Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)
I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??
Yessss, especially when there's not even a group exercise. I have coming up soon, just a case study and interview, absolutely no reason it can't be virtual but instead I'm getting a 3 and a half hour train each way to london, paying £80+ for that train that may or may not be reimbursed, and I've had to give up an 8 hour shift at work which is £100 in lost earnings, and I may not even be successful 😂
To take it one step further, there is a huge discrepancy in the compensation for the vac schemes themselves. If I am successful at this AC, I will once again need to pay for travel to London, and accommodation for 2 whole weeks, on £500/600 per week. The costs will easily exceed anything I am paid, and I have to account for the fact I'm not working for 2 weeks, which for me is another £250 per week-ish. In effect, I'm going to be probably not far off £1000 poorer following the scheme, and this is the primary route of starting a legal career in the UK.
I think if firms are truly committed to widening access to the legal profession, there needs to be a much greater provision of accommodation or higher pay
