TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, sorry I found this old message with the search function. As a paralegal, should I be worried about conflict checks for direct training contracts too? Obviously I would disclose this and then avoid acting for the conflicting client once I start my TC, but could it be a reason not to hire me at all? Thank you

Direct TCs are not an issue as you will be out of employment with your paralegal firm by the time you start your TC (when you start working for the firm).

The issue is more when you are effectively working for two companies at the same time that may be different sides of a deal or case - that is what can block people who are paralegalling at one firm from doing a vacation scheme with another

 

[summerk27]

Anyone heard back from Gateley Reading - I know AC offers were made in other offices. They said they would reach out this week.

 

[lawyeringitout]

Does anyone know of cases where the law firm has sponsored visas for the vacation scheme for international students? especially US firms

 

[chlawstudent]

Does anyone have any insights into the Cripps assessment day?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Direct TCs are not an issue as you will be out of employment with your paralegal firm by the time you start your TC (when you start working for the firm).

The issue is more when you are effectively working for two companies at the same time that may be different sides of a deal or case - that is what can block people who are paralegalling at one firm from doing a vacation scheme with another

That's really good to know, thank you so much!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Can I ask why firms call to make offers when it could be sent via email?

Firms want to ensure they:

1) speak to someone soon - an email could easily be missed by or not picked up for some time

2) Get a sense as to whether the individual will accept the offer

3) have to opportunity to answer any questions the candidate may have

4) engage more with the candidate - it feels much more personable this way. Pre 2014, firms couldn’t make offers to people still in their undergraduate course until the 1st September and the idea was just to make the offer as soon as possible so we sent offers out at 00.00 on 1st September but then follow up with phone calls the next morning, even on a Saturday/Sunday!!

 

[A worried graduate]

I got the fifth paragraph with a link to like stay engaged with Shoosmiths as well something about the strength based test. Maybe some got the strong application part and some didn’t.

I got told that my app was strong two years in a row

I assumed that it was automatic.

 

[futureTS03]

Hi! Have you heard back from Latham in the end?

Nope, have you heard back yet?

 

[Chris Brown]

This question may have been asked before, but how best do you go about structuring an answer to the question “introduce yourself/tell us about yourself” in an interview?​

I would probably just walk in to the interview and say hi my name is Chris Brown and then amaze the partners with something like this: 😂😂

 

[BrunoLevi]

Anything from W&C- Post AC?

when did you do yours

 

[jojo23]

I got told that my app was strong two years in a row

I assumed that it was automatic.

Consider it flirting at this point

 

[YS391]

I'm assuming no one heard from PMC this week post-AC? I emailed grad rec about when I should expect to hear back but no reply yet.

 

[vr36]

when did you do yours

Last monday, wbu?

 

[helloj]

Orrick AC!

 

[riverywind]

Just got rejected post-interview for Slaughters Summer scheme, ggs. Got an open day, so there's that at least.

Really should've applied to more than 6 places ☹️, but this cycle's basically done. Guess I have next year.

 

[desparate4tc]

Orrick AC!

 

[Chris Brown]

Orrick AC!

Orrick AC!

Huge congrats! 🐐

 

[Andrei Radu]

Dear @Andrei Radu If I have not heard anything post-app, is there still a chance to be progressed (based on last years). Thank you!

I would not say there is no chance. Slaughter and May is known to interview people over a very extended period, and this cycle seems to have been particularly busy for many firms. Moreover, since they have not responded to you yet, it could be the case that you have been placed on a waiting list; in which case your progression would depend on the performance of other candidates in the interviews/their acceptance of VS offers.

 

[gazdgazd11]

Has anyone been successful in their first AC? Or is it unlikely

 

[wqueens8]

Has anyone applied to Reed Smith's first year scheme? I'm wondering if anybody know's the specific dates for the scheme as I can't find them listed anywhere? I have emailed grad rec but they aim to reply within 3 working days, which will be Wednesday now.