New Threads

I was just invited to Macs' virtual AC today. I've never done a virtual interview before so not really sure what to make of it.

I've had a look on the interview experiences page to get a feel for what might come up but does anyone have any extra tips or experiences they would be willing to share?

Thanks!

Has anyone attended a k&l gates assessment centre? Particularly for a direct TC? I was wondering what was involved?

Hi all,

I attended the webinar for Crowell & Moring yesterday regarding their new training contract program and thought it might be helpful for others who hadn't heard about it / weren't able to make the webinar to do a quick write up of some notes I took. This is by no means exhaustive, as I just noted the things I personally felt I would benefit by knowing. (If anyone else was in attendance and wants to build on this / bounce application ideas off one another feel free to add below!)

Website: https://www.crowell.com/Locations/London
Future Trainees Website: https://www.crowelltrainees.co.uk/

Background

Crowell was formed in 1979 in Washington D.C. on the back of a large team of lawyers leaving another D.C. firm, Jones Day. Since their inception, the focus of the firm has been to "do law better" and focus on building and maintaining a strong internal culture where, according to the London managing partner "we take our work and our clients at the highest seriousness, but we try and make sure we do not take ourselves seriously".

Globally, clients include roughly one-third of the Fortune 500, and including names like Scuderia Ferrari, Shell, Marriott, and Amazon.

Having had a London office since 1991, it the firm clearly seems to have a solid presence in the City and has no plans to up-and-quit any time soon. In fact, it seems that (aside from the fact that they are starting their training contract) they are trying to actively grow the office. The firm has set a soft target of roughly 100 professionals in the next 5 years. Currently, there are roughly 30 professionals in the office, with about 20 of those being lawyers.

Core Strengths

The firm is most well known in the U.S for it's litigation/trial (with a very respectable arbitration practice) and government contracts work, but the key areas covered are as follows:

• Litigation & Trial (This is the firm's biggest practice area)
• Regulatory & Policy
• Transactions
• Government Contracts (This practice is very much a U.S. based one and doesn't tend to filter out much to int'l offices)
• Energy
• Investigations (This is mostly focused on Antitrust / Competition Law investigations

C&M London

The London office has a strong footing in the City and is currently the fastest growing of all the C&M offices. The culture is very much focused on people making a point to get to know one another and the policy is incredibly pro-open-door.

In terms of the work undertaken by the firm, a lot of the work streams come through emerging markets and the firm is actively investing in its presence in new and rapidly developing areas of law like cyber-security, data breach etc.). Although the firm covers a range of markets and sectors, and all can find their niche at C&M, it seems to be that if (like me) you love a firm with a good litigation practice, that you are definitely encouraged to apply. As mentioned, this seems to be the flagship practice globally. Additionally, the firm is investing in its corporate practice, and has taken on new banking & finance partners recently.

Out of 20 lawyers, there are about 10 partners and a lot of fairly senior associates so it seems the leverage for those who would seek to want quick exposure to senior legal professionals (& responsibility) is definitely there. The firm also made a point of noting that there is a strong crossover between practices and that you will regularly have to work with colleagues from different sectors/practices/offices.

• NB: when asked about the firm's USP by one of the participants, the answer was unequivocal: the unique culture that they offer as opposed to other 'biglaw' firms.

The Training Contract

Much like it's origin story, the C&M training contract will be non-rotational, with the strong possibility of both client secondments (assuming the high chance of business need comes about) and a secondment to the Brussels office (with whom the London office works very closely and regularly).

The TC is focused on freedom and responsibility and you will be expected to source your own work from a range of partners (it's hoped that you will work with everyone during your TC). The firm invests heavily in training and professional development for all lawyers and will happily listen to new ideas for how training can be improved (or any new courses etc.). It definitely seems that the firm will be working closely with trainees to support them.

• 1st Year Salary: £45,000
• NQ Salary: £84,000

The Firm is Looking For

• Ambition / Drive / Determination / Resilience (Good example at interview would be a time something didn't go to plan / you were out of your comfort zone).
• Proactive (You will be expected to plan for the unexpected - a time you seized the initiative?)
• Strategic Thinker (A place where you could use an academic example of thinking logically / clearly etc.)
• Commercial Awareness / Motivation (how do you keep up with news? what do you understand about the world of news?)
• Strong Team Players
• Someone who is willing to seize opportunities (particularly those not directly related to work, such as D&I and pro bono opportunities)
• Sense of Humour (again, take your work seriously, not yourself).

Lydia Taylor (Counsel): Focused her talk on the sense of community she felt having joined C&M just 18 months ago as an associate and having already been made up to partner. She feels a lot of trust from senior management and that the London office definitely punches above its weight.

Seye Olufunwa (Associate): Also a recent joiner (c. 12 months ago) enjoys the fact that he has a very close relationship with his colleagues and has been regularly able to meet his international colleagues in person through the firm investing heavily in firm-wide networking and social events and client events. The culture is described as "democratic" and one where investment in staff is paramount.

Extras

• Diversity & Inclusion and Pro Bono are huge parts of the culture. The firm has its own dedicated pro bono partner in the States (I think they said D.C. but could have been New York).
• The firm has a dedicated innovation team and is constantly trying to develop itself to keep up with developments in business, law and legal practice.
• This is NOT a one-off opportunity, there is a plan for organic growth in London and that starts with a long-term TC offering.
• The pandemic does not seem to have impacted financials that much (unsurprising given strengths in counter-cyclical practice such as litigation) and in fact July was a better month for the firm financially than January.

CAVEATS

• The firm doesn't offer Tier 2 sponsorship and you must be able to have an independent right to remain/work in the U.K.
• To join in January 2021 (1st intake) you must have already completed the LPC by the time you start your TC.
• No word on whether LPC sponsorship will take place in the future, but future cycles will include vacation schemes at the firm (due to obvious circumstances and the quick turnaround on this cycle, this wasn't a possibility).

Summary:

If you want to work for a U.S. law firm, with a uniquely friendly culture, and an excellent international litigation practice (among other things) then this firm seems like one to watch! I'm unfortunately barred from this cycle as I've not yet done my LPC, but will definitely be watching updates on the future cycle.

Hope this helps anyone looking for some more info!

Based in Asia till the Virus dies down and will be completing the PGDL online.

Anyone else?!

I have a TC starting this year at an SC firm. I like the firm but I was hoping to start my career at a US firm.

Is it common to move as an NQ? 2PQE seems to be the 'time' to move.

I am not solely motivated by money, but my firm pays under 90,000 at NQ level while the US firms on my radar (Kirkland, Latham etc) pay 140,000+. It seems frustrating to work the same hours as those firms (e.g. Private Equity) for significantly less money, especially in London.

Also, larger US firms seem to have sophisticated non-transactional departments with better hours (e.g. Litigation, Competition, Financial Regulation etc). Is it possible to move as an NQ in these practice areas? Is the pay in line with US transactional lawyers and is partnership attainable in non-transactional teams?

As somebody that runs a law blog on social media, I've always been reluctant to mention this in applications. This is mainly because I've always had the impression that law firms are traditional institutions that aren't too keen on candidates who have a small social media presence (for the sake of professionalism).

But as my platform has grown I've been exposed to some really unique opportunities that I think would make my application stand out a little more. However, I wouldn't want to mention this if firms aren't too keen on legal social media blogs.

I understand that this is a bit of a weird thing to ask in these forums, but everyone I've met has been really helpful so far with answering all of my questions

Hello everyone,

Last year, I passed the application stage for Ashurst but failed to get past their psychometric tests, which included elements such as Cognify and Emotify. I am normally good with Watson Glaser tests but I was quite unfamiliar with this new format.

Would anyone know of any websites or mobile applications which would be useful in practising for the test? Thank you

Hi all,

This is a little odd, but does anyone know if you are still eligible for the government student loan for the LLM LPC if you have a training contract? I appreciate that I am already in a fortunate position, but it would be so much easier to study if I could move out, and I can't afford to rent somewhere with the grant from the TC.

Thank you!

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any tips of how to frame part-time work in a way that demonstrates transferrable skills required for trainee lawyers?

I have worked in a bar/restaurant, a tutor company, a kids club in a hotel and done a lot of private client nannying. How can i link this to law?

Thanks!

Just read on another post that some applications don't change - any ideas which firms?

sdafa

Hi everyone, I want to educate myself further on how to make a good application. Do you have any blogs or resources that you can recommend? Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Does anyone know what the term dates are for GDL full time starting January not September at ULaw?

If anyone could post their old timetable I would really appreciate it!

I mainly want to know which months are holidays and exams...

Hello everyone, just wanted to ask what are the list of firms that ask for cover letters in their application form I know Slaughter and May, Jones Day and Gibson Dunn require cover letters in their application process. Would anyone know if there are any other firms?

Hey guys,

Many of you have probably come across the phrase 'SWOT analysis', which can probably seem quite alien if you haven't studied this before.

I came across this post which I think does a good basic breakdown for a few different companies: https://creately.com/blog/examples/swot-analysis-templates-creately/#amazon.



Sometimes, I find the best way to understand these techniques is to see it visually and in practice, so thought I'd share!

Best,

Jaysen

Hello! I'm doing the LPC LLM at BPP this upcoming September and would love any insight/suggestions on which LLM option I should undertake. The firm I have a TC with is sponsoring me but they have no preference as to which LLM route I take.

BPP offers 2 options:

1.LLM Commercial Legal Practice — demonstrate the advanced commercial awareness that firms demand by completing two additional business modules

2. LLM Professional Legal Practice — enhance your knowledge of legal practice by researching and writing one practitioner-focused project

I would really appreciate any guidance in choosing one of these options. I'm open to taking either, but would like to weigh the pros/cons of both! Thanks! Do you have any suggestions @Jessica Booker?

Yes, me again, asking for your thoughts on something else.....

As part of reviewing the content of TCLA so it works as best as it can for the community, Jaysen and I have discussed the best way we can reward members who are really helping to keep members informed.

You may see from your profile that you have acquired "credits" every time you post and that this can be seen comparatively against other members (see attached screenshot). We want to look into this credit system to see if this can provide a way of rewarding our members that contribute the most.

We are therefore considering how we can reward people for helping with content on the forums. We don't want to encourage spamming or for it to turn into a popularity contest, but we think there could be a way to ensure we recognise and reward members who are contributing useful content.

Given this I would really appreciate your thoughts on the following:

• What factors would you consider most appropriate if we were to recognise when someone is providing useful content?
• What can we reward people with (TCLA paid for subscription services/other products or gifts/gift vouchers)?
• Are there other ways in which members can be recognised (e.g. nominations on a regular basis from other members)?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts about rewards beyond these questions though. You are probably far more creative than I am and probably will anticipate many more things than I will if I tackle this alone.

In the first instance, if you could post in here so it creates discussion, that would be great - however feel free to PM me if you'd prefer to put your ideas/thoughts to me privately instead.

Look forward to hearing from you!

I was hoping to start a thread on which firms recruit from their VS or TC, as I am trying to figure out if it is worth it for me to apply to some direct TCs

If there is already a comprehensive thread detailing this then please let me know! And also if any of the info is incorrect, then also please let me know!

Firms that recruit solely from VS:
Akin Gump (but sometimes look at direct TC apps)
Clyde & Co
CMS
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Dechert
Gateley
Gowling WLG
Herbert Smith Freehills
Jones Day
Kirkland and Ellis (but sometimes look at direct TC apps)
Milbank
Mischon de Reya
Ropes & Gray
Shearman & Sterling
Taylor Wessing
Vinson & Elkins (but sometimes look at direct TC apps)

Predominantly from VS:
Addleshaw Goddard
Baker Mckenzie
Bird and Bird
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dentons
Eversheds Sutherland
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
HFW
Linklaters
Mayer Brown
Memery Crystal
Mills & Reeve
Pinsent Masons
Simmons & Simmons
Skadden
Squire Patton Boggs

Significant recruitment not from VS:
Allen & Overy
Bristows (do not have a VS)
Clifford Chance
Freshfields
Fried Frank (do not have a VS)
Lewis Silkin (do not have a VS)
Macfarlanes (50:50)
Morgan Lewis
Norton Rose Fullbright
Paul Hastings (do not have a VS)
Shoosmiths
Slaughter and May

Hi all,

I have a MAJOR career conundrum. So sorry in advance for the long post but it is giving me a big headache and I would be so grateful for some advice from you lovely people.

I am a non-law graduate, having left university two years ago, and I am now in full-time work. I have a good job and really don't want to leave it until I have secured a training contract. I've been trying to convert to law for the last two years and have now built up a significant amount of experience. I'm really hoping that this year I'll secure a TC off the back of my efforts!

I've heard a lot of mixed opinions from legal professionals about the SQE - I've lost count of the amont of people telling me to avoid it! Due to this, I'd planned to start the LLM/MA Law part-time in January to give me the option of doing the GDL/LPC instead of the SQE route. The plan was to complete this conversion part-time from January 2021 to May 2022 (four terms) and then the LPC full-time from Sep 2022 to May 2023, hopefully beginning a training contract in September 2023. However, there are two caveats:

• I would prefer to do the LLM/MA Law in January 2021 rather than September 2020 because I have just started a new role. It would be too difficult to do both the training for this and make VS/TC applications at the same time as starting the LLM/MA Law.
  
  
• I had intended on the LLM/MA Law over the GDL as I would prefer to have financing. Unfortunately, I have just discovered that doing this would mean an additional term at law school and I would not be finished until January 2023, consequently making me unable to begin a training contract in September 2023.

This means my options are:

1. Start the MA Law/LLM (part-time) with financing in September 2020 (TC start earliest March 2024)
   Pros: full PG funding and making progress towards my future career.
   Cons: I wouldn't do as well and could struggle in the first term due to having no time to study, or could burn out.
   
   
2. Start the GDL (part-time) self-funded in January 2021 (TC start earliest September 2023)
   Pros: it fits my schedule, keeps my options open and is making progress towards my future career.
   Cons: I could be spending 9k on a redundant qualification.
   
   
3. Wait another year, hope I get a training contract this year and do the SQE (TC start earliest September 2023)
   Pros: could be easier? Hopefully funded by a firm, will be alongside the trainee cohort, everybody is in the same boat. Wouldn't have to study alongside full-time work.
   Cons: it could be a car crash and limits me to doing it rather than the GDL. If I don't get a TC this year, I have wasted a year.

In summary, I really don't want to waste another year before entering law BUT I also don't want to waste my savings on self-funding the GDL if the qualification becomes redundant BUT I'm really nervous about the SQE! It almost feels like I'm doomed either way! I'm leaning towards just leaving it and doing the SQE but I don't want to pigeonhole myself.

I hope my understanding is correct and my explanation is clear. Please let me know if it is not!

My immediate questions upon writing this post are:

• What would you all recommend?
• Does anyone have experience of scholarships at BPP/ULaw? Would I be viable for one while in full-time work?
• Are any firms indicating any preference yet? Are any likely to enforce everybody doing the SQE in the near future to put all trainees on an equal level?

If you've reached this far, thanks so much for reading!!!!

Hi everyone. I have just finished the GDL and accepted a TC to start in September 2022. I am looking for a job before I start the LPC in Sep 2021.

I was hoping to get a job as a paralegal and gain some more work experience before I start but am finding there are not many people hiring at the moment. So far I have been searching for paralegal, document review and legal assistant roles with not much luck. I have tried to sign up to F-LEX but they aren't doing any interviews at the moment.

Does anyone have any advice on searching for paralegal roles or any suggestions on other jobs that may be similar/interesting.

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys,

anyone studying the PGDL at BPP 2020-2021??

Hello everyone! This is my first time creating a thread, so I'm sorry if I lack any "TCLA" etiquette.

With vacation scheme applications beginning to slowly open up, I am trying to figure out what kind of application strategy would work best for me. Due to so many firms reviewing applications on a rolling basis, I definitely want to hand in my applications ASAP.

I know the firms I want to apply to, and have spoken to future trainees about the application process. They have kindly shared the application questions they answered when they were applying for vac schemes.

Would it be unwise for me to prepare answers to these questions in anticipation? I know that sometimes application questions differ each year, but on the flip side a lot of them appear to be asking the same questions too!

I'm in two minds about this, as I don't want to prepare/ask people to review answers for questions that may not appear on the application.

Sorry for such a long-winded post!

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone would be able to advise on a few specific set of questions I have regarding these to London LPC providers.

I did the GDL at BPP Waterloo and achieved a distinction in 2019/20 (open book examinations resulting from Covid-19). When it comes to choosing my now LPC provider I have a couple of questions concerning the examinations at the two providers; I currently have offers to study at BPP Holborn and UoL Moorgate.

• Will it matter to employers if I did my GDL at BPP and switched to UoL for LPC? I currently don’t have a training contract but would do the same corporate electives.
• I understand that UoL is open book for the 3 hour written exams and closed book for MCQs. Does anyone have any insight as to how LPC exams are done at BPP with the ‘permitted materials’ that they allow? Is there as much of a need for memorisation as there was on the GDL?

Hopefully someone can offer some insight into their own experience!