General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Deleted member 4851]

Me too!

I know it is a bit cheaky to ask but do you have any info whether the open day will be in the morning/evening? I want to apply as well but I am working so I am not sure whether I could actually attend if it is an evening session. Thanks

 

[Jason S]

I know it is a bit cheaky to ask but do you have any info whether the open day will be in the morning/evening? I want to apply as well but I am working so I am not sure whether I could actually attend if it is an evening session. Thanks

12:30-5:30 I believe

 

[Deleted member 4851]

12:30-5:30 I believe

Thank you

 

[0603]

has anyone received an online test/ SJT test for BCLP summer vacation scheme? I applied a month back but haven't heard back as yet. Starting to worry. Not sure if the test is automated or not

 

[W]

has anyone received an online test/ SJT test for BCLP summer vacation scheme? I applied a month back but haven't heard back as yet. Starting to worry. Not sure if the test is automated or not

I don’t believe they do tests anymore

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

When the cover letter needs to be attached as a PDF, do we need to include both our address/HR address at the top of the letter? or is recruiter's name enough?

edit: my address is already on the application form too

personally I would.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Anyone else ever put "relish" on their application?

I’d say about 80% of people do.

And that of that 80%, 79% shouldn’t

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I haven't personally, but I don't see any issue with this particular word.

I think why recruiters have a problem with it is that we have NEVER had anyone at an event or in an interview use relish in the same context, and yet it is used so much in applications. So in the vast majority of cases it just comes across as odd/over written.

 

[Andrew M]

I think why recruiters have a problem with it is that we have NEVER had anyone at an event or in an interview use relish in the same context, and yet it is used so much in applications. So in the vast majority of cases it just comes across as odd/over written.

My guess would be that it is what Word has suggested as an alternative to like/enjoy.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

I think why recruiters have a problem with it is that we have NEVER had anyone at an event or in an interview use relish in the same context, and yet it is used so much in applications. So in the vast majority of cases it just comes across as odd/over written.

Would you be able to share the trigger words that graduate recruitment teams don't like? Thanks!

 

[0603]

I don’t believe they do tests anymore

That’s what I thought too! Now when I looked at the brochure it says “online test” and someone who attended one of their events told me grad rec said they are using SJTs (sorry for the long story)

 

[W]

That’s what I thought too! Now when I looked at the brochure it says “online test” and someone who attended one of their events told me grad rec said they are using SJTs (sorry for the long story)

Oh okay, guess they implemented it again

 

[Evelina]

Does anyone have insight into whether its worth applying to Sidley Austin for winter vac in the next few days? Apps close early November and they review rolling so I would rather wait until spring if I have a better shot.

I applied like 3 weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear from them. I know that if SIdley like you they can offer you spring even if you apply for winter vac scheme! But do what you think is best for your application

 

[Evelina]

Has anyone heard back from Willkie Farr & Gallagher after Video Interview?
Has anyone heard back from Vinson & Elkins? or Sidley Austin perhaps?

still waiting for Sidley

 

[PhoebeL]

I submitted mine mid-September and still nothing. It was for a TC.

Interesting.... I applied mid september too, but i updated my GDL results yesterday (finally) and the grad rec said she'd update my application so i am assuming that they have not yet considered it otherwise why would they bother if it was rejected?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Would you be able to share the trigger words that graduate recruitment teams don't like? Thanks!

Anything someone wouldn’t say in conversation basically.

Too many people get the thesaurus out to find a supposedly more articulate/educated/flamboyant version of a word thinking it will sound impressive. It usually has the opposite effect

 

[Ifmhouse4]

I have a 2:1 but my grades are very inconsistent (ranging from 42% to 90%) for a whole host of reasons. Does anyone know of any firms that don't request a breakdown of your degree modules because I feel like I'm wasting my time with any firm that looks at them?

I believe that Edwin Coe doesn't! hope that helps

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Anything someone wouldn’t say in conversation basically.

Too many people get the thesaurus out to find a supposedly more articulate/educated/flamboyant version of a word thinking it will sound impressive. It usually has the opposite effect

Thanks!

 

[PhoebeL]

I have a 2:1 but my grades are very inconsistent (ranging from 42% to 90%) for a whole host of reasons. Does anyone know of any firms that don't request a breakdown of your degree modules because I feel like I'm wasting my time with any firm that looks at them?

I would still apply, if you did excellent in modules relevant to the firm they may see past the lower grades. Also if you have mitigating circumstances you can mention these too

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

I spoke to a partner at S&M who said he had a 2.2 in jurisprudence and he said the best thing to do is just to use part of your application to explain the grade. Don’t know how much this will apply for other firms but for them that’s what they’ve said, hope that is some sort of help!

That's fair, but I would keep in mind that using a partner as an example in this sort of case should always be done with a heavy pinch of salt. He or she is probably a good 15-20 years out of the application process, which by all accounts has become far more competitive - and far less flexible - than it used to be. It's not dissimilar to the invariable example of commercial barristers with 2.2s, who happen to be of an age/entered the profession when that wasn't the hindrance it is now.

That said, other than S&M, most firms don't place a massive emphasis on individual module grades - what matters is your overall degree award. The only point is of course if you are reading law/jurisprudence and do particularly badly on a particular module, especially if it's related to the firm's business, it might be something they might ask you to explain.

Anecdotally, most of the people I know with TCs have low to mid 2.1s, including at several MC/US firms, so going by that small sample size, I doubt it is that much of a barrier.