TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker do you know how firms feel about asking for an extension on Blended Assessment VI? I recently had 3 wisdom teeth removed surgically and the post-op recovering is taking longer than I expected. I’m afraid I won’t recover enough to do the VI before the deadline.

I don’t think there is any harm in asking. They may not be able to extend of their own deadlines mean it can’t go beyond this date, but there is absolutely no harm in asking whether it can.

 

[Chelsea101]

Ashurst PFO

This cycle is not going very well AT ALL

 

[SolicitorHopeful]

Got this reply from Dechert regarding my spring vac scheme app following the written assessment/VI

"We are sorry that you are experiencing a delay following your second stage of the recruitment process. Due to high volumes of applications we are still reviewing the second stages of the recruitment process. We endeavour to deliver outcomes as promptly as possible to all applicants."

I'm confused tho, i've seen a post from someone saying they received an VS offer already?

 

[addy2004]

Ashurst PFO post-interview.

Probably my last time on this forum until next cycle, given up for now...

 

[mfuturetrainee]

unrelated q but does flex legal only look for full time? I was looking to go into it part time but im still a student, idk how successful that'll be?

 

[lawtrainee]

Those who have concluded this cycle without a TC or VS, what do you plan to do whilst presumably waiting for the next cycle? Also, those last cycle who didn't get anything, what did you do in the meantime?

 

[BM99]

Those who have concluded this cycle without a TC or VS, what do you plan to do whilst presumably waiting for the next cycle? Also, those last cycle who didn't get anything, what did you do in the meantime?

Continue to work on my job. Trust me, time flies

 

[mfuturetrainee]

Those who have concluded this cycle without a TC or VS, what do you plan to do whilst presumably waiting for the next cycle? Also, those last cycle who didn't get anything, what did you do in the meantime?

honestly try and get a job as a paralegal and if not im eyeing up on doing a masters because im quite interested in pursuing commercial law and understanding it a bit further [totally not an interview answer]

 

[Broadwater]

unrelated q but does flex legal only look for full time? I was looking to go into it part time but im still a student, idk how successful that'll be?

They do give an option for part-time but doubt they'll accept students tbh. Could be wrong tho

 

[lawtrainee]

Thanks for the replies! As a non-law student, I am struggling to apply to paralegal jobs given I have limited experience in commercial law. It is hard as law firms want legal experience, but to get this experience I need to already have had previous legal work. Apologies if this doesn't make sense and all advice welcomed!

 

[SolicitorHopeful]

Any other international students here struggling with the visa situation? Majority of firms sposnor visas for the actual TC but it's been difficult limiting myself to firms who's VS dates align with my holidays as to not breach the terms of my student visa

 

[emee]

Thanks for the replies! As a non-law student, I am struggling to apply to paralegal jobs given I have limited experience in commercial law. It is hard as law firms want legal experience, but to get this experience I need to already have had previous legal work. Apologies if this doesn't make sense and all advice welcomed!

Hey I’m a non-law student and felt the same when looking at paralegal roles because a lot of them required law degrees. I would look at legal assistant roles - you get to do slightly similar work, learn a lot and they are more open to non-law. I’m an assistant at a MG firm and really enjoy it!

 

[emee]

Hey I’m a non-law student and felt the same when looking at paralegal roles because a lot of them required law degrees. I would look at legal assistant roles - you get to do slightly similar work, learn a lot and they are more open to non-law. I’m an assistant at a MG firm and really enjoy it!

sorry I meant non-law *graduate - still clearly in the student mindset haha

 

[lawtrainee]

Hey I’m a non-law student and felt the same when looking at paralegal roles because a lot of them required law degrees. I would look at legal assistant roles - you get to do slightly similar work, learn a lot and they are more open to non-law. I’m an assistant at a MG firm and really enjoy it!

Thanks so much! I will definitely have a look at this Has anyone taken a gap year to travel and then come back and started applying again? Would really like to do this, but unsure if it will make it harder to catch up

 

[kcr]

Those who have concluded this cycle without a TC or VS, what do you plan to do whilst presumably waiting for the next cycle? Also, those last cycle who didn't get anything, what did you do in the meantime?

I was unsuccessful after two ACs last year and ended up doing a masters 😅 it’s definitely not necessary though, I mainly did it for personal interest rather than to help me land a job

 

[hirene]

Does anyone know when Trowers Manchester will get back?

 

[MayaM0921]

Hey,

I do not see any issue with it providing that you explain how you find the contact, who you are and why you are emailing. I do not know if the firm will be okay with it or not though, so I would potentially ask graduate recruitment if you can do that.

I personally tried to speak to future trainees and trainees I connected with on LinkedIn, I never used emails (also because i assumed they would be busy and they would have ignored the email easily).

I hope that is helpful!

Thanks so much for the reply! Would recommend connecting with trainees as opposed to associates? @axelbeugre

 

[bangarangbass39]

Thanks for the replies! As a non-law student, I am struggling to apply to paralegal jobs given I have limited experience in commercial law. It is hard as law firms want legal experience, but to get this experience I need to already have had previous legal work. Apologies if this doesn't make sense and all advice welcomed!

Just a heads up, the CPS is looking for paralegals at the min. It’s worth shooting a shot. Pays extremely well and the experience is just as good if not better than paralegal work for a commercial law firm.

 

[Erspencer]

Hey I’m a non-law student and felt the same when looking at paralegal roles because a lot of them required law degrees. I would look at legal assistant roles - you get to do slightly similar work, learn a lot and they are more open to non-law. I’m an assistant at a MG firm and really enjoy it!

I second this, I got a job in a tiny high street firm as a legal assistant and then used this to get my role as a paralegal in much better prestigious firm where I work in commercial litigation.
I would suggest even looking at PA role inside law firms as they pay a lot more than paralegal roles and the working hours tend to be better.

 

[abnajj]

Thanks for the replies! As a non-law student, I am struggling to apply to paralegal jobs given I have limited experience in commercial law. It is hard as law firms want legal experience, but to get this experience I need to already have had previous legal work. Apologies if this doesn't make sense and all advice welcomed!

Hi! law graduate here, but perhaps I can offer some advice having been funemployed for 9 months since graduating from my masters last January.

The legal job market is incredibly tough, regardless of whether you are a law or non-law student. I experienced so many rejections because I lacked experience and it was disheartening since that’s exactly what I was searching for. However, what did help was making the process a job in itself. I set out to write 1-3 job applications in the morning or evening whilst juggling my hospitality job and firm applications - this helped me keep on track of things. I also called as many recruiters as possible, built a rapport, and kept in contact with them should any ‘entry level’ role arise. Alongside this, I applied everywhere (Linkedin, Indeed, Reed etc.) to increase my chances and also called local firms which may not have advertised any roles. It was a long process but I found that keeping on top of it, crying when you need to (lol), and moving forward to the next role helps - eventually I landed a role and so will you!

Wishing you the best of luck in the process - keep persevering!!