Hearing Back from Law Firms, Assessment Centres & Interview Tips - 2019 - 2020

[jan28]

I have now got a job so I'm not bothered by it but I've just got feedback from why I was rejected after a winter vacation scheme and thought it might be helpful to others! Also it was defo a competitive one with lots of vac schemes and not many places so could also have been down to written work/ group exercise being okay (it wasn't mentioned in feedback) but not that great/ as good as others!

I was criticised for not engaging enough with the room I was sat with and not asking enough questions to them- I felt I did this as much as I could but I definitely reserved my general questions about the firm for trainees/ social events/ when already engaged in conversation with the room which might have made me not seem interested. I think I was probably too nervous about interrupting peoples' work, which is definitely a tough balance. I asked lots of questions in the talks and built good relationships with other vac schemers but they basically said I was too reserved in my office and it made them question my commitment to the firm- so if you're nervous with the actual lawyers in a vac scheme definitely try to put this to one side and think about how you're coming across to them- not just in socials/ to trainees etc.! Think the main thing is to not think of yourself as a nuisance to them (obviously don't be obnoxious and remember they are doing billed work) and put yourself out there as someone they are investing in and who deserves to be there.

I do think feedback should not be taken to heart too much as firms and people are so different and I've often been given contradictory feedback- just my experience.

so kind of you to share your feedback so thank you!! good luck in your new role!

 

[Aun Abbas]

I just received an invitation for an AC at Bakers! I did my VI on the 22nd of January btw.

Was wondering if anyone has any advice to share for the AC?

Silly question - but from the 4 dates they offered you - were most of the places filled up haha. Haven't had a response yet, did my interview on the 26th so slightly pessimistic now

 

[Dheepa]

I just received an invitation for an AC at Bakers! I did my VI on the 22nd of January btw.

Was wondering if anyone has any advice to share for the AC?

Hey feel free to PM me! I was offered a place on their spring scheme!

 

[bel123456]

Silly question - but from the 4 dates they offered you - were most of the places filled up haha. Haven't had a response yet, did my interview on the 26th so slightly pessimistic now

i did the VI last week and haven’t heard back either so we’re in the same boat!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thanks Jessica - do you not think I should reach out to them? Ideally, I would like as much notice as possible so that I can know how to prepare especially since I'm balancing this with full time work. Of course I have already taken the day off from work but I'm getting a bit nervous with the fear that they let me know a day before but I wouldn't have done enough preparation...

Call them. Explain you work full time and that you need to know whether to request a day off.

You won’t need a huge amount of time to prepare even if that is the case.

 

[acceleratedlaw]

has anyone applied to clyde and co ME vac scheme and knows the dates of the scheme?

 

[NickyRaykes]

Call them. Explain you work full time and that you need to know whether to request a day off.

You won’t need a huge amount of time to prepare even if that is the case.

That's super useful! Thanks so much for your advice Jessica and everyone else!!

 

[Jaysen]

Just received a VI request from Mishcon de Reya!

I applied for the summer VS on the deadline (15th Jan) for anyone that is wondering.

Does anyone have any information/advice to share regarding the VI?

From a recent candidate (though note, questions may rotate):

‘The VI was relatively straightforward. It was only 3 competency/strengths based questions (1 min to respond, I think?). No commercial awareness or motivational ones so no need to worry here.

Overall I was definitely stressing way too much and it was much friendlier than anticipated.’

 

[Changes]

Just received a VI request from Mishcon de Reya!

I applied for the summer VS on the deadline (15th Jan) for anyone that is wondering.

Does anyone have any information/advice to share regarding the VI?

I managed to find some info via google previously re: format and types of questions.

Think there was an old thread on TSR.

Congrats btw and good luck.

 

[Andreasyau1]

Stay healthy you all, this interview season can be very stressful and can wreak havoc on your immune system.

I've just been diagnosed with the good ol' mumps, and my doctor suspects that I could've contracted it through all that travelling to London for ACs. All that travelling + stress could have done it (think I lost at least a kilo or two in the past few weeks)

 

[Ratish S]

I have a Hogan Lovells interview for their summer scheme (15 June - 3 July) but just got an internship which begins from 29th June, so overlapping by a week. There's no chance that HL will allow me to do a 2 week scheme, right?

 

[Jooooopp7]

Hi, was wondering if anyone knows how ling it takes post VI for simmons and simmons and Bristows to get back to you?
Many thanks!

 

[Jooooopp7]

Does anyone have any tips for Bristows VI?

I did the VI if you want to dm me!

 

[bel123456]

I have a Hogan Lovells interview for their summer scheme (15 June - 3 July) but just got an internship which begins from 29th June, so overlapping by a week. There's no chance that HL will allow me to do a 2 week scheme, right?

is this internship in another jurisdiction?

 

[bethbristol]

I have a Hogan Lovells interview for their summer scheme (15 June - 3 July) but just got an internship which begins from 29th June, so overlapping by a week. There's no chance that HL will allow me to do a 2 week scheme, right?

They have another one don’t they? Do those dates work?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

I applied to Mishcon on the deadline and still haven't heard anything!? Fearing its a PFO but seeing ppl get VI's is giving me a glimmer of hope!!! I can't deal with the waiting!

 

[Ratish S]

is this internship in another jurisdiction?

They have another one don’t they? Do those dates work?

It's in London and is 9 weeks long so the other batch of dates don't work either unfortunately.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I have a Hogan Lovells interview for their summer scheme (15 June - 3 July) but just got an internship which begins from 29th June, so overlapping by a week. There's no chance that HL will allow me to do a 2 week scheme, right?

You can ask, but there is a strong chance they will say no.

 

[Changes]

I applied to Mishcon on the deadline and still haven't heard anything!? Fearing its a PFO but seeing ppl get VI's is giving me a glimmer of hope!!! I can't deal with the waiting!

Likewise, still waiting on a few firms.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Likewise, still waiting on a few firms.

Same, I'm waiting on 4 post-app doesn't feel very positive atm