Macfarlanes Vac Scheme App

[nina_123]

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on my Vac Scheme app for Macfarlanes and was wondering if anyone had any advice on: Please explain why you are applying to Macfarlanes and what your career ambitions are. (500)

Thanks so much!!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on my Vac Scheme app for Macfarlanes and was wondering if anyone had any advice on: Please explain why you are applying to Macfarlanes and what your career ambitions are. (500)

Thanks so much!!

I'd approach the first part as you would any other 'why this firm?' question. You don't need to devote equal space to both parts of the question, but I would make sure you are explicit about discussing what your career ambitions are. The better answers I've seen are specific and extend wider than just 'wanting to be a partner'. To me that shows you've thought about what you want in your career more broadly.

 

[nina_123]

I'd approach the first part as you would any other 'why this firm?' question. You don't need to devote equal space to the both parts of the question, but I would make sure you are explicit about discussing what your career ambitions are. The better answers I've seen are specific and extend wider than just 'wanting to be a partner'. To me that shows you've thought about what you want in your career more broadly.

@Jaysen Thanks for your reply!!

In terms of the career ambition part, do I have to be specific about what area I want to qualify into? Or can I talk more about how I want to develop professionally through the firm's training?

Thank you!!

 

[Jaysen]

@Jaysen Thanks for your reply!!

In terms of the career ambition part, do I have to be specific about what area I want to qualify into? Or can I talk more about how I want to develop professionally through the firm's training?

Thank you!!

Nope, you wouldn’t be expected to know where you wanted to qualify into at this point. The second part sounds good, you might also want to think what you want out of your career more broadly (e.g. to become an expert in your field, to be leading relationships with clients, to be a mentor to juniors etc.).

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

I am finding it difficult to distinguish my interest in commercial law as opposed to any other career path. Would be grateful if anyone can share any tips thank you

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am finding it difficult to distinguish my interest in commercial law as opposed to any other career path. Would be grateful if anyone can share any tips thank you

think about it this way:

1) why are you going to like the day job? What are the processes and responsibilities you will have day in day out that will keep you motivated.

2) why will you like the career? Is there going to be enough over 3-5 years to keep you interested

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

think about it this way:

1) why are you going to like the day job? What are the processes and responsibilities you will have day in day out that will keep you motivated.

2) why will you like the career? Is there going to be enough over 3-5 years to keep you interested

Thank you

 

[Holly]

@Jaysen Thanks for your reply!!

In terms of the career ambition part, do I have to be specific about what area I want to qualify into? Or can I talk more about how I want to develop professionally through the firm's training?

Thank you!!

This is great advice! Do you think it's a good idea to take the following approach:

1. My career ambition is to lead relationships with clients
2. Explain how Macfarlanes suits the above career ambition

I thought this because I wanted to link it back to the firm, but can this be viewed as not answering the question?

Thanks!