Hearing Back from Law Firms, Assessment Centres & Interview Tips - 2019 - 2020

[PhoebeL]

would I be better off leaving out my most recent employment, which was a retail job at a ‘low ranking’ store (it’s not a designer or more ‘up-market’ brand)? I’m worried it might be looked down on or give a wrong impression of me, but also wondering if the gap left with taking it off would look worse, anyone have any advice?

Leave it in - I was a supervisor in a major high street store and I have been asked about my transferable skills and general awareness of the industry a fair bit this application process

 

[Frank]

Fun story. I've seen for the first time the term "PFO" on this forum, I didn't know what the jargon stands for. I called a few firms to ask for a status update, and wanted to say the following: "given that I haven't heard anything since X month, should I assume it is a PFO"? Thank God I haven't said that, it was like a divine voice that told me to shut up. One minute ago I understood why

 

[Ayo Babatunde]

This may be a silly question... but what do people think is the best way to approach messaging lawyers on LinkedIn for a coffee??

 

[bel123456]

does anyone know whether firms that rejected me post-ac would interview me the next cycle for a direct tc app? does it affect for firms which didn’t explicitly state so?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

My messages are going crazy again. If you are asking me something that other people will also benefit from reading, please can you either use the Ask GR thread, or tag me in another thread so I can respond there.

Thanks in advance

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

P.S.S.

Does anyone know of any firms that have a good chance of giving TCs during their summer cycle?

Currently looking at my list of direct TCs and I don't want to be applying if I have little to no chance...

people need to stop thinking about chances being based on the firm. They are based on you.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

would I be better off leaving out my most recent employment, which was a retail job at a ‘low ranking’ store (it’s not a designer or more ‘up-market’ brand)? I’m worried it might be looked down on or give a wrong impression of me, but also wondering if the gap left with taking it off would look worse, anyone have any advice?

no - you definitely include something like this

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys, I'm facing a fairly difficult question. The thing is that I had an interview at Slaughters for direct TC in August and screwed up so badly (specially the article part). During the interview, I wasn't really myself due to the fact I had to sleep on the floor at my friends' flat because I am not from London and I just couldn't afford a hotel room before the interview. Anyway, I recently took part in the competition organised by Slaughters and they sent me an email saying that I have been shortlisted for the final award, which will be revealed during a formal even organised by SM to which they sent me an invitation.

My question is: do you think it would be ok for me to ask the partners during the "informal drinks" whether they would give me a second chance? I know it's not their policy to interview the same candidate twice, but I intended to show them that instead of simply asking for a second chance, I rather wanted to "earn" that chance.

Does it make any sense?

Sorry for the grammar I'm not super sober rn

Your second chance will come with applying again and going through the process like any other candidate. If that is that they won’t reinterview candidates, they are unlikely to make an exception for something that happened 7 months ago and that wasn’t addressed at the time.

It won’t be the partners’ decision though. You need to speak to graduate recruitment.

how do you mean “earn” that chance?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Also those two years work experience can be divided between firms/areas etc. May be beneficial to some but could potentially be problems if firms use this as an opportunity to give out unpaid work experience as an example

Any reasonable firm is not going to rely on unpaid interns for 3-6+ months.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

This may be a silly question... but what do people think is the best way to approach messaging lawyers on LinkedIn for a coffee??

Find people that you have a similarity with. Might have studied your degree at your uni, might have worked at the same company, may have gone to your school.

 

[Bugsy Malone]

Hey! I’ve done the VI- questions regarding your skills and which practice areas/ cases interest you!

Thanks Gemma that’s really helpful

 

[cowmoomoo88]

I got my direct Links TC this year without having even done an open day before so it’s definitely possible!

Congrats!!!!! When did you hear back from them??

 

[Frank]

This may be a silly question... but what do people think is the best way to approach messaging lawyers on LinkedIn for a coffee??

I personally don’t see an issue with this. It’s a fine line between being overly pushy, pushy, and normal. I personally started the convo on LinkedIn and after asked if it’s better to have a word over a phone call. But Jess is also right, so it’s a matter of preference

 

[S87]

Hi guys, just wondering whether there's much point in applying for direct TC's if you have no prior formal vacation scheme experience? Most people that I have asked tend to say not to bother.

It really depends on your CV. for example, I have more than 3 years experience as a paralegal so I am applying for direct TC. However, I would be conflicted if you do not have much legal experience..

 

[J32]

This may be a silly question... but what do people think is the best way to approach messaging lawyers on LinkedIn for a coffee??

I would try and find their email on the law firm's website and contact them that way. Usually get a faster response!

 

[Ayo Babatunde]

Find people that you have a similarity with. Might have studied your degree at your uni, might have worked at the same company, may have gone to your school.

Thank you, this is really helpful!

 

[azbwcy]

Has anyone heard from Forsters?

 

[Miki3999]

Your second chance will come with applying again and going through the process like any other candidate. If that is that they won’t reinterview candidates, they are unlikely to make an exception for something that happened 7 months ago and that wasn’t addressed at the time.

It won’t be the partners’ decision though. You need to speak to graduate recruitment.

how do you mean “earn” that chance?

Thanks. I just wanted to ask SM if I can apply again because I have improved a lot since the interview, and I wanted to use the fact that they are considering my work for the main prize as evidence of that.

 

[Harvey]

Still waiting for:

• Dechert
• Travers Smith
• White & Case (post VI)

 

[MJ90]

I know many have posted the same, but Linklaters seem to be taking for EVER to get back to me (Summer VS)... No update emails or anything...
Anyone heard anything?