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Is 1 vacation scheme enough?
I've only got one vac scheme, it is with a v good firm. One that I actually like and could see myself working in. Yet I am nervous that this isn't enough just in case they dont like me or something. I have had numerous interviews with other firms but not been offered places. Now it's too late to apply to more. Just wanted some advice what do u guys think?
Also on another point if you have applied to law firms for vac schemes and been rejected a) before interview and b) after interview
is it worth applying to them for training contracts?
xxxx
Also on another point if you have applied to law firms for vac schemes and been rejected a) before interview and b) after interview
is it worth applying to them for training contracts?
xxxx
On the last point, I think that you will find that most if not all law firms will say that you should nonetheless apply for a TC with the firm if you wish. Which of course doesn't answer the question how does a VS rejection affect a TC application especially as law firms want to know on their TC application forms the status of any previous applications you have ever made to the firm.
On the first point, I think it would be difficult to gauge how many VS would be 'good'. Probably because this varies from person to person- some like me would say that they more you are successful for and do, the better you will be. Others will settle for just one in the easter and one in the summer- it varies.
Finally, there are still quite a lot of (good-excellent) firms whose deadline hasn't passed yet should you wish to apply for more.
On the first point, I think it would be difficult to gauge how many VS would be 'good'. Probably because this varies from person to person- some like me would say that they more you are successful for and do, the better you will be. Others will settle for just one in the easter and one in the summer- it varies.
Finally, there are still quite a lot of (good-excellent) firms whose deadline hasn't passed yet should you wish to apply for more.
I don't understand how you can say that quite frankly. There are loads of people who would love to have just one vac scheme! Lots of people don't even get the one chance... Lots of people on this forum have not gotten any offers. Really, don't worry about having only one vac scheme!!! Many people get tcs without a vac scheme, so I say, chill out, enjoy the placement and apply wherever else you're interested in for a training contract. (yes, even though you've been rejected by them before)
blah_blah
I don't understand how you can say that quite frankly. There are loads of people who would love to have just one vac scheme! Lots of people don't even get the one chance... Lots of people on this forum have not gotten any offers. Really, don't worry about having only one vac scheme!!! Many people get tcs without a vac scheme, so I say, chill out, enjoy the placement and apply wherever else you're interested in for a training contract. (yes, even though you've been rejected by them before)
I agree. I applied for about 7-8 vac schemes with regional firms and got rejected by the lot. I'd already done 2 informal work experience placements and organised another 3-4 for the summer between CPE and LPC. I only got one TC interview, but got an offer - so don't worry! I do think work experience is important, but there's nothing magic about the way it has to be obtained.
sparklin
I've only got one vac scheme, it is with a v good firm. One that I actually like and could see myself working in. Yet I am nervous that this isn't enough just in case they dont like me or something. I have had numerous interviews with other firms but not been offered places. Now it's too late to apply to more. Just wanted some advice what do u guys think?
Also on another point if you have applied to law firms for vac schemes and been rejected a) before interview and b) after interview
is it worth applying to them for training contracts?
xxxx
Also on another point if you have applied to law firms for vac schemes and been rejected a) before interview and b) after interview
is it worth applying to them for training contracts?
xxxx
One vacation scheme is enough as it shows that you are interested in the legal profession. If you do not secure a training contract with the firm you done a vac scheme then thats still fine.
Do apply for a TC at the firms that have rejected you for a vacation scheme - remember it is harder to get a vacation placement than a TC - also a vacation scheme is not a perquisite for a TC at any firm.
i also think that having had a VS experience behind you, it will strengthen your application for TCs as you can talk and give examples about what you learned/liked/are excited about when it comes working in a city law firm and this will all come in handy with cover letters/application essays/interviews....
I personally think one vac scheme is indeed enough for applications. More than one has the advantage of you moving in a number of circles, so to speak, allows you to get to know more people and ''network''. But I think there hits a point where doing too many would be somewhat counterproductive - if only from sheer tiredness.
I think this forum is unusual in the respect that it attracts very high achievers, and hence a very small proportion of the population that go on to receive multiple offers. It's certainly not reflective of the majority out there. I know a number of law students at Cam who have ''only'' one vac scheme, and don't seem too worried. There were some in the year above who found it easy to get a TC despite the fact they had *no* vac scheme - their year found it particularly hard. So I think there is something to the notion that vac schemes are more competitive than TCs.
I think this forum is unusual in the respect that it attracts very high achievers, and hence a very small proportion of the population that go on to receive multiple offers. It's certainly not reflective of the majority out there. I know a number of law students at Cam who have ''only'' one vac scheme, and don't seem too worried. There were some in the year above who found it easy to get a TC despite the fact they had *no* vac scheme - their year found it particularly hard. So I think there is something to the notion that vac schemes are more competitive than TCs.
You only really need a vac scheme to explain why you're so interested in the work, that you've had direct experience etc and if that's the case then one's enough. They are, admittedly, extended interviews and, therefore, once you've done one you should be able to improve but I don't think it really makes that much difference.
There's no denying the massive value of one, but upward of that their usefulness levels off.
There's no denying the massive value of one, but upward of that their usefulness levels off.
Reema
I personally think one vac scheme is indeed enough for applications. More than one has the advantage of you moving in a number of circles, so to speak, allows you to get to know more people and ''network''. But I think there hits a point where doing too many would be somewhat counterproductive - if only from sheer tiredness.
I think this forum is unusual in the respect that it attracts very high achievers, and hence a very small proportion of the population that go on to receive multiple offers. It's certainly not reflective of the majority out there. I know a number of law students at Cam who have ''only'' one vac scheme, and don't seem too worried. There were some in the year above who found it easy to get a TC despite the fact they had *no* vac scheme - their year found it particularly hard. So I think there is something to the notion that vac schemes are more competitive than TCs.
I think this forum is unusual in the respect that it attracts very high achievers, and hence a very small proportion of the population that go on to receive multiple offers. It's certainly not reflective of the majority out there. I know a number of law students at Cam who have ''only'' one vac scheme, and don't seem too worried. There were some in the year above who found it easy to get a TC despite the fact they had *no* vac scheme - their year found it particularly hard. So I think there is something to the notion that vac schemes are more competitive than TCs.
This point is definitely true and worth bearing in mind for applicants!
thanks everyone for the help. I'm studying law and within my course it definitely varies as to who has got vac schemes. A lot of people I know weren't very conscientious and left it too late. Although I do know of one incredibly lucky girl who got 5 interviews and received 5 offers subsequently all at top top firms.
So in my opinion it is definitely a bit of a lottery as to getting vac schemes. Although what i don't get is how can it b easier with tcs? As people are told to apply to more than they do for vac schemes such as 15-25 rather than 7-15 for vac schemes.
So in my opinion it is definitely a bit of a lottery as to getting vac schemes. Although what i don't get is how can it b easier with tcs? As people are told to apply to more than they do for vac schemes such as 15-25 rather than 7-15 for vac schemes.
People can only accept one TC, more people want to taste the job than actually end up going into it full time etc. It's not true for all firms mind. Some firms have fewer vac scheme vacancies than TCs by a long way, others the inverse is true.
I didn't do a vac scheme and got a number of TC offers, including one from the Magic Circle. I didn't want to do a vac as I figured that given that I was going to work as a solicitor indefinitely after university, I might as well do something else whilst I still had the chance. I had other legal work experience and as a result the lack of scheme didn't seem to do to much damage. However, several firms only recruit people who have done their vac scheme- they use it as a form of extended interview- so its probably not worth applying for TC's to them.
JJ Jones
However, several firms only recruit people who have done their vac scheme- they use it as a form of extended interview- so its probably not worth applying for TC's to them.
Although I agree that vac sch are certainly a helpful way of deciding who they choose.
Hmm I don't think I've ever seen a firm outwardly say 'we only recruit vac scheme people'... and, tbh, I don't think there's many at all which do. There may well be some, but as for who they are I doubt anyone could put their finger on it!
I applied to one that said 95% of their trainees came from the vac scheme. Obviously that means they did take others, but certainly many firms do (understandably) use vac schemes as a way of seeing what people are like in the workplace.
Yeah it's a good way... after all, there's no doubt that 2 weeks of working with someone is a better method of assessment than a 1 hour interview in isolation. Given that the vac scheme person also has an interview at the end in most cases!
I mean, they certainly help... but it's still very possible to get one without vac schemes.
I mean, they certainly help... but it's still very possible to get one without vac schemes.
I know of three firms where well over 90% of the TC offers were made to people who did the vac scheme. I assume that the firm Dragon refers to are Eversheds in Cardiff, who have only offered TC's to people who did their scheme for the last 3 years. Sure, you can apply to them for a contract without doing the scheme, but you won't get the job (unless you apply to a different office). I accept that the big firms (CC, Freshfields, S+M, A+O, Herbert Smith etc.) dont do this, but thats because they have to many vacancies for it to be practical approach to recruitment (I doubt they would be that keen on having 400 odd vac schemers going through their offices every summer). I agree that it IS very possible to get contracts without doing schemes, as I did, but if you are applying to mid sized firms that are leaders in their field without doing their vac schemes your chance of success will be significantly reduced.
Tory_boy
Firms don't explicitly say this though, do they? Can you give an eample of a law firm that 'only recruits people who have done their vac scheme?
Although I agree that vac sch are certainly a helpful way of deciding who they choose.
Although I agree that vac sch are certainly a helpful way of deciding who they choose.
You're right in saying that firms don't say it explicitly but it does go on. It pays to talk to people who have applied to/been interviewed/done vac schemes with your target firms before applying to them as they will be able to tell you whether or not the recruitment is centred upon the vac scheme at those firms and apply for TC interviews/ a place on a vac scheme accordingly.
Do you all mean only formal vac schemes or informal too ?
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