General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Alice G]

I know everything that is going on is making more people nervous/anxious - as someone who is self-employed I completely understand this worry.

However, I had to look on my LinkedIn this morning as I was trying to track down people. One of the words I had to search was "Associate", which obviously meant I got a lot of hits from my network where I have worked in law firms.

The thing I noticed was how many 100s of people are now associates (and senior associates, or even now partners!) who are people who I know I turned down between 2008-2014. Just because you are getting a "rejection" now, this does not mean its going to define your future career.

This is some serious Monday Motivation!!

 

[Helena]

I know everything that is going on is making more people nervous/anxious - as someone who is self-employed I completely understand this worry.

However, I had to look on my LinkedIn this morning as I was trying to track down people. One of the words I had to search was "Associate", which obviously meant I got a lot of hits from my network where I have worked in law firms.

The thing I noticed was how many 100s of people are now associates (and senior associates, or even now partners!) who are people who I know I turned down between 2008-2014. Just because you are getting a "rejection" now, this does not mean its going to define your future career.

Thank you so much for this. I’m going through a really difficult time personally aside from Covid19. I really appreciate your advice and optimism.

 

[S321]

I know everything that is going on is making more people nervous/anxious - as someone who is self-employed I completely understand this worry.

However, I had to look on my LinkedIn this morning as I was trying to track down people. One of the words I had to search was "Associate", which obviously meant I got a lot of hits from my network where I have worked in law firms.

The thing I noticed was how many 100s of people are now associates (and senior associates, or even now partners!) who are people who I know I turned down between 2008-2014. Just because you are getting a "rejection" now, this does not mean its going to define your future career.

This makes me hopeful, its very helpful

 

[Jessica Booker]

This is some serious Monday Motivation!!

Tomorrow I might post something on LinkedIn asking people to comment if I turned them down just so people can see the proof!

 

[S321]

No worries and these absolutely sound like great experiences and are certainly transferable! It's just always about giving yourself the best chance to stand out on paper and making sure you have some variety in those experiences etc.

I think a great starting point for this can be thinking about what scares you and what would really push you outside of your comfort zone? i reckon that starting with this and trying to go about pushing those boundaries can be a really great thing to add to your CV and to your apps and for interviews, as this shows real tenacity and resilience which all law firms hope to see from their prospective trainees!

I will definitely be taking that advice on board and its made me a bit more hopeful! Ill keep trying and definitely make the TC applications I was considering passing on

 

[Abgaal]

Well done guys! Do either of you know when the scheme is supposed to take place? Have they given the dates?

I know that it’s happening in July. I just emailed them regarding the exact dates. I need to know because I may have a clash

 

[c1070]

CRS have postponed their spring VS! Hardly unexpected just v frustrating... my first vac scheme offer after few cycles of trying so just very bad luck! I know we're all in the same boat and theres nothing we can do but its hard to keep your head up! A spring VS would have been great to put on direct TC apps which was my plan but oh well... anyone else in a similar boat I sympathize!

 

[W]

CRS have postponed their spring VS! Hardly unexpected just v frustrating... my first vac scheme offer after few cycles of trying so just very bad luck! I know we're all in the same boat and theres nothing we can do but its hard to keep your head up! A spring VS would have been great to put on direct TC apps which was my plan but oh well... anyone else in a similar boat I sympathize!

It will still happen, just a bit later remember that

 

[bzheng]

Is anyone waiting to hear back from Sidley Austin & Stephenson Harwood after the application form?

 

[Jen E C]

CRS have postponed their spring VS! Hardly unexpected just v frustrating... my first vac scheme offer after few cycles of trying so just very bad luck! I know we're all in the same boat and theres nothing we can do but its hard to keep your head up! A spring VS would have been great to put on direct TC apps which was my plan but oh well... anyone else in a similar boat I sympathize!

It's frustrating as we were finally within reach of that TC but we just need to be patient and continue to look forward to it in the meantime. And tbh, even if it were going ahead I doubt I could fully embrace the experience and all the socials with all that's going on right now.

 

[Jessica Booker]

If you have had Spring VS or Open Days cancelled, please put this info is on the “Is there any further information you’d like to provide” type questions on application forms.

 

[Parent]

Can companies that have offered a TC take it away?

 

[MzM]

The A&O Open day is today - they have shifted it onto a Webex Webinar this afternoon. Are we thinking camera on or off?

 

[Training Contracter]

Dentons Spring Vacation Scheme postponed.

 

[D95]

Can companies that have offered a TC take it away?

Of course, a training contract is like any other job offer so it can be terminated/cancelled because:
1) a prospective trainee failed to fulfill a condition of the job offer (e.g. if s/he had to pass the LPC on the first attempt but failed to do so, they did not disclose all required information, etc.), or
2) a law firm goes into difficulties (after all, every law firm is still a business and this can and actually did happen in a past a fair share of times), merges, closes, etc.

 

[Parent]

Of course, a training contract is like any other job offer so it can be terminated/cancelled because:
1) a prospective trainee failed to fulfill a condition of the job offer (e.g. if s/he had to pass the LPC on the first attempt but failed to do so, they did not disclose all required information, etc.), or
2) a law firm goes into difficulties (after all, every law firm is still a business and this can and actually did happen in a past a fair share of times), merges, closes, etc.

I meant right now. Between them offering, me accepting and them confirming.

 

[D95]

I meant right now. Between them offering, me accepting and them confirming.

Sorry, I am a bit confused, but do you mean them removing the training contract vacancies effectively? Then the answer is, again, yes - no law firm is under obligation to take on trainees, they can even hold final interviews and then decide that after all they don't want to take any trainees and subsequently make no offers.

 

[Nik L]

How likely is it that firms will cut down the number of trainees they take on/not take anyone at all this year? Trying to gauge our chances of being employed this cycle...

 

[W]

How likely is it that firms will cut down the number of trainees they take on/not take anyone at all this year? Trying to gauge our chances of being employed this cycle...

Try not to worry about it, it’s out of our hands

 

[Parent]

Sorry, I am a bit confused, but do you mean them removing the training contract vacancies effectively? Then the answer is, again, yes - no law firm is under obligation to take on trainees, they can even hold final interviews and then decide that after all they don't want to take any trainees and subsequently make no offers.

Sorry if not clear. I meant once they have offered, albeit conditional, can they withdraw an offer? Meaning can they turn round and say “sorry we need to cut trainee places so your offer is withdrawn.”