TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lawyersum]

I recently graduated and am struggling to find a graduate paralegal role with no experience. So I've recently started a volunteer (unpaid) caseworker role with a hate crime charity. I've got a lot of responsibility in this role as I essentially help clients through the entirety of their case (liasing with police, public authorities, drafting letters of grievance in employment discrimination). Of course, I still have my ambition for commercial law which I'm demonstrating through selective Open Days, events, competitions etc. I was just wondering, maybe @Jessica Booker has some insights, whether this would look 'lazy' to law firms compared to people who are working full-time paid jobs alongside applications? I've always been under the impression that something, even if it is volunteering, is better than nothing but I am starting to doubt this. The job market is incredibly difficult when it comes to paralegalling/legal assistant etc.

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone heard back from Burges Salmon about the WVS?

 

[KBanana]

I would not use headings as I do not think that is common practice and I would not want to take the risk of a recruiter disliking that. I would also not necessarily try to list as many experiences as possible, but I would focus on thoroughly explaining the 2-3 experiences that are most relevant for the alternative career path. Essentially, I would treat this as a 'Why commercial law' question, but simply replace "commercial law" with the chosen alternative career path.

Sorry @Andrei Radu , my comment/question was intended for question 2 (i.e., "Tell us about your interests and inspirations outside of education/work"), not the alternative career path question - apologies for the confusion!

 

[nodustollens]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

 

[BM99]

Has anyone heard from Linklaters open day?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

3, How does that happen? Was this for open day, vacation scheme and TC. Do you know your WG score?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Any advice on how to succeed on a VS with a low TC retention? Like how do I stick out, how can I produce good quality work, etc
Any advice appreciated Ty!

This thread will be useful for lots of different bits of advice on this topic: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....to-a-training-contract-top-tips-in-2021.3454/

 

[addy2004]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

Same, got a PFO for my wvs application and a PFO for my wvs application SJT test 💀they gave me a list of things to do to to improve for next time 😂

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

3, How does that happen? Was this for open day, vacation scheme and TC. Do you know your WG score?

Three of the same emails lol - I got the same thing

 

[Unknowncabbage]

just got 3 PFO’s from linklaters lol

did this include the open day?

 

[Nick03]

Anyone received a DLA Piper VI invite recently?

 

[nodustollens]

3, How does that happen? Was this for open day, vacation scheme and TC. Do you know your WG score?

They were all for vacation scheme i think it was a glitch and i got 64th percentile

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Let's goooo, Linklaters pfo (two emails back to back) It's the start to every application cycle 🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽

 

[B2025]

Anyone received a DLA Piper VI invite recently?

I did my VI last week and have not heard back yet and know others were notified 3 days after doing VI if they reached benchmark so I don't know. While I know others who have reached the WG benchmark 2 weeks ago and not received VI where others received VI 4 days after reaching benchmark. But I do know they are busy with organising Discovery days this month in their regional offices and also they might have received an increase number of applications. I don't know and hope this is helpful.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I recently graduated and am struggling to find a graduate paralegal role with no experience. So I've recently started a volunteer (unpaid) caseworker role with a hate crime charity. I've got a lot of responsibility in this role as I essentially help clients through the entirety of their case (liasing with police, public authorities, drafting letters of grievance in employment discrimination). Of course, I still have my ambition for commercial law which I'm demonstrating through selective Open Days, events, competitions etc. I was just wondering, maybe @Jessica Booker has some insights, whether this would look 'lazy' to law firms compared to people who are working full-time paid jobs alongside applications? I've always been under the impression that something, even if it is volunteering, is better than nothing but I am starting to doubt this. The job market is incredibly difficult when it comes to paralegalling/legal assistant etc.

No - this will not look lazy at all as you are making a commitment to something that is developing your skill set. Recruiters will understand that the legal job market is difficult and that is why they will be happy to consider other roles, whether they are outside of law or in voluntary roles like the one you mention.

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

They were all for vacation scheme i think it was a glitch and i got 64th percentile

Hey, I got PFOs as well. How did you find out your percentile?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

I have just received Mayer Brown Test for their vacation scheme. Do they review prior to giving this or is it automatic? I applied a few weeks ago.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

I have just received Mayer Brown Test for their vacation scheme. Do they review prior to giving this or is it automatic? I applied a few weeks ago.

Automatic.

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Does anyone have any info re when we should hear from Hogan Lovells?

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Hello everyone,

I have a quick question regarding video interviews. Is it okay to repeat some information from your cover letter when responding to questions from the firm?

Thanks!