TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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trainee2025

Distinguished Member
Nov 3, 2020
51
73
Do firms review the application again after the VI stage? or getting an AC depends just on the VI.
No single answer for this - it is entirely firm-dependent. I would say the latter is more common but there are also many firms who view the VI/application form in conjunction, possibly alongside other tests as well, when making AC decisions.

It’s one of those frustrating things where you really just have to look at how each individual firm conducts their recruitment process.
 
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3000to1shoteverytime

Esteemed Member
Dec 9, 2023
99
121
I feel like that's worse? Firms will want to train you up there. No good firm is gonna hire me as an NQ that way.
You would be surprised. Many of the larger firms are now taking interns, then keeping them on when they are NQ and indeed the qwe is all relevant to their practice area rather than 6 months in 4 different areas. Thus they are better at that area than a NQ trainee. Same as FILEX solicitors always were.

And indeed sometimes interns who have SQE behind them are switched by firms who like them onto their training contracts.
 

hopefulforatc

Distinguished Member
Mar 3, 2024
55
46
No single answer for this - it is entirely firm-dependent. I would say the latter is more common but there are also many firms who view the VI/application form in conjunction, possibly alongside other tests as well, when making AC decisions.

It’s one of those frustrating things where you really just have to look at how each individual firm conducts their recruitment process.
Yes but then I dont get why do they progress the application to the VI, if they have to review the form again.
 

A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
165
77
I feel like that's worse? Firms will want to train you up there. No good firm is gonna hire me as an NQ that way.
The word “good” explains what the system was trying to achieve.

The idea is that the good firms fund anyway and the self finders get the rest of the firms who save on SQE costs but lose out on training.

It creates a weird scenario where qualifying can become a negative if you have big firm ambitions but had bad application cycles and only widens the two tier gap
 

desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
236
191
Can you get postgrad student finance for the SQE? I won't be getting any financial support from my parents and the grants from firms will probably only just cover rent lol
My understanding is that you can if it's a LLM SQE course, so on that note does anyone have a list of firms where the SQE course they put you through is a LLM lol
yet another reason it's funny to hear the SQE be called more accessible
 
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trainee2025

Distinguished Member
Nov 3, 2020
51
73
Yes but then I dont get why do they progress the application to the VI, if they have to review the form again.
For some firms the VI is automatic so it is necessary for them to consider both. For others they might refer to what you’ve said in the application when reviewing your VI responses (e.g. to check you haven’t just read the same answer). For others they might only skim the application form to check you’re eligible etc. before sending out VIs and then check the application form more thoroughly post-VI…etc. There are a whole range of reasons and each firm will have its own approach.
 
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