You should be so proud to have received an offer but that doesn't mean it's not ok to feel this way. I suppose after working so long to receive an offer, it can seem a bit frustrating if you didn't get one from a firm you really liked so I get why it feels sort of underwhelming. I am sure others can give deeper advice than me but my own opinion is to take the TC and change firms after two years. I think you would regret if you had to wait another 3 years to receive an offer. That's just my two cents as I cannot give a longer answer right now but I would be curious as to what you decide so do keep us updated if you can. Congratulations again!!!Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?
This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).
Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.
It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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i don't wish to derail the thread so good night
you can dm me if you want genuine advice but other than that i don't wish to engage if you are going to be dismissive as you are above
In the words of JT, I don’t even say bye no more. I just say mwah 😘 no barz.
First off, congratulations on your VS offer! You should be very proud of yourself as it’s a great achievementHello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?
This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).
Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.
It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)
In no way should you feel bad; I think the way you feel right now is understandable if you had your heart set on a particular firm and the “consolation prize” part makes sense.
If I’m honest, I think if this does turn out to be your only VS this cycle and you do (hopefully) convert it into a TC, it would likely be a mistake not to take it. TCs are very hard to come by (as I’m sure you’ve experienced!) and to be in the position to have one is something I feel you should take with both hands. Even if the practice areas or firm’s specialisms don’t entirely align with your original goals, you may end up surprised during your seats at what you enjoy. In any event, if it’s a full service firm, you’ll still likely gain exposure to your standard corporate, finance, employment, real estate etc seats, even if the firm isn’t a Legal 500 Band 1 for them.
Moreover, you’re not tied to that firm forever. A TC only lasts 2 years and once you’re qualified, you can move laterally to another firm and plenty people will do that.
I’d advise you take the offer if successful; I imagine it’ll turn out to be an excellent decision and you’ll thrive. Best of luck!
I'm by no means qualified to give an answer here but I thought I'd share my own personal experience as it's quite similar, in the hope that it helps youHello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?
This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).
Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.
It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)
Firstly, a massive congrats on your VS! This is a huge achievement and you should be really proud!! I was in the same boat and applied to a firm that specialised in a niche sector of law I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue a long-term career in. Nevertheless, I applied as they had a semi-decent corporate practice. Doing the VS will undoubtedly provide you with a fantastic insight into a law firm and life as a trainee. During the VS, you might find you enjoy their main practice areas, in which case, this may help the TC selection process. As a trainee (depending on the firm) you do 4 seat rotations and so if the firm offers more mainstream seats like Corporate/Litigation/Real Estate etc, this is still a really good option for you. If you find this firm hasn't got the breadth and depth of work you're hoping for, it's also very common to move firms as an NQ.
- Sep 14, 2023
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Your feelings are valid so you should not apologise for how you feel. Of course it is a good dilemma to have as far as dilemmas go but it is still something affecting you and you should not apologise for it.Hello everyone! I’m a long-term lurker here and have made a profile for my first post as I’m having a bit of a dilemma.
I want to preface this by saying I know how privileged I am to be in this position and can’t believe it’s going through my head, but I received a VS offer and I feel kinda… flat?
This is my third cycle and I’ve worked really, really hard throughout the past few months and, like everyone else on here, getting a TC was my main goal. However, the firm I applied to, while I like, was nowhere near the top of my list. I got PFOs from most of my preferred firms, including my dream firm at the AC stage, and now having this offer almost feels like a consolation prize? I know how absurd that seems and a lack of self-awareness given it’s a very good City firm, but I suppose my aspirations are high. The practice areas aren’t exactly my main interest either (I know City firms have a wide variety, but in terms of its specialisms).
Given this is my third cycle, I know I would be downright stupid to reject the offer, and I will do the VS. However, if I convert it to a TC, would it be senseless to turn it down and try again for a “better” firm next year? I suppose there’s zero guarantees and it could leave me waiting 2 or 3 more cycles though and when I’ve worked for 3 years to get to this point, it wouldn’t make sense.
It’s probably just a mixture of emotions, which is strange when I thought obtaining a VS would be my highlight of the year. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated (tagging @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre as know you give great advice on here!)
What I would say is I would give this firm a chance and wait for this consideration once you get the training contract offer after the vacation scheme. I always say to keep an open mind because you might love your time at the firm and you also might love the other vacation schemers and the lawyers you meet.
Your experience will vastly depend on a variety of different reasons so I personally would wait until you have an offer to decide what you want to do.
What I would do in your shoes is still applying for direct training contract in April/May to the firms that I might be more interested in to see if you might have success with those. However, I would recommend waiting until the end of the scheme to decide.
I hope I was helpful,
Good luck!!
In a partner interview, what sorts of firm-specific questions may they ask?
Hi! Sorry to hear about your PFO
I have a PM AC at the end of the month coming up. Do you have any tips on what you would’ve done differently or on how the AC was in general?Did you email them to ask when you'll hear back? I also submitted a VI but haven't had any emails from them since Dec (even mass ones!)
I did not. I wasn’t expecting to hear back as only completed the VI about a week beforehand.
Has anyone else got that email or any confirmation from Mishcon post VI?
Jessica Booker
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This type of post is not constructive and is purposely trying to rile people up. It is also has a dismissive tone, something others have picked up on.
This is not the type of attitude we want in the forums, and therefore please be more considerate with future posts. As you are relatively new to posting on the forums, I would recommend reading our terms and rules which you can find here:
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Debate is important in the forums but you can do so without making matters personal and without attacking people like you have done in the post above.
I'd say US firms tend to be focused on transactional work rather than full-service and so may be particularly vulnerable to the down turn in the M&A/finance markets. They might not have other practices that pick up the slack (albeit less profitable ones). Depends on the firm though, there are full-service ones.Morning everyone
Would anyone help me with this question: "What challenges are US law firms facing?". I am preparing for my interview and was wondering what aspects should I include.
Yea, as legalregal pointed out, it does depend on the firm. Some US firms are facing transactional pressure (economic downturns, etc.) while others are facing increased pressure from governmental agencies (think like white collar crime firms who are currently dealing with hyper-aggressive governmental regulators). Then you have your conventional, but important issues, such as the issue of cybersecurity -- US firms due to their clients and influence -- makes them key targets to attack. There is also a poaching war amplified amongst key US law firms as they battle against each other to take specialists in certain fields. Tech infrastructure is also quite a common issue - some US law firms are quite lacking in this sector.Morning everyone
Would anyone help me with this question: "What challenges are US law firms facing?". I am preparing for my interview and was wondering what aspects should I include.
Good luck with the interview!
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