TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[EA95]

Is there anyone on here that has corporate paralegal experience?

 

[VacSchemer]

RPC rolling out their PFOs😭

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, I need help answering the question 'where should we open a new office'. The only answer I have is Saudi Arabia (economic growth etc.) but no clue otherwise, really :/ would anyone be willing to offer their insight please? @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman - thanks!

Hiya @gazdgazd11


I'm sure that @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would have more to add here, but just wanted to get my thoughts to you. This question is essentially about demonstrating commercial awareness and understanding how law firms make strategic business decisions. A good answer will depend on the specific firm you're applying to, as different firms have different international strategies. A strong response should first acknowledge the firm’s existing footprint before making a well-reasoned case for a new location.

I think your suggestion regarding Saudi Arabia makes good sense. There's also been plenty of commentary on why law firm expansion into Saudi Arabia is strategically beneficial. This article sets out various reasons for why Saudi Arabia has become particularly attractive to firms in recent years. Apart from economic growth in the region, it mentions other factors, including:

1. Regulatory Reforms: The article mentions that, in 2024, Saudi Arabia introduced legislation facilitating the entry of international law firms. This essentially simplified the process for firms looking to establish a presence in the country.
   
   
2. Economic Diversification: The article mentions Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to reduce dependence on oil by investing in sectors like technology, tourism, and infrastructure. This diversification creates a demand for legal services across various industries.
   
   
3. Increased Deal Activity: The economic reforms have led to a surge in mergers, acquisitions, and public-private partnerships, providing ample opportunities for law firms to offer their expertise.
   
   
4. Strategic Location: Many articles on law firms' entry into Saudi Arabia constantly highlight the strategic role such moves play in allowing firms to access the Middle East and North Africa more broadly.

If you decide to change your answer and choose another country/region, I'd encourage you to keep a few things in mind:

• Competition: If the legal market is already saturated, breaking in might be difficult. For instance, when speaking to partners about this question during interviews, I've been told that they find it amusing when candidates say that they should open shop in Brussels and that's partly because Brussels is already a highly saturated legal landscape.
  
  
• Sectoral Strengths: Similarly, you should also approach the question by thinking of the firm’s key sectors. A firm with a strong presence in financial services may prioritise major financial hubs, while one focused on energy or infrastructure might look to emerging markets with significant investment in these sectors.
  
  
• Regulatory Environment: Some countries restrict foreign law firms from practising local law, which could limit the firm’s ability to operate effectively.

Overall, I think if your answer shows that you've considered a range of factors and tied this to some research about the firm, you should be fine. Best of luck with the application!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi! Slightly boring question but: I received a VS and signed the offer letter (conditional due to a referencing check). This was a couple of weeks ago now and haven't heard anything back from them, but also have nothing to worry about regarding the reference check. Can I announce that I got the VS on LinkedIn or do I have to wait for formal confirmation of it?

Hiya @applicationzzzzz

I think @Jessica Booker might have more to say here, but I think it's alright to go ahead and make the announcement on LinkedIn. I generally avoided posting my own vacation schemes on LinkedIn, but have seen many applicants do so after securing/accepting their offers. If you'd like to be on the safe side, I don't think there's any harm in waiting for confirmation. Well done on securing the offer and I hope the scheme goes well!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

I thought RPC wasn't like the other girls but she did the most basic thing and rejected me😒 like please.

Anyway, you guys I am actually done taking it all so seriously. I am gonna give this cycle a GOOD effort and then let the rest play out. To think I could have been overseas right now surfing waves and instead here I am sat getting paid terrible wage just so I can have a law firm on my CV and send off apps after apps and still getting PFOs. 🤡🤡

 

[Gday33]

RPC PFO - applied end Oct, WG early Dec, received today 14:50 😭

And there ends the cycle! 🎉🎉

 

[Kakaboo]

Gateley AC!! So excited if anyone has any advice please let me know

 

[Kakaboo]

Is it appropriate to message current trainees to ask for advice on the assessment centre?

 

[Lawyer20031]

A NRF PFO post VI and a Howden telephone Interview received within minutes of each other🫠

congrats, good luck for the telephone interview, how long after the VI did you receive the telephone interview

 

[TC129129]

Is it appropriate to message current trainees to ask for advice on the assessment centre?

Yes - as long as you ask in a kind manner absolutely. Everyone, including them, will have received some form of advice/tips

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it appropriate to message current trainees to ask for advice on the assessment centre?

Lots of people do this so I don’t see it as an issue. If the trainees can’t or don’t want to give you advice then they will likely either not respond or just say that. But there is no harm in asking as long as you do so politely.

 

[VVV]

Do firms do reference checks before vacation scheme?

@Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do firms do reference checks before vacation scheme?

@Jessica Booker

Yes, some will do reference checks ahead of a vacation scheme.

 

[VVV]

Yes, some will do reference checks ahead of a vacation scheme.

When contacting an academic referee what do they tend to ask beyond verifying grades? Thank you for your reply!

 

[CCLaw]

Gateley AC!! So excited if anyone has any advice please let me know

Congrats!!!! Did they email you today?

 

[Cl23x]

Has anyone heard back from HSF post-AC for summer?

 

[Kakaboo]

Congrats!!!! Did they email you today?

Yes at around 2

 

[gazdgazd11]

Yes at around 2

Hi congrats what office

 

[asdfghjk1997]

Has anyone heard from Ashurst?

 

[lawelmo]

I’ve just received a Gateley AC too!