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2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion
- Thread starter Jaysen
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hey guys, I just wanted a bit of advice. So i’m in my final year of university and didn’t/havent secured any vac schemes. but i did do a gap year programme with pinsent masons for a year before uni, basically was doing paralegal work and some trainee solicitor work.
I also had to resist my first year of university (i have EC’s) and when i resat i still averaged a 2.2, in first year( it was close to a 2.1, but still got a 2.2 in contract) but in second year i got a solid 2.1 but still got a 2.2 in land law but high 2.1 is eu and crim.
i’ve been applying to firms but i really feel like i don’t have much to offer - is it sensible for me to only focus on applying to smaller firms or do i still have a chance with the bigger firms? id appreciate some honest feedback
I also had to resist my first year of university (i have EC’s) and when i resat i still averaged a 2.2, in first year( it was close to a 2.1, but still got a 2.2 in contract) but in second year i got a solid 2.1 but still got a 2.2 in land law but high 2.1 is eu and crim.
i’ve been applying to firms but i really feel like i don’t have much to offer - is it sensible for me to only focus on applying to smaller firms or do i still have a chance with the bigger firms? id appreciate some honest feedback
Jessica Booker
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hey guys, I just wanted a bit of advice. So i’m in my final year of university and didn’t/havent secured any vac schemes. but i did do a gap year programme with pinsent masons for a year before uni, basically was doing paralegal work and some trainee solicitor work.
I also had to resist my first year of university (i have EC’s) and when i resat i still averaged a 2.2, in first year( it was close to a 2.1, but still got a 2.2 in contract) but in second year i got a solid 2.1 but still got a 2.2 in land law but high 2.1 is eu and crim.
i’ve been applying to firms but i really feel like i don’t have much to offer - is it sensible for me to only focus on applying to smaller firms or do i still have a chance with the bigger firms? id appreciate some honest feedback
Are you claiming to ext circs on forms?
i haven’t been because technically my degree is now from 2018-2021 and the year i resat was 17-18 so i’ve just not been mentioning anything, as the exams i have ecs for aren’t on my transcript anymore
Jessica Booker
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But then it will look like you have had a year out with no explanation to what you did in that year. This could be detrimental to an application.
I've seen only a couple of people received AC invites last week, so hopefully soon!
Has anyone had any experience of the Bird & Bird video interview / has anyone got any general advice on how to prepare?
Yes for a Direct TC, it was on another thread I believe. But most have been for Summer like you said!
I am currently completing a traineeship application which includes these two questions
Please list any other relevant skills, experience or qualities and explain how these would be of advantage in a traineeship at Gillespie Macandrew. (Max 150 words.); and
Please explain what you consider distinguishes you as a potential Trainee with Gillespie Macandrew and why you would be an asset to our firm. (Max 150 words.)
Would it be appropriate to also talk about my work/life experiences in the second question? I'm finding it hard not to provide quite similar answers to both questions.
Please list any other relevant skills, experience or qualities and explain how these would be of advantage in a traineeship at Gillespie Macandrew. (Max 150 words.); and
Please explain what you consider distinguishes you as a potential Trainee with Gillespie Macandrew and why you would be an asset to our firm. (Max 150 words.)
Would it be appropriate to also talk about my work/life experiences in the second question? I'm finding it hard not to provide quite similar answers to both questions.
Jessica Booker
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To me they are separate questions. One is asking you to talk about the core skills/attitudes needed to succeed, the other is asking you to highlight what makes you different, so outside of the core skills/attitudes. You could talk about any experiences in either question though.
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