General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[S87]

This should not be a shock, and is the corollary of not only firms investing time in you (running the VS), but also you investing time in the firm (learning about the firm on the VS).

If a firm runs a VS, theres a very good chance they use that as their primary recruiting tool.

I 100% agree with you...just pissed that I did not think about it before.

 

[azbwcy]

For people that applied to Harbottle, did you get a confirmation email from the firm themselves - I only have the CVMail standard confirmation email and am at that stage in the cycle of overthinking everything lol

 

[E.A]

Oh dang do you think I should email them and ask for an update? I applied to Peters in April and Orrick in May and definitely haven't heard anything...

@Jessica Booker do you have any opinions on this?

Thanks!

I spoke to grad red at Orrick and they will review TC applications in Oct/Nov

 

[deckoking123]

Anyone heard from Arnold & Porter straight TC?

 

[Andrewp]

Anyone heard from Goodwin?

 

[Cer96]

Has anybody heard anything back from Irwin Mitchell?

I know they said they don't review apps on a rolling basis so not too worried yet, just wondered if anyone had any wisdom.

 

[cryingoverTCs]

I spoke to grad red at Orrick and they will review TC applications in Oct/Nov

Ah ok thanks!

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Just got an email from Peters & Peters - they have stopped recruitment for the 2022 intake for now and it will reopen in autumn 2020 so candidates will have to reapply

 

[tractor12]

Just received an interview for a paralegal role

I was wondering if anyone had any tips - how might it differ from a usual VS/TC one?

 

[S87]

Just received an interview for a paralegal role

I was wondering if anyone had any tips - how might it differ from a usual VS/TC one?

Use the STAR method to answer their questions and if they ask "do you have any questions for us?" Have them ready!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Just received an interview for a paralegal role

I was wondering if anyone had any tips - how might it differ from a usual VS/TC one?

It will be much more focused on how you will fit into that specific team.

TCs and VS are all about recruiting for the firm as a whole where you will rotate around. Unless it is a pool paralegal role, you will be working in a specific team/practice area/group so the questions tend to be much more focused on why that specific role.

 

[tractor12]

Use the STAR method to answer their questions and if they ask "do you have any questions for us?" Have them ready!

Thanks you! Its a compliance role encompassing work on anti-money laundering documentation and conflict checks - do you think I should expect technical questions on that area?

 

[tractor12]

It will be much more focused on how you will fit into that specific team.

TCs and VS are all about recruiting for the firm as a whole where you will rotate around. Unless it is a pool paralegal role, you will be working in a specific team/practice area/group so the questions tend to be much more focused on why that specific role.

I see that’s really helpful - thanks!

 

[Andrewp]

BCLP direct TC rejection - applied in September

 

[Amy10]

Has anybody heard anything back from Irwin Mitchell?

I know they said they don't review apps on a rolling basis so not too worried yet, just wondered if anyone had any wisdom.

I got a rejection from Irwin Mitchell just now - they said they had filled all their places from the placement scheme and so I get the feeling they didn't even view the direct applications.

 

[Phoebe]

Thanks you! Its a compliance role encompassing work on anti-money laundering documentation and conflict checks - do you think I should expect technical questions on that area?

I used to work in the conflicts/AML department of the firm I'm at now and I'd say the most important competencies to expect questions on are attention to detail and communication skills. I personally didn't get any technical questions. As you'll have to communicate with all types of fee-earners, I remember being asked a question about how I demonstrated my ability to adapt communication styles as you'll have to interact with fee-earners of all levels i.e. being prepared to deal with partners who are very busy. I also remember a question about how I dealt with monotonous tasks (as conflict checking involved a lot of inputting data and the system does all the work for you). You might have to do further research into a company to find its shareholders/group structure etc so research skills could also be something to consider.

 

[anulciak7]

I 100% agree with you...just pissed that I did not think about it before.

And not everyone can afford time and money forVS unfortunately! But I completely understand

Just received an interview for a paralegal role

I was wondering if anyone had any tips - how might it differ from a usual VS/TC one?

Hi! Congratulations! May I ask how did you go about this? I've been trying for so so long now to find a paralegal role without any luck, not even an interview. I have legal work experience and other experience, I'm hopeless

 

[Cer96]

I got a rejection from Irwin Mitchell just now - they said they had filled all their places from the placement scheme and so I get the feeling they didn't even view the direct applications.

Ah yep, just checked and had mine through too - a shame but like you say, mine had exactly the same message about filling from the placement scheme. Sorry it wasn't better news for either of us!

 

[S87]

And not everyone can afford time and money forVS unfortunately! But I completely understand

Yes, and I am not paid if I do not work and I have a mortgage to pay..

 

[orange32]

Anyone heard from Hogan Lovells post-WG / White & Case / Sidley Austin / Kirkland?