Road to success

[3000to1shoteverytime]

would love any insights of M&R assessment lol

They specifically have you sign up to not disclosing details of their assessment

 

[prawncrackers]

They specifically have you sign up to not disclosing details of their assessment

Thanks for reminding and I did my assessment today, thanks again!

 

[prawncrackers]

Sorry I meant how was your experience with it!

it was long amberjack test and has 2 vi questions in the end but unlimited prep time, not bad!

 

[maxro]

update on current progress...

Waiting to hear back from:
1. Skadden, post WE
2. Stephenson Harwood, post application
3. Cleary, post assessment
4. DLA Piper, post interview
5. Addleshaw, post assessment
6. PMC, post application
7. White & Case, post VI
8. NRF, post VI
9. Osborne Clarke, post assessment
10. Paul, Weiss, post application
11. Mills & Reeve, post VI
12. Clyde & Co, post VI
13. Milbank, post WG/stage 2
14. Cooley, post application
15. Katten, post application

PFOs
1. Eversheds Sutherland, post-WG
2. Taylor Wessing, post assessment
3. Mayer Brown, post assessment
4. Bates Wells, post application
5. Dentons, post assessment

the silent inbox is making me nervous lol

If anyone's heard from any these firms I'd love to know !

 

[tc2026]

Can anyone confirm if the new RPC assessment has a VI or not?

 

[maxro]

Update!

A few PFOs to add to the list:

• Milbank - post stage 2 test
• Mills & Reeve - post VI
• Cooley - post app
• Bates Wells - post app

Currently waiting to hear back from:

• DLA Piper (not London) - post interview/for AC
• Addleshaw Goddard - for VI (not hopeful since I know a few people progressed already)
• Pennington Manches Cooper - post app
• White & Case - post VI
• Stephenson Harwood - post app
• Cleary - post assessment
• Charles Russell Speechlys - post app
• Norton Rose Fulbright - for AC/post VI
• Osborne Clarke - post assessment
• Paul, Weiss - post app
• Clyde & Co - for AC/post VI
• Katten - post app
• Skadden - post interview
• Travers Smith - post app
• Covington - post app

I'm definitely nervous to hear back from the VIs especially. I feel like I've only gotten comfortable with interviews recently/improved my answers from sometimes going a bit wrong in the ones I've completed, but I suppose it's all a learning curve! Also going to try and apply for K&L Gates by the 31st but largely I think I've completed my applications for this VS cycle which is a bit scary. I'm planning to apply for some DTC but I don't have much legal or commercial legal experience so we'll see how it goes.

Best of luck to everyone, hang in there

 

[maxro]

Update!!!

After a grand total of 16 rejections this cycle, I've been offered Skadden's SVS!!!!!!

Honestly still can't believe it I'm soooooo happy - this was defo one of my top 3 firms

 

[maxro]

Other updates in the mean time:
- White & Case written exercise !
- Charles Russell Speechlys VI
- Fladgate assessment

PFOs
- Osborne Clarke post-assessment

 

[yasmars]

Oh amazing! So delighted for you

 

[maxro]

Oh amazing! So delighted for you

Thank you so much !!

 

[maxro]

Update

A few more PFOs
- Clyde & Co post VI
- NRF post VI

Still so happy I have a vac scheme, anything else is a bonus at this point

 

[maxro]

PFO - Fladgate

 

[maxro]

Oops haven't updated here in a month... I honestly can't keep up with the PFOs anymore lol I've had them from Katten, Boodle Hatfield, Travers Smith, Pennington Manches Cooper & Ropes & Gray.

I'm still waiting to hear from:

• W&C post interview
• CRS post-VI
• Stephenson Harwood post-assessment and VI - absolutely going to be a PFO, my scores were awful

Those are my final apps in progression. I really am so happy and relieved to have a vac scheme at one of my top firms. The process is not for the weak and it's definitely been deflating at times. But I really do think that it's a lot of practice - I've definitely improved as I've gone along, going from outright rejections to progression - and a bit of luck, considering how many people apply for these things. I think the main thing I've learnt is to not take rejection personally and keep going. This is obviously a tough career to get into and there's so many moving pieces that can affect outcomes. Writing this so I can remember it later if I need it!

But for now I'm going to take a break, get back to my assignments, and prepare as best as I can for my vac scheme.

Wishing everyone lots of luck

 

[yasmars]

This process is so so tough. But you really only need one yes & I’m hoping that’s Skadden for you!! How are you prepping for the vac scheme out of interest? Good luck with W&C post interview outcome!!

 

[maxro]

This process is so so tough. But you really only need one yes & I’m hoping that’s Skadden for you!! How are you prepping for the vac scheme out of interest? Good luck with W&C post interview outcome!!

Thank you, I hope so too!!
I haven’t really started yet. I normally listen to podcasts to keep up with commercial developments and news anyway, but closer to the time I’m going to research the seats I’m in and try and practice some legal writing I think. I’m not really sure how best to prepare tbh - if you have any tips lmk!!

 

[maxro]

Updateeeee!

Sadly I did not convert my vac scheme. Ofc I was sad but it was my first vac scheme, there were other amazing candidates who had been through previous rejections and really deserved it and were more strategic. It also helped me reflect on certain things I want from a law firm that I didn't necessarily consider as much before. I had a fantastic experience so I'm taking a lot of positives from it and it really solidified that this is a marathon not a sprint and I'm getting closer to the right place for me (hopefully)! So so grateful for such an amazing experience!!!

For anyone having a similar experience or rejection, I get that it hurts. But I think letting it hurt, acknowledging how much effort you put in, being annoyed etc going through the motions is completely normal and expected. I felt the same way. But it WILL be fine.

My plan now is to recooperate, finish my law conversion, think about direct applications (those remaining) and dig a bit deeper into the types of firms I want to apply for.

I have landed a paralegal job in litigation in a good commercial firm in my home town which I start in a few weeks! So looking forward to getting more office experience (the vac scheme was my first time in an office) and being able to continue applying.

Hope you're all getting on well with vac schemes and applications!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Updateeeee!

Sadly I did not convert my vac scheme. Ofc I was sad but it was my first vac scheme, there were other amazing candidates who had been through previous rejections and really deserved it and were more strategic. It also helped me reflect on certain things I want from a law firm that I didn't necessarily consider as much before. I had a fantastic experience so I'm taking a lot of positives from it and it really solidified that this is a marathon not a sprint and I'm getting closer to the right place for me (hopefully)! So so grateful for such an amazing experience!!!

For anyone having a similar experience or rejection, I get that it hurts. But I think letting it hurt, acknowledging how much effort you put in, being annoyed etc going through the motions is completely normal and expected. I felt the same way. But it WILL be fine.

My plan now is to recooperate, finish my law conversion, think about direct applications (those remaining) and dig a bit deeper into the types of firms I want to apply for.

I have landed a paralegal job in litigation in a good commercial firm in my home town which I start in a few weeks! So looking forward to getting more office experience (the vac scheme was my first time in an office) and being able to continue applying.

Hope you're all getting on well with vac schemes and applications!!

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear that you didn't convert, especially after putting so much work and energy into the scheme. However, I think the way you have reflected on the experience and the mindset you have coming out of it is incredibly admirable, and I really admire your resilience and determination. I always feel it is important to make posts like these to show others in the process that they aren't alone when they face these setbacks, and I definitely would've benefitted from a similar post in the past.

Last cycle I also didn't convert my vacation schemes, and it definitely knocked my confidence for quite a while. However, I ultimately ended up being successful in my only direct TC application, and whilst I genuinely enjoyed all of my vacation schemes, my current firm feels like the best fit for me overall. Looking back at it now, even if you aren't able to convert a vacation scheme, it definitely isn't wasted effort at all - it'll be more valuable than you know! You have already achieved something incredibly difficult by securing a VS ion the first place, and the experience and skills that you have gained from it will absolutely help you secure the TC at a firm that is right for you.

Also, huge congratulations on the paralegal role!! That sounds like a really amazing opportunity, and I hope that it goes well! I genuinely have no doubt that you will secure a TC soon - based on this post alone, you sound very reflective and determined, which are such valuable qualities throughout this process.

Best of luck with finishing your law conversion course, and with any direct TC applications!

 

[maxro]

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear that you didn't convert, especially after putting so much work and energy into the scheme. However, I think the way you have reflected on the experience and the mindset you have coming out of it is incredibly admirable, and I really admire your resilience and determination. I always feel it is important to make posts like these to show others in the process that they aren't alone when they face these setbacks, and I definitely would've benefitted from a similar post in the past.

Last cycle I also didn't convert my vacation schemes, and it definitely knocked my confidence for quite a while. However, I ultimately ended up being successful in my only direct TC application, and whilst I genuinely enjoyed all of my vacation schemes, my current firm feels like the best fit for me overall. Looking back at it now, even if you aren't able to convert a vacation scheme, it definitely isn't wasted effort at all - it'll be more valuable than you know! You have already achieved something incredibly difficult by securing a VS ion the first place, and the experience and skills that you have gained from it will absolutely help you secure the TC at a firm that is right for you.

Also, huge congratulations on the paralegal role!! That sounds like a really amazing opportunity, and I hope that it goes well! I genuinely have no doubt that you will secure a TC soon - based on this post alone, you sound very reflective and determined, which are such valuable qualities throughout this process.

Best of luck with finishing your law conversion course, and with any direct TC applications!

Hi, thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t convert, however it definitely seems like it worked out how it was meant to given that your current firm seems like the best fit for you! I’m so happy for you and it’s a clear testament to your hard work and resilience! Thank you for sharing as well, it’s definitely easy to forget that setbacks are a part of this process, but clearly things work out and you’ve got to trust the process!

I really appreciate the kind words and I wish you all the success and happiness as a trainee, what an exciting time!!