Can she get a TC?

[choicefox212]

Hi, I thought I’d share my journey on here. I am an Oxford humanities grad with a 2:1, currently doing the PGDL. Getting a bit bogged down in rejections at the moment.

I have work experience with two firms on my list, plus a VS with a regional firm. I have done internships in two private client (one law-adjacent) industries, and have been on a huge trustee board. My academic results are pretty strong but I did get a 2:2 in second year and my 2:1 overall was a 61, which isn't great. I have many other extracurriculars, including founding my own business - so I don't think my CV is lacking in itself.

I am interested in private client work, so this is a range of firms (some small, some more mainstream) with good departments in that rather than corporate. These are mostly DTC applications unless the firm mostly/mainly recruits from their VS.

Applications:
- Withers
- Stephenson Harwood
- Macfarlanes
- Farrer & Co
- Kingsley Napley
- Ogier (Guernsey)
- Payne Hicks Beach

Upcoming applications:
- Wedlake Bell

PFO:
- Taylor Wessing
- Mills & Reeve
- Forsters
- Fladgate
- WBD
- Osborne Clarke
- Russell-Cooke
- Penningtons
- Boodle Hatfield
- Mishcon
- Harbottle & Lewis
- Charles Russell Speechlys



= application
= AI interview
= video interview
= online test
= assessment centre
= interview
= rejection

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey!

Thank you for sharing this - your profile looks much stronger than you're giving yourself credit for!

Your firm list makes lots of sense for someone interested in private client, and the fact that you are reaching second/third rounds shows that your applications are landing! I completed a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co last cycle and loved it, so if you had any questions when writing your application just shout.

I can totally relate to your comments on confidence - I felt this is what ultimately held me back in the beginning too. AC performance is a skill, and you do get better (and more confident!) over time. The key thing is that you have already had a VS and an AC - that is amazing for your first cycle, and you can draw lots of things from these experiences.

It looks like you are doing all the right things, in that you are targeting specific firms and know what area you are interested in. I would try to be kind to yourself, and have faith in your own abilities - if you have gotten to AC and VS already, it's simply a matter of fit rather than ability

Looking forward to following your journey!

 

[choicefox212]

Hey!

Thank you for sharing this - your profile looks much stronger than you're giving yourself credit for!

Your firm list makes lots of sense for someone interested in private client, and the fact that you are reaching second/third rounds shows that your applications are landing! I completed a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co last cycle and loved it, so if you had any questions when writing your application just shout.

I can totally relate to your comments on confidence - I felt this is what ultimately held me back in the beginning too. AC performance is a skill, and you do get better (and more confident!) over time. The key thing is that you have already had a VS and an AC - that is amazing for your first cycle, and you can draw lots of things from these experiences.

It looks like you are doing all the right things, in that you are targeting specific firms and know what area you are interested in. I would try to be kind to yourself, and have faith in your own abilities - if you have gotten to AC and VS already, it's simply a matter of fit rather than ability

Looking forward to following your journey!

Thank you so much for replying Abbie, means a lot.

I know I’ll get better every AC, but I’m not sure I have the confidence to get any more. It just feels like the numbers are so against me, and while on paper my CV is strong, I just don’t know I have the personality to back it. Hopefully I’ll be proven wrong, but confidence doesn’t come easy! :/

Re. Farrer’s, I’d actually love some guidance if you wouldn’t mind! I haven’t started thinking about their app yet but will do soon

 

[choicefox212]

Fladgate SJT invite… will see how it goes.

I’m planning on doing all of my outstanding applications at the end of this week (I’m doing some work experience right now that will look really good on my CV), so wish me luck

 

[choicefox212]

Well, Fladgate and WBD PFO. We'll get there. It's just disheartening because all everyone can say when they look at my CV is 'oh you'll definitely get one' - doesn't make me feel better when I am clearly doing something wrong

 

[choicefox212]

Russell-Cooke rejection... I've just sat the second SJT and VI for Macfarlanes - not sure if that's standard, or a good sign, or a bad sign, ugh...

Couple more applications to come!

 

[choicefox212]

Boodle Hatfield vac scheme rejection - they say they'll review my application again when they're doing DTC but I don't believe a word of it!

Getting to the stage where I have had more rejections than I have outstanding applications, which is grim, but nothing I can do about that

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear about the rejection, and it is definitely a frustrating position to be in when you have put in so much effort. Whilst the "we'll review you again for DTC" line might seem generic, I'd still take it as a positive!

I would honestly try not to read too much into the ratio of rejections to outstanding applications, as this is honestly the norm in this process! If it provides any reassurance, my TC offer came from the final firm that I was waiting to hear back from after being rejected post-app or post-VS for all of my others. You just never know which firm will say yes!

Wishing you the best of luck with any outstanding applications, and I look forward to seeing any updates

 

[choicefox212]

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear about the rejection, and it is definitely a frustrating position to be in when you have put in so much effort. Whilst the "we'll review you again for DTC" line might seem generic, I'd still take it as a positive!

I would honestly try not to read too much into the ratio of rejections to outstanding applications, as this is honestly the norm in this process! If it provides any reassurance, my TC offer came from the final firm that I was waiting to hear back from after being rejected post-app or post-VS for all of my others. You just never know which firm will say yes!

Wishing you the best of luck with any outstanding applications, and I look forward to seeing any updates

Thank you - it isn't fun at all. It's hard to find the bright side in these things - like, it's good that I'm getting to second rounds, but being rejected is more annoying because I've spent even more time investing in these firms. I know my Mishcon SJT didn't go well but I'm still holding out for it, and the Macfarlanes VI was definitely awful, but I find myself dreaming about them a little.

It is reassuring (horrible though it sounds) that you didn't get a TC until the end of the cycle, but I just feel on edge with waiting!

 

[choicefox212]

Yeahhh Mishcon was a PFO but I am not surprised. Now the wait for SH to get back intensifies, Macs still hasn't replied, and I am just generally getting more nervous

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Yeahhh Mishcon was a PFO but I am not surprised. Now the wait for SH to get back intensifies, Macs still hasn't replied, and I am just generally getting more nervous

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear about Mishcon - rejections are always hard, and even if you were almost expecting it, it still stings.

The waiting is genuinely the worst part of the whole process - I always found that much harder than the actual interviews or ACs! At least in the assessments you know you can do something, whereas this bit is out of your control and not knowing when you will hear back can be agonising.

It sounds like you've still got some good options in play with Stephenson Harwood and Macfarlanes, so try not to read too much into the silence (easier said than done, I know!). Stephenson Harwood sent out offers late in March last cycle, so they could be sending them out in batches!

Fingers crossed you hear back soon!

 

[choicefox212]

Two rejections today - CRS (not surprised, it's been ages) and then a really horrible PFO from Payne Hicks Beach.

I did their AC last year and have spoken to partners about my application this time round, and everyone was really positive about what I have been saying, and my profile. It really stings as I loved the firm when I visited, and I have only heard good reviews. Getting rejected at an earlier stage than last year is grim

 

[choicefox212]

Well, strange turn of events today. I just had a call from PHB saying they'd sent the rejection by mistake and I was actually supposed to be doing the assessment today... very grateful that they've given me the chance to do it later this week instead but gosh, what an emotional rollercoaster!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Well, strange turn of events today. I just had a call from PHB saying they'd sent the rejection by mistake and I was actually supposed to be doing the assessment today... very grateful that they've given me the chance to do it later this week instead but gosh, what an emotional rollercoaster!!

Wooooo, that is amazing news (even if a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!!)

I'm really glad to hear that they caught it and gave you the opportunity - wishing you the best of luck for the assessment later this week, I'm sure you'll smash it!!

 

[choicefox212]

Wooooo, that is amazing news (even if a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!!)

I'm really glad to hear that they caught it and gave you the opportunity - wishing you the best of luck for the assessment later this week, I'm sure you'll smash it!!

I got an interview (final stage) at PHB

What a change of mood from this time last week!

I also did the Withers proofreading exercise last night, so some movement on that front - plus now an invitation for KN cappfinity

 

[choicefox212]

Beginning to panic as I have some nasty GDL exams this week alongside my PHB interview on Tuesday - and I'll hear back on Thursday, which is filling me with dread as I'll be distracted from the two exams I have then!

Does anyone (@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock ?!) have any advice for interviews at this sort of firm? I have such little experience in this, and I really do want this training contract, because the firm ticks all the boxes for me. I know I should be preparing a little commercial awareness (though this is a CV interview), as well as being able to fire off answers about my skills, hobbies, why PHB, etc.

Is there anything else I should really know? I'm not a natural STAR user, but is that the best way of conveying things?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Beginning to panic as I have some nasty GDL exams this week alongside my PHB interview on Tuesday - and I'll hear back on Thursday, which is filling me with dread as I'll be distracted from the two exams I have then!

Does anyone (@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock ?!) have any advice for interviews at this sort of firm? I have such little experience in this, and I really do want this training contract, because the firm ticks all the boxes for me. I know I should be preparing a little commercial awareness (though this is a CV interview), as well as being able to fire off answers about my skills, hobbies, why PHB, etc.

Is there anything else I should really know? I'm not a natural STAR user, but is that the best way of conveying things?

Hey!

That sounds like a pretty intense week! Wishing you the best of luck with your exams (+ the interview too)!!

I would perhaps focus less on trying to cover absolutely everything, and more on really nailing a few key areas. I did a VS at a similar firm (very private-client focused) last cycle, so I can share what worked for me! I would say that they care a lot about your clear motivations and why you want to work at this firm specifically - if it ticks all the boxes for you, I'm sure this'll come across well! I think with these types of firms, the people that do the best will make it clear why they want to work in this type of law specifically - this means tailoring your answer, rather than trying to re-use your answers that may have worked for more commercial-focused firms.

Even if it is a CV interview, I'd be ready to talk about:

• Why that type of work (e.g. private client) appeals to you
• Why a smaller firm / that environment specifically
• What you have done that shows you can handle responsibility and communicate well

On STAR, I would avoid feeling like you have to force a rigid structure, and I personally never consciously followed the STAR structure. It can definitely be useful as a safety net or starting point, but what really matters is that your answers are clear and easy to follow - what you did, why you did it, and what the outcome was. If it feels natural, that is far better than sounding overly rehearsed.

Given your preparation time, I would keep it quite focused:

• Go through your CV and make sure that you can talk comfortably and in detail about anything on it (on my previous VS', I know that some people were quizzed on things like their dissertations or university essays!)
• Pick 2-3 strong examples that you can adapt to different competency-style questions
• Make sure that you have clear reasons on why the firm appeals to you, and that area of law (I'd keep it specific rather than broad). It helps to think about how your past experiences link to these motivations (e.g. a module you studied, work experience, etc.)

I would try not to worry too much about Thursday - I appreciate that is easier said than done, but once the interview is done, there is not much you can change (and sometimes the not knowing is worse than knowing, in a way!). It might help to plan in advance how you'll refocus on your exams that day, just so it feels a bit more controlled and you give yourself some time.

As long as you can confidently discuss your CV, past experiences, and have clear motivations for why you want to work/will fit at this specific firm, I'd say you are in a strong position.

Best of luck (with the exams and interview) - I'm sure you'll smash them both!

 

[choicefox212]

Hey!

That sounds like a pretty intense week! Wishing you the best of luck with your exams (+ the interview too)!!

I would perhaps focus less on trying to cover absolutely everything, and more on really nailing a few key areas. I did a VS at a similar firm (very private-client focused) last cycle, so I can share what worked for me! I would say that they care a lot about your clear motivations and why you want to work at this firm specifically - if it ticks all the boxes for you, I'm sure this'll come across well! I think with these types of firms, the people that do the best will make it clear why they want to work in this type of law specifically - this means tailoring your answer, rather than trying to re-use your answers that may have worked for more commercial-focused firms.

Even if it is a CV interview, I'd be ready to talk about:

• Why that type of work (e.g. private client) appeals to you
• Why a smaller firm / that environment specifically
• What you have done that shows you can handle responsibility and communicate well

On STAR, I would avoid feeling like you have to force a rigid structure, and I personally never consciously followed the STAR structure. It can definitely be useful as a safety net or starting point, but what really matters is that your answers are clear and easy to follow - what you did, why you did it, and what the outcome was. If it feels natural, that is far better than sounding overly rehearsed.

Given your preparation time, I would keep it quite focused:

• Go through your CV and make sure that you can talk comfortably and in detail about anything on it (on my previous VS', I know that some people were quizzed on things like their dissertations or university essays!)
• Pick 2-3 strong examples that you can adapt to different competency-style questions
• Make sure that you have clear reasons on why the firm appeals to you, and that area of law (I'd keep it specific rather than broad). It helps to think about how your past experiences link to these motivations (e.g. a module you studied, work experience, etc.)

I would try not to worry too much about Thursday - I appreciate that is easier said than done, but once the interview is done, there is not much you can change (and sometimes the not knowing is worse than knowing, in a way!). It might help to plan in advance how you'll refocus on your exams that day, just so it feels a bit more controlled and you give yourself some time.

As long as you can confidently discuss your CV, past experiences, and have clear motivations for why you want to work/will fit at this specific firm, I'd say you are in a strong position.

Best of luck (with the exams and interview) - I'm sure you'll smash them both!

Thank you so much Abby, this is such a good guide.

I now have an interview booked with Withers for next week, which is incredibly exciting as well! Things are moving in the right direction. I also have three exams next week so it'll be a struggle fitting things in

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you so much Abby, this is such a good guide.

I now have an interview booked with Withers for next week, which is incredibly exciting as well! Things are moving in the right direction. I also have three exams next week so it'll be a struggle fitting things in

Congratulations on the Withers interview - that is amazing news!! It is clear all of your hard work is paying off

Best of luck with both interviews, and the exams - I'm sure you'll make it work!