TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern

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Aug 23, 2023
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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. 😭
It’s not normal. But people don’t reply because they see you as potential competition and also because they’d rather provide tips to someone they are friends with. I know a case of 3 people getting a vac scheme at the same place. They all went to the same uni. The first one interviewed and then shared pretty much everything from the AC with the remaining three.

However, there are many reasons why people don’t reply. Eventually, some nice person will reply so there are people who are genuinely nice!
 
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Legalstalker

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  • Oct 9, 2023
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    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. 😭
    its infuriating! I got my PM AC and this trainee fully read my message and aired me 😭

    i think at least 6 people have ignored me even grad rec from Jones Day but she connected with me 💀
     

    bella98

    Legendary Member
  • Mar 9, 2023
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    its infuriating! I got my PM AC and this trainee fully read my message and aired me 😭

    i think at least 6 people have ignored me even grad rec from Jones Day but she connected with me 💀
    I learned my lesson with trainees and understood that they would not reply. I get it, they're busy. That's why this time I contacted STUDENTS who got the vac scheme
    Like c'mon - how busy can you be? Especially since they viewed my message and are online most of the time...
     

    Legalstalker

    Legendary Member
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  • Oct 9, 2023
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    I learned my lesson with trainees and understood that they would not reply. I get it, they're busy. That's why this time I contacted STUDENTS who got the vac scheme
    Like c'mon - how busy can you be? Especially since they viewed my message and are online most of the time...
    I should’ve specified “future trainee” they didn’t start at the firm yet 😭😭 so totally agree with the how busy can you be🤣 everytime I go onto my LinkedIn messages they’re online! She applied for the Scotland office too no competition whatsoever 🤣
     

    laby201

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    Jan 28, 2021
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    I learned my lesson with trainees and understood that they would not reply. I get it, they're busy. That's why this time I contacted STUDENTS who got the vac scheme
    Like c'mon - how busy can you be? Especially since they viewed my message and are online most of the time...
    I get completely where you're coming from, but I probably attribute it to law just being such a cut-throat, often self-absorbed industry.

    Even if they've secured a VS, that doesn't necessarily mean they're guaranteed a TC. If they give you VS tips and you get a place, it may be you that prevents them from getting that TC. It sounds petty, but I honestly think those are the small margins that go through people's heads.

    Rather than LinkedIn, I've found people on here to be really helpful. If you just type in "VS Mishcon" say from someone who secured it, then just message them as I feel they're way more likely to provide tips. Generally a much more helpful environment than LinkedIn, which I find is often more about those who want to boast or inflate their ego.
     

    bangarangbass39

    Legendary Member
    Sep 13, 2023
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    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!
    Legal Experience is great, but I think too many people get by on weak legal experience - Like open days (god i'm still confused as to why it's considered valuable). I also think people are obsessed with it. Sure if it works for some, don't fix it. But I think you should really focus on what you are passionate about or interested in outside of law. Especially if you are someone who has a law degree! You don't need to do much more than that to show you have a passion for law! I'm non law applicant and I've had to really dig deep in to what makes me stand out compared to other candidates and why that helps in law. I think this is why I have enjoyed the application cycle this year. (it's my first time)

    I've found found the writing process so easy and also enjoyable. I also have a clearer understanding of what sectors I'd like to work in - sure the lack of legal experience is a downside but the direct experience I have with sectors I am passionate about working in is way more valuable than having down a weeks worth of shadowing where I didn't do a lot. I'm so shocked that Law students aren't encouraged to delve in their interests outside of law a lot more. It's a shame. So many applicants are a like because they go for the same experiences and insights. I think it would help with CV's and apps if people spent more time doing curriculars/work experience outside of law.
     

    bella98

    Legendary Member
  • Mar 9, 2023
    280
    1,005
    I get completely where you're coming from, but I probably attribute it to law just being such a cut-throat, often self-absorbed industry.

    Even if they've secured a VS, that doesn't necessarily mean they're guaranteed a TC. If they give you VS tips and you get a place, it may be you that prevents them from getting that TC. It sounds petty, but I honestly think those are the small margins that go through people's heads.

    Rather than LinkedIn, I've found people on here to be really helpful. If you just type in "VS Mishcon" say from someone who secured it, then just message them as I feel they're way more likely to provide tips. Generally a much more helpful environment than LinkedIn, which I find is often more about those who want to boast or inflate their ego.
    Oh..I reached out to people who got the spring vacation scheme thinking they'd likely receive their training contract offers before those in the summer schemes. It's incredibly disheartening I swear, especially when I always make an effort to share detailed insights about my assessment centers. I'm holding onto hope that they'll respond by next week.

    Thank you for your tips; the support in this community is far superior, which is why I love it! I always try to contribute by offering my insights as well. :)
     
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