2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Legal_rawn]

Is it normal to see a firm you've applied for search for your name on Linkedin? Maybe, I'm grasping at straws here

The day I got rejected from a scheme the head of global recruitment at that firm connected with me on LinkedIn and I was like really????

 

[33c]

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Thank you, unfortunately, I just don't know where to start with preparation. Naturally, I have kept up with the new to some extent but I don't know technical terms yet and if they use those, I am stumped.

I really recommend looking at Investopedia if you don't understand technical terms!

 

[LS12]

Thank you, unfortunately, I just don't know where to start with preparation. Naturally, I have kept up with the new to some extent but I don't know technical terms yet and if they use those, I am stumped.

In my experience - commercial awareness questions don’t use technical terms, obviously this is firm dependent.

In terms of preparing - have a good understanding of the key areas the firm specialises in. Read some of the most recent updates the firm have shared. For example W&C just did an M&A trends review.

Also I read the news everyday writing down the key questions I think about when I read the news. For example there’s been a lot of issues with supply lines because things are taking longer to get to the UK from abroad - the question this raises for me - are companies going to look at sourcing parts domestically? Will e-commerce companies be looking to establish factories in other countries to minimise the delays for international deliveries? What would this then mean for clients?

I think the other thing to prepare for commercial awareness - I read the Chris Stoakes books and they are so helpful!

I always look at recent deals by the firm - so when I’m talking about trends I can link them to the work the firm has done.

 

[LS12]

Thank you, unfortunately, I just don't know where to start with preparation. Naturally, I have kept up with the new to some extent but I don't know technical terms yet and if they use those, I am stumped.

Reading articles from the firm can be super helpful in highlighting what terms you might not know. I recently was reading about mergers and came across the phrase MAC clause which I needed to google!

 

[Andrew M]

I cannot emphasise how broken I was when I found out - I am non-law, my friend. They will tear me apart like wolves.

Yeah, I wouldn't say that being non-law puts you at a disadvantage! If anything, I imagine that law students are more likely to focus on the legal aspects at the expense of really engaging with the commercial factors.

But good luck!

 

[Hele25]

I cannot emphasise how broken I was when I found out - I am non-law, my friend. They will tear me apart like wolves.

Don’t despair! I actually received some great advice at an internship - which was to not discredit the wider scope of what can be considered commercial awareness. Look at history and politics and trade deals, international relations etc. - all the extra stuff that you might enjoy/know more about and try and say how that works into the commercial world. Might not be the best answer but might give you a leg to stand on? Good luck!

 

[syw]

Received PFO from CMS post WG. I've scored highly before for other firms (after requesting feedback), but I feel i'm lacking consistency with my WG performance. Can anyone who has passed CMS WG give me an insight into their WG performance, just wondering what the benchmark may be.

 

[Lumree]

Thank you, unfortunately, I just don't know where to start with preparation. Naturally, I have kept up with the new to some extent but I don't know technical terms yet and if they use those, I am stumped.

Check out Finimize glossary too!

 

[Jessica444]

I find it really uplifting to see so many people progressing with their applications. I know how hard it all is and it’s a great feeling when it starts to pay off. Well done everyone!

 

[Mxkry]

Anyone know if you can apply for summer vac for Ashurst if you were rejected for the winter Vac?

 

[AH97]

Anyone know if you can apply for summer vac for Ashurst if you were rejected for the winter Vac?

I emailed them about applying twice in one cycle and they said:
"We recommend only one application per academic year – so September to June – to allow time to work on and develop your previous application."

So not recommended, but allowed I think

 

[Amy456]

Anyone heard back for Sullivan and Cromwell. I think they said they would get back to us today?

 

[JoeF]

I went to an Open Day with them last year and they confirmed that it is rolling, it also says this on their website. I'd still apply anyway though - I applied pretty late and if you don't try, you don't get. If you're a good enough applicant, they wouldn't reject you just because you submitted your application later in the cycle rather than earlier.

Thanks I'll give it a go then!

 

[Kablahc]

Has anyone interviewed with Winckworth Sherwood before? I have an interview next week and would really appreciate any advice! Thanks

Hi I interviewed with them last year (bombed it though and they never even got back to me)!!! They asked a ton of competency questions and also some really weird ones about what other firms youve applied to, role models in your life and whether you've read any of the articles on their website etc. I'd recommend researching into their seats and stuff as well and recent news developments that might affect the firm. Best of luck!!!!

 

[Sara648926]

Hi! I'm new to the forum and this is my first application cycle. Your replies on this thread have been so helpful! I just got invited to the Akin Gump WG - does anyone have any tips on how I can prepare? (super nervous!)

 

[Samantha]

Anyone heard back for Sullivan and Cromwell. I think they said they would get back to us today?

Nope not yet...

 

[LS12]

Just got a telephone interview for a direct TC application I made to White & Case last cycle!! If anyone has any advice (even a crumb) I would be so grateful

 

[Holly]

Anyone know if you can apply for summer vac for Ashurst if you were rejected for the winter Vac?

If you applied for the winter 2020 vac scheme, you usually are unable to apply for the summer 2021 vac scheme because that would amount to two applications in one cycle.

Hope that helps

 

[Jaysen]

Is it normal to see a firm you've applied for search for your name on Linkedin? Maybe, I'm grasping at straws here

This is interesting! Was it a member of graduate recruitment from the firm? I'm surprised more firms don't do it to be honest.

 

[happygoluckyyy]

Can anyone advise me on the secondary education section... my gcses + A levels were good but my AS were not. Will they throw out my application if I just don't put my AS levels on it?

Hi, My A-levels weren't the best (think Bs) but Ive passed the screening at 2 US law firms whose criteria was AAB. Honestly, just give it a shot if you think the opportunity aligns with your interests. Best of luck!!