General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[PhoebeL]

No news is good news!

My fingers are crossed that this is true because I applied early September

 

[Velikilawyer123]

I’d generally go with all formalities. I have seen some people use their telephone number and email address instead of an address though.

Got it, thank you! Does it change anything if we know the name of the person we're writing to, e.g. should we include their name at the top as so:

Joe Bloggs
Law Firm LLP
10 Main Street
London ABC 123

And should we include our own name above our address?

 

[dhway]

Is the reasoning test for CMS after they review your application?

 

[M1999]

Anybody have experience doing proctor/monitored exams for the GDL? We were told they were open book but now they’ve u-turned & said they are monitored and closed

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Got it, thank you! Does it change anything if we know the name of the person we're writing to, e.g. should we include their name at the top as so:

Joe Bloggs
Law Firm LLP
10 Main Street
London ABC 123

And should we include our own name above our address?

Yes, both your name and theirs. I’d you don’t know their name, it can be addressed to Graduate Recruitment or something else like that which is appropriate

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

Hi all, is there a list anywhere or does anyone have any good resources that detail whether firms' winter vacation schemes are running virtually or in person? Or does anyone know specifically about any firms? For example, I am unsure if Stephenson Harwood is continuing as planned or swapping to virtual but I know that Shearman & Sterling has moved the winter to spring in hope of being able to run as originally planned.

HSF confirmed on instagram that their scheme will be virtual

 

[Deleted member 2707]

Hi guys, this might sound like a stupid question but I just wanted to double-check. I emailed HSF regarding re-applications in the same cycle and they replied with "Yes as you passed the online test you are able to re-apply to another scheme." Does this mean I can apply for another VS (for example summer) or it has to be a different type of scheme (ie: direct TC)?

 

[Lawbour]

Hi guys, this might sound like a stupid question but I just wanted to double-check. I emailed HSF regarding re-applications in the same cycle and they replied with "Yes as you passed the online test you are able to re-apply to another scheme." Does this mean I can apply for another VS (for example summer) or it has to be a different type of scheme (ie: direct TC)?

you can apply for the summer scheme or spring scheme... don't think they really do direct TC apps

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Has anyone done the PwC Legal games based assessment?

 

[haylaw]

Anybody have experience doing proctor/monitored exams for the GDL? We were told they were open book but now they’ve u-turned & said they are monitored and closed

Yes I have just completed my law school proctored exams! What would you like to know? I am happy for you to PM me if that is easier?

 

[SouffléSouffléSoufflé]

Hi all, I was just wondering how long the verbal reasoning and logical reasoning tests take to complete for Simmons & Simmons? I'm sharing a working space at the moment and need to reserve time to have working space undisturbed. Thank you!

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Rejection from Slaughters but I was expecting it anyway...

 

[Legal_rawn]

Rejected from sidley. Same thing has happened as with NRF. Submitted late one evening then two days later a rejection! They use the same platform for applications and now I am just so confused. I could appreciate this happening once and it being chance. I have higher grades than last year and two new works experiences and meet the A-level criteria. The only thing I can think of is that for Sidley I said that I had applied before but was not eligible that year. Could it be that they automatically filter out applications if someone has applied before? Frustrated because Sidley asked me to apply again this year but have rejected me very quickly despite me thinking my application was possibly the best I have written. Last year I got rejected after a few weeks despite not even being eligible that year and this time it has been less than 48 hours.

 

[em311]

291

Hi, has anyone done a video interview for Simmons & Simmons and have some advice on it? Thanks!

Hi! I did the VI last year so not sure whether it’ll be the same sort of questions but the standard Why Simmons? question and also prepare examples for competency based qs! I was asked when I had to use analytical skills

Good luck!

 

[keenaspiringlawyer]

Which firms (anecdotally speaking) are more stringent on (undergrad) module grades? I have a good set of results but nothing spectacular - are there any firms (based on academic requirements) who aren't as fussed as other?

 

[hopefulfrankie]

I also applied for King & Spalding over summer and have had no update, you're not alone

Same here!

 

[Mary12]

Anybody have experience doing proctor/monitored exams for the GDL? We were told they were open book but now they’ve u-turned & said they are monitored and closed

Is this BPP? Or ULaw?

 

[cgs97]

Rejection from Sidley Austin... really soon after applying as well, which makes it feel worse

 

[Velikilawyer123]

Yes, both your name and theirs. I’d you don’t know their name, it can be addressed to Graduate Recruitment or something else like that which is appropriate

Got it, thank you!

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Seeing a few people get rejected from Sidley, I’m sure your other applications will come through!!! Were your applications for the 2022 TC or for winters? Thanks!