General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Callum Udy]

Hi All,

Has anyone heard back from A&O for the winter vac scheme yet? Or, has anyone heard back from SM for the new TC apps that opened on the 1st September?

I did a successful application to Baker McKenzie earlier this year for a direct TC if anyone needs any tips for their Bakers application! (I didn't pass the VI so I can't really be any help there)

Thanks in advance​

 

[NadineBusty]

Hi All,

Has anyone heard back from A&O for the winter vac scheme yet? Or, has anyone heard back from SM for the new TC apps that opened on the 1st September?

I did a successful application to Baker McKenzie earlier this year for a direct TC if anyone needs any tips for their Bakers application! (I didn't pass the VI so I can't really be any help there)

Thanks in advance​

Haven't heard back from A&O or SM.

Good luck

 

[Velikilawyer123]

In many instances it will be completely obvious, so it won’t need stating. But even if that wasn’t the case “lacking” isn’t really the language you want to be using

I've have done a similar thing with open days in the work experience section. I would always include one or two lines to explain to the recruiter what I liked about the open day, what I didn't (not in so many words) and how that has led to me applying to the firm that I am applying to now.

For example: "I attended X firm's open day and this helped me to realise that a structured training programme is important to me because of X reason, but that I would prefer to train at a firm with a smaller intake because of X reason, which is why I am drawn to this firm" ect.

Got it, thank you! That's a great example, I completely see what you mean.

 

[AH97]

Thanks so much for your reply! I just feel like I struggle with making the connections without it sounding too generic/like a stretch, and when you’re using examples of what you did it feels like you’re drifting away from commercial law haha. But thank you I will definitely make sure to include it

No problem Every graduate recruiter I've ever spoken to has emphasised the value of non-legal work such as part-time bar work, etc. Just remember to relate back to commercial law by weaving in why that skill is important for a solicitor!

 

[Popal]

I did the test in Jan/ Feb havent heard a peep. I'm so sick of emailing them. A good sign you got that email. I didnt even get that.

Oh don't worry, it was only after I'd sent them one that I got the email! Glad I'm not the only one in this boat!

Fingers crossed we hear some good news soon...

 

[em311]

Hi All,

Has anyone heard back from A&O for the winter vac scheme yet? Or, has anyone heard back from SM for the new TC apps that opened on the 1st September?

I did a successful application to Baker McKenzie earlier this year for a direct TC if anyone needs any tips for their Bakers application! (I didn't pass the VI so I can't really be any help there)

Thanks in advance​

Hi! I am planning to apply to BM's summer VS - although not a TC I'd still love to talk about the application questions/process with you?

 

[keenaspiringlawyer]

Hi for the "rolling deadlines" applications when is the best time to get them in. A lot of applications have opened today and was wondering when would it be "too late" to apply? I don't want to spend ages on crafting a perfect application and get rejected because the spaces have filled up/moved the deadline up ?

 

[Jen E C]

Hi for the "rolling deadlines" applications when is the best time to get them in. A lot of applications have opened today and was wondering when would it be "too late" to apply? I don't want to spend ages on crafting a perfect application and get rejected because the spaces have filled up/moved the deadline up ?

Earlier the better of course but you could just end up waiting ages to hear back. In my experience getting them in around 4-6 weeks before the deadline is ideal, and two weeks before the deadline at the latest. Any later and I think you risk assessment centre spots being filled. It will depend on the firm of course and when they tend to try to host ACs/how many they want to host but I prefer the peace of mind of getting in apps well clear of the deadline.

Another way to think about it is how many steps there are in the application. If it's a firm which goes straight to AC, you have more leeway. If there are more interim steps, eg online tests, then phone/video interviews, then first stage interviews etc you probably want to allow more time before the deadline as you can get them out of the way before AC spaces are filled.

 

[Nat000]

Hi for the "rolling deadlines" applications when is the best time to get them in. A lot of applications have opened today and was wondering when would it be "too late" to apply? I don't want to spend ages on crafting a perfect application and get rejected because the spaces have filled up/moved the deadline up ?

I think there's a graph somewhere showing that even for rolling deadlines, the vast majority of applications come in like the last week! Even where it's technically rolling, you should be good for at least a few weeks.

 

[Jen E C]

I would be interested to see the correlation between dates of submission and success of the applications. All of my successful applications were submitted earlier, but I also know people who have got vacs/tc's after last-minute submissions.

 

[Jaysen]

I think there's a graph somewhere showing that even for rolling deadlines, the vast majority of applications come in like the last week! Even where it's technically rolling, you should be good for at least a few weeks.

Might be this one from @Paul - Shearman & Sterling, although they are non-rolling!

 

[LS12]

Can anyone tell me if Simmons & Simmons recruit heavily fro the VS please?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

No problem Every graduate recruiter I've ever spoken to has emphasised the value of non-legal work such as part-time bar work, etc. Just remember to relate back to commercial law by weaving in why that skill is important for a solicitor!

I always stress to people that working somewhere like a bar or in retail is likely to have developed some of your skills much more than doing an internship for a week or two. They generally show you aren't afraid of work or people, and if you are juggling them with studies, that you can manage your time much more effectively than someone not working 8/15/22/30+ hours a week

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Might be this one from @Paul - Shearman & Sterling, although they are non-rolling!

Even rolling recruitment firms will have a similar pattern to this.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I would be interested to see the correlation between dates of submission and success of the applications. All of my successful applications were submitted earlier, but I also know people who have got vacs/tc's after last-minute submissions.

It is a generalisation, but it tends to be a bell curve....

not so good at the beginning, better in the middle, worse at the end...

Some people rush into applying to early
Some people rush to try and get their application in just before the deadline

 

[Tintin06]

Like for CVmail
Haha for Apply4Law

 

[Asmee DC]

Can anyone tell me if Simmons & Simmons recruit heavily fro the VS please?

My friend told me that Simmons & Simmons does not have a direct TC route - so they ONLY recruit from the VS. You may want to double check that on their website!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Like for CVmail
Haha for Apply4Law

Pretty much every applicant tracking system deserves a or a or a in my opinion

 

[Kablahc]

Hi All,

Has anyone heard back from A&O for the winter vac scheme yet? Or, has anyone heard back from SM for the new TC apps that opened on the 1st September?

I did a successful application to Baker McKenzie earlier this year for a direct TC if anyone needs any tips for their Bakers application! (I didn't pass the VI so I can't really be any help there)

Thanks in advance​

Hi, I'm also planning for applying for Baker's VS. i'd love some tips if you have an idea of what they're looking for!

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

Has anyone applied for Trowers & Hamlins vac schemes? Do you know the application process? I can't seem to find much info on their website.