2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Does anyone know to whom should I address Freshfields Motivational Letter?

no need to address it to anyone as far as I am aware. It’s more of a statement than a letter

 

[Anna W]

ahhh thank you for responding! no way! how long do you get to complete it?!

7 days

 

[Florawilliams]

7 days

Ahhh thanks!!!!! harsh over Xmas!

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

I played the game on my phone (for a different firm but believe it’s the same test) and it involved a lot of fast clicking. I believe that would probably be the case if it was done on the computer (or fast tapping of keys on a keyboard). I would definitely talk to grad rec before you do it!

Is it similar to the Gowling Games-based assessment ?

 

[OB]

Is it similar to the Gowling Games-based assessment ?

I’ve only done the SkyriseCity game for PwC and Gowling and I believe it’s the same test for Taylor Wessing!

 

[IntrepidL]

Just took the Gowling assessment (Skyrise City) and I had largely contradicting results with my Taylor Wessing test so I am kind of doubting the accuracy of it all. I went from being someone who thought outside of the box to someone who preferred familiarity all within a span of a week :')

 

[Dwight]

For people getting NRF WG invites, is this for spring or summer vac schemes? Congrats all!

 

[corplaw0702]

I've been invited to Weil's final vacation scheme interview. If anybody could offer any insight into the written exercise, I would be very grateful.

 

[legalthrowaway]

It is a voluntary code which the SRA are not part of. The SRA won’t get involved.

There is not an integrity issue with accepting and then reneging an employment contract.

The reality is all that could happen is that the law firm you renege on could seek damages for breach of contract. But are they really going to do this when there is no cost to them if you reneging and they can probably easily back fill your vacancy? The costs of seeking out a breach of contract claim would be more painful than just waving you goodbye and wishing you the best of luck with your future career, while they breath a sigh of relief that you turned them down (no offence meant by that, but a firm would much prefer you to turn them down now than not be truly committed to the firm).

Thank you Jessica!

 

[KamTM]

For Reed Smith "What are your main activities or interests outside of your study or work-life?" I have listed what I have done with societies on campus in my first, second and third year as well as my part-time jobs. @Jessica Booker is this the right approach? How did everyone else approach this?

As the question states 'outside of your study or work-life', I would bring in some interesting hobbies that you may have. I think this question is just to get to understand you more personally.

 

[Lawgirl123]

Has anyone had experience with Hogan Lovells AC? If you could please share any tips, it would be great. Thank you

Hey congrats. What did you apply for, when did you apply and when did you hear back ?
Thanks!

 

[leolegal]

Just did the Simmons written exercise and VI. It went okay, I stumbled on my words a few times and I didn't mention enough of their competencies

 

[NikkiT]

I’ve only done the SkyriseCity game for PwC and Gowling and I believe it’s the same test for Taylor Wessing!

Are the tests for Taylor Wessing the games like Cognify etc?

 

[OB]

Are the tests for Taylor Wessing the games like Cognify etc?

I’ve never done Cognify so I can’t comment sorry! There’s an app called “Trial” I think which is good to practice one of the levels in SkyriseCity

 

[LS12]

For people getting NRF WG invites, is this for spring or summer vac schemes? Congrats all!

I believe Spring - mine was at least

 

[LS12]

Just did the Simmons written exercise and VI. It went okay, I stumbled on my words a few times and I didn't mention enough of their competencies

I’m sure you did great, we’re all so tough on ourselves. Either way it’s done and submitted!! No point stressing now! Have a mince pie and just wait and see!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you

 

[Celestie]

I think we can collectively agree the weird Arctic Shores/SkyriseCity game is one of the worst things to come from the application process

 

[Veep9]

Quick question: is the TW test automatic or do they reject people on application form?

 

[Celestie]

Quick question: is the TW test automatic or do they reject people on application form?

From what I could tell at the open day, you need to pass the 'initial screening'. But your application is still an integral part when deciding whether you get AC, even after the test I believe

 

[Daniel Boden]

I have an AC invite for CMS!! First ever AC, so if anyone has any tips - particularly for CMS it would be greatly appreciated!

Amazing news Olivia! Very well done and best of luck for the interview