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Hi!

I have got a TC, but I am worried about the SRA suitability test. A couple of years ago, I was arrested. After some communication with the prosecutor, the case was disposed of on the condition that I admit the facts prepared by the prosecutor (bind-over). It has nothing to do with sex, violence, drug, or dishonesty. Goes without saying I feel I was extremely stupid and I regret this a lot.

Now that I have a TC, I don't really know how to best approach this issue. Should I tell the firm before accepting the TC offer? I am very worried that they would withdraw the offer immediately. Should I apply for an early assessment right now? Do I need to have a lawyer or I can prepare the materials myself? I would really appreciate anyone sharing their experience or giving me some advice. This is on my mind all the time.

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Hi everyone, I just got a rejection from Linklaters Summer Vac Scheme at the first stage and am trying to work out which areas I should improve upon for next year's application.

I got a 99th percentile in the Watson Glaser and highest scoring in motivation/commercial thinking, lowest in resource and work management.

For those of you who made it to the next round, what was your Watson-Glaser percentile and your weak/strong attributes? Did you put Open Days/part-time jobs in your work experience?

Any comment from someone who's been in a similar situation would also be much appreciated, thanks!

Hi,

Has anyone heard back from Brown Rudnick in regards to their TC 2022. The deadline was end of January 2022 but I have not heard anything back yet?

Hi

I have a training contract presentation. They advised that it will last roughly 30 mins. Does any have any hints or tips on how to do well and how much information to include in the presentation slides?

Thanks

I was wondering if anyone who is currently studying at either BPP or ULaw could help me to decide which one to choose?

In particular, I was wondering if ULaw was fully open-book other than the MCQ's? I am also interested to hear whether this is the case for BPP?

Also, I have heard that BPP provides model answers, is this something ULaw also does?

Finally, is there a significant difference in the difficulty of the exams and the pass rate?

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

27th April 2021 - 28th April 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Training Contract

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

Charles Russell Speechlys recruited directly for their training contract this cycle and did not do a vacation scheme. The assessment day process was divided into a virtual networking day (we were told this was unassessed) on the first day and then the assessment day the day after. The recruitment was virtual.
Day 1 - 27th April 2021 lasted from 10:30am - 4:00pm
Day 2 - 28th April 2021 lasted from 09:00am - 2:00pm

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

Day 1 – 27th April 2021:
The day started at 10:30am with an introduction by graduate recruitment and the training principal. Afterwards there was an ice breaker, networking session with trainees, a Q&A with partners, a case study presentation linked to the firm’s practice areas, and a session on the firm’s responsible business strategy and practice area.

Top tips: Although the day isn’t assessed I would advise that candidates engage with each session by asking questions, contributing to the discussions, and listening attentively. It is good practice for getting into the right mindset for the AC the next day/so you are not being too relaxed or comfortable + I remember grad recruitment saying to me on my feedback call that although they weren’t assessing us on the day, they were impressed by how engaged I was during the networking session and had received comments from others commending me for my active participation. So in essence, I would say that it doesn’t hurt to approach the day like you are being assessed. Also worth adding that when in person assessments begin again, the virtual networking day may be dropped entirely as I think it was added this year to try to compensate for the firm’s decision to cancel their vacation scheme.

Day 2 – 28th April 2021:
The day started a lot earlier than the virtual networking day at around 9:00am with a brief intro by the training principal and graduate recruitment. Following this, we began the first task.

1) The group debate
The Group debate lasted 40 minutes. We were given a number of topics to debate on for a certain amount of time. After the time to discuss each topic was up, one person was then asked to summarise the points raised on both sides of the debate, with everyone getting a chance to do this after each round.

2) The interview
The interview was with one partner and a senior associated and lasted 40 minutes. It consisted of:

• Competency questions
• Motivation questions e.g. why law, why CRS, why law at university
• Commercial awareness question about a commercial news story
• A question about values & ethics
• Opportunity to ask the interviewers questions

3) The individual written exercise
This involved reading a brief regarding a business/client issue about the clients’ options for expanding their business. We were then asked to provide advice to the client in written form. We were given 40 minutes for the entire exercise so time management is key.

4) The role play
This lasted 40 minutes as well. It involved reading a brief about an incident and conducting a fact finding exercise to find out more about the incident with an associate role playing as an employee in the organisation in question. Following this, I was to then present my recommendations on what the organisation should do about the matter to the associate. I was given about 20 minutes to read the brief, ask the associate questions to gather evidence, and prepare my recommendations. The remaining 20 minutes was for presenting my recommendations and answering any follow up questions from the associate.

Please list any interview questions you were asked.

Competency questions: time when you had to balance multiple priorities, time when you had to make an unpopular decision etc.
Motivation questions: why law, why CRS, why law at university
Commercial awareness question about a commercial news story
A question about values & ethics: it was about a time when I had to stand up for my values

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

1) The group debate
Be clear and concise with your points and contribute to each debate topic. Do not interrupt or speak over other candidates. Smile. Breathe. Treat the debate as a conversation and do not take other people’s opinions personally or as an attack on you. Engage with the points other candidates make and be open to the other side’s points/work well with other candidates. Strike a fine balance between contributing to the debate and listening attentively to the points made by other candidates. Give others the space to speak up first. Do not dominate the debate. Do not be afraid to stand by your points, especially at the end when you are asked which side of the debate you agree with. You do not have to worry about tracking the time as the moderator will do this. Focus on contributing towards the debate.

2) The interview
Research the firm well and communicate that you understand the work they do and where they are headed. If you can, use interesting examples for the competency based questions as it would most likely lead to follow up questions, which can help with building a rapport with the interviewers. Smile. Breathe. The people interviewing you are human, remember this. Maintain a professional but friendly rapport. Although you may not be asked directly, you can tie in the answer to why YOU into your other answers or the examples you give. Understand your motivations and use examples to back them up e.g. for the why law at university question I talked about enjoying politics, business, and law in college and felt studying law at university linked all three.

3) The individual written exercise
Be clear, concise, avoid legal or business jargon, sign post, be logical, use headings or sub headings, and think commercial when drafting your answer. Read up on general commercial and business concepts.

4) The role play
Time management is key. Introduce yourself briefly (who you will be playing during the exercise) and explain briefly why you will be asking the questions. When giving your recommendations or advice, be logical and clear about how you reached your conclusion, and why you reached your conclusion. You will most likely be probed or challenged about your answers so remain calm, be open to being challenged, and back up your answers.

Were you successful?

Yes

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

May 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Training Contract 2023

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

12pm-12:45 interview with HR and a Senior Associate.

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

Competency and CV based interview, as well as time for questions at then end.

Please list any interview questions you were asked.

1. Why Harbottle & Lewis?
2. What distinguishes us from our competitors?
3. What other firms have you applied to?
4. What are your hobbies?
5. When have you demonstrated teamwork / resilience / creativity?

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

Know your CV very well, as well as competencies.
Make sure you have some knowledge of the firm: competitors, work, clients, USPs, diversity initiatives etc.

Were you successful?

Waiting to hear back

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

February 2022

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2022

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

Virtual AC
9:45am: Brief welcome and icebreakers with graduate recruitment and other interviewees
10am: Group Q&A with current trainees
10:30am: Case study preparation time
11am: Situational judgement interview with an associate and member of graduate recruitment
12am: Competency and case study interview with two partners

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

Case Study - 30 minutes to read through a case of a client's business and prepare answers to some questions.
Situational judgement interview - 45 minute interview going through different trainee situations and was asked my response to them.
Partner Case Study and Competency Interview - 1 hour on motivational questions and questions on the case.

Please list any interview questions you were asked.

Why a law degree?
Why commercial law?
Why Hogan Lovells?
What makes Hogan Lovells different to other firms?
What would be the most challenging thing about a training contract?

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

Group Q&A with current trainees: Prepare some genuine questions for the trainees and seem interested and engaged with the conversation. Although it is not assessed you are being watched by graduate recruitment and only those who were engaged were successful. You don't need to have a big personality or speak the most but just be naturally involved.

Situational judgement interview: Ask them how they are and listen to their introductions so you can ask them questions about their work and engage in a conversation at the end. They will read out trainee situations and you have to say how you would respond. In preparation, I would understand what the firm wants in a trainee. I would go to events or read-up about trainee life and work. I think understanding time management and work prioritisation is key. They will challenge your position and push you on follow-up questions, just stay calm, answer clearly and stand your ground.

Case Study Interview: For this, they gave a case of a client's business with some background on the sector. It was topical to issues happening in the general UK business news and society, so keeping up with the news over a long period is important. I had 30 minutes to read through it. They asked about stakeholders and how their client could change their business in the future to keep up with their sector. I would have a good understanding of what practice areas they are good at and a general commercial awareness. More importantly, think about what challenges face businesses in the news and how they can overcome this.

Competency interview: They ask general questions that you can expect and prepare for. However, it is very friendly and more like a conversation. I would have a very good understanding of the firm, a genuine enthusiasm for the firm and their work, and knowledge of what makes them unique to you. At the end, I was able to ask them questions and we had a nice conversation about their careers. Overall, take time to be articulate and calm. Don't be afraid to ask for time to think about an answer to a question. They want people who are friendly and positive, so ensure you come across well and genuine throughout. Be conversational and in turn interested in them.

Were you successful?

Yes

Hey everyone - I've got my first AC coming up and I have to prepare a 10 min presentation on 'any topic of your choice'...
I'm so stuck - I don't know whether to play it safe and stick to something that shows commercial awareness or go with something personal/non-academic. Not sure if we have to present in front of the other applicants attending but so worried everyone will have done the former and I could look silly doing something simple/personal!
Any suggestions would be so appreciated!!

Rach xx

Hi,

Does anyone know how much trainees at Fragomens are paid and what NQ are paid?

Thanks

Hey all! Just spoke to a friend who is a big shark in the financial world (okay, she just works for Goldman so I trust her with interview things, she's also a BAME woman from a background like myself so I also listen to her because of that) and she said that in most interviews with big city/international institutions (like a private equity powerhouse firm, like the one I have an AC for v soon) you kinda have to keep your answers short. I know I have to be concise, but when I asked her how short she said keep your answers to a max of 1 minute... as someone who talks a LOT (part of my ADHD) I have tried timing myself with answers and I usually go on for 1.5 min - 2 mins even when practicing. I feel a bit worried I will lose favour because of my long answers!! Any thoughts or advice? I know it depends on the questions as well, just in general what do you think about length in different question categories?

Would you?

Good day everyone! Yet another student asking about very distant career questions.

Does anyone have any insights into the feasibility of transitioning from commercial law to a front office position on the buy-side (investment management, hedge funds, private equity houses etc)? To clarify, this does NOT refer to going in-house as part of a company's legal team, but actively formulating investment decisions or managing portfolios. I am particularly interested in distressed debt or special situations investing, as it seems like legal expertise will be most valuable in those areas: e.g. using insolvency law knowledge to assess the recovery rate on bonds from an issuer at imminent risk of default.

Based on Wall Street Oasis and skimming profiles of people at Oaktree, Apollo credit division etc, it seems that such exits are not unheard of in the US but would similar opportunities be available for an E+W solicitor? This would most likely be at mid-level associate or beyond; open to MBA or CFA exams if necessary.

For context, my major was business with emphasis on quant and have experience with valuation thanks to a banking summer internship. Extensive connections in finance at junior level as most of my cohort have gone into IBD/asset management, albeit none in the distressed debt or special situations space. Magic circle training contract lined up.

Obviously rather early days, but would be very appreciated to have some light on what options are available to me in the future!

Hi everyone!

I've been invited to a virtual assessment centre for DLA Piper's Summer Internship. It says that there will be a group based exercise, a strength based interview, and an individual presentation exercise.
Has anyone interviewed for DLA before and can let me know how best to prepare/ what kind of questions they ask?

Thanks in advance!!

So a couple of months ago I applied for an admin role with Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett on a whim and totally forgot about. Thursday afternoon I got a call asking if I'm still interested and if could do a zoom interview Friday .

It went really well and it's a role I can definitely do. Hours are great and I get 2 days WFH.

But the pay! I think I low balled myself for the amount of experience I have
(I don't know why I said I'd be happy with 27-30k!)

So they're offering 28k , which is great for a new grad who lives with their parents.
(Edited to say but I'm not either of those, I'm about to do my post grad and I rent my own flat.)
I mentioned I knew it was an entry role and he admittedly confirmed I'm one of the more experienced applicants. He explained that this is the most he has been able to get for this role from the higher ups BUT I can basically do as much over time as I'd like. The role is 40hrs pw.


We ended the conversation with him saying to think things over and if I have any questions to email him or HR.


I sat and looked at my budget and as someone who lives in London, 28k really doesn't stretch far.


I've worked out it would be the same as the rate I get on disabled benefits, once rent is paid and it's just not worth it.
But the opportunities in that firm are awesome and this - being a non law grad would be amazing to have on my CV.
It's a perfect foot in the door !
It's ultimately the type of firm I'd love to work for as a paralegal and as a solicitor, once qualified.

I'm so unsure of what to do. I know they're desperate to fill this role ,so if all goes well I could start in the next week -2 weeks.

Could I maybe try an negotiate if offered the role?

Hello everyone! I would appreciate any insight or advice from anyone, I still can’t choose a provider after doing a lot of research. I received offers from UoL, BPP, and City University of London, and I’m aiming to become a solicitor.
For UoL and City, I received offers for their GDL/PGDL course, meaning I would receive a graduate diploma in law upon graduation. Furthermore, they both have online open book assessments.
For BPP, I received an offer in their SQE Training for Non-Law Graduates, and I would receive a Masters of Laws and Legal Practice. Their assessments are written exams (closed book).

As I said, I am quite stuck, so anything helps.

Hi all,

I've been struggling to find a 'easy commercial law guide for dummies' source. I am a non-law student and want to familiarise myself with how banking & finance, private equity, IP and corporate crime departments work. I don't know how intensely to self-teach this as I know they won't expect a non-law student to know about contract law specifics, but... what would partners and associates interviewing me for my AC expect me to know? How can I learn this information if I've graduated and don't have access to friends' notes or libraries? I didn't study business either so I'm relying on nebulous Youtube videos and articles where most words are things I need to Google.

Thank you!

Hi friends!

I mentioned the idea of starting a weekly application writing group in the vacation scheme thread. The suggestion seems to have received some positive responses!

As a former graduate student, I think writing groups can be incredibly helpful for discussing one’s work with peers in a lower-stakes environment. They can offer us a place to consider a different approach to our applications. Not only that, but there is evidence from psychological research that thinking about problems in relation to people who are geographically distant can increase creativity!

For now, @S87 recommended that we should meet virtually around April to make a list of firms that offer direct training contract applications and give each other some advice. After that, we can schedule weekly meetings in May to discuss our progress and give each other feedback. We can discuss more of these details in early/mid April, deciding the best way to divide up our writing.

There's one final thing worth mentioning here: The TCLA application review service is a great resource! After we've all worked through some of our writing together by mid-June, I would recommend using the application review service to get one final set of edits on your work. I've used the service a handful of times and it's been enlightening to say the least.

Open to further suggestions! Feel free to direct message me

Hello everyone!

I have a question regarding paralegal roles advertised through recruitment agencies.

How does it work? It appears that the MC and US firms seem to hire paralegals primarily through recruiters and I just want to understand the process. Does anyone have any experience or success stories?

Also which recruitment agencies are actually legit, I see so many on Linkedin but I am not sure who I can trust.

Hi everyone,

I am currently applying for a VS with Browne Jacobson and I am feeling very stuck when it comes to one of the questions.

'Our National Powerhouse strategy is made up using three separate pillars: 1) Being at the forefront of societies biggest issues, 2) Our personality, approach & values and 3) Making Connections. The third pillar, Making Connections, will see our firm encourage all employees to build an active network of contacts. Internally that means working more closely and making wider referrals to colleagues, but externally it means helping make connections between clients (for example, we introduced one client, a PPE equipment provider, with a healthcare client desperately in need of PPE supplies) or making connections within the communities we operate in. Please give an example of a time where you have used your own network to make an introduction between two people or businesses that led to positive action (that would not have happened without you intervening)? (max 250 words)'

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach this? I have never encountered a similar question before. Any help will be much appreciated.

Hi all,


Got an AC coming up in a week. I've written down my answers for the "why you" "why this firm" "why commercial law" questions but would love it if someone checked over them for me to see if they're good enough (and then I won't feel like I am memorising bad answers). Don't worry, I won't make it sound rehearsed, just need to memorise the main points.

I would love to swap answers and help someone else out too - my AC is for Ropes & Gray