2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[AJLegacy]

Just got invited to Eversheds AC but the link to book isn't working - have emailed grad rec but don't know if I should ring?

Perhaps ring at around 11/12 tomorrow if you haven't heard back via email and the link it still acting up.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Hey Folks,

Did anyone get an email after completing the Watson Glaser for NRF about some survey and then another test link. When I opened the test link, it said in RED "This form has already been completed - thank you for your time.". Therefore, should I assume that they have received my WG results.

 

[jd3447]

Sorry if this is silly- but is the strengths assessment for Reed Smith the research questions ? And u can log in and out to finish it over the course of 5 days?

 

[Haz]

Sorry if this is silly- but is the strengths assessment for Reed Smith the research questions ? And u can log in and out to finish it over the course of 5 days?

There's a situational strengths test (basically you're given 8 scenarios, and 5 different ways of dealing with that scenario, then you rank them in order). If you pass the SST, you get sent the research questions (of which you get 5 days to type them up and send them back to RS!)

 

[Staples]

Osborne Clarke AC - for their Bristol office! Does anyone have any tips, super grateful for any?!

(congrats!)

 

[ab81]

Congrats!! I completed the VS there last year so I'm happy to give any advice on the AC!!

Hi! I would be so grateful for any advice for the Farrers 'Open Day' - i.e. assessment day prior to the Vac Scheme. I just got my invitation today!! Says there is an individual exercise and group exercise. Thanks so much

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Has anyone not heard back from the AS DWF scheme either way?

 

[RS134]

Everyday I don't get a reply I amazingly get more stressed and relieved at the same time

 

[losinghope]

Osborne Clarke AC invites went out...guess it's back to the drawing board for me!

 

[rachelzane101]

generally are magic circle firms or US firms more competitive to secure a VS with?

 

[Staples]

Osborne Clarke AC invites went out...guess it's back to the drawing board for me!

They could be sending them out in batches! It isn’t a PFO until it’s a PFO

 

[Lily721]

generally are magic circle firms or US firms more competitive to secure a VS with?

I would say US firms because they tend to have smaller trainee intake compared to MC firms.

 

[Staples]

I would say US firms because they tend to have smaller trainee intake compared to MC firms.

MC firms could also have more applicants for historical reasons, though, although I do think that US firms are rising in popularity

 

[Asil Ahmad]

generally are magic circle firms or US firms more competitive to secure a VS with?

I say US law firms

 

[Kola]

I would say US firms because they tend to have smaller trainee intake compared to MC firms.

I would say, without a doubt, US firms.

• MC take 50-100 trainees each year, meaning a bunch of VS on offer.
• US firms have less people applying as some are less well known, but this is changing and they all still receive 1000+ applications (with some receiving 2000 or 3000) so it's negligible e.g. Cooley said they received 67% more applications this year.
• US firms seem to care less about social mobility, and thus have higher entry requirements (AAB-AAA and strong 2:1s needed for many). If you go on Legal Cheek, they also heavily recruit from Oxbridge so make of that what you will. When you apply, you're basically competing with some very strong competition.
• US firms also seem to have a few subtle niche conventions in place. For example, Ropes & Gray seem to prefer hiring older applicants who have worked elsewhere or have prior experience in the job market. Cooley seems to be after people who have had interesting experiences in the past which many 20 year old wont. Kirkland judge your VS application with the view of making you partner one day, so the threshold for entry is much higher. These internal preferences and obstacles just aren't there when you apply to the MC.

At the end of the day, both are insanely difficult to secure a VS at, and its a huge accomplishment to succeed in getting one, but I am personally inclined to say that the journey is slightly more difficult, less transparent and more competitive for people who have managed to secure VS at US firms.

 

[Chloe L]

I would say, without a doubt, US firms.

• MC take 50-100 trainees each year, meaning a bunch of VS on offer.
• US firms have less people applying as some are less well known, but this is changing and they all still receive 1000+ applications (with some receiving 2000 or 3000) so it's negligible e.g. Cooley said they received 67% more applications this year.
• US firms seem to care less about social mobility, and thus have higher entry requirements (AAB-AAA and strong 2:1s needed for many). If you go on Legal Cheek, they also heavily recruit from Oxbridge so make of that what you will. When you apply, you're basically competing with some very strong competition.
• US firms also seem to have a few subtle niche conventions in place. For example, Ropes & Gray seem to prefer hiring older applicants who have worked elsewhere or have prior experience in the job market. Cooley seems to be after people who have had interesting experiences in the past which many 20 year old wont. These internal preferences and obstacles just aren't there when you apply to the MC.

At the end of the day, both are insanely difficult to secure a VS at, and its a huge accomplishment to succeed in getting one, but I am personally inclined to say that the journey is slightly more difficult, less transparent and more competitive for people who have managed to secure VS at US firms.

This is really interesting......wish I had this kind of insight before the cycle started

 

[John Travoni]

Has anyone not heard back from the AS DWF scheme either way?

I have not heard back. I got an email from them stating that they received a lot of applications and that they will get back to us as soon as they can

 

[KS94]

I have not heard back. I got an email from them stating that they received a lot of applications and that they will get back to us as soon as they can

I'm guessing they actually had a ton of applications - more than expected.

 

[Kola]

This is really interesting......wish I had this kind of insight before the cycle started

Tell me about it It is the product of countless rejections. Should come in handy next application cycle if need be though.

 

[cryingoverTCs]

I have not heard back. I got an email from them stating that they received a lot of applications and that they will get back to us as soon as they can

That’s so weird I didn’t even get this - do you think I should email them to double check they actually received my answers? Just bc I saw on here that someone else found out that their answers were never received by AS/DWF