TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

Are there any downsides of taking this route (other than having to self-fund the SQE)? For example, does taking this path affect your chances of being hired as an NQ at elite firms?

If I'm not mistaken - it seems many firms still favour the traditional training contract structure, so I’d like to understand if this route could create any disadvantages when it comes to securing competitive roles.

Most city firms assumed the SQE was a replacement to the LPC but it was actually a replacement for the TC - it certainly does seem that firms still favour the traditional TC route. Future trainees sit the SQE exams before they start their TC. 🥲🥲

However, given most firms are increasingly committed to diversifying access to the legal profession, I wouldn’t think there are significant downsides if someone chose this path to qualifying, then apply for an NQ position at an elite law firm. 🙂🙂

I think it depends on a lot of factors though. As the SQE + QWE route is fairly new, it still has a lot of uncertainty around it. I think @Jessica Booker might have a better answer to give for this question tbh. I also think @Ram Sabaratnam, @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman can provide much better insight. 🙂🙂

 

[Alessio1642]

Regarding people saying Weil will get back to us today, where did you find this as I can’t seem to find anything online. Also same for mishcon post app for summer VS! TYSM!!

 

[jacksollaf]

After countless applications, I continue to be rejected.



I know rejection is something everything goes through, but honestly, and without sounding overly cocky, I’m quite shocked I’ve not had a single Vac Scheme offer, ever.



Quick summary:

• Corporate paralegal in London for 2 years
• 1st class degree at undergraduate from Russell group.
• Distinction in GDL
• fluent in multiple languages
• Multiple post grad degrees both from LSE in Corporate Law and in M&A. Bear in mind, these gave me the academic knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical academic law from the GDL to real work in a commercial law firm.
• pro bono advisor at a legal clinic for a year, and still do.
• Other legal roles including for trusts and for barristers

I sometimes wonder what else I can even do!



If they said bad grades, I would say fine, but I couldn’t have done better at undergraduate and GDL.



If they said, no work experience, I would say fine, but I have 3 different ongoing legal roles, including my paralegal role in a London city law firm, which clearly shows my experience - quite frankly, my paralegal role has given me some experience that even being a trainee would not.



I got to 2 AC’s last year. But got rejected after both.



This year, I still have a couple applications in the pipeline, but I’m honestly not hopeful at all. I will mention that an American firm which I attended their AC last year, this year failed me on the first round. Which, tbh, I don’t see how that makes any sense. With 1 year extra experience, suddenly I can’t get past the first stage, but last year I reached the last stage ? That to me makes no sense. I don’t mean to be rude, but I think that is BS!



What’s stopping me from giving up, after spending years studying and working in law?



If I did any other profession, I’d be so much further along, but I made the terrible mistake of wasting my time with law.

@Jessica Booker
@Jaysen

I feel horrible that you have been dealing with this and wish you the best of luck! If you don't mind me asking, and if I understood correctly, you have passed the SQEs right? I don't mean to sound insensitive, and I truly hope it doesn't come across in a bad way because I mean it with good intentions, but if you have been a paralegal at a city law firm for 2 years, isn't it possible for you to speak to them and ask them to make you a trainee, or even take you as an associate? or do they tell you to apply through the normal cycle and stuff... ?

Once again, best of luck, you'll get there!!!

 

[JamesCCM]

Milbank PFO post-app. Applied October.
Gibson Dunn VI, applied late September

 

[James Wakefield]

Willkie Written Exercise after I did my VI 3 weeks ago and had given up hope. 😅

 

[murm]

Milbank PFO post-app. Applied October.
Gibson Dunn VI, applied late September

when did you hear from milbank im so confused why they haven’t rejected me yet 🤣I wrote a shocker of an application

 

[klazza]

Is this for spring VS following a VI, or summer VS ?

spring VS following VI

 

[yeezyee]

omg mishcon spring ac 🥹 i finally passed a vi!!

 

[Olivialee15]

Anyone get RPC AC that applied on the deadline?

I haven't even received the WG yet haha

 

[Olivialee15]

Regarding people saying Weil will get back to us today, where did you find this as I can’t seem to find anything online. Also same for mishcon post app for summer VS! TYSM!!

mishcon just emailed about getting back by mid-feb

 

[ashwright]

mishcon just emailed about getting back by mid-feb

i instinctively got sad when i saw it because i assumed the notification was a PFO 😅 🤣

 

[Alessio1642]

mishcon just emailed about getting back by mid-feb

i instinctively got sad when i saw it because i assumed the notification was a PFO 😅 🤣

Same hahah!!

 

[Someoneinlaw]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
W&C VI
Dechert Written Task
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Macfarlanes AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 1 rejection

Successful with HSF and got an offer

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters, W&C and Goodwin.
Weil said 2 weeks but nothing yet. I saw a summer VS for Linklaters today, was that the fast track individuals.

Hello! Congratulations!! Please when did you hear from HSF? I applied to them very early on and have heard nothing back. This is for vacation scheme.

 

[maymays]

Anything from Cooley folks? 🥹

 

[bibss]

Mayer Brown PFO post-job simulation! These online tests are the death of me

 

[BreadandButter]

Hello! Congratulations!! Please when did you hear from HSF? I applied to them very early on and have heard nothing back. This is for vacation scheme.

Post AC?

 

[via1511]

An update for those who applied to Birketts: their applications increased by 62% this year so may take longer for them to get back to us.

 

[amieclark]

Any tips for White and Case VI? (summer VS)

 

[Chris Brown]

Any tips for White and Case VI? (summer VS)

Congrats on getting the VI for White & Case. 🥳

If you don’t mind me asking, when did you apply and when did they get back to you with the VI invite?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Are there any downsides of taking this route (other than having to self-fund the SQE)? For example, does taking this path affect your chances of being hired as an NQ at elite firms?

If I'm not mistaken - it seems many firms still favour the traditional training contract structure, so I’d like to understand if this route could create any disadvantages when it comes to securing competitive roles.

The key issue is that paralegal roles are not all equal. A lot of them are very basic administrative roles that will not develop the same skills as a trainee will as typically their responsibilities are different.

There are some paralegal roles where they get high levels of responsibility and can have higher levels of challenging work than a trainee has. But I’d say it’s more common for a paralegal role to not be as complex as a trainee role, and therefore you are not getting the same level of training to prepare you for an NQ role.

Because of this, there will be some people who qualify via the SQE/QWE route without a training contract, but they are over qualified and under experienced.

The good thing is that the individual candidate is in control of when they submit their QWE to the SRA. My advice time and time again is to not submit until you know you can secure an NQ role.