2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

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sam970

Distinguished Member
Feb 23, 2021
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I’m guessing Simmons and Simmons recruit on a rolling basis? I applied on the deadline then did the situational judgement test but haven’t heard anything since😭PFO I guess
 
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JayC

Legendary Member
Future Trainee
Junior Lawyer
Jan 8, 2021
221
562
Guys I am really struggling to remain positive after an application cycle where I slaved over my applications and didn't make progress on a single one of the applications (beyond the test stage which was mostly automatic)- so basically the first hurdle.

I spent so much time on the applications and I feel like I don't know how to improve or get better, due to total lack of feedback. lt feels hard to trust I'll ever get there because I tried my hardest and it wasn't enough, so why will next cycle be any different?

Looking for advice or hopeful stories :(
How many firms did you apply to? To give you an idea, if I had only applied to the first 20 firms I applied to this cycle, I would have had 0 interviews! Just apply to more next cycle and work out which type of firms you’ve had the small successes with :)
 

Mxkry

Legendary Member
Oct 13, 2020
129
331
Guys I am really struggling to remain positive after an application cycle where I slaved over my applications and didn't make progress on a single one of the applications (beyond the test stage which was mostly automatic)- so basically the first hurdle.

I spent so much time on the applications and I feel like I don't know how to improve or get better, due to total lack of feedback. lt feels hard to trust I'll ever get there because I tried my hardest and it wasn't enough, so why will next cycle be any different?

Looking for advice or hopeful stories :(
I’m also in the same position. After 3 cycles I have only passed the app stage once. Only thing you can do is try to get feedback from a third party. I know mine weren’t good enough last year, but this year I’m getting rejected regardless. It’s annoying because I actually have access to people’s successful apps and I’m really not doing anything that different. It may just be a numbers game and remember you only need 1 firm to change your fortunes!
 

hopefullawyer101

Legendary Member
Feb 25, 2021
125
198
I’m also in the same position. After 3 cycles I have only passed the app stage once. Only thing you can do is try to get feedback from a third party. I know mine weren’t good enough last year, but this year I’m getting rejected regardless. It’s annoying because I actually have access to people’s successful apps and I’m really not doing anything that different. It may just be a numbers game and remember you only need 1 firm to change your fortunes!
This is the same issue I've had. I have taken people's previously successful apps and used it as a structure and I've reached out to people on LinkedIn etc etc. I feel like I am doing everything possible and even when my apps are similar to previously successful ones- I still get rejected.

For reference, I also have an academic record of 11a* at gcse 3a* at A level and one of the highest 1st in my year at UG (non-law), yet I've still never passed the first stage.
 
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Bugsy Malone

Legendary Member
Commercial Writer
Junior Lawyer
Jun 24, 2018
392
1,270
Interviews just don't get any easier, do they? Have a Skype interview in an hour and I just feel so queasy with nerves!
I thought the exact same on Tuesday!! I think a bit of nerves is good though because it means you care! I always try to tell myself I’m not nervous I’m excited which helps to make me feel slightly more confident before 😂

Good luck and go smash it!!
 
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Elle W

Valued Member
Jan 12, 2021
102
249
I’m guessing Simmons and Simmons recruit on a rolling basis? I applied on the deadline then did the situational judgement test but haven’t heard anything since😭PFO I guess
I thought they were rolling but then they seem to still be handing out VIs and they haven't responded to many people post-VI (I did mine on the 23rd December for reference) so don't lose hope!!!!!
 
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Victoria R

Distinguished Member
Jul 17, 2020
52
119
Only 10 this cycle- trying to 'tailor my applications' but I guess that failed
There's no science to it, but purely anecdotally (please don't take this as gospel!!) my friends with legal experience have had more success progressing their applications. I don't think it's the legal experience alone, but probably the mileage it gives you in answering 'why law' and competency questions - I'm not talking about vac schemes either, just the odd week here and there at more boutique or specialist firms :) Sorry if that's not helpful, but it maybe could be useful to ask any fellow law hopefuls where they've previously had informal work experiences and see if you could apply to the same places. Volunteering in client-facing roles like the Citizens Advice is also great for applications!
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
13,342
19,158
Does anyone have any advice on how to explain why you have chosen to apply to a firm's office without undermining the importance/value of their other offices in the UK??? Any help would be appreciated!
Sometimes people’s decision on this purely comes down to “I want to live in this area”. The vast majority of graduates are not geographically mobile
 
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hopefullawyer101

Legendary Member
Feb 25, 2021
125
198
There's no science to it, but purely anecdotally (please don't take this as gospel!!) my friends with legal experience have had more success progressing their applications. I don't think it's the legal experience alone, but probably the mileage it gives you in answering 'why law' and competency questions - I'm not talking about vac schemes either, just the odd week here and there at more boutique or specialist firms :) Sorry if that's not helpful, but it maybe could be useful to ask any fellow law hopefuls where they've previously had informal work experiences and see if you could apply to the same places. Volunteering in client-facing roles like the Citizens Advice is also great for applications!
That is super helpful and definitely true. I am actually already volunteering on 3 pro bono projects while completing my GDL, as well as having completed 2 previous legal work experience roles. Sorry- I probably sound negative right now but I am just feeling soooo demoralised. I think this is still a good approach to keep trying in the future.
 
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