2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[FC]

I haven't received a confirmation email but the status of it says finished and it changed to that straight after completion. Maybe give it a bit of time if not email grad rec!

Took a while for mine to show as finished, and then got my feedback report 2 days later!

Thanks guys

 

[CF]

Hi, I have just attended the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair. For people waiting on Mayer Brown, Mark from Grad Rec has said that invites for the telephone interview will most likely be sent to candidates from next week onwards!

 

[M1999]

When did people receive the reed smith test after they submitted it? I submitted my app yesterday but I haven’t got the test link yet

 

[tcseeker]

Has anyone heard from Kennedys or know if they recruit on a rolling basis?

 

[lawyermeup]

Can I just double check whether we need to also finish our online test/WG by the application deadline?

My online test email says I have 7 days to complete the test but the application closes before that.

Hey! In my experience with firms, you don't need to complete their test by the application deadline, but the deadline they set in the email (ie the 7 days to complete).

 

[arbitracion]

Hi guys, I'm not really sure how to approach this Dechert application question: 'Dechert is frequently retained to work on the most challenging matters, and prides itself on its ability to deliver premium legal services and sound business judgment to its clients. In your opinion, other than the above, what are the three key reasons why our clients instruct us?'

I'd say it's very much like Shearman's "competitive advantage" question. I was going to talk about lateral hires but I'm worried that might come under "premium legal services". And other than that, I'm not sure how to make genuine points without repeating the question

 

[Fran]

Completed SST on 02/11/2020. Got sent research questions on 23/11/2020.

This is helpful, thanks!

 

[Fran]

When did people receive the reed smith test after they submitted it? I submitted my app yesterday but I haven’t got the test link yet

About a week after!

 

[Jony]

Hi guys, I'm not really sure how to approach this Dechert application question: 'Dechert is frequently retained to work on the most challenging matters, and prides itself on its ability to deliver premium legal services and sound business judgment to its clients. In your opinion, other than the above, what are the three key reasons why our clients instruct us?'

I'd say it's very much like Shearman's "competitive advantage" question. I was going to talk about lateral hires but I'm worried that might come under "premium legal services". And other than that, I'm not sure how to make genuine points without repeating the question

Usually a good place to start is:

What is Shearman's expansion style and what differentiates it from it's competitors in revenue/partner/client/geographic growth?

What is Shearman's culture and how does that contribute to it's competitive advantage over other firms?

What is unique to Shearman's practices/organisation?

I would suggest looking up Jaysen's v comprehensive list on how to differentiate firms - start from a few points, and then do research and expand onto them.

I also don't think Shearman has recently done that well relatively re: lateral hires so I wouldn't put that. Pre-partner profit restructuring, Shearman was actually losing quite a few experienced hires to the likes of other US firms.

 

[conniekatherine]

Re-applied to Travers Smith for the summer scheme - not sure if it's even worth it this point after them not reading my apps for summer 2019 / winter 2020 until the scheme was full!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

With a question like “introduce a topic you know about and explain why it interests you?” Is it ok to talk about a hobby? I’ve written an answer I’m really happy with but now I worry it’s not a good topic!!

 

[M1999]

Re-applied to Travers Smith for the summer scheme - not sure if it's even worth it this point after them not reading my apps for summer 2019 / winter 2020 until the scheme was full!

They are changing their recruitment system this year and are reviewing them non-rolling.

 

[Manifesting]

About a week after!

Oh, interesting! When did you submit your app? I sent in mine right after the second Reed Smith Open Day and I will haven’t heard back/received an invite for the test.

 

[AH97]

With a question like “introduce a topic you know about and explain why it interests you?” Is it ok to talk about a hobby? I’ve written an answer I’m really happy with but now I worry it’s not a good topic!!

I've read a successful application where they wrote about hiking! As long as it's something you know a lot about and you explain WHY it interests you, it will be fine

 

[H S]

Hey guys, I was wondering whether any of you knew if HSF's application deadline is tonight at midnight or tomorrow at midnight? On the website it says the deadline is the 4th, but on the application portal page, it says my application will expire in 2 days. Luckily it's not a rolling deadline as I had an emergency yesterday and was in A&E all night. I'm still a bit out of it and would prefer being able to read through my application with fresh eyes (or simply eyes that aren't groggy (!)). I only decided to apply to them last week (so quite last-minute) as up until then I simply didn't think I was good enough.
If you had any knowledge that could help me, I would be hugely grateful.

 

[H S]

I believe that deadlines always include the day itself so if it says that the deadline is the 4th this means that you can submit your app anytime before 23:59 on the 4th (anytime before 23:59 tomorrow).

Thank you so much for your response!! I thought this at first too but am confused because of the conflict between what HSF have written on their application page (5th) and on their website (4th).

 

[OB]

Hey guys, I was wondering whether any of you knew if HSF's application deadline is tonight at midnight or tomorrow at midnight? On the website it says the deadline is the 4th, but on the application portal page, it says my application will expire in 2 days. Luckily it's not a rolling deadline as I had an emergency yesterday and was in A&E all night. I'm still a bit out of it and would prefer being able to read through my application with fresh eyes (or simply eyes that aren't groggy (!)). I only decided to apply to them last week (so quite last-minute) as up until then I simply didn't think I was good enough.
If you had any knowledge that could help me, I would be hugely grateful.

Hey, hope you're ok!! The job page says the job expires on the 5th so I would like to say you have until midnight tomorrow to submit, but take this with a pinch of salt

 

[H S]

Hey, hope you're ok!! The job page says the job expires on the 5th so I would like to say you have until midnight tomorrow to submit, but take this with a pinch of salt

Hey, hope you're ok!! The job page says the job expires on the 5th so I would like to say you have until midnight tomorrow to submit, but take this with a pinch of salt

Hey, thank you so much Liv! I've been better haha...thank you for your response!

 

[Ricky]

Hi guys, I'm not really sure how to approach this Dechert application question: 'Dechert is frequently retained to work on the most challenging matters, and prides itself on its ability to deliver premium legal services and sound business judgment to its clients. In your opinion, other than the above, what are the three key reasons why our clients instruct us?'

I'd say it's very much like Shearman's "competitive advantage" question. I was going to talk about lateral hires but I'm worried that might come under "premium legal services". And other than that, I'm not sure how to make genuine points without repeating the question

I spoke about international reach in key fund jurisdictions, the ability to collaborate on a global scale and thought leadership. All ways that add value for clients.

 

[arbitracion]

I spoke about international reach in key fund jurisdictions, the ability to collaborate on a global scale and thought leadership. All ways that add value for clients.

Thank you so much - this helps a lot! Is there somewhere on this forum that I could post a draft for feedback?