2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[ANM]

Anyone heard anything from Clyde & Co?

 

[MZ]

Does anyone know what a mark-up exercise usually involves?

I have an assessment centre next week and they just sent me the schedule, which includes a “mark-up exercise” that wasn’t on their grad rec website, the AC invite email, or any past AC experiences on the forum, so I’m assuming it's a new addition to their assessment process. There’s no further information on what the exercise involves or what they’ll be looking for, just that it will be assessed verbally (telling the assessors what changes I made/errors I spotted).

I’ve never done a mark-up exercise before and I’m not really sure what to expect. Is it normally a legal document (like an NDA or transactional document) or non-legal document (like general articles or client emails)? Are they just looking for you to spot spelling mistakes and grammatical errors or would they also expect you to pick up on any inconsistencies in the document (for example, a clause in an NDA that contradicts what is set out earlier in the document)?

I’m completely lost here so if anyone has done one or has an idea of what they tend to involve, that would be super helpful. Any tips on ways to prep/practice would be great too!

 

[frog]

Anyone heard back from the HSF Summer Vacation scheme post testing?

Hey, I have seen a couple of people have heard back but i'm still waiting

 

[Tarnjeet]

Anyone applying to Osborne Clarke? I’m struggling with this question-

Please outline the reasons why you wish to pursue a career in commercial law at Osborne Clarke. Within your answer you should also include details of how you have developed your skills through your hobbies and interests. (500 words max)*

The questions seems to be asking two things- i)Why OC? and ii)What skills have you developed from your hobbies/interests?
But does my answer to each of these need to be linked- I'm confused that these two have been combined. 'Within your answer' would suggest that your answers needs to be linked (i.e. the skill you have developed from 'x interest/hobby' has led to or has followed from your interest in 'y' which is a reason for why you want to apply to OC)?

If they are linked, then talking about hobbies would be difficult- e.g. one of my hobbies is playing football and the skills I have developed from this are teamwork etc, but can't really link this to 'Why OC'.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

 

[mia99]

Anyone else still without a response from A&O (summer VS). I thought I should have had a response by now. I have heard of some rejections and AC invites already. Does that mean I have yet to be considered or in a "maybe pile" - does this even exist?

I'm in the same situation, I successfully passed their SJT in December and haven't hear back since. My application is still marked as under review... I was actually wondering if I should email them because I've heard they had been sending invites already.

 

[M1999]

Does anyone know what a mark-up exercise usually involves?

I have an assessment centre next week and they just sent me the schedule, which includes a “mark-up exercise” that wasn’t on their grad rec website, the AC invite email, or any past AC experiences on the forum, so I’m assuming it's a new addition to their assessment process. There’s no further information on what the exercise involves or what they’ll be looking for, just that it will be assessed verbally (telling the assessors what changes I made/errors I spotted).

I’ve never done a mark-up exercise before and I’m not really sure what to expect. Is it normally a legal document (like an NDA or transactional document) or non-legal document (like general articles or client emails)? Are they just looking for you to spot spelling mistakes and grammatical errors or would they also expect you to pick up on any inconsistencies in the document (for example, a clause in an NDA that contradicts what is set out earlier in the document)?

I’m completely lost here so if anyone has done one or has an idea of what they tend to involve, that would be super helpful. Any tips on ways to prep/practice would be great too!

What AC is this?

 

[SecretSantaxx]

I got it from the application form but can't remember exactly where it is hidden on there

Thanks!

 

[castrooo]

Got selected to attend an assessment centre at CMS!

Well done!! When did you complete the VI?

 

[brizzy101]

Hi all, very specific question but as a non-law student I'm wondering if the GDL/SQE should be described as a graduate conversion course or a postgraduate conversion course - have put the latter on several cover letters and hoping I haven't messed up!

 

[Veep9]

Anyone applying to Osborne Clarke? I’m struggling with this question-

Please outline the reasons why you wish to pursue a career in commercial law at Osborne Clarke. Within your answer you should also include details of how you have developed your skills through your hobbies and interests. (500 words max)*

The questions seems to be asking two things- i)Why OC? and ii)What skills have you developed from your hobbies/interests?
But does my answer to each of these need to be linked- I'm confused that these two have been combined. 'Within your answer' would suggest that your answers needs to be linked (i.e. the skill you have developed from 'x interest/hobby' has led to or has followed from your interest in 'y' which is a reason for why you want to apply to OC)?

If they are linked, then talking about hobbies would be difficult- e.g. one of my hobbies is playing football and the skills I have developed from this are teamwork etc, but can't really link this to 'Why OC'.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

I asked this same question on the weekend and got some great help. If you scroll up a few pages, you should be able to find answers.

ETA: I am still staring at the question and haven’t written an answer. It’s an odd one.

 

[collie_121]

Does anyone know whether the CMS WG is timed?

 

[HCY]

Hi everyone, I'm sure lots of people have asked this question but is it Freshfields' or Freshfields's?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, I'm sure lots of people have asked this question but is it Freshfields' or Freshfields's?

Freshfields’

basically you don’t prenounce it “Freshfieldses trainees” you say “Freshfields trainees” so s’

 

[HCY]

Freshfields’

basically you don’t prenounce it “Freshfieldses trainees” you say “Freshfields trainees” so s’

Thank you Jessica!! I really appreciate it.

 

[castrooo]

Does anyone know whether the CMS WG is timed?

yes it is

 

[layla rose]

Hi, has anyone completed the Mishcon VI or the Simmons and Simmons tests and can provide some insight? Thank you !

 

[Tarnjeet]

@Veep9 Thanks for the response!

I’ve seen the earlier responses and they cleared up some of my other queries.. still not sure about the question though as nothing was said about the ‘linking point’ I’m referring to.

 

[layla rose]

I submitted the DLA WG over two months ago and still haven’t heard anything but know ACs are starting... should I be worried?

 

[bibss]

Looks like Freshfields have started sending out WG invites for the VS

 

[Hele25]

I submitted the DLA WG over two months ago and still haven’t heard anything but know ACs are starting... should I be worried?

I’m in the exact same situation - applied at the beginning of October, completed WG next day, Oct 2nd and still nothing. :/