General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[33c]

Just received a rejection from Freshfields post WG too. I don't know if it was the combination of my written app and the score or just the score itself that made the app unsuccessful.

Me neither- I've asked about my WG percentile as I think historically that is what has impacted my success. Who knows if they will tell me.

 

[ibs97]

Me neither- I've asked about my WG percentile as I think historically that is what has impacted my success. Who knows if they will tell me.

if they do please let me know!

 

[dosblancos7]

Does anyone know if White & Case recruit solely from VS? Or has anyone heard back from them at all? It's been unusually quiet this year for direct TC applicants :/

They don't recruit solely from their VS. For a US firm, they certainly do recruit from TC's more than any other US firm..

But yes, you are right- very quiet this year from W&C!

 

[dosblancos7]

Just got rejected from FF post WGT! Arghh!

 

[VSH]

Just got a rejection email

may I ask when you applied? Sorry about the rejection

 

[csyn]

finally heard back from Stephenson Harwood after my VS app in January got converted into a TC app for consideration - nearly forgot about this and now its a rejection! alas, we move :-(

 

[STWO]

Unfortunately not

In London I would say £25k - £30k depending on your experience.

 

[S87]

finally heard back from Stephenson Harwood after my VS app in January got converted into a TC app for consideration - nearly forgot about this and now its a rejection! alas, we move :-(

oh I feel you. C'mon you can do it and think that your app was good enough to be considered for a VS.

 

[futuretraineecity]

I have found that the more I practise speaking in front of others, the less nervous I get in interviews. Perhaps try joining things like debate clubs (if your uni has one - or start your own). You could try recording yourself answering random questions on Zoom and watching them back. I have found that the more I practise implementing structure and controlling speed when speaking, the easier it is to do during an interview - even if I am a bit nervous.

Thinking about your answer whilst you speak is also not a good idea as you will be less in control of your answers and where you end up. I have found speeding up is a natural reaction when I don't feel confident in what I am are saying - I just want to get to the end of the answer as soon as possible so the awkwardness is over. A barrister once told me that his trick is an acronym called TUPA - Think, Understand, Pause, Answer. It's quite catchy and easy to remember

Thank youuuuu!!

 

[csyn]

oh I feel you. C'mon you can do it and think that your app was good enough to be considered for a VS.

ahh thank you so much for the encouragement! truly means a lot

 

[Deleted member 5185]

Just received a rejection from Freshfields post-WG.

Sorry, I meant to click the friendly sign. WG tests are the worst

 

[futuretraineecity]

Sorry to everyone that didn’t get FF post WG! I just wanted to make you guys aware of Joe Mallett’s resources on the test just incase you didn’t know! I think he did a masterclass on the Watson Glaser the other day, which I believe you can now access on his LinkedIn group ‘Joe Mallet Resources for Aspiring Lawyers’!

 

[D]

To everyone getting a FF rejection post-WG. Honestly, I think they simply have fewer places this year. I know they are holding AC's this week for Direct TC applicants, however, they may simply only have a couple of spots to offer after they had given out TC's to their VS candidates. I'd urge everyone who was successful with their application pre-WG to re-apply this cycle for the VS. I think you'll have a better chance.

Keep on grinding guys.

D

 

[tractor12]

To everyone getting a FF rejection post-WG. Honestly, I think they simply have fewer places this year. I know they are holding AC's this week for Direct TC applicants, however, they may simply only have a couple of spots to offer after they had given out TC's to their VS candidates. I'd urge everyone who was successful with their application pre-WG to re-apply this cycle for the VS. I think you'll have a better chance.

Keep on grinding guys.

D

Does FF recruit predominately by VS? Do you think it’s better than applying Direct TC in September?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

When people keep saying FF do you with Fieldfisher or Freshfields?

 

[tractor12]

When people keep saying FF do you with Fieldfisher or Freshfields?

Haha I meant Freshfields - I guess FBD would be better

 

[S87]

When people keep saying FF do you with Fieldfisher or Freshfields?

I think Fresh..

By the way..Fieldfisher are not bad and damn lovely people!

 

[D]

Does FF recruit predominately by VS? Do you think it’s better than applying Direct TC in September?

They are definitely one of the better firms for a Direct TC. My personal view is that you are in a much stronger position interviewing for a TC once you have done a VS though. You just know the firm a lot better.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Haha I meant Freshfields - I guess FBD would be better

I thought that was the case, but you never quite know! The mix up happens more often than you'd think.

If anyone is applying to Freshfields, never use FF as an abbreviation in an application

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

FBD will also probably have a higher acceptance rate this year meaning it has less offers to make where fewer people decline. At times of recession there will be a flight to quality and larger firms/offices with diverse practice groups will generally be seen as a safer bet.

I suspect for a firm like FBD that also typically has a stronger reputation for trainee support, all the time there is a lot of disruption in working patterns and methods, people will also put more weighting on the support mechanisms firms in place too.