TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[xanderlawyer]

Oxbridge non-law student applying to SVS schemes. I have been receiving quite a few PFOs from firms that seem to use automated screening processes. I understand the SVS is highly competitive, but I'm a little surprised by this, not even getting to the VI stage for firms. Would someone be willing to proofread one of my applications that received a PFO to check if I may have overlooked something or simply suggest a couple of reasons why?

Give me a message, would happy to give some advice.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Once you qualify as a solicitor, you will immediately become ineglible for TC and VS. Then your job options will be restricted to paralegal roles.

As an international student, the firms automatically consider you probably have little to zero knowledge of English law (undergrad level). Further, the odds are lower if you have no significant PQE practising law overseas (particularly in civil law countries).

The firms' job advertisements say they look for someone "trained in the UK". Unfortunately, except if you are a paralegal at an elite firm offering NQ roles for trainees, you would be at a disadvantage when competing against trainees from other firms in any lateral recruitment for the reasons mentioned by Jessica.

For example, my LLM colleagues struggled to find associate jobs after passing the SQE. They have been working as paralegals or locum solicitors for the past 2 years.

I know just two graduates qualified as solicitors via SQE with +10 PQE who received offers to work as associates (corporate at a US elite firm and financial services at a global firm).

Check this post where someone shared the hurdle after qualifying via SQE without a TC: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lkie-farr-gallagher-anything.4439/post-190218

This simply is not true. You are not restricted to paralegal roles.

 

[mmm918]

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

Hey I feel you! I have similar background with you (2 years of paralegal, distinction in LPC, from Russell Group, multiple degrees and languages). I haven't got any ACs for this cycle so far which is really frustrating. I took a break last week and I feel motivated again. Just remeber, people who can persist throughout can always win!

 

[Mug Fan]

Oxbridge non-law student applying to SVS schemes. I have been receiving quite a few PFOs from firms that seem to use automated screening processes. I understand the SVS is highly competitive, but I'm a little surprised by this, not even getting to the VI stage for firms. Would someone be willing to proofread one of my applications that received a PFO to check if I may have overlooked something or simply suggest a couple of reasons why?

Do you have any (relevant) work experience?

 

[sapphireoreos]

Is this for the summer vacation scheme, not the spring?

I applied for summer and received this email so I’m assuming so!

 

[allenpopi]

any insights on w&c VI? can trade weil, goodwin, kirkland

 

[wqueens8]

Also somehow got Freshfields WG invite, thought for sure it was a PFO!

Having said that, it’s very short notice. Must be completed by 9:30am on Monday, so essentially this weekend, less than 3 days to complete.

 

[D.I.YLaw89]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst yet? I applied for their summer vac scheme and haven't heard anything back yet

 

[CHLTC]

Hey I feel you! I have similar background with you (2 years of paralegal, distinction in LPC, from Russell Group, multiple degrees and languages). I haven't got any ACs for this cycle so far which is really frustrating. I took a break last week and I feel motivated again. Just remeber, people who can persist throughout can always win!

hey, thats somewhat reassuring but also sad to hear for you. its just making me think whether I am wasting time...

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Also somehow got Freshfields WG invite, thought for sure it was a PFO!

Having said that, it’s very short notice. Must be completed by 9:30am on Monday, so essentially this weekend, less than 3 days to complete.

Are these for the vacation scheme? I applied for the TC last night and haven't heard back (wasn't expecting to obvs)

 

[👩🎓]

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.

This is so helpful to know - thank you for posting

 

[wqueens8]

Are these for the vacation scheme? I applied for the TC last night and haven't heard back (wasn't expecting to obvs)

Yes vac scheme. FF is non rolling so I wouldn’t expect to hear back until after the deadline.

 

[wqueens8]

Does anyone know what WG mark is typically needed to get through to AC For Freshfields? Assuming it’s quite high as it’s the only stage between application and AC.

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Has anyone else who applied for a W&C WVS received a re-invite to complete the VI? I already completed it in October, but I received another invite today.

 

[lawyer195]

Any Latham offers/rejections post AC? Not sure what to expect - it's been over a week since my AC

 

[LawJourney101]

Has anyone else who applied for a W&C WVS received a re-invite to complete the VI? I already completed it in October, but I received another invite today.

No but that would be nice lol (did one in winter that didn't go too well, never heard back)

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

No but that would be nice lol (did one in winter that didn't go too well, never heard back)

It’s so strange, they sent an email in November essentially saying we’re still considering your application and will tell you the result in the new year. Still nothing though - I kind of forgot about it (because I translated it to be a pfo).

 

[chrisbrown]

Once you qualify as a solicitor, you will immediately become ineglible for TC and VS. Then your job options will be restricted to paralegal roles.

As an international student, the firms automatically consider you probably have little to zero knowledge of English law (undergrad level). Further, the odds are lower if you have no significant PQE practising law overseas (particularly in civil law countries).

The firms' job advertisements say they look for someone "trained in the UK". Unfortunately, except if you are a paralegal at an elite firm offering NQ roles for trainees, you would be at a disadvantage when competing against trainees from other firms in any lateral recruitment for the reasons mentioned by Jessica.

For example, my LLM colleagues struggled to find associate jobs after passing the SQE. They have been working as paralegals or locum solicitors for the past 2 years.

I know just two graduates qualified as solicitors via SQE with +10 PQE who received offers to work as associates (corporate at a US elite firm and financial services at a global firm).

Check this post where someone shared the hurdle after qualifying via SQE without a TC: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....lkie-farr-gallagher-anything.4439/post-190218

The only way to qualify as a NQ solicitor in England and Wales outside of a TC is to have 2+ years of QWE in the UK and pass both SQE1 and SQE2. By completing the SQE/QWE route, you become ineligible for TC’s and VS because you don’t need to do them. 🙂

By completing the latter, you would be a newly qualified solicitor! Whilst the QWE gained may be through doing paralegal roles, once you become an NQ, you can begin practice as a solicitor at any firm. I don’t think you are limited to paralegal roles only. A paralegal is different to a solicitor. 🙂

To sit the SQE 1&2 exams, you need an undergraduate degree in any subject. Domestic (UK) students will have this. Most International students will have gotten their undergraduate degrees from another country. The SRA allow international students to sit the SQE on the basis that their undergraduate degree has been awarded by a recognised institution and country. 🙂

Having an LLM from the UK and passing the SQE is not enough to secure a role as a lateral hire associate at an elite law firm in the UK. These firms would require you to have done a TC with another firm or UK-based QWE for at least two years (SRA rules). 🙂

I think the disadvantage mainly stems from not meeting all of the SRA’s requirements that are needed in order to become an NQ solicitor in the UK. 🥲

 

[andrewk]

Kirkland next (and hopefully final) round! Strange because I did the AC yesterday and they said there were a few more to go so we wouldn't hear back soon... also thought I bombed the group exercise because I misunderstood the instructions. I'll take it I guess!

 

[C_AJH]

Has anyone heard back from Ashurst yet? I applied for their summer vac scheme and haven't heard anything back yet

had their online assessment the other day