TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Chelsea1]

Mine said that too but before that it said something along the lines of ‘although you were not successful at this stage…we want you to stay engaged with shoosmiths as we see real potential in you’. Did you get that too?

No I did not...

 

[Chelsea1]

Of course
Strengths: open connector, effective communicator.
Weakness: personal responsibility

That was the same for me! 😂 Congratulations on the offer!

 

[Hana ♥]

Mine said that too but before that it said something along the lines of ‘although you were not successful at this stage…we want you to stay engaged with shoosmiths as we see real potential in you’. Did you get that too?

I got that too

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

I didn't say you need legal experience. I said the competition is people with strong extra curricular, society exec positions, university prestige and strong grades. The suggestion of being a paralegal was if she has since graduated uni or doesn't have enough time left to really adopt these factors, legal experience for a year would provide the most direct and available chance to make up for not being involved enough at university. She could equally go and become an accountant for a year, but this may raise questions in the interview that are easier avoided. She may also work stocking shelves, but again, this puts her at a disadvantage in the current climate of fierce competition.

I think we’ll have to agree to disagree!

I know many people who graduated with 1sts, started their own societies and STILL could not manage to land any VSs/TCs. University prestige isn’t a crazy advantage anymore either. Those factors are absolutely null and void if speaking to the candidate is like speaking to a brick wall. University prestige won’t help when they need to work in a team or take risks. Also, just because someone has done ALL of those things doesn’t mean they are able to transfer what they’ve learnt into an appropriate format for interviews and assessments.

From personal experience, every single TC/VS interview I have been to, the interviewers have asked me about two experiences on my CV that are not related to law. I’ve been working in the profession for over 3 years now and it’s those two particular experiences that they’re interested in. Everyone can paralegal these days but partners have said they’re interested in people who have done things outside of law.

Regarding your point about legal experience, even if someone went off to be an accountant for a year, they may still have an advantage over those who did loads of law related stuff at university. They’ve got real life experience and being an accountant is very similar to being a lawyer. And the question the firm would want to know is why did they become an accountant in the first place? Why did they switch to law? What was it like taking such a leap? Questions that anyone could answer!

Sorry for the clogging the forum guys but bottom line is whether you’re an air hostess, paralegal or cleaner, your REAL LIFE experiences will never put you at a disadvantage as long as you are able to sell it to your interviewers!

 

[tcplease2345]

Do you know if you can definitely reapply within the same cycle? I haven't been able to find anything on their website which says one way or the other but that might just me! I'd also be interested in applying again if possible

I will have to check. I think we can apply.

 

[Legalstalker]

Shoosmiths PFO (London office)

Even AI couldn’t help me 🤣

 

[SB220398]

No I did not...

Did it at least say that there’s more spaces on the AC? Really confused as I thought everyone got the same rejection

 

[SB220398]

I got that too

Perhaps that means we’ll get an AC?

 

[tcplease2345]

I think it’s because you’ll still be considered for a TC if the email didn’t say you were unsuccessful with both (I saw someone in the forum who had that) so stay engaged as in “you’re still in for the running for a Training Contract” 😊

Got the same. Still in for the tc.

 

[Arf1309]

Mine said that too but before that it said something along the lines of ‘although you were not successful at this stage…we want you to stay engaged with shoosmiths as we see real potential in you’. Did you get that too?

I had this as well!

 

[tcplease2345]

Perhaps that means we’ll get an AC?

Hopefully!

 

[tcplease2345]

did it say anything about not meeting their requirments?

 

[bella98]

Shoosmiths PFO for the placement🥹 but at least they will still consider my app for a TC..

The email said
“As you have also applied for a training contract, I will be in touch with you about the outcome of that application in April/May.”

 

[tcplease2345]

Guess we will have to wait till April now.

 

[svmmi7]

Shoosmiths PFO for the placement🥹 but at least they will still consider my app for a TC..

The email said
“As you have also applied for a training contract, I will be in touch with you about the outcome of that application in April/May.”

Same :/ received the PFO email today at my part-time job and feel absolutely crap!

 

[SaLM]

Hill Dickinson assessment - forgot I even applied tbh 😅

 

[Legalstalker]

Hill Dickinson assessment invite!

I thought I was done with Amberjack🥲

 

[19.mfjones]

Hill dickinson assessment invite too! Finally a win

 

[legallybrunette8]

hill dickinson assessment invite FINALLYYYY IVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU

 

[bella98]

Is it normal for people to ghost you like that on Linkedin? Since getting the Mishcon AC I've sent a lot of messages to people who got the spring vacation scheme to find out more about the assessment centre etc. NO ONE REPLIED. 😭