Someone like me. A human being having to make marginal decisions on the smallest of points. I don’t envy anyone who screens applications!
Every single person I know in my Uni (top Russel Group) that got a TC offer from Slaughter and A&O all had 1st class degrees (many non-law). Literally none got less than that from the ones I know. I'm not even bothering to apply with my high 2:1. Not worth the waste of time to get rejected
you too, it's really stressful and time-consumingI’m feeling the same - received offers to multiple events including in-person events, networked A LOT with people from my uni who are now training there, and had associates there tell me that I seem like the perfect candidate. I also think it was my best written application so far, yet I’ve received next stage invites from firms who seem equally as competitive, but for whom I was only 99% happy with my application before sending. Honestly quite upset and a bit confused. Just trying to move on by focusing on the other opportunities that I have been given. Really best of luck with your other applications
on top of uni/work it's honestly borderline inhumane how much we are expected to give for a sliver of a chance at even being considered.Same! I have been expecting it, so its good to finally receive it LOL
Yep insane competition. I know of a couple people who got MC TCS with 2:1 but I’d say the vast majority (at least that I know) got a first or are on SOLID track to get one.
I would echo this. They are probably only interviewing less than 50 people too, so around 1 in 20-25 people will get an interview.
For A&O, a high 2:1 or 1st is not the determining factor. I only had a mid 2:1 and still managed to get an AC at A&O on the strength of my application answers and relevant extracurriculars (legal tech related). Don't rule yourself out so quickly!
I often wonder the same, I didn't get into the 1st insight evening and the reason was the same: "didn't score high enough", but the application was basic with just a short cover letter (and maybe undergrad academics, can't remember). Do they just give a subjective rating out of a 100 or something.
IF everything is objectively good with an application, I think some of it legit comes down to who reads it and in what mood they are inFreshfields seems to be open to anyone that satisfies the 2.1 requirement. But I'm literally certain about Slaughter at this point - nobody I know that got a TC offer has below a First class honours degree from my uni (and a lot of people got offers this and last year)
Thank you so much for this information. I’ve booked a mock interview with TCLA and my careers counsellor. So, hopefully that might stand me in good stead for the assessment centre. Thank you so much!
I don’t think this is necessarily reflective of all trainees - it may just but a reflection of the people you know.
tbh I’m not sure what I’d prefer I agree the app process is some major BS however if competition is willing to put in the time then u can’t rlly complain. I prefer this to the selection process being who’s father works at the firm and the app questions prevent it from just being based wholly on ur grace soyou too, it's really stressful and time-consuming
I know people without firsts who have got into Slaughters (and even recently).
yep...I often wonder the same, I didn't get into the 1st insight evening and the reason was the same: "didn't score high enough", but the application was basic with just a short cover letter (and maybe undergrad academics, can't remember). Do they just give a subjective rating out of a 100 or something.
Even more confusing since I was invited to the 2nd evening after
was this for a vac scheme or direct TC application? i knew a few average students that made it to vac scheme, but from the direct TC route none were average students.
That is interesting! I was invited to the 1st insight evening but had to do so upon badgering (ahem reminding) grad rec about my application. I genuinely thought everyone who applied was extended an invitation. But maybe that is me being a bit naive hahaI often wonder the same, I didn't get into the 1st insight evening and the reason was the same: "didn't score high enough", but the application was basic with just a short cover letter (and maybe undergrad academics, can't remember). Do they just give a subjective rating out of a 100 or something.
Even more confusing since I was invited to the 2nd evening after
This isn't quite true - I have quite a few Linkedin connections at S&M who have 2.1 degrees, and I'm currently on track for a 2.1 and have an interview for a TC there. In any case, if they offer a TC to a 2nd year following a Vac scheme, they wouldn't even have their degree results yet. I think we should all be cautious of speculating these kind of things - It could deter someone from applying who has a real shot.
the events were around 45-50 people, so quite limited and selective - the open day was around 100 from memory so maybe that was more 'everyone who applies gets in'That is interesting! I was invited to the 1st insight evening but had to do so upon badgering (ahem reminding) grad rec about my application. I genuinely thought everyone who applied was extended an invitation. But maybe that is me being a bit naive haha
