General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[tractor12]

No really doesn’t work like that either. Here are just some of the factors that make a scheme more or less competitive:

Application window
Eligibility
Number of places available
Dates of scheme
Whether it’s virtual or not
How much it is paid + other benefits
Dates of competitors‘ schemes
If it clashes with term dates
How heavily it is promoted
How many people apply
How good the quality of the people are who are applying
When the recruitment process runs
How many stages of the recruitment process there are
General brand and PR of the firm at that particular time of year

There are so many variables that the same firm could have their summer scheme more competitive one year, and then their winter the next.

It’s really not as simplistic as just eligibility

I see thanks Jess!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is there a list of firms that are doing spring vacation schemes anywhere?

LCN - you can filter by Winter/Spring/Summer. Link below is with the Spring filter on.

https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/WorkPlacementDeadlines?sections=Spring

 

[Sekani Wraith]

I don't know if this is a silly question, but you can copy answers from your open day application onto your vacation scheme application right? My open day app was successful and there's a big chunk that I can copy over, but I don't know if it's like uni where you can't copy from your previous essays.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I don't know if this is a silly question, but you can copy answers from your open day application onto your vacation scheme application right? My open day app was successful and there's a big chunk that I can copy over, but I don't know if it's like uni where you can't copy from your previous essays.

I personally wouldn't.

There may be sections that won't have changed - e.g. descriptions of your previous work experience for example.

But I would expect an open day to change/refine your motivations for commercial law and obviously for the firm.

You may have also done other things since your open day application (events, seminars, virtual courses) that may have developed your skill set.

You are also applying for a different vacancy/opportunity - an open day is very different to a vacation scheme. So there could be changes there too.

Also, just because your open day application was successful, doesn't mean your vac scheme will be.

So always look at how you could improve/refine/develop your application.

 

[Sekani Wraith]

I personally wouldn't.

There may be sections that won't have changed - e.g. descriptions of your previous work experience for example.

But I would expect an open day to change/refine your motivations for commercial law and obviously for the firm.

You may have also done other things since your open day application (events, seminars, virtual courses) that may have developed your skill set.

You are also applying for a different vacancy/opportunity - an open day is very different to a vacation scheme. So there could be changes there too.

Also, just because your open day application was successful, doesn't mean your vac scheme will be.

So always look at how you could improve/refine/develop your application.

Thank you!

 

[h2020]

Do you think I should bullet point my work experience section on the Skadden application? Anyone have any tips?

 

[Mxkry]

How long do you typically get to prepare for an interview?

 

[DrowninginSQE]

How long do you typically get to prepare for an interview?

I’ve had two days before. I’ve had two weeks before. I’ve had a month before. Depends on the firm.

 

[R1a01]

Has anyone heard back from BCLP?

 

[RSta]

Has anyone heard back from White&Case after a VI for a direct TC?

Nope still waiting

 

[CorporateB3]

Thank you! Will revise this!

Did the test like 12 days ago?



I applied on 15th Sep. Got the WGT 2 weeks later. Also, I've been seeing people having lots of WG troubles with NRF, so don't worry too much if you haven't heard back yet!

Hi! Can I ask how long it took for you to hear back from NRF post-WG? Thanks!

 

[tractor12]

Anyone heard from Jones Day who applied on the deadline?

 

[Kablahc]

Was it Forsters?

yep haha, really wasnt interested in the firm at all but enjoyed the insight thing, might just give it ago although I'm still waiting for their response to my 2022 direct tc app - mystifying how theyve done all of these events but still not got back to the vac schemers or tc applicants

 

[33c]

yep haha, really wasnt interested in the firm at all but enjoyed the insight thing, might just give it ago although I'm still waiting for their response to my 2022 direct tc app - mystifying how theyve done all of these events but still not got back to the vac schemers or tc applicants

I attended the insight event and the open day too! Im happy to share the slides from the open day

 

[c1070]

yep haha, really wasnt interested in the firm at all but enjoyed the insight thing, might just give it ago although I'm still waiting for their response to my 2022 direct tc app - mystifying how theyve done all of these events but still not got back to the vac schemers or tc applicants

I’ve emailed them about a 3 times between summer and now and have no response- they cancelled their VS so offered a direct TC interview to those who had a place on the VS instead but since I’ve heard literally nothing!! I understand it’s all still very uncertain but if they’re holding these events and have opened 2023 apps a bit of communication would be nice!

 

[Wajahat Jilani]

Anyone heard from Jones Day who applied on the deadline?

Not yet

Just got a online test, written exercise and VI invite for Simmons. Would really appreciate advice for this stage please.

 

[Kablahc]

I attended the insight event and the open day too! Im happy to share the slides from the open day

really?! That would be amazing! I'll dm you

I’ve emailed them about a 3 times between summer and now and have no response- they cancelled their VS so offered a direct TC interview to those who had a place on the VS instead but since I’ve heard literally nothing!! I understand it’s all still very uncertain but if they’re holding these events and have opened 2023 apps a bit of communication would be nice!

Good to know everyone else is just as confused!!! Yeah I feel like our cohort's been totally abandoned by basically all firms this year- the firm that cancelled my VS at least sent me a courtesy email before summer to let me know they weren't recruiting, but I know loads of people who just got mysteriously rejected by particular firms only to find out the firm cut recruitment for 2022 tcs. I wonder if we'll get any email at all about it before they decide on their 2023 intake...

 

[c1070]

really?! That would be amazing! I'll dm you



Good to know everyone else is just as confused!!! Yeah I feel like our cohort's been totally abandoned by basically all firms this year- the firm that cancelled my VS at least sent me a courtesy email before summer to let me know they weren't recruiting, but I know loads of people who just got mysteriously rejected by particular firms only to find out the firm cut recruitment for 2022 tcs. I wonder if we'll get any email at all about it before they decide on their 2023 intake...

Yeah so frustrating as feeling very much in the lurch, hoping at the very least of forsters do pull recruitment for 2022 they’ll interview us for 2023 aswell...

I had the same with another firm I had a direct TC interview at they said they’ve just cut recruitment and I emailed last week to ask about this cycle, and they’ve put it on hold until 2021.

All fair enough given the current climate but a bit of communication would be appreciated!!

 

[E.A]

Has anyone heard back from Hogan Lovells post WG for direct TC?

 

[Bakers Junior Lawyer]

Hey everyone,

I have just received a video interview invitation for a VS at Willkie Farr & Gallagher. This will be my first video interview at a law firm.

Can anyone give me any advice on how best to prepare for this?

Also, has anyone completed the video interview at Willkie Farr & Gallagher who can give some insight into the questions asked and how they prepared?

I really appreciate any help you can provide.