2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[A L]

I applied before Xmas(23) and I haven't heard anything, so I don't think so! I also know people who applied after Xmas who have gotten VI's and WGT(although no rejections as of now..)

Can I ask when exactly the person(s) who applied after Christmas applied and got WG and VI invites if by chance you know? Are they very strong candidates?

 

[Monkeyray]

Can I just check: for a phone interview, do we just get called? I've got one with NRF tomorrow and can't seem to see any instructions of a number to call / platform to use!

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

Congrats and good luck!

Just wanted to confirm if your chat was with an associate? Mine says its with a trainee and for 15m ! best of luck for the interview(mine is scheduled for March!..)

Ah yes sorry, chat with Trainee!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker I was doing a video interview and the app froze and wouldn't progress to the next question. I emailed grad rec explaining what happened and took a video of the issues I faced. My answers obviously weren't recorded. I haven't heard back from them yet as I emailed yesterday. Couldn't find a phone number for the firm either. Any advice on what to do?

Wait until the end of the week and if you haven’t heard back email them again on Monday.

Also try and contact the video interview provider to see if they can help.

 

[cmaj]

Been sent the test stage right now! Really happy but haven't had a day off from applications

Gosh I feel this on a deep level. I finally submitted my last application on Sunday and today, I have been sent the tests for TW and Reed Smith!!! So happy about it but I understand how you feel, I just wanted a bit of a break!!!! This is what it's all worth though so keep going and keep posting positive content and memes on this forum - I think reading your posts brightens all of our days.

 

[cmaj]

Anyone applied to Osborne Clarke? I’m struggling with their questions more than others!

Please outline the reasons why you wish to pursue a career in commercial law at Osborne Clarke. Within your answer you should also include details of how you have developed your skills through your hobbies and interests. (500 words max)*

Is this “why commercial law”, “why OC” and “why you” rolled into one? So essentially a cover letter but focused on your hobbies rather than academics/work ex?

I think the reason I’m struggling with it is because there’s also another question about how OC can be distinguished from other firms which would be part of my answer to why OC anyway!

Grateful for any thoughts!

I know lots of people have responded to this already but I really struggled with that question too. I attended a few events with OC and eventually emailed in to ask whether, when explaining the skills we've developed through our hobbies and interests, we needed to explicitly link them back to law as the word count is so short to fully explain why law, why OC and our skills/hobbies. GR responded to say that it's good to be explicit and the reason for the strict word count is so we think about what we feel is most important to get across, but in this case, the question is asking about why you are particularly interested in commercial law at OC, so it's most important to focus on the why law and why OC. I hope this helps

 

[Deleted member 2707]

Do most firms reply with a rejection or do they just 'ghost' you? Asking for Weil, Kirkland and Latham!

 

[lawluar]

Does anyone have any tips for Kirkland’s VI?

 

[Veep9]

I know lots of people have responded to this already but I really struggled with that question too. I attended a few events with OC and eventually emailed in to ask whether, when explaining the skills we've developed through our hobbies and interests, we needed to explicitly link them back to law as the word count is so short to fully explain why law, why OC and our skills/hobbies. GR responded to say that it's good to be explicit and the reason for the strict word count is so we think about what we feel is most important to get across, but in this case, the question is asking about why you are particularly interested in commercial law at OC, so it's most important to focus on the why law and why OC. I hope this helps

This is incredibly useful, thank you so much!

 

[Kola]

Do most firms reply with a rejection or do they just 'ghost' you? Asking for Weil, Kirkland and Latham!

Every single firm that I have been rejected from at some stage or another has sent me a rejection email notification. They are usually quite professional about this sort of thing, never heard anybody getting completely ghosted, especially not at the large firms that you have mentioned.

 

[Kola]

Does anyone have any tips for Kirkland’s VI?

Two question, 60 seconds each, question won't be anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Alice G]

Guys - an important reminder that for anyone submitting to Freshfields, there is a template document you need to download when you are in the application portal which you copy and paste your personal statement into before uploading. Good luck to everyone submitting!

 

[Cantab_95]

Has anyone not yet heard anything from Kirkland? Slightly concerned that I haven’t heard anything about a VI yet..

 

[RyanM1]

Has anyone not yet heard anything from Kirkland? Slightly concerned that I haven’t heard anything about a VI yet..

I haven’t heard anything back yet either Andre - when did you submit?

 

[Cantab_95]

I submitted mine on 30th December

 

[Dheepa]

Do most firms reply with a rejection or do they just 'ghost' you? Asking for Weil, Kirkland and Latham!

The one good thing about law firms is they never ghost you! I absolutely hate it when I've applied for something and just never hear back

PS: Huge congrats to everyone getting these VI, WG and telephone interview invites!! So exciting to see these posts

 

[tla99]

I got an AC invite 2 days after completing the VI

Wow that's quick! Thanks and congrats!!

 

[tla99]

Last cycle I completed the VI on 1st Feb and heard back on 11th Feb- so 10 days for me

OK cool thank you!

 

[J32]

Great to see so many candidates receiving WG test and VI invites

 

[acceleratedlaw]

this might be a very general question, but does anyone have any advice on how to go about structuring cover letters? i have submitted a few cover letters in my time but i havent been successful in those applications. i was wondering if anyone is willing to look at mine and let me know whats wrong with it/give any feedback. thank you guys!