General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[OB]

Does anyone feel like they are losing hope this application cycle? This is my second application cycle and I've already gotten a few rejections from what I thought were strong applications. To make things worse, I've spotted two mistakes on an application (despite me checking it a hundred times) I submitted to my dream firm so I kind of know that I'm going to get rejected. Sorry for the pity party but just spotting those mistakes just makes me feel like maybe I'm not good enough to be a lawyer if I can't even spot mistakes on something so important to me!

Sorry about this, just needed a place to rant!

I like to draw back on the phrase my driving instructor used to say to me when I was learning to drive. You haven’t failed until you’ve actually failed. E.g. if you think you’ve made a mistake early on in the test, keep driving perfectly! One of his students thought they failed and then got sloppy with their driving and it was the subsequent driving that caused them to fail!

We’re still quite early on in the application cycle. You don’t know if those mistakes will cause you to be rejected. Now you’ve noticed these mistakes you’ll know what to look for in your subsequent apps! You’ve got this

 

[whisperingrock]

Does anyone feel like they are losing hope this application cycle? This is my second application cycle and I've already gotten a few rejections from what I thought were strong applications. To make things worse, I've spotted two mistakes on an application (despite me checking it a hundred times) I submitted to my dream firm so I kind of know that I'm going to get rejected. Sorry for the pity party but just spotting those mistakes just makes me feel like maybe I'm not good enough to be a lawyer if I can't even spot mistakes on something so important to me!

Sorry about this, just needed a place to rant!

I'm sorry you're feeling so down. I know the feeling because this is the first of three cycles I've gotten anything from my applications (barring one AC last year). As an example to maybe give you hope, two weeks ago half the firms I had applied to rejected me at app stage and I was miserably depressed, but two pulled through and I actually had to turn down a firm today for their WVS. I never would've expected these firms to be the ones to interview me, so you never know which apps are the strong ones. I also caught a few fat typos in the app for the firm I turned down so it's not the death knell it might seem when you spot it and it doesn't mean you don't have what it takes.

I guess all you can do is keep pushing. I'm not a very positive person in general, so I definitely didn't manifest anything or believe in myself and I can't really recommend it unless its something you know works for you. When I need to motivate, I just keep trying to remind myself that I either keep going or there will never be a chance at all. You've already put in the work by applying in the first place, and you've probably learned a lot in the process. The waiting sucks and everyone else being chosen sucks, but you either keep trying or you give up. And neither is the wrong decision, its just one you have to make for yourself.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys, I noticed this question in my Baker McKenzie application: Please list other work experience or career events you have attended (this can include open days).
Does this mean I can include virtual events/presentations?

yes

 

[jan28]

Hope everyone's doing well! I was just wondering if more people have heard back from Slaughters re direct TC?

 

[Amy456]

Has anyone heard back from A&O after the SJT for the summer vac scheme?

 

[JJP]

thank you so much - this is very helpful! Are you doing your course with the UofLaw? I will get in touch with my uni to find out the term dates

I'll be at BPP and their Easter holidays line up nicely with some (although not all) of the spring vac schemes

 

[matpart]

Did Vi with white & case a week ago on a Saturday and still haven't heard back for AC. Given that the scheme is in December I'm assuming I'm out?

 

[Velikilawyer123]

that is fine to do what you have suggested

Thanks!

 

[JustSky]

Hope everyone's doing well! I was just wondering if more people have heard back from Slaughters re direct TC?

Nothing so far

 

[Sekani Wraith]

@Jessica Booker @Daniel Boden I recently found out that I passed the application stage for Akin so you were both right, using a small 'k' in 'Baker McKenzie' wasn't detrimental thank God.

I am also expecting my scoresheet for the Watson Glaser this week. In my response to the scoresheet, can I ask when I can expect to hear back or will that come across as impatient?

 

[arbitracion]

Did Vi with white & case a week ago on a Saturday and still haven't heard back for AC. Given that the scheme is in December I'm assuming I'm out?

I haven't heard back anything since I applied, should I rule mine out?

 

[matpart]

Baker McKenzie ask the following in their app: "Please tell us what you consider to be your key achievements and interests to date. (300 words)"

Can this be bulletpointed or do they expect a long answer?

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

Has anyone heard back from Slaughter and May direct TC applications?

 

[PP27]

Has anyone heard back from Slaughter and May direct TC applications?

Nope not yet!

 

[Evelina]

anyone heard from Latham Winter VS?

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

Nope not yet!

I know many applicants are hearing back from the Slaughter and May Winter Workshops though

 

[Amy456]

I know many applicants are hearing back from the Slaughter and May Winter Workshops though

Still haven't heard back from this. It is immensely stressful.

 

[LS12]

I am in the process of completing the Baker McKenzie application and I'm finding there are a lot of overlaps between my explanation of my work experiences and my answers to their application questions.

For example in response to their accomplishments question, I've outlined that I am proud of the excellent feedback I received during an internship, which I also mentioned when discussing the internship in the work experience section. Should I cut these overlaps out or are they ok?

 

[AnnieK]

Hi, I'm a non-UK student and I'm due to start a virtual vacation scheme (my first!! ) at a Magic Circle law firm next week.

It's been reduced to a two week long scheme that I'll attend from my home country.

It will be followed by a training contract interview at the end. How I should go about this virtual scheme and how I can show enthusiasm and come across as a strong candidate for the Training Contract?

Further, are there any tips for a virtual TC interview which I can follow?

I'd be grateful for any resources which would help me in this regard!

Thanks!

 

[NK]

I'll be at BPP and their Easter holidays line up nicely with some (although not all) of the spring vac schemes

If our exams clash with a vac scheme then I’m guessing there’s no way out of it? I have an interview for a spring vac scheme but I think the internship clashes with my exams in April...