TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Jessica Booker]

No I mean I already received an acceptance from both

Have you accepted both?

 

[ethomas]

Have you accepted both?

Not yet, I haven't responded to the second yet!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Not yet, I haven't responded to the second yet!

Ok - then you have several approaches you can take here.

Check if either firm can offer alternative dates

If not, ask whether the scheme can be shortened (this is unlikely although does happen occasionally)

If neither of those are options turn down your least preferred firm.

 

[NMA]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, do a lot of people go down the direct TC route in the summer and do you know what the success rates are (I assume it differs every year depending on needs). I just got back from my spring scheme and wasn't offered the TC. I'm in my final year and just feel awful about the future because self-funding isn't an option - do you know of anyone in this scenario and what they did?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, do a lot of people go down the direct TC route in the summer and do you know what the success rates are (I assume it differs every year depending on needs). I just got back from my spring scheme and wasn't offered the TC. I'm in my final year and just feel awful about the future because self-funding isn't an option - do you know of anyone in this scenario and what they did?

Thousands of people go through the direct TC route each year and hundreds of people secure TCs that way.

Some people will self fund, some people will go into further study, some people will just go into the world of work whether that be in law as a paralegal or outside of the sector.

Most people don’t secure a TC until after they graduate.

 

[Seven]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica, do a lot of people go down the direct TC route in the summer and do you know what the success rates are (I assume it differs every year depending on needs). I just got back from my spring scheme and wasn't offered the TC. I'm in my final year and just feel awful about the future because self-funding isn't an option - do you know of anyone in this scenario and what they did?

Hey, are you on Aspiring Solicitors Aspire program? Applications are open. I advise you sign up for it. It's open to those who haven't received a TC yet and you get coached + invited to exclusive opportunities, which could essentially equip you better in securing a TC for the upcoming Winter Vac Schemes (if you don't get a TC this summer).

With that being said, go all in with the TC applications! I would advise maybe applying for firms with a higher TC intake? This could increase your chances. Also don't overlook in-house opportunities!

It would also be worth searching for a mentor to guide you with TC interviews, maybe a weekly catch-up to get you used to the flow of how to secure that TC. There are several social mobility organisations to choose from that provide mentors (or contact a mentor/associate/trainee on LinkedIn).

If your motivator isn't money, I would look at Government Legal Trainee Scheme (HMRC, etc) > https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-legal-service-gls-legal-trainee-scheme-how-to-apply

However, if salary is a greater factor (which is completely understandable), then I would look at other in-house training contract opportunities - diversify your application submissions!

EDIT: Don't under-estimate the power of these social mobility organisations either (Rare, SEO-London, Brokerage, GROW Mentoring, Aspiring Solicitors, BrightNetwork), it could help tremendously, as they provide opportunities throughout the year.

 

[ayoussef]

Does anyone know the last AC date for WBD London office?

Any one heard from WBD post AC?

 

[lawapplicant]

Has anyone else heard back from the Weil/Howden internship?

 

[wz_13]

How much experience does the government GLD TC expect - i dont have any legal experience and limited experience otherwise. Are they on the same bar as firm TCs in terms of expectations?

 

[Jessica Booker]

How much experience does the government GLD TC expect - i dont have any legal experience and limited experience otherwise. Are they on the same bar as firm TCs in terms of expectations?

None - they don’t assess your work experience at the application stage.

 

[Deleted member 11671]

How much experience does the government GLD TC expect - i dont have any legal experience and limited experience otherwise. Are they on the same bar as firm TCs in terms of expectations?

I attended their diversity summer scheme and felt that they're more open than firms to people from different backgrounds. I didn't feel it was as high a bar as law firms, although it's still competitive.

 

[laby201]

Just as a heads up to anyone else, but I emailed W&C a few days back about getting back to us after the AC and they said that they should let people know during the upcoming week.

Hopefully puts a few more people at ease!

 

[Emilia]

Has anyone heard back from Teacher Stern for their vacc scheme?

 

[hollydoeslaw98]

Rejected from W&C post AC (

Absolutely gutted as was my dream firm but hopefully the feedback will be useful.

 

[alawyera]

Ashfords Bristol offer vacation scheme 🎉🎉

 

[ola830]

Hi @Jessica Booker - could you please shed some light about a written case study assessment which takes the form of a business report? Could you please explain what recruiters would be looking for, if there is any specific form the business report should follow and any tips? Based on your experience, it would be great if you could also flag any pitfalls that we should try and avoid. Thank you!

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

Does anyone know if mishcon has TC start dates for March or do they only have TC intakes for august every year?

 

[Samir_O]

does anyone have any insight on how to prepare for bakers case study partner interview? any advice, tips, or insight into case study partner interviews more generally would be greatly appreciated

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi I just want to ask a question regarding pre-scheme meet-ups. A firm has just invited me to a trainee-organised event on an evening next week in London which sounds amazing however i am currently in my exam period at university the other side of the country (around 300 miles away) making it extremely difficult for me to attend due to scheduling and stress. Will it be detrimental to my position if i do not attend this evening as I truly care about the firm and do not want to show a lack of enthusiasm? Thank you.

Please do not worry about this - explain to the firm you are in exams and that it will effectively be a two day trip for you and will be at a time you need to focus on your exams. If they don't understand this, no matter how much you like the firm now this would be a very strong indicator to me that they are not going to provide you with basic support and understanding as a trainee.

 

[ola830]

Hi @Jessica Booker - could you please shed some light about a written case study assessment which takes the form of a business report? Could you please explain what recruiters would be looking for, if there is any specific form the business report should follow and any tips? Based on your experience, it would be great if you could also flag any pitfalls that we should try and avoid. Thank you!

HI @Jessica Booker - grateful for your thoughts on this.