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

[MarianaMartins]

Yes of course you can put it on your CV! I'm just not sure it has any weight beyond showing a general interest in the legal profession much like joining law society at uni, unlike a VS it doesn't have a competitive application process or assessed element to it etc.

Yes, of course!! I just want to show that I am being proactive and try to find ways to show little knowledge of law firms work, etc. Since if I do not get a VS I literally do not have anything to show for myself, besides pro bono!

 

[h1]

Hello! Just wanted to share that I've secured a TC in-house - my absolute dream!! I've taken so much advice and help from this forum and it's truly been a godsend. Thank you so much to this group!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi!! @Jessica Booker @AvniD
Do you think shadowing a paralegal is good? I do not have much of work experience... and I was thinking that maybe shadowing a paralegal can be relevant?

I think shadowing anyone can be helpful, but if you are looking for training contracts rather than paralegal roles, I’d try to shadow a qualified lawyer or a trainee.

 

[Bestkid98]

Hi, I just wanted to ask, with multiple TC offers, what is the best thing to go off when deciding which firm to pick?

Just to provide context, both offers are off the back of doing vacation schemes this summer, one VS was two weeks long, and the other was one week. I enjoyed both of them, they have similar cultures, but I know that one would have better training for areas I'm interested in, such as Private Equity, Finance and Funds but the other firm I enjoyed the people I interacted with more when I networked throughout the VS. Is it better to base my decision off the quality of training and career progression from that training or rather the culture of the firm?

It would be interesting to hear what everyone would base their decision on when at a crossroads like this. Many thanks in advance.

 

[AvniD]

Hi, I just wanted to ask, with multiple TC offers, what is the best thing to go off when deciding which firm to pick?

Just to provide context, both offers are off the back of doing vacation schemes this summer, one VS was two weeks long, and the other was one week. I enjoyed both of them, they have similar cultures, but I know that one would have better training for areas I'm interested in, such as Private Equity, Finance and Funds but the other firm I enjoyed the people I interacted with more when I networked throughout the VS. Is it better to base my decision off the quality of training and career progression from that training or rather the culture of the firm?

It would be interesting to hear what everyone would base their decision on when at a crossroads like this. Many thanks in advance.

In what way would the training be better at the other firm? And how vastly different is your career progression between the two firms? And also, what/do you attach any significance to culture over training quality or vice versa?

 

[Abii]

Hi, I just wanted to ask, with multiple TC offers, what is the best thing to go off when deciding which firm to pick?

Just to provide context, both offers are off the back of doing vacation schemes this summer, one VS was two weeks long, and the other was one week. I enjoyed both of them, they have similar cultures, but I know that one would have better training for areas I'm interested in, such as Private Equity, Finance and Funds but the other firm I enjoyed the people I interacted with more when I networked throughout the VS. Is it better to base my decision off the quality of training and career progression from that training or rather the culture of the firm?

It would be interesting to hear what everyone would base their decision on when at a crossroads like this. Many thanks in advance.

This is a tough decision. Do you have a gut feeling? I’m a big believe in gut instinct - it has always worked out well for me. Alternatively flip a coin - when it’s in the air you will know which way you want it to land and that says a lot!

From a personal point of view - I would choose culture. I’ve been in work for a few years and working somewhere you cannot be yourself and don’t get on with people well is miserable. You spend more time working in an average week than with family and friends so it has to be somewhere you enjoy.

 

[NMA]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I finished my vac scheme a week ago and wasn't offered a TC due to underperforming in the final interview. Regardless, it was a great experience and I'll probs apply to direct TCs now. However, would this be more positive/negative on my overall future applications? i.e. I've got the commercial law experience, but would firms be super wary about me not continuing on with the firm that I did a vac scheme at? Thanks.

 

[hopefullylaw2000]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I finished my vac scheme a week ago and wasn't offered a TC due to underperforming in the final interview. Regardless, it was a great experience and I'll probs apply to direct TCs now. However, would this be more positive/negative on my overall future applications? i.e. I've got the commercial law experience, but would firms be super wary about me not continuing on with the firm that I did a vac scheme at? Thanks.

Not Jessica, but i didn’t convert a vac scheme and found that having that experience was fundamental to my success on getting a TC! I was able to leverage it to show what I learnt on the scheme / why I was sure on a career in commercial law! It also lead to good interview discussions about what I did on the scheme and what I enjoyed (and why it led me to apply to that firm)! I only once got asked why I didn’t convert and I was truthful and the Partners on the call were very understanding and expressed how common it was not to convert!

 

[NMA]

Not Jessica, but i didn’t convert a vac scheme and found that having that experience was fundamental to my success on getting a TC! I was able to leverage it to show what I learnt on the scheme / why I was sure on a career in commercial law! It also lead to good interview discussions about what I did on the scheme and what I enjoyed (and why it led me to apply to that firm)! I only once got asked why I didn’t convert and I was truthful and the Partners on the call were very understanding and expressed how common it was not to convert!

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! )

 

[Legalmel_99]

Hello everyone ☺️ Every year I use this platform and see people post about TCs I never thought it would be my turn.

I’ve secured a Training contract this year! Cannot believe it. The call was definitely worth all the rejection I’ve suffered in the past. Earlier this year I opened up about not converting my vacation schemes into offers it was devastating. I also had a vacation scheme this year which I didn’t convert which made me think the process just isn’t for me, I was planning to give up after this cycle but I tried direct TC and this worked.

if anyone ever feels demotivated trust me I can relate this is my 4th cycle!! Good luck anyone still waiting on outcomes and if your still debating on whether it’s “too late” to submit that application - it’s never too late ☺️

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Hello everyone ☺️ Every year I use this platform and see people post about TCs I never thought it would be my turn.

I’ve secured a Training contract this year! Cannot believe it. The call was definitely worth all the rejection I’ve suffered in the past. Earlier this year I opened up about not converting my vacation schemes into offers it was devastating. I also had a vacation scheme this year which I didn’t convert which made me think the process just isn’t for me, I was planning to give up after this cycle but I tried direct TC and this worked.

if anyone ever feels demotivated trust me I can relate this is my 4th cycle!! Good luck anyone still waiting on outcomes and if your still debating on whether it’s “too late” to submit that application - it’s never too late ☺️

This is fantastic news! Congratulations 👏🏼

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello everyone ☺️ Every year I use this platform and see people post about TCs I never thought it would be my turn.

I’ve secured a Training contract this year! Cannot believe it. The call was definitely worth all the rejection I’ve suffered in the past. Earlier this year I opened up about not converting my vacation schemes into offers it was devastating. I also had a vacation scheme this year which I didn’t convert which made me think the process just isn’t for me, I was planning to give up after this cycle but I tried direct TC and this worked.

if anyone ever feels demotivated trust me I can relate this is my 4th cycle!! Good luck anyone still waiting on outcomes and if your still debating on whether it’s “too late” to submit that application - it’s never too late ☺️

That is fantastic news! Congratulations on securing a TC - I love posts like this as it really shows that determination, perseverance and hard work pay off!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, I finished my vac scheme a week ago and wasn't offered a TC due to underperforming in the final interview. Regardless, it was a great experience and I'll probs apply to direct TCs now. However, would this be more positive/negative on my overall future applications? i.e. I've got the commercial law experience, but would firms be super wary about me not continuing on with the firm that I did a vac scheme at? Thanks.

Completing a vacation scheme will only ever be a positive addition to an application.

Yes, firms will be curious as to why you didn’t convert to a training contract. But at the same time they know that there are a multitude of reasons for this and that even the firm who turned you down might of wished they didn’t have to. It might be that you are not just the right match for that firm, but could be a better match for the firm you are applying to.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Hello everyone ☺️ Every year I use this platform and see people post about TCs I never thought it would be my turn.

I’ve secured a Training contract this year! Cannot believe it. The call was definitely worth all the rejection I’ve suffered in the past. Earlier this year I opened up about not converting my vacation schemes into offers it was devastating. I also had a vacation scheme this year which I didn’t convert which made me think the process just isn’t for me, I was planning to give up after this cycle but I tried direct TC and this worked.

if anyone ever feels demotivated trust me I can relate this is my 4th cycle!! Good luck anyone still waiting on outcomes and if your still debating on whether it’s “too late” to submit that application - it’s never too late ☺️

First of all congratulations.

This is the motivation that I needed and this is ther greatest achievementnlike being rejected from VS many times and getting a TC am proud of you.

I have been doubting myself the past few days and hearing that it was your 4th application cycle really motivated me thank you for this.

 

[AvniD]

Hello everyone ☺️ Every year I use this platform and see people post about TCs I never thought it would be my turn.

I’ve secured a Training contract this year! Cannot believe it. The call was definitely worth all the rejection I’ve suffered in the past. Earlier this year I opened up about not converting my vacation schemes into offers it was devastating. I also had a vacation scheme this year which I didn’t convert which made me think the process just isn’t for me, I was planning to give up after this cycle but I tried direct TC and this worked.

if anyone ever feels demotivated trust me I can relate this is my 4th cycle!! Good luck anyone still waiting on outcomes and if your still debating on whether it’s “too late” to submit that application - it’s never too late ☺️

This is such wonderful news to open the forum up to! You've done so, so well and your post will resonate with so many in our community.

 

[Bestkid98]

In what way would the training be better at the other firm? And how vastly different is your career progression between the two firms? And also, what/do you attach any significance to culture over training quality or vice versa?

Thanks for replying - I would say the training is better at firm X because of the training system the firm has, which a lot of trainees emphasised, and I guess because X firm has non-billable hours, it would make a culture where seniors are more likely to invest into me as there's no pressure to meet targets. There wouldn't be a vast difference in career progression. Both firms have a significant presence and expertise in the transactional space, which I'm interested in. However, I think X firm has a better PE, Funds, Finance and general corporate practice than Firm Y.

It's hard to decide what I attach significance to, I know culture is important in terms of feeling genuine and authentic at the firm I train at, and I think Firm Y really made that impression on me during the vacation scheme.

All in all it's a difficult decision to make - and I'm really indecisive when it comes to decisions like this to make. (sorry for the essay and if it's unclear)

 

[Bestkid98]

This is a tough decision. Do you have a gut feeling? I’m a big believe in gut instinct - it has always worked out well for me. Alternatively flip a coin - when it’s in the air you will know which way you want it to land and that says a lot!

From a personal point of view - I would choose culture. I’ve been in work for a few years and working somewhere you cannot be yourself and don’t get on with people well is miserable. You spend more time working in an average week than with family and friends so it has to be somewhere you enjoy.

I do have a gut feeling - but it's more my heart (having an emotional connection) leaning towards Firm Y which I enjoyed during the VS, and my head/mind (logical, rational explanation) is leaning towards Firm X.

I agree with your point, in terms on culture being important and pivotal - I'm just terrible at making choices like this.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I do have a gut feeling - but it's more my heart (having an emotional connection) leaning towards Firm Y which I enjoyed during the VS, and my head/mind (logical, rational explanation) is leaning towards Firm X.

I agree with your point, in terms on culture being important and pivotal - I'm just terrible at making choices like this.

What is the compromise you will be making for the “heart” firm?

 

[Bestkid98]

What is the compromise you will be making for the “heart” firm?

Compromise - would be to a lesser extent having the same level of expertise in PE, Funds, Finance (areas I'm interested in) to the other firm which has a stronger expertise.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Compromise - would be to a lesser extent having the same level of expertise in PE, Funds, Finance (areas I'm interested in) to the other firm which has a stronger expertise.

And if you ranked the other firm as 10/10 for this work, how would you rank this firm out of 10?