TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[HelpAStudentOut]

Sorry to ask again - does anyone know how quickly White and Case get back to applications post - AC? Had mine on Friday morning, wondering if I will hear this week

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

If you don't mind me asking, what are the firms which have no academic requirements? Thank you.

Application and selection criteria - Chambers Student Guide

The student’s guide to careers in the law. Gives the truth about law firms and the Bar. Based on thousands of interviews with trainees, pupils and market sources, this site offers the full package of careers advice to anyone entering the legal profession.

www.chambersstudent.co.uk

 

[theonecompetant]

Hi all.
Would GR think it's a red flag if the work experience section shows gaps between employment (as a recent graduate and working as a paralegal)?
Given the difficult employment market, would this be something they'd expect, or would it make them second-guess our applications?-- gaps of 2/3 months-ish. Thanks.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Some people have been invited to interview at Dechert

Well I hope that wasn't all haha :')

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi all.
Would GR think it's a red flag if the work experience section shows gaps between employment (as a recent graduate and working as a paralegal)?
Given the difficult employment market, would this be something they'd expect, or would it make them second-guess our applications?-- gaps of 2/3 months-ish. Thanks.

No - gaps of 2-3 months are not an issue, especially if you are coming out of university

 

[Bread]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

Don’t stick out. Do the work given to you build a rapport with your team, come in early greet them ask them how they’re doing. Do not be overbearing. You do good work but listening to their instructions and asking for clarification if you do not understand. Establish your supervisors method of communication is it teams, email or in person chats, check in with updates on your work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help get it right by asking than wrong and alone.

You need to fit in to the firm and be a team player. Do your work, chat to the others, meet others in teams you’re not sat in if they interest you and go home. Don’t think into it too much. Read your initial application and brush up on any facts you stated. Do not do work at home just relax or brush up on your commercial awareness/reading your initial application.

You’re there now and you’re seen as a potential trainee in their eyes be you and get that TC.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thank you very much @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu ! 😊

@Andrei Radu - do you recommend using headings for this question then, or would that be too much? Or would you recommend approaching this like the standard 'Please give details of your extra-curricular activities...' question (i.e., to list as many different experiences as possible to show that you are a well-rounded individual)?

Thanks!

I would not use headings as I do not think that is common practice and I would not want to take the risk of a recruiter disliking that. I would also not necessarily try to list as many experiences as possible, but I would focus on thoroughly explaining the 2-3 experiences that are most relevant for the alternative career path. Essentially, I would treat this as a 'Why commercial law' question, but simply replace "commercial law" with the chosen alternative career path.

 

[Tcvspfo]

Attended a CMS event yesterday and spoke to graduate recruitment about their approach to rolling this cycle.

We do not recruit on a rolling basis and I asked them what about people who received their WG and their response was:

- While some people have received the test is because when when you submit your application a computer screens it and if it meets the minimum requirement by the computer then you get the test. Then after the deadline we review all applications and the test score. So it is not rolling but in a weird way they are sending out test invites right.

I was standing next to two of their graduate recruitment members when I asked this and from their Scottish and their London graduate recruitment team.

For anyone wondering about CMS.

 

[Looper88]

Just received my HSF WVS AC invite. Quite a bit later than most people here!

To those still waiting, don't give up yet!
Also, if anyone has any tips/lessons from HSF's AC, please share xx

 

[lawyersum]

I recently graduated and am struggling to find a graduate paralegal role with no experience. So I've recently started a volunteer (unpaid) caseworker role with a hate crime charity. I've got a lot of responsibility in this role as I essentially help clients through the entirety of their case (liasing with police, public authorities, drafting letters of grievance in employment discrimination). Of course, I still have my ambition for commercial law which I'm demonstrating through selective Open Days, events, competitions etc. I was just wondering, maybe @Jessica Booker has some insights, whether this would look 'lazy' to law firms compared to people who are working full-time paid jobs alongside applications? I've always been under the impression that something, even if it is volunteering, is better than nothing but I am starting to doubt this. The job market is incredibly difficult when it comes to paralegalling/legal assistant etc.

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone heard back from Burges Salmon about the WVS?

 

[KBanana]

I would not use headings as I do not think that is common practice and I would not want to take the risk of a recruiter disliking that. I would also not necessarily try to list as many experiences as possible, but I would focus on thoroughly explaining the 2-3 experiences that are most relevant for the alternative career path. Essentially, I would treat this as a 'Why commercial law' question, but simply replace "commercial law" with the chosen alternative career path.

Sorry @Andrei Radu , my comment/question was intended for question 2 (i.e., "Tell us about your interests and inspirations outside of education/work"), not the alternative career path question - apologies for the confusion!

 

[nodustollens]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

 

[BM99]

Has anyone heard from Linklaters open day?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

3, How does that happen? Was this for open day, vacation scheme and TC. Do you know your WG score?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

This thread will be useful for lots of different bits of advice on this topic: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....to-a-training-contract-top-tips-in-2021.3454/

 

[addy2004]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

Same, got a PFO for my wvs application and a PFO for my wvs application SJT test 💀they gave me a list of things to do to to improve for next time 😂

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

3, How does that happen? Was this for open day, vacation scheme and TC. Do you know your WG score?

Three of the same emails lol - I got the same thing

 

[Unknowncabbage]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

did this include the open day?