Allen & Overy Winter Vacation Scheme 2024

[kmo20]

Nope! I don't remember where I saw it but I have it in my notes that we are meant to start hearing from Oct 9th (tomorrow). I can't find on their website where I got that date, so it must have been said by a grad recruiter when I attended one of their events/ the Legal Cheek fair.

Luckily, since we have all applied for a winter scheme, we should ideally know if we are through to the next stage before Fireworks night imo.

Thank you!

 

[sthop]

I did actually, about 3 days back. I have no clue when is it going to change from "under review"

 

[RBUCL]

Curious to know if anyone has heard from A&O yet

 

[The6FigureSuccessfulSolicitor]

Curious to know if anyone has heard from A&O yet

I'm going to the virtual Legal Cheek fair tomorrow so I'll stop by the A&O stand ask grad recruitment when they plan to let us know and tell y'all.

 

[hannahfl]

Hi all, someone on another thread (the general Vac Scheme discussion thread) heard back today with a rejection from A&O Winter Vac Scheme.

 

[Future_lawyer_somewhere]

A&O assessment centre invite!
My first one. Very nervous already haha - any tips very much welcome!

Hey, what day did you submit your video interview (completed app)?

 

[axelbeugre]

A&O assessment centre invite!
My first one. Very nervous already haha - any tips very much welcome!

Congratulations, this is a massive piece of news! You should be so proud of yourself!
In terms of tips for an assessment centre, what I would suggest is:

1. Research the Firm:
   • Familiarise yourself with the law firm's culture, values, practice areas, and recent news.
   • Understand the firm's clients, notable cases, and any unique selling points.
2. Prepare for Interviews:
   • Be ready for both competency-based and situational interviews.
   • Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers to competency questions.
   • Research common law firm interview questions and prepare thoughtful, concise responses.
3. Legal Knowledge:
   • Brush up on your legal knowledge and be prepared to discuss recent developments in law.
   • Stay updated on current legal issues and landmark cases relevant to the firm's practice areas.
4. Commercial Awareness:
   • Understand the business side of law. Read financial news, follow industry trends, and be aware of the firm's clients and competitors.
   • Discuss how legal issues impact the firm's clients and the broader business world.
5. Group Exercises:
   • In group activities, demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and effective communication.
   • Be active but not domineering, and listen to others' perspectives.
6. Written Exercises:
   • Pay attention to detail in written exercises, and proofread your work carefully.
   • Structure your written responses logically and concisely.
7. Presentation Skills:
   • If you have to give a presentation, practice your speaking skills and be clear and confident.
   • Organise your thoughts logically and use visual aids effectively if allowed.
8. Assessment Day Etiquette:
   • Dress professionally and in accordance with the firm's culture.
   • Arrive on time, be polite to everyone you meet, and maintain a positive attitude.
9. Be Yourself (this is probably the best piece of advice I can give, as cliché as it sounds, being yourself can get you far in the process):
   • Remember that firms are also looking for candidates who fit well with their culture.
   • Be authentic and let your personality shine through during interviews and interactions.
10. Follow Up:
    • Send a thank-you email to your interviewers after the assessment centre to express your appreciation for the opportunity.

These are some of the things that really helped me when tackling assessment centres for the first time. I wish you good luck and congratulations once again! @prospectiveswitcher

 

[sthop]

I think it was close to the deadline - the day before maybe.

Did you receive your "your application is under review" email around the end of September?

 

[kmo20]

Has anyone heard from A&O today?

 

[Shreya Verma]

Hiya guys in regards to this “There will be a chance for you to complete two video interview questions for which you will be required to record a response“ - is this immediately after the interactive assessment or is it separate, by that I mean can i complete the assessment then do the video a few days later?

In the email it was written that candidates can take break and it wasn't mentioned that the time taken to complete the assessment will be recorded as opposed to HSF’s practice. Still I think you should ask grad rec.

 

[Shreya Verma]

Hi may I know will the video interview start immediately after the interactive assessment or I can stop by there and do the video another day?

Could you please tell what all questions were asked in the video interview?

 

[axelbeugre]

Just got AC invite today! Any tips on what the written AC is comprised of or if anyone has a few minutes spare to have a chat, I'd be very grateful

Congratulations! Massive achievement!! In terms of general tips I would say to

• know the firm inside and out: be very aware of the deals, clients, practice areas they excel at and specialise in, that will give you an advantage in case you have a written case study or something along those lines.
• be confident of your ability: you managed to get an AC, this is massive and something that not everyone can say that they have achieved so be confident that you will pass the AC!
• be curious: if you have interviews, make sure to prepare some questions at the end for the interviewers about their journeys at the firm, this is so important as lawyers love to talk about themselves but it would also give you a chance to see if you can see yourself at the firm and working with them.
• for a written exercise, focus on precision and writing clear sentences and structured answers: this will be quintessential as it will show your attention to detail, your writing skills and your ability to be concise. As long as you are able to focus on these things whenever you are writing, I am sure you will be fine. And remember to be professional in every answer you give!

I hope these general tips help you, and congratulations again! @ambervlaw

 

[malvern3142]

I'm noticing a lot of people received the email "our team is now reviewing your application" at the end of September.

Did anyone receive this email in early October? I received mine on the 2nd and idk if that's a positive, negative, or simply random that mine was being reviewed at a later date, I applied when the scheme first opened for context.

 

[RBUCL]

I'm noticing a lot of people received the email "our team is now reviewing your application" at the end of September.

Did anyone receive this email in early October? I received mine on the 2nd and idk if that's a positive, negative, or simply random that mine was being reviewed at a later date, I applied when the scheme first opened for context.

I received mine in early October, but also submitted my application an hour or two before the deadline.

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

Anyone else finding it difficult to find much details on A&Os recent deals? Unless they have not had many? Most of their publications / posts online seem to be more advisory in nature rather than deal announcements.

 

[catlover123]

Has anyone else not received the "our team is now reviewing your application" email yet? I'm just starting to get a bit worried as people seem to be receiving AC invitations already and I still haven't received that email. Does not receiving the email mean you might not have passed the SJT maybe? Does anyone know/have prior experience?

Or anyone that didn't get the email but got an AC invite?

 

[malvern3142]

Maybe a pedantic question also - but will offers be extended at AC stage on a rolling basis? I originally intended to book mine for next week but had to enquire about time off with work. Now I've noticed since Monday those times are all taken and I have to apply for the following week. Hoping this won't affect my chances?

I can't imagine AC offers are rolling no. Nothing typically is after the application stage. Is the AC virtual? If they aren't in-person I'd assume even less so. Do you know how many slots they have available? As it looks like AC offers themselves are still being slowly rolled out.

 

[prospectiveswitcher]

I can't imagine AC offers are rolling no. Nothing typically is after the application stage. Is the AC virtual? If they aren't in-person I'd assume even less so. Do you know how many slots they have available? As it looks like AC offers themselves are still being slowly rolled out.

From what I could see there was 2 slots a day from Tues/Weds/Thurs. Then the next week opened up - so I imagine they are rolling them out that way

 

[lawstudent1245]

Has A&O sent out all their AC invites now?

 

[RBUCL]

Has A&O sent out all their AC invites now?

I wouldn't imagine so, given they were only supposed to start progressing people on 9th October

3 days has felt like 3 weeks, I've been checking my email about 20 times a day in anticipation lol