General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[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!

 

[Deleted member 4851]

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!

Some said that they got the rejections really soon after applying. So I would guess that it must be for the winter vac scheme as the deadline for 2022 direct TC was in July.

 

[champ591]

Hi everyone - tho not a frequent poster on TCLA, I visit the forum almost everyday and feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing, motivated group of young lawyers. Just thought I'd share some happy news that I've received recently and spread the positivity *particularly long post, aimed primarily at international students*

I'm an international student, graduated with a UK law degree years ago which I followed with an LLM. I struggled to get a TC in London and my morale took a severe hit over the years - the difficulties that come with having to navigate visa struggles only added to my problems. My grades were fine and my applications were decent.. I genuinely believed that I had the aptitude, the work experience, the extra curriculars, but for some reason never quite found the perfect fit.

I decided to focus on qualifying as a lawyer back home. Whilst I always wanted to go into the corporate practice (most of my work experience and even my masters focused on transactional matters), I realised I had a natural inclination towards disputes resolution, litigation and contentious work in general. This piqued my interest, I ended up following my heart (lol as cliche as it may sound) and I've just been offered a role in this line of work with an international law firm, with opportunities to work with their London HQ in future. This was after the most enjoyable application process (in comparison to the numerous applications I've sent out for a TC in London).. I felt so welcomed and at home during the interview and honestly couldn't be happier.

My story is quite different to the success stories on the forum but not all happy endings have to begin with signing a TC offer with a commercial law firm in the City. I've seen quite a few international students struggling with visa issues on the forum.. I know what it is like to move to a different country for university, having to adapt to an entirely new surrounding whilst trying to figure out how the TC application process works in the UK, not being able to go on vac schemes due to visa restrictions and not securing a TC before your visa expires.

My only tip would be, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Be proactive and reach out to firms to confirm if they would sponsor visas - you'd be surprised to learn that some of the smaller firms are sometimes more flexible with these things. Enjoy the international exposure as much as you can and use it your benefit - adaptability and knowledge of the culture and commerce in different regions are key qualities that make a successful lawyer.

And if you aren't successful in getting a TC in the first instance (or second.. or third.. or fifth..).. take some time to process it but please know that it isn't the end of the road. Whilst the prospect of moving back home can be daunting, what you deserve will find its way to you when the time is right. Good luck!

And please feel free to PM if you have any questions for me, I’ll try and help where I can

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

And please feel free to PM if you have any questions for me, I’ll try and help where I can

Love the frankness and advice of this post, but mostly the fantastic news that you have found something that is right for you.

London isn’t everything and especially now with the SQE coming in, people could gain their experience outside of the U.K. much easier than ever before. It is really worthwhile considering options outside of London/the U.K. in my opinion - especially with all the different things going on at the moment.

 

[M1999]

Rejection from jones day. Absolutely heartbroken because I spent so long on the application & I really thought it was good.

 

[33c]

Rejection from jones day. Absolutely heartbroken because I spent so long on the application & I really thought it was good.

So sorry to hear this! There will definitely be other firms and this is just the start of the application season!

Can I ask when you applied?

 

[M1999]

So sorry to hear this! There will definitely be other firms and this is just the start of the application season!

Can I ask when you applied?

I applied a week ago

 

[YFA]

Rejections from HSF (applied 2/10, passed test on 9/10) and NRF (applied 18/10). They seem to be getting back pretty quickly at least! Hope everyone is doing ok