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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
690
1,254
@Andrei Radu I have an upcoming interview with a really specialist law firm who focus on one thing only pretty much, and the only reasoning I have as to why I like the work is because it's just my personal interest. Do you think it's a disadvantage to use that as my reason given I haven't done a specific module at uni for it, not paralegalled in it, etc?
I do not think it will be a disadvantage. Firstly, firms are aware that not all universities offer options for all specialist modules - for instance, because some academics in the department left, my university has not even been able to offer a competition law course this year. As such, there will be no expectation for you to have demonstrated your interest by having done a relevant module. Similarly, firms know that paralegal opportunities are in short supply, particularly in niche practices. As such, they will definitely not expect candidates to have that.

Secondly, and more importantly, the main reason why a module or a paralegal experience would matter here is because they evidence an interest in the practice. However, you can also prove your interest directly, and arguably to a greater effect, by simply showing off your understanding it. In particular, I have found partners are quite impressed when you are able to make comparisons with other practice areas and explain how the legal work done in the one you are interested in is relevantly different.
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
241
514
Is it a disadvantage to only have one vacation scheme? Would having multiple vacation schemes make a candidate more appealing/stand out more especially when firms are deciding on who to convert to a TC post VS?
It's a disadvantage to have only one VS in the sense that most people on a given VS will not get a TC, so more VS increases the chances you will get a TC.

However, the firm is going to meet you for an entire week (or two), and will be able to judge you quite reliably based on your performance over this time, and isn't likely to factor in how attractive you appear to be to other firms into its decision-making about whether to offer you a TC.
 

Kenny

Standard Member
Nov 8, 2022
7
13
I think they have communicated with everyone by now, so I can announce this: Cooley VS Offer!! 🥳

Thanks to this forum/the TCLA for being so supportive!

It’s still sinking in that I’ve managed to secure a VS at a top firm! Will have to keep pinching myself, I’m so excited! 😁
When did you hear back? I think a lot of people still haven't heard back yet.
 

JessicaTC27

Active Member
Dec 17, 2024
18
2
Has anyone heard back from AG yet/received PFO emails within the past few weeks? I’ve only seen people receive AC invitations here and there but not rejection emails which is strange considering they told us we would hear back 10 weeks from the application deadline (which would be by the 17th March).
I believe the AG offices e.g London, Manchester and Leeds are working on different redlines. I think it’s only London currently who have got back to people.
 

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