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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

D

Deleted member 37508

Guest
what's the tea
Although many on this forum find me to be a non law hater. I will say this firm didn’t like non law students in the slightest. When a question about the firm whether it be application process, funding or general seat queries she’d just say “go to our website everything is there”. Very dismissive to those who didn’t study law or were unfamiliar with how applying works. It’s like she was just there to pose and look pretty (far from it). A guy who studied philosophy asked a question about how the firm supports those with disabilities (I assume he had one) the graduate recruiter stated that we help to an extent but we are looking for the best lawyers not someone who needs their hand held. This was shocking I understand we’re looking for the best but the best candidates can be those with disabilities those who need adjustments to make their work life easier. To me that was a turn off automatically. To now hear they don’t give post VS feedback I’m not surprised.
 

g.cl.2020344

Legendary Member
Nov 1, 2024
439
676
Do you think we will hear anything back about ACs over the weekend? Still waiting to see if I got one from Dechert after doing my written exercise two and a half weeks ago. I’ve emailed grad recruitment and they said I should hear soon, just getting disheartened hearing everyone get offers for other firms :(
 

-legal-

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Jul 5, 2023
77
79
Although many on this forum find me to be a non law hater. I will say this firm didn’t like non law students in the slightest. When a question about the firm whether it be application process, funding or general seat queries she’d just say “go to our website everything is there”. Very dismissive to those who didn’t study law or were unfamiliar with how applying works. It’s like she was just there to pose and look pretty (far from it). A guy who studied philosophy asked a question about how the firm supports those with disabilities (I assume he had one) the graduate recruiter stated that we help to an extent but we are looking for the best lawyers not someone who needs their hand held. This was shocking I understand we’re looking for the best but the best candidates can be those with disabilities those who need adjustments to make their work life easier. To me that was a turn off automatically. To now hear they don’t give post VS feedback I’m not surprised.
Why do they find you to be a non law hater?(out of curiosity)
 

Zaraa.x

Esteemed Member
Oct 23, 2024
87
110
Has anyone heard back from the NRF Black Aspiring Lawyers open day yet? It’s next Thursday, is it likely I’ve been rejected considering the time frame?
I heard back today if that helps and I have to confirm my attendance by 10am on Monday (11th) - so I’m assuming everyone would have got an email today or if you were put on a waiting list you’ll hear back on Monday/Tues.
 
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desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
432
506
Do you think we will hear anything back about ACs over the weekend? Still waiting to see if I got one from Dechert after doing my written exercise two and a half weeks ago. I’ve emailed grad recruitment and they said I should hear soon, just getting disheartened hearing everyone get offers for other firms :(
I did mine two and a bit weeks ago and heard today so don’t give up hope! Someone who did theirs after me heard before me so wouldn’t read into who has and hasn’t heard
 

applebunny

Active Member
Premium Member
Sep 8, 2023
16
30
I am currently taking a gap year after having just graduated with a law degree to apply to vacation schemes as I have not done one before. I realise that if I am offered a TC it will be starting in Sept 2027 or March 2028. Is it very unlikely that a firm will allow me to start earlier and if so is it wise to work as a paralegal for the year before starting SQE?
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
182
224
I am currently taking a gap year after having just graduated with a law degree to apply to vacation schemes as I have not done one before. I realise that if I am offered a TC it will be starting in Sept 2027 or March 2028. Is it very unlikely that a firm will allow me to start earlier and if so is it wise to work as a paralegal for the year before starting SQE?
Personally I would ask to do the SQE asap and then have the gap before the training contract so that your law is fresher for the exams. From what I hear the actual academic side doesn't feature as much as you'd expect in practice (and can be looked up if need be anyway)
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,316
21,390
I am currently taking a gap year after having just graduated with a law degree to apply to vacation schemes as I have not done one before. I realise that if I am offered a TC it will be starting in Sept 2027 or March 2028. Is it very unlikely that a firm will allow me to start earlier and if so is it wise to work as a paralegal for the year before starting SQE?
Firms may be able to allow you to start earlier, but many will have already filled their earlier vacancies and may not be able to bring your start date forward at the same time.

This is not uncommon though and many future trainees find themselves with time available before their training contract starts. You can work as a paralegal - you can often find paralegal roles within the firm you have your training contact with or with other firms in a fixed term contract basis. Other people choose to take time out or work in other industries/sectors while they have the chance to do so, and it’s not an issue to do that either.
 
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