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Hey everyone,

The application review team is a little stumped by the phrasing of a HSF application question, so we wanted to see if anyone has spoken to graduate recruitment/gained an insight from their open day and could share any light on this.

The question on the HSF form: 'Tell us about a project that you have recently worked on or a challenge you have faced as part of a team (Up to 300 words)'

Do we take this to mean either:

1a. A project you have recently worked on; or
1b. A challenge you have faced as part of a team

Or

2a. A project that you have recently worked on as part of a team; or
2b. A challenge you have faced as part of a team

The issue here is if the candidate focuses on 1a, they would be missing the competency if it intended to be 2a (about teamwork).

Hi guys I have some questions about the HSF application question: "Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you'

My undergraduate degree was in History and I did some fascinating work, which I am truly passionate about. However, is this a bit of an obvious thing to talk about for this question?

Should I try show a broader range of interests?

Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone has recently completed the Willkie Farr Video interview and remember what the questions involved? I would sincerely appreciate any insights!

Hi everyone!

I am currently studying LLM at UCL, and I have previously offered to share tips on writing the personal statement, as well as my own personal statement, in this thread https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/llm-personal-statement.2278/#post-42366.

Considering the overwhelming number of requests I keep on receiving, I thought it would be easier to share it here for everyone to access!

In terms of guidance, I think what you write into your personal statements depends greatly on your background/experience/reasons why you want to study LLM and whether you have a specific interest in some area of law.

I have separated my personal statement into the following sections:

1. why I want to study at UCL;
2. why I am a great candidate (great if it links to something that happens at UCL as shows what you can bring to the community, e.g. my interest in LWOW);
3. what I want to study when I come there, proposed research essay topic and how it links with my career aspirations;
4. conclusion where I show why I am a great fit for the LLM.

I believe there was some guidance from UCL on what they wanted you to include - specifically the research essay area and modules you are interested in. Remember that these modules and research essay area are not binding in any way, and you will be able to select whatever modules you like once you start!

This was my approach to personal statement, but if you are for example very interested in one area, or something about UCL Laws, you can spend more time writing about that. It really person-specific, but I think the general sections I have outlined above should be there!

I have also attached a redacted version of my LLM Personal Statement, as I got a lot of requests to share this as well.

Hope this helps!

Karin

Hi,

I am currently a final year non-law student and I am applying through LAWCAB for a law conversion (GDL).
I am not too sure if anyone can help me with regards to which institutions to apply to.

I wanted to know do law firms require a specific institution to study the GDL, for example, the University of Law or BPP University?

Thank you.

Hi there,

I am struggling with the B & B application question:

Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? (Max:150)

Although topics like Big Data and Blockchain etc are obvious choices, I was planning to writing on the decarbonisation of transport and the disruption (and opportunity) this creates in the automotive sector.

I am worried, however, that by not focusing on a specific technological innovation this may not seem like I have understood B&B's emphasis on technology. However, I do think that decarbonisation does, in fact, create technological opportunity for businesses in this sector, if they are able to adapt.

Can someone offer me advice on this?

Hi guys,

Having completed the SJT, Reed Smith has instructed me to answer three further questions.

I am somewhat confused about how to answer the following question:

• (Q) Taking into account the firms core values and drawing on any examples you have from your experiences, would you feel confident enough to challenge your colleagues if they were carrying out a process incorrectly?

If someone could shed some light on how to answer this, I would be very grateful.

Reed Smith has five core values: should I incorporate all of them? I feel that doing this will dilute my answer.

I look forward to receiving advice on this!

Has anyone heard from them yet? It's in 2 days and I haven't received any communication..

Hi guys,

I just wanted some thoughts regarding my situation. I did a 2 week vacation scheme a few months ago and was unfortunately unsuccessful. I sought feedback and it was partly due to coronavirus (i.e cuts in graduate intakes).

I was wondering whether it's wise - 3 months later - to email the partner whom I work for subtly asking for any future openings - perhaps in the following year? I'm just doing so because it seems the firm is doing quite well despite covid. However, I am just conscious that this may come off as me pestering them, especially since they are a partner of a BigLaw firm so any inspiration stories of people who've been rejected by a firm post-vac scheme but managed to 'network' their way into a second opportunity would be great?

I've seen a few variations of this question, e.g.:
given that London clients are not willing to pay as high fees as Wall Street clients, how can UK firms stay competitive against US firms?
or
How can firms survive the proliferation of AI which may render charging high fees for services unjustifiable?

I'm honestly a bit stuck. It seems to me like clients are THE primary way for law firms to make money, and if clients increasingly opt for the 'big 4' accounting firms or expect significantly lower prices, aren't law firms in trouble?

What are the main weaknesses of and threats facing Magic Circle firms?

Can anyone share their experience with the SST, how they found it and any tips to pass it? Thank you!

Hi guys!

How do you go about justifying why you want a commercial law career in London specifically?

I personally studied my law degree in London and loved living there, especially as someone with a diverse, mixed-race international background. While personal to me, I am conscious that it reads as being generic and applicable for a lot of candidates; additionally, I'm not sure if I should be focusing on the career prospects a city like London would provide?

Again, my reasons for wanting a City career would be wanting exposure to a global financial hub and work from multiple jurisdictions- isn't this also quite common or generic? The most unique reasoning I can come up with is writing a dissertation centered around legal repercussions following the LIBOR scandal, and how I've researched extensively on how London as a financial market could change following the introduction of SONIA? Is that too off-topic or something worth exploring?

Would appreciate any advice!

Hi all,
I was lucky enough to land a place on Linklaters' Virtual Winter Vacation Scheme and now I'm starting to prepare for the vacation scheme! I've read Jessica's amazing tips on virtual vacation schemes, but I was wondering if there was anyone on the forum who participated in Links virtual summer scheme and if they wouldn't mind imparting any wisdom to help me through it. My dream firm and very much don't want to mess it up!!!

Thank you in advance if anyone is able to help.

Hi TCLA!

This is a bit of a toughie from an application I've been working on.

Wanted to hear everyone's thoughts on this, particularly from anyone doing a TC at the moment.

Think it would be a useful exercise generally, as this question seems to come up a lot in interviews.

Cheers!

2. Please chose a current COVID related legal issue and describe how this may be impacting the legal sector and specifically Addleshaw Goddard. 2000 characters

Could anyone please advise how I can go about this question? I’m struggling to find cases or news specifically impacting AG

Please help! Thanks!

I have recently graduated from a top university with good academics in Law. I was able to secure a summer vacation scheme although this was cancelled due to COVID.

I am struggling immensely with the assessment centre stage. I have failed so many different assessment centres since 2018. There is no overall pattern in the feedback I have received. I am still determined to pursue a career in commercial law although the numerous rejections have affected my confidence. I do not know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently a Computer Science student.
I'll be doing the SQE after my degree with the hopes of becoming a corporate lawyer in a MC firm.

What's the process for a student to be able to legally practice law in the US, specifically states like New York?
Is it possible? Or do you need to go to a grad school in the US & get a JD?

From what I've heard you need a 3-year degree & to pass the bar to work in the US.
For NY bar specifically, you need to have done a law degree (which I have not).

So, therefore, am I not able to practice in the US? What are my options?

I'm sorry for all the questions. I'd be grateful for any advice or a point in the right direction.
Thank you

I'm new to this forum so apologies if this has been asked before.

Is there a post already that has some recommendations for books law students could read? Articles? Podcasts? Videos?

I'm still getting used to this site but it looks extremely helpful!

Thank you

Hi, hope this finds you well

I wanted to ask if it was possible for me to get a legal internship at a MC / any other firm?

I don't study law, I study computer science. But I am planning on going into law after my degree.

I have heard conflicting things.
- some say I CANNOT get a legal internship without being a lawyer / law student.
- others say the only way to improve my application for the future is to get legal experience now.

I'd appreciate some advice

Hello, I hope this long post finds you well during such tough times.
I'd truly appreciate any advice.

I'm 19 and currently studying Computer Science at a non-RG University.
My goal has always been to eventually go into law, but following some difficult times during & after my A levels, I completely threw that dream away and chose to study CompSci.

The goal now is to graduate, do the GDL (soon to be called SQE), and get a career within corporate law.

Why do I want to all of a sudden do Law again? Honestly? Because I know deep down that I can, I'm not someone who lets her fears control her & I'm not about to become that girl now. I know I can do this, but others don't seem to think so.

I thought my plans to become a lawyer were ruined following my A level results when I found out I had received grades B and C in my exams. I went on a gap year & tried to sort myself out as much as possible (mentally & physically).

I did have extenuating/mitigating circumstances near the end of my GCSE's and in year 2 of my A level's (horrible timing).

I'm here to ask you for some advice.
To ask if you agree with the many others who have said it's hopeless for me to ever imagine I'd be able to work at a magic circle law firm in the future?

The long-term plan was to do my GDL (SQE), get into a magic circle law firm & eventually transfer over to the US, and work there.
But I have had many people tell me that I'm being "stupid" & it's "impossible".

I took a look at the websites of some MC (and other) firms. The following have said they (1) don't look at A level grades or (2) they take into account the whole application / mitigating circumstances:
- A & O
- Slaughter & May
- Clifford Chance
- Linklaters
- DLA Piper


Please be as honest as possible. I appreciate you taking the time to read this essay
Thank you

I was looking at the Slaughter and May website today and they state that you have one month to accept a TC offer.

Now I'm wondering what the traditional practice for City firms is for how long they give you to accept their offer. I want to submit my rolling TC applications in a way which maximises having as many options to choose from as possible.

Anybody know how much time the top London firms give you to accept a TC offer? Is one month the standard practice?

I am a little bit confused as to how to answer the Gowling VC application question 'Please explain, in no more than 350 words, how you anticipate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions are going to change the way large commercial law firms operate in the future.'

I think what I am confused about is whether I should only focus on economic repercussions that affect large commercial law firms or the economic repercussions on a global scale, and then relate it to commercial law firms?

I was thinking of mentioning an increase in demand for cybersecurity, agile working and advancements in technology (e.g. DocuSign) but I am not sure if that is the right angle.

I do apologise first, this may be a silly question.

Pinsent masons' Vac scheme page says "apply in your penultimate year (law) or final year (non-law) onwards". My question is: can graduates apply as well?

Hey everyone,

We're delighted to announce that applications for Shearman & Sterling's 2021 vacation schemes are open.

The firm is running four vacation schemes on the following dates:

• Spring Vacation Scheme One: 8 – 20 March 2021 (deadline – 17 January 2021)
• Spring Vacation Scheme Two: 12 – 24 April 2021 (deadline – 17 January 2021)
• Summer Vacation Scheme One: 14 – 25 June 2021 (deadline – 17 January 2021)
• Summer Vacation Scheme Two: 5 – 16 July 2021 (deadline – 17 January 2021)

Shearman & Sterling values diversity and welcomes applications from all ages, nationalities and backgrounds – they do not limit their vacation schemes to undergraduates. The firm is currently recruiting for trainees who will commence with the firm in August 2022 or August 2023.

For more details, and to apply, please see this page.

On the vacation scheme, you will have the genuine opportunity to get involved in typical trainee tasks and experience life at a global law firm. Many of the vacation scheme participants will go on to secure a training contract at the firm.

Note, this is a sponsored post.