2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[mpongo]

They have got to go into in now as they can’t get all their trainees through the old process. A lot of them don’t have a choice unless they want a dual qualification process (which no firms really want).

Thanks Jessica, that's interesting. Yes, I was under the impression that there was no choice.

When you say that some firms can't get all their trainees through the old process, what do you mean?
Is that in terms of timelines, or is it that there aren't enough spaces on the old style courses?

It seems to me that the smaller intake American firms are more likely to stick to the old route, for now.

 

[Celestie]

Guys, I need to share this with someone. I've been offered a vacation scheme place at one of the most elite firms in the City. I actually can't believe this has happened. I come from a low socio-economic class and have had so many obstacles to overcome throughout my life. But, I must say, I was an absolute beast in the interview. I answered everything they threw at me. I felt like, at that moment, I could have achieved anything. They told me I was "one of the best candidates" they'd ever interviewed. It's taken me ages to process all of this and share it with anyone. I haven't told my friends yet, only my immediate family knows.

Please note, I don't intend for this post to be boastful or anything of that sort.

I want to share one thing with everyone - do not try to be anyone else, be only yourself.

I do not consider myself to be special in any way, or to have any particular talents. But, I work bloody hard, and if I don't know something, I will do everything I can to get the answer. I do not give up.

I want all of you who doubt yourself to know that; you've got this! It's in your hands. You can't control everything. Worry about the things you can and prepare to the fullest.

I hope that this has inspired some people and that you realise, it's not a competition with others, it's a competition with yourself. Better yourself each day.

Big hugs to everyone! Much love!

I am beaming with pride - you're giving me faith.
Well done!

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Gutted after my rejection from Sullivan & Cromwell! I worked with S&C’s on a very interesting investigation last year as I was part of the local counsel firm. Well, I’ll keep trying and hope for the best!

Sorry to hear this
Did the rejection come through just now?

 

[bethbristol]

Random bit of advice I thought I'd share is, when you're applying for virtual vac schemes. Find out how they're run. If they are run by forage/inside sherpa the actual work experience side of things will be useless. You can get similar things without going through all of the process to get one. Sounds harsh but it's true, so I honestly wouldn't recommend doing one of these vac schemes if your main goal is to try out work that a trainee does.

Other law firms either give you a remote desktop or send you a work laptop so you can try out the work. These are a million times better than the other kind of virtual vac scheme.

Very true - I think that a huge downside of some of these virtual schemes is the inability to do work/work is controlled by grad rec. However one of the VS that I participated in ran the main activities on Forage such as presentation talks, case studies etc. but then had scheduled in time for our seat where we were supervised by an associate and were given a remote desktop for this bit which felt like actual work experience - so even if the firm tells you they use a platform like Forage it is probably a better bet to try and find out whether you do get to have a seat etc.

 

[SouffléSouffléSoufflé]

Hey! I was wondering if you have any insight on the VI? and any tips?
Hope you hear back asap!!

Good luck with your VI! I prepared for it like it was a "normal" interview. I thought ahead about competency question examples as well as the standard questions of why the firm and why law.

I finished mine in about 15 minutes (so its pretty short). I would think about how you structure your answer to ensure your points come across clearly. Hope this helps!

 

[Lawyer101]

CMS Academy offer!

 

[VivianeS]

Rejection from A&O post AC

 

[corplaw123]

Anyone heard back from Covington?

 

[OB]

Rejection from A&O post AC

Having been rejected post-AC last week for another firm, I definitely feel your pain. If you, or anyone else who has been rejected recently, wants to message me for a rant or support, feel free We'll get there eventually

 

[SLKEJRWOI97]

Anyone heard back from Covington?

Covington doesn't recruit on a rolling basis and today is the first working day since they closed applications on Friday.

On the website, it says we'll hear back within 3 weeks after the deadline so we should find out by mid-Feb.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Why do you want to be a solicitor?
What are the day to day tasks of a solicitor?
What skills do you have that would make you a good solicitor?
Why do you want to work at this firm?
Tell us about a time you have worked in a team
Tell us about a time you have managed conflict
Tell us about a commercial news story that recently caught your attention
Situational style questions (in my experience, the firm will say in their email if they will ask you a situational question)

And certainly more!!

So, have a read of the email the firm sent, that’s usually a good guide. VI questions range a lot. Practicing typical interview questions is a really good start. Feel free to PM if you want more help

Thankyou so much!

The firm stated “The questions you are about to answer are based on your knowledge of us, the role you have applied for and your commercial awareness.””

 

[Ricky]

I applied on 5 November. I chased them up earlier this week to see when I should expect to hear an outcome. They asked if I was interviewing elsewhere or if I needed to know sooner for any other reason. So I replied that I am interviewing with three other firms. They responded today asking which firms and when so I let them know and they said they will get back to me as soon as possible.

Well, Slaughters got back to me pretty quick....rejection. Yay lol

 

[Laurenjosephine]

has anyone heard from slaughter & may about their spring vac scheme?

 

[corplaw123]

Covington doesn't recruit on a rolling basis and today is the first working day since they closed applications on Friday.

On the website, it says we'll hear back within 3 weeks after the deadline so we should find out by mid-Feb.

Ah perfect, thanks!

 

[Kablahc]

Has anyone here done the Dentons telephone interview recently? Would love to receive some insight and tips if possible!

I'm at Dentons AC this year and happy to help feel free to message me

 

[corplaw123]

Has anyone not heard from Mischon at all?

 

[aspiringcommercialsolicitor]

I'm at Dentons AC this year and happy to help feel free to message me

Congrats! when did you have your telephone interview if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Mea]

Has anyone not heard from Mischon at all?

I haven't even heard back re my application. Assuming it's a no at this stage

 

[M1999]

Has anyone not heard from Mischon at all?

I haven’t and tbh I’m mad about it. Spent so long on that app

 

[NextStageOfTheApplication]

How long does it usually take for Simmons & Simmons to respond after taking the Situational Judgement test please? Thank you!