TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[su1234]

Anyone heard back from Anthony Collins?

Hi, I’ve heard back from AC last Wednesday with a phone call

 

[EM23]

Farrer and Co training contract application similar questions to vac scheme questions, should I use different answers? Have been successful for a vac scheme with those answers so don’t think I should change?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Farrer and Co training contract application similar questions to vac scheme questions, should I use different answers? Have been successful for a vac scheme with those answers so don’t think I should change?

I always advise updating and refining your application - some answers may still be the same type of content, but I would always consider whether you could describe things better/refine your written style, or whether your more recent experiences have either provided more recent/stronger evidence of your motivations or developed your skill set.

You can't assume just because your application was successful last time it will be this time too, especially where this is for a TC rather than a VS.

 

[vrinda]

According to Chambers Student - HSF have 65 training contract places and all schemes take around 30 students each.

Anyone who could help me with the query on , what is the difficulty level of assessment tests of HSF?

 

[sunnyd]

Hi all, did anyone receive any updates from Teacher Stern regarding the vacation scheme 2023? I know they mentioned they would get back to us by the end of May, but still waiting to hear back

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker

How many internships (during high school and before law school) do you reckon would pave way for an Open Day acceptance at firms like L&W, K&E?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker

How many internships (during high school and before law school) do you reckon would pave way for an Open Day acceptance at firms like L&W, K&E?

You don’t necessarily need any. Your motivations and ambitions can be shown through many other aspects than just work experience/internships.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Do open day applications for K&E and L&W require CVs/Resumes?

 

[lawapplicant]

Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths regarding TC interview? They said that they would offer some unsuccessful VS applicants a direct TC interview.

 

[Blue1789]

Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths regarding TC interview? They said that they would offer some unsuccessful VS applicants a direct TC interview.

They uploaded on their Instagram last week that emails will be sent out today, latest 6pm, to let people know if they’ve made it onto the TC assessment centre

 

[lawapplicant]

Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths regarding TC interview? They said that they would offer some unsuccessful VS applicants a direct TC interview.

Jinxed it ffs.

 

[Law Student]

They uploaded on their Instagram last week that emails will be sent out today, latest 6pm, to let people know if they’ve made it onto the TC assessment centre

I’m on reserve list 😭

 

[Jessica Booker]

Can someone help me, I applied for Stephenson Harwood winter scheme in November , didn’t get put on that but I told I was going to be considered for spring and summer , then every so often I get an email like you are being considered and they are still making decisions. And now it’s less than two weeks before the scheme starts and I have neither a rejection or an offer. I last heard from them in may and said they are still considering. @Jessica Booker

Sounds like you may have been on a wait list. I think if the scheme starts in two weeks it is unlikely (although not impossible) that you could join the scheme as onboarding processes typically take a couple of weeks, but there is no harm in contacting them again to see what the status of your application is.

 

[alawyera]

Hi any help here would be appreciated. I have been offered a place on the direct TC assessment day for my favourite firm, however it overlaps with another VAC scheme which I have accepted. Obviously attending both would be my preference - but how fatal would missing a day of a VAC scheme to attend another firm's assessment day be for the firm at which I have a VAC scheme? The scheme is a week long and there are no other dates available for the AC.

 

[Jaysen]

Hi Guys, I have been a longstanding member of TCLA. I've faced countless of rejections after rejections. I must say this wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of all of you guys. I remember posting about how hopeless and lost I felt about my training contract journey. So many of you guys messaged me and kept me motivated. Thanks to each one of you. I have now secured my training contract following my Spring vacation scheme. Thanks @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for everything you do for us, aspiring solicitors

Just returned from holiday and this was lovely to read. Well done - we are very proud!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi any help here would be appreciated. I have been offered a place on the direct TC assessment day for my favourite firm, however it overlaps with another VAC scheme which I have accepted. Obviously attending both would be my preference - but how fatal would missing a day of a VAC scheme to attend another firm's assessment day be for the firm at which I have a VAC scheme? The scheme is a week long and there are no other dates available for the AC.

The first thing is you have to check with your vac scheme firm that you can miss a day. Some firms will say no, while others are accommodating.

However, if it is a week long, I personally don’t think it is a good idea to miss one day. It’s slightly different if it was 3-4 weeks, but because it is so short, I think it could have a big impact on your scheme.

I would instead ask again whether the TC firm can provide alternative interview dates. This is by far the better option here and if you explain you are on a vacation scheme they may just have more flexibility than they are currently suggesting.

 

[confusedlawstudent]

Hey guys, I have an upcoming vac scheme and this may be a silly question but - a lot of people have advised that on the VS, i should try get coffee with as many people as possible to network and hear about their journey. My question is how do i approach someone and ask them if they want to have coffee? I am quite socially awkward so going up to someone i don't know and who is more senior to me is very daunting so any tips on how to ask this and go about it the right way would be great! Also, when I am having the coffee with them, what should i talk about/ask about? i don't want to seem all like corporate law obsessed, and i much prefer getting to know people personally rather than just having superficial questions so what is the right thing to talk about? I'd be generally interested in hearing about why they became a solicitor, their journey etc. but idk if i need to show i'm interested in more than just the basic stuff. idk maybe i'm overthinking it but any help is much appreciated!! thanks )

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey guys, I have an upcoming vac scheme and this may be a silly question but - a lot of people have advised that on the VS, i should try get coffee with as many people as possible to network and hear about their journey. My question is how do i approach someone and ask them if they want to have coffee? I am quite socially awkward so going up to someone i don't know and who is more senior to me is very daunting so any tips on how to ask this and go about it the right way would be great! Also, when I am having the coffee with them, what should i talk about/ask about? i don't want to seem all like corporate law obsessed, and i much prefer getting to know people personally rather than just having superficial questions so what is the right thing to talk about? I'd be generally interested in hearing about why they became a solicitor, their journey etc. but idk if i need to show i'm interested in more than just the basic stuff. idk maybe i'm overthinking it but any help is much appreciated!! thanks )

“As many people as possible” is not the right approach here.

Firstly, you should only do this if you have the time first of all - I have seen too many vac schemers spend too much time away from their department meeting up with people and not impressing their department/people they are working with.

Secondly, there needs to be a purpose or reason for meeting the individuals you choose to meet with. Meeting with anyone/everyone is not appropriate. Only meet with people if you are not going to have direct experience in their department, if they work in an area that particularly interests you etc. If you don’t know what you would talk to them about, there is no reason to meet with them.

I would try to find a more deeper reason for connecting with the individual than just to hear about their experiences. Why are you choosing them to meet with rather than another person on the firm? That will ensure your reasoning for meeting them is more tailored and that you have meaningful questions to ask them.

In terms of asking them, I wouldn’t over think it - just keep it brief and polite but explain your reasoning for meeting them and what you would hope to get out of the coffee meeting. You can also explain your availability too so they can consider this against their own commitments

 

[sunnyd]

Has anyone ever applied to the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme? Does anyone know what the interview is like?

 

[confusedlawstudent]

“As many people as possible” is not the right approach here.

Firstly, you should only do this if you have the time first of all - I have seen too many vac schemers spend too much time away from their department meeting up with people and not impressing their department/people they are working with.

Secondly, there needs to be a purpose or reason for meeting the individuals you choose to meet with. Meeting with anyone/everyone is not appropriate. Only meet with people if you are not going to have direct experience in their department, if they work in an area that particularly interests you etc. If you don’t know what you would talk to them about, there is no reason to meet with them.

I would try to find a more deeper reason for connecting with the individual than just to hear about their experiences. Why are you choosing them to meet with rather than another person on the firm? That will ensure your reasoning for meeting them is more tailored and that you have meaningful questions to ask them.

In terms of asking them, I wouldn’t over think it - just keep it brief and polite but explain your reasoning for meeting them and what you would hope to get out of the coffee meeting. You can also explain your availability too so they can consider this against their own commitments

That's great advice thank you! Would it be appropriate to send a Teams message/email to someone in a department I am interested in and asking them if they are free for a quick chat? Or is it better to ask them in person? Also, how do i approach them if i'm not working in the same department as them and have never come into contact with them? Is it not a good idea to ask someone for a chat if i've never met them before? Should i stick to just asking the people I have already met if i can chat to them about their experience?