General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[DrowninginSQE]

Congratulations!! Have you received any further info from Grad Rec after confirming? I confirmed my AC on Thursday but haven't heard anything yet apart from an automated email from CV-mail confirming I'd booked an AC.

Nope nothing yet

 

[M1999]

Has anyone bought a subscription to job test prep for the WGT? Do you think it’s worth the £50 if I struggle with it?

 

[Velikilawyer123]

I’d wait until you being asked for this information.

Got it, thanks!

 

[anon32323232]

Has anyone bought a subscription to job test prep for the WGT? Do you think it’s worth the £50 if I struggle with it?

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

 

[M1999]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

Interesting! What uni was this? I might try and see if my uni has it

 

[Sam55]

For anyone that has applied to Slaughters directly for a TC this cycle, how long has it taken you to hear back?

Applied 2nd October and haven't heard back

 

[anon32323232]

Interesting! What uni was this? I might try and see if my uni has it

Oxford, you had to request an access code via their careers service. Definitely worth a look!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

Agree with this. Check your uni has any practice tests first (many do). It may not be JobTestPrep, it might be other providers or access to other practice tests. I think I have some free links too - let me check..

Edit...

The links I have (sorry if they are now out of date):

Watson Glaser:

• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson-glaser-critical-thinking.htm
• http://www.linklatersgraduates.co.uk/application-process/critical-thinking-test
• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson-glaser-critical-thinking.htm
• https://www.assessmentcentrehq.com/watson-glaser-practice-test/

Verbal reasoning:

• https://www.verbalreasoningtest.org/
• https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/verbal-reasoning-tests/
• https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/free-verbal-reasoning-test
• https://www.wikijob.co.uk/content/aptitude-tests/test-types/verbal-reasoning-test
• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/aptitudetests_verbal.htm

 

[Alice G]

Hi @Alice G, or anyone else that knows, does Freshfields consider open days as work experience? I know that some firms encourage you to put your open days in the work experience section and others don't, I am not sure which category Freshfields falls into.

I am so sorry for this late reply to you but I opted to have a work experience sections for open days and events in my Freshfields application. I actually did this for every firm and I don't think it hinders an application - it is valid work experience to bring in I think.

 

[XARA]

sorry to pester everyone again? was just wondering how long it normally takes to hear back from NRF following WG?

 

[Florawilliams]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

do you get answers for the practice tests? thanks

 

[Tess72]

Hi guys has anyone got any suggestions of how to get legal work experience aside from vac schemes? I’m lacking in that area & feel like it’ll really help my application

Hi - as well the traditional vac scheme route I gained some valuable work experience at two city law firms. I had part time jobs in hospitality and through chatting to customers, networking and following up the contacts I made I secured work experience. Right place, right time and making the most of opportunities. You have to be positive, pro-active and confident. Remember, you never know when you might meet someone who may be able to offer you something. Prior to this I also emailed local high street firms and secured work experience that way too.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys has anyone got any suggestions of how to get legal work experience aside from vac schemes? I’m lacking in that area & feel like it’ll really help my application

Normally my advice is track down alumni from your uni or school and pester them albeit politely for a day’s work shadowing. But work experience is going to be tricky for sometime - any work environment won’t be thinking of bringing anyone new in anytime soon.

So look out for virtual programmes, whether they are just online learning/simulations or more structured work programmes.

Also when things get back to normal think more broadly than a law firm. In house legal teams can be good, as can start up companies working in the legal sector.

 

[LS12]

When a firm asks whether you have AAB or equivalent is the answer yes or no if you have ABB and an A in EPQ, technically I think the points make it equivalent but not sure if that counts

 

[George Rowe]

When a firm asks whether you have AAB or equivalent is the answer yes or no if you have ABB and an A in EPQ, technically I think the points make it equivalent but not sure if that counts

I don't think they will accept EPQ as it's not the equivalent of an A-Level. Might be best to just ask the law firm directly.

 

[LS12]

I don't think they will accept EPQ as it's not the equivalent of an A-Level. Might be best to just ask the law firm directly.

I've fired them an email. Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

When a firm asks whether you have AAB or equivalent is the answer yes or no if you have ABB and an A in EPQ, technically I think the points make it equivalent but not sure if that counts

It is typically only across your best three subjects excluding your EPQ unfortunately - always worthwhile checking with the firm though

 

[DrowninginSQE]

sorry to pester everyone again? was just wondering how long it normally takes to hear back from NRF following WG?

I did my test at 6pm on Friday and heard back 9am Monday.

 

[Frenchielawyer]

Hi guys, newbie here - I just heard back from Reed Smith re the spring vac scheme and got sent a link to do the SST. Does anyone know if everyone gets the SST or if they do select who gets through to the SST? Thanks!

 

[Evelina]

Has anyone heard back after a Sidley Austin winter vac scheme interview?
Or does anyone know how long they usually take? Do firms telephone or email?

Congrats on getting an interview! Can i ask when you applied and when they invited you to the interview? I'm still waiting to hear from them