General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[NickMcK]

Hi everyone,

The legal technology company I work for, Avvoka, are hosting free automation webinars which are aimed at teaching people the practical skill of document automation in a hands-on way using our platform. We are hosting webinars for both the UK/EU and Singapore/Australia timezones so they are hopefully accessible to everyone wherever you are in the world!

Here is the events page link through which you can register and sign up (do make sure you register for the right timezone event!) https://academy.avvoka.com/events/

I really hope that this might help you all to gain a better understanding of legaltech in gaining practical experience with it, as opposed to just hearing about it in an abstract way.

Thanks Alice - Avvoka and the webinars look really interesting, I've signed up to the student session next Tuesday!

 

[Ifmhouse4]

Hi hi has anyone heard back from trowers about scheduling the online AC ?

Hi! no not yet, waiting to hear

 

[Alice G]

Thanks Alice - Avvoka and the webinars look really interesting, I've signed up to the student session next Tuesday!

Fantastic! So pleased to hear that!

 

[AH9891]

Do you guys think that there’s a point in doing applications at the moment, or is it a bit of a waste of time? I’m looking at firms such as Wiggin and Harbottle for Media and Entertainment Law, but considering everything in the industry being on hold at the moment and the firms only taking up to 3 trainees in a normal year, I’m just wondering if there’s a point in putting all the hours in right now. Does anyone have any input?

 

[S87]

Hey All,

You may have received a private message last night from a user called ‘braveheart33’ with an Amazon link. Please do not click on the link, it’s a spam account.

Apologies if you did receive it - normally these messages go into moderation first, so I’ll work out why this one didn’t.

Thanks,

Jaysen

I did receive it but went into my spam folder. Thanks for informing us

 

[M&ALawyer]

Do you guys think that there’s a point in doing applications at the moment, or is it a bit of a waste of time? I’m looking at firms such as Wiggin and Harbottle for Media and Entertainment Law, but considering everything in the industry being on hold at the moment and the firms only taking up to 3 trainees in a normal year, I’m just wondering if there’s a point in putting all the hours in right now. Does anyone have any input?

I would say definitely apply!

As has been mentioned here, firms recruit trainees two years in advance - by which the demand for legal services in entertainment will be different to now (or so you would hope!).

I think the predominant issue is for those applying for jobs which begin immediately in the summer/September (which are mainly non-law related).

 

[STWO]

Announcements made that law firms are now putting their employees on furlough leave. My friend at Shoosmiths just told me they are asking for volunteers! I wonder if they will pay for the 20% shortfalls...

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you guys think that there’s a point in doing applications at the moment, or is it a bit of a waste of time? I’m looking at firms such as Wiggin and Harbottle for Media and Entertainment Law, but considering everything in the industry being on hold at the moment and the firms only taking up to 3 trainees in a normal year, I’m just wondering if there’s a point in putting all the hours in right now. Does anyone have any input?

Do you want to try and secure a job in your preferred area or not?

Can you imagine if everyone took the attitude of it being too competitive or a waste of time?

 

[Rainfall]

Hi all,

Just booked my interview and written assessment slots for Trowers & Hamlins (London) AC. If anyone’s also through to this stage and would like to talk through this year’s unusual process feel free to message me.

 

[Rainfall]

Hi! no not yet, waiting to hear

I heard back today with information on how to book slots!

 

[Rainfall]

Hi,

I hope your AC went well. I was wondering whether you could share your experience of the day as well as the interview and what kind of questions were asked in the interview. I've also PM'd you if it's better for you to reply on there.

Thank you!

I second this, any insight is much appreciated.

 

[AH9891]

Do you want to try and secure a job in your preferred area or not?

Can you imagine if everyone took the attitude of it being too competitive or a waste of time?

well, I didn’t say it was a waste of time, but great, thanks. I have just finished my second draft for one of the apps. Suppose it’s always worth trying.

 

[SouffléSouffléSoufflé]

Hi all. I have posted this on another thread but I thought it might be worth popping on here as I can see people have been asking about it.

This evening Trowers & Hamlins emailed saying that interviews and written assessments for the Vacation scheme are taking place between Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April.

Hope this helps

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

well, I didn’t say it was a waste of time, but great, thanks. I have just finished my second draft for one of the apps. Suppose it’s always worth trying.

Well you asked whether it "was a bit of a waste of time". That's subjective - depends on how much you value your time and also how much time you have.

Ultimately you have to be in it to win it. Not applying is the only certainty of definitely not getting the job.

 

[D95]

Is anybody still waiting to hear back from DAC Beachcroft following the VI (the one that had a deadline on 31/01)?
I see more people getting invites now but here I am wondering whether the VI that I did back in January actually got lost

(my application is still pending, so I'm still hoping for good news!)

 

[Law123]

Hi,

@Jessica Booker - how long should your answer to an interview question be? I'm a bit confused as I know it shouldn't be too long, but how do you know the cut off point making sure it's not too short?

Thank you very much.

 

[Jaysen]

Again just a pre-emptive step, but Norton Rose Fulbright is asking staff to work a 4 day week: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....-day-week-in-response-to-covid-19-crisis/amp/.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi,

@Jessica Booker - how long should your answer to an interview question be? I'm a bit confused as I know it shouldn't be too long, but how do you know the cut off point making sure it's not too short?

Thank you very much.

This is a "how long is a piece of string" question...

There is no fixed time... It depends on the nature of the question, the complexity of the question (does it just need a yes/no answer, does it need explaining etc), the complexity of the answer, and the nature of the interview.

But put it this way, in more cases than not, if you answer is more than 2 minutes long, it is probably too long.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Again just a pre-emptive step, but Norton Rose Fulbright is asking staff to work a 4 day week: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....-day-week-in-response-to-covid-19-crisis/amp/.

Not surprised to hear this - I expect many law firms (and other businesses) will may move to this model (or maybe even three days a week). If it was me and I had reassurances it was for an interim period, I would snatch their hand off on this. 80% (or 60%) of your salary is a lot better than 0% of your salary.

 

[Alice G]

Hey guys, just to let you know I’ve seen a couple of things on LinkedIn today, one being a a virtual internship offered by White & Case (don’t think this is actually new as such but I hadn’t heard of it before) and also Hogan Lovells hosted a webinar on the subject of how insurance policies will respond to Covid-19. Just wanted to flag as I think now would be a good time to follow some of the firms you might not do already on social media and LinkedIn to see what they’re offering at the moment in terms of content and careers focused things. Obviously, there is absolutely no need to do this or engage with these offerings but just letting you guys know in case these sorts of things would be of interest in the coming weeks