TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[BeGrateful.101]

Hi all: sorry for the new account but many of you know who I am through our discussions over the years. Also sorry for long post

I completed a first year scheme last year with an MC firm and got offered TC after the scheme interview which had an extended signing period to allow us to explore options. I continued to apply to a number of firms as I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do or if I would be suited better at a smaller intake firm. Having interviewed at a couple of firms and explored open days and events, I decided to sign and accept my TC at the beginning of January. I then withdrew my application from all other firms as is required. However, a well known private equity firm that I had withdrawn from called me a few weeks later to ask me whether I would consider reneging on my TC and very heavily implied that they would offer me a direct TC.
I found this really inappropriate because of the implication that I (and I assume others) could be fasttracked through a process which is supposed to be transparent and fair. Call me naive but I did not consider that this happens in this day and age.
I think this needs reporting but I do not know who to. Does anyone know if this is against regulations or rules? If so where can I find them?
If this has happened to others I would be really interested in hearing by DM.

I respect you 🙏

 

[Phoebe123451]

Travers smith interview! Just got the call now.

no email, just call? can I ask when you applied?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

no email, just call? can I ask when you applied?

I got the call to book my slot then they sent a confirmation email. I applied on the 14th of November.

 

[Phoebe123451]

I got the call to book my slot then they sent a confirmation email. I applied on the 14th of November.

okay, thank you! congratulations!!! 🎉🎉🎉

 

[Ambs123]

Hi all: sorry for the new account but many of you know who I am through our discussions over the years. Also sorry for long post

I completed a first year scheme last year with an MC firm and got offered TC after the scheme interview which had an extended signing period to allow us to explore options. I continued to apply to a number of firms as I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do or if I would be suited better at a smaller intake firm. Having interviewed at a couple of firms and explored open days and events, I decided to sign and accept my TC at the beginning of January. I then withdrew my application from all other firms as is required. However, a well known private equity firm that I had withdrawn from called me a few weeks later to ask me whether I would consider reneging on my TC and very heavily implied that they would offer me a direct TC.
I found this really inappropriate because of the implication that I (and I assume others) could be fasttracked through a process which is supposed to be transparent and fair. Call me naive but I did not consider that this happens in this day and age.
I think this needs reporting but I do not know who to. Does anyone know if this is against regulations or rules? If so where can I find them?
If this has happened to others I would be really interested in hearing by DM.

Unfortunately, back door offers still happen in this competitive industry. I also know people who have been offered VSs and TCs without fully going through the process.

 

[saph_b]

Does anyone know what the chances are of getting a TC at DLA Piper if you do their VS?

 

[hkulsk2021]

Congratulations!!! If this is for the Diversity Access Scheme, may I ask when you applied and heard back?

I applied in mid November and got AC invitation three weeks later.

 

[Phoebe123451]

so one official Travers interview - has anyone else heard from them?

I'm 85% sure its a pfo because I stupidly only wrote 350 words (used other successful apps as a guide), but I managed to pack a lot into that space and I do think it wasn't a bad attempt....ugh god this cycle is really killing me

 

[tc_hopeful]

does anyone know how many spots there are on CRS's vac schemes in London?

 

[alexchristos]

so one official Travers interview - has anyone else heard from them?

I'm 85% sure its a pfo because I stupidly only wrote 350 words (used other successful apps as a guide), but I managed to pack a lot into that space and I do think it wasn't a bad attempt....ugh god this cycle is really killing me

I've only seen two other interview posts this cycle so I wouldn't assume PFO just yet - it all seems very quiet so far but I've heard to wait up until April to hear back from Travers

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all: sorry for the new account but many of you know who I am through our discussions over the years. Also sorry for long post

I completed a first year scheme last year with an MC firm and got offered TC after the scheme interview which had an extended signing period to allow us to explore options. I continued to apply to a number of firms as I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do or if I would be suited better at a smaller intake firm. Having interviewed at a couple of firms and explored open days and events, I decided to sign and accept my TC at the beginning of January. I then withdrew my application from all other firms as is required. However, a well known private equity firm that I had withdrawn from called me a few weeks later to ask me whether I would consider reneging on my TC and very heavily implied that they would offer me a direct TC.
I found this really inappropriate because of the implication that I (and I assume others) could be fasttracked through a process which is supposed to be transparent and fair. Call me naive but I did not consider that this happens in this day and age.
I think this needs reporting but I do not know who to. Does anyone know if this is against regulations or rules? If so where can I find them?
If this has happened to others I would be really interested in hearing by DM.

There is nothing stopping firms from doing this - it happens in the general job market a fair amount.

There are no rules or regulations - just a code of “best recruitment practice” that no one sticks to (including the firm who made you an offer in your first year, which also is against the terms of the code).

You can find the code here: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topic...ry-code-of-recruitment-for-trainee-solicitors

The code is completely voluntary though so there are absolutely no implications for the firms or individual candidates if they don’t stick to it.

 

[jomar]

Travers smith interview! Just got the call now.

Congrats, this is so great. Was it Germaine who called? And whoever did call, did they say the interview would be in person or online?

 

[faccinidori]

Did they give a time frame to when you'd hear back?

If memory serves me well, they said they hope to wrap up the interviews for Spring by the end of this week and let us know shortly after. Are you waiting to hear back too?

 

[HarmonyN]

Farrers AC invite!

Congratulations! May i ask, did they call you?

 

[DOCO]

Congratulations! May i ask, did they call you?

Thank you! I received an email this morning

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Congrats, this is so great. Was it Germaine who called? And whoever did call, did they say the interview would be in person or online?

Hi, it was Nicole who called me and it is virtual.

 

[Parvin.begum]

Has anyone had feedback on the online assessment for Shoosmiths?

 

[evn25]

Has anyone heard from Milbank yet? Or do we reckon it's going to be after their next AC?

 

[jessicamcnamara]

Has anyone had feedback on the online assessment for Shoosmiths?

Yes I got a feedback report last night. I think you get one 7 days from when you completed it

 

[Lawstudent52]

Has anyone complete Osborne Clarke's Second Stage Assessment Centre and if so do you have any tips? Thank you