2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Lawstudent1997]

Thanks all - really nice messages. Tbh i know i didn't smash it as it threw me off so bad he basically had to tell me the answers oh well i'll get over it but think its just so luck based when they ask random questions in interviews rather than having set questions for everyone !!

Ah don’t feel too disheartened but I honestly know the feeling I did exactly the same in my interview- the case study threw me and the girl from HR had to prompt me twice it might feel a bit rubbish now but you’re not the only one so don’t lose faith!

 

[NSinger]

Out of curiosity, anyone who progressed to the Willkie interview, what did Gemma say your score was out of 20?
Want to know how far off I was!

Wasn't given a score in the email.

 

[frow3n]

Out of curiosity, anyone who progressed to the Willkie interview, what did Gemma say your score was out of 20?
Want to know how far off I was!

I didn't progress and got 14/20, apparently 70% wasn't good enough haha

 

[ECNWalker]

I didn't progress and got 14/20, apparently 70% wasn't good enough haha

Yes I was the same!

 

[castrooo]

PFO from Withers post-interview

 

[SF1234]

Kirkland are killing me. This wait is actually unbearable.

 

[Veep9]

I have seen mixed reviews about applying for TC or VS through Aspiring Solicitors. Can anyone tell me what the advantage might be? Their deadline for a TC is literally this week (while the firm’s is in a month) so I’m going to have to bust my ass and I don’t know if it’s worth rushing an application.

 

[Emily K]

Kirkland are killing me. This wait is actually unbearable.

was just gonna say this haha - am so stressed rn! hopefully it won't be long...

 

[Celestie]

I have seen mixed reviews about applying for TC or VS through Aspiring Solicitors. Can anyone tell me what the advantage might be? Their deadline for a TC is literally this week (while the firm’s is in a month) so I’m going to have to bust my ass and I don’t know if it’s worth rushing an application.

Ngl they kinda scared me at their event the other week - plus I have heard some people say they can be intimidating. But on the whole, what they do is great.

 

[castrooo]

I have seen mixed reviews about applying for TC or VS through Aspiring Solicitors. Can anyone tell me what the advantage might be? Their deadline for a TC is literally this week (while the firm’s is in a month) so I’m going to have to bust my ass and I don’t know if it’s worth rushing an application.

I have never heard about the option to apply for a TC or VS through AS! How does that work?

 

[Veep9]

Ngl they kinda scared me at their event the other week - plus I have heard some people say they can be intimidating. But on the whole, what they do is great.

I mean I had a mock interview with them which was immensely helpful. What I don’t know is what, if any, benefit is there to applying for a TC through them. Do you get your application reviewed? Coaching? Is it guaranteed interview? All their page says is “Aspiring Solicitors will be pre-screening and shortlisting Aspiring Solicitors members for a training contract interview ...”

 

[Veep9]

I have never heard about the option to apply for a TC or VS through AS! How does that work?

No clue how it works but this is what I’m referring to: https://www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk/events/harbottle-lewis-training-contract-interview-2021/

 

[tractor12]

No clue how it works but this is what I’m referring to: https://www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk/events/harbottle-lewis-training-contract-interview-2021/

Do you know the criteria to become a member of AS? Can't seem to find on their website

 

[Celestie]

Do you know the criteria to become a member of AS? Can't seem to find on their website

"All Aspiring Solicitors events are open to candidates who are either Black Asian or Minority Ethnic, from low socio-economic groups (i.e. from a low income family, had free school meals, first generation of their family to go to uni, went to a state school comprehensive school, LGBT+, have a disability of a long term health condition. "

Says that on their website

 

[Lumree]

Thanks all - really nice messages. Tbh i know i didn't smash it as it threw me off so bad he basically had to tell me the answers oh well i'll get over it but think its just so luck based when they ask random questions in interviews rather than having set questions for everyone !!

I still wouldn’t say you being told the answer is a bad thing!

What I find useful is to say you don’t know if you really don’t, but if it’s something you think you can make an educated guess on, then explicitly say something like “I don’t know for certain but I’m happy to talk to you through my thought process for what I think it is” and then give your thoughts, before wrapping up by saying “I’d be interested to hear from you what the definite answer would be.”

In my opinion, answering like that shows confidence, self-awareness and a desire to learn. After all, you are applying for a ‘trainee’ role. You can’t know everything!

 

[GK8997]

just had one of the hardest interviews ever, feeling very deflated

honestly, I think that in partner interviews they really are trying to throw you off your game sometimes by asking you hard questions and random questions. I just had a partner interview this morning too and I came out think what on earth was that, it was my hardest yet too try and stay positive as I'm sure a lot of people would have felt the same way about the interview! I'm sure you've done very well and I'll be thinking positive thoughts!

 

[GK8997]

Also, I received an invite to complete Dechert's VI for their summer scheme yesterday, if that's helpful for anyone waiting on their summer VS- I applied about a month before the deadline?

 

[Sekani Wraith]

Reached the final hurdle for Willkie.
Received e-mail yesterday 4:15 pm.

same

 

[Law2022]

No clue how it works but this is what I’m referring to: https://www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk/events/harbottle-lewis-training-contract-interview-2021/

So annoying that it’s not open to final year students

 

[tractor12]

"All Aspiring Solicitors events are open to candidates who are either Black Asian or Minority Ethnic, from low socio-economic groups (i.e. from a low income family, had free school meals, first generation of their family to go to uni, went to a state school comprehensive school, LGBT+, have a disability of a long term health condition. "

Says that on their website

Thanks looked on the wrong page.