain that to the reference check company and they take that onboard. They may want another form of proof depending on how long the self employment was for and how big a proportion it takes up of your total employment.

 

[5678]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen Hi! If a TC is offered in a regional office, it is possible to ask Grad Rec if you can do your TC in the London office instead and how would you advise navigating the conversation please? Thanks!

 

[GXA123]

So… I got the call on Monday offering me a TC at my dream firm after 3 cycles, over 40 applications and multiple rejections. I truly couldn’t have gotten it without the support of the forum and the resources available on the TCLA so thank you so much for everything! And if I can help anyone/or the forum in any way it would be a huge privilege! Now to relax until January!

well done! so happy for you <3 <3