General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Anthony Abloh]

Do firms provide feedback on the watson glaser test or give out results of the test? I'm particularly asking for Freshfields as I know Linklaters sends you the report if you ask them to. Thanks!

Freshfields doesn’t

 

[Tintin06]

Assuming your third year was this year, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

Obviously depends what your second year grades are like too though.

I only did exams in first and third year and graduated last year.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I only did exams in first and third year and graduated last year.

If you are at Oxford, you’ll still be expected to provide any informal assessment grades (eg mods) taken in your second year.

For someone like yourself, it may also be important to do so.

 

[Tintin06]

If you are at Oxford, you’ll still be expected to provide any informal assessment grades (eg mods) taken in your second year.

For someone like yourself, it may also be important to do so.

Like mock exams? I see.

I did have mitigating circumstances in third year but I'm conscious that I might come across as making excuses in applications.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Like mock exams? I see.

I did have mitigating circumstances in third year but I'm conscious that I might come across as making excuses in applications.

Yes - mock exams. I have always requested these from candidates who didn’t provide them on an application.

Feel free to PM me about the extenuating circumstances if that’s easier.

Genuine extenuating circumstances are not excuses.

 

[D]

I wouldn't worry too much about your WG Scores, this is because each firm uses the WG differently. Some have a "base" you must beat, others will use it as a competitive process.

Many last year wrote to Linklaters to get their scores. I have a feeling when I did the CC WG I got a result at the end too.. it was a while ago so that may have changed.

 

[Samar]

Email from Akin Gump:

Thank you for your application for a training contract at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

Due to the success of our 2020 Vacation Scheme we are no longer able to offer interviews for our 2022 training contract. However, if you are still interested in joining us, please submit a new application in October when the system opens again.

 

[Andrewp]

Anyone heard from Weil or Mayer Brown?

 

[champ591]

Just saw a post on TSR saying that someone got an invite to FF’s AC today. They completed the WG a month ago - FYI to those who’re waiting!

 

[D]

Email from Akin Gump:

Thank you for your application for a training contract at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

Due to the success of our 2020 Vacation Scheme we are no longer able to offer interviews for our 2022 training contract. However, if you are still interested in joining us, please submit a new application in October when the system opens again.

For those who apply direct to US firms, this response is worth noting. Most of these firms do recruit exclusively from their VS, even though they accept direct applicants. I think getting a TC direct is more the exception rather than the rule.

Sorry to those who put the effort in! At least you have a good base for next years app

 

[Jaysen]

For those who apply direct to US firms, this response is worth noting. Most of these firms do recruit exclusively from their VS, even though they accept direct applicants. I think getting a TC direct is more the exception rather than the rule.

Sorry to those who put the effort in! At least you have a good base for next years app

It's frustrating that some firms don't update their website indicating they're no longer accepting training contract applications (rather than waiting after the application to tell a candidate). Can be a big opportunity cost for candidates.

For the more niche American firms, I think it's well worth emailing first to see if they're still considering direct training contract applications, even if they don't indicate otherwise on the website.

 

[Samar]

It's frustrating that some firms don't update their website indicating they're no longer accepting training contract applications (rather than waiting after the application to tell a candidate). Can be a big opportunity cost for candidates.

For the more niche American firms, I think it's well worth emailing first to see if they're still considering direct training contract applications, even if they don't indicate otherwise on the website.

I actually emailed them in April and was told to apply sooner rather than later as they were about to start considering the direct TC apps. So I applied the next week. Then emailed for another update in June and was told they will get back to applicants after the deadline.

So just to add to Jaysen’s comment - they might say they are looking but then might not.

 

[Law2022]

Rejection from slaughters

 

[Flk10]

For those who apply direct to US firms, this response is worth noting. Most of these firms do recruit exclusively from their VS, even though they accept direct applicants. I think getting a TC direct is more the exception rather than the rule.

Sorry to those who put the effort in! At least you have a good base for next years app

I believe there are some (particularly U.S.) firms that technically accept direct TC applications even though they don’t recruit anyone via this route or haven’t done so for a number of years. This is rarely made explicit though.

It would be better if these firms made this policy/practice clear to candidates to allow them to make an informed choice about whether to spend the time and effort applying.

 

[ath120]

Rejection from Addleshaw Goddard, with a side of 5 mins of tears and wondering whether I'll ever crack this TC thing I had to log into their portal and check the correspondence for an update, as I haven't been getting their emails directly (I know others on here have had the same issue).

 

[Law2022]

Rejection from Addleshaw Goddard, with a side of 5 mins of tears and wondering whether I'll ever crack this TC thing I had to log into their portal and check the correspondence for an update, as I haven't been getting their emails directly (I know others on here have had the same issue).

Sorry to hear this. I know how you feel, I wonder if my day will ever come as well. Please don’t get too upset and just remember you will achieve your goals!! Good luck with all your other applications

 

[LegalNim]

Rejection from Addleshaw Goddard, with a side of 5 mins of tears and wondering whether I'll ever crack this TC thing I had to log into their portal and check the correspondence for an update, as I haven't been getting their emails directly (I know others on here have had the same issue).

I'm so sorry to hear this. Stick at it. I haven't heard back from AG yet, but your post reminded me to check their portal so thanks for posting. Hope you're ok.

 

[2019grad31]

If anybody has had a Stephenson Harwood AC recently, how long did it take them to get back to you post-AC?

 

[futuretraineecity]

Good luck to everyone doing the Bakers AC tomorrow! Hope it goes well

 

[Ayo Babatunde]

For those who have been accepted onto Aspire, have you heard back re the next steps? Thank you

Apart from the mentoring opportunities available depending on what you are eligible for, I have heard nothing back as of yet!