TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

lawyersum

Distinguished Member
Jun 28, 2024
60
39
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.
 

KBanana

Star Member
Premium Member
Mar 10, 2023
31
15
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!
 

Jessica Booker

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B2025

Star Member
Premium Member
Jun 28, 2024
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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.
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
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Aug 1, 2019
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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.
 
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