2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

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jam1999

Star Member
Feb 24, 2020
29
6
Well done to you both!

For the written test, you have to summarise a document and you have 12 minutes to do so. The video interview is a mix of motivational and competency questions and (if I remember correctly) you have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to answer. To prep I would recommend filming yourself and speaking into the camera and trying to answer questions for 90 seconds as it's a bit weird!

The logical test is difficult to be honest - try doing a practice Korn Ferry one and maybe find some other ones online but the verbal reasoning test was more standard.

Good luck! :)
Hi - this was really helpful as I have the simmons and simmons VI and tests this week! Can I ask - where do I find a practice Korn Ferry test online? Do you have a good link? if so would be great if you could share, thank you :)
 

_mxrkyyy

Active Member
Jan 20, 2021
10
17
I've been practicing the simmons and simmons vi and my main issue is that I sound like I am really really bored in the interview. How do I come across a genuinely enthusiastic when answering the questions.
 

M&ALawyer

Valued Member
Future Trainee
Jul 29, 2019
116
594
Does anyone know how important art law is to Stephenson Harwood? Given my art history background it really appeals to me but I don't want to mention if its too niche!!

Definitely a specialism that can be incorporated in your application. A quick search reveals that it is important to SH:

"Stephenson Harwood's art team has won the 'Private Client Firm (specialism) of the Year' award at The Legal 500 UK 2019 Awards, in recognition of its work in the artand cultural property sector." Link here

However I would be slightly cautious. SH seem to have a strong presence in art, but its still a niche which won't contribute to most the firm's revenues and I don't imagine you will be working with art property for the majority of the time you're a trainee.

I think you could incorporate your interest in art related law as a point contained within the broader area of private client work (which would contribute a lot to the firm's revenues). E.g "I like private client work because of xyz... SH's private client practice particularly appeals to me more than other firms, due to its reputation in art and cultural property.... [input award/clients they work with/deals to justify this]. This relates to my interests because of xyz" (Not saying you adopt this structure/point but it perhaps illustrates my point a bit!)

Then you could spend other parts of your application exploring your different interests of SH. From what I recall of my AC at SH I mentioned things like global work, training, pro bono, innovation, business strategy etc alongside my practice area/niche interests.

Hope that helps!
 
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KamTM

Well-Known Member
Junior Lawyer
May 13, 2020
20
28
I've been practicing the simmons and simmons vi and my main issue is that I sound like I am really really bored in the interview. How do I come across a genuinely enthusiastic when answering the questions.
From my experience when you practice, you always sound a bit bored especially when you practice scripted answers. However the real thing is worded differently and as you want to show yourself in the best light, I think you will naturally appear keen and enthusiastic so I wouldn't worry too much!
 
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KamTM

Well-Known Member
Junior Lawyer
May 13, 2020
20
28
Hi - this was really helpful as I have the simmons and simmons VI and tests this week! Can I ask - where do I find a practice Korn Ferry test online? Do you have a good link? if so would be great if you could share, thank you :)

Here are a few I used:


https://www.trytalentq.com (bearing in mind another firm that used Korn Ferry provided me with a specialised link to Talent Q so I'm not 100% sure whether this is free)

Good luck!
 

lisa0410

Active Member
Feb 6, 2020
17
22
Thank you so much, that's definitely eased my nerves!! Would you recommend prepping Mishcon-specific information or does that more come up in the partner interview?
Unless they have changed the format then there's no need. That was one of my favourite things about it - having to only do the case study on one day and the partner interview on a separate one made it far less stressful. Good luck!!
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,505
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Hi All. Wanted to ask if anyone has an opinion/advice on thank you emails post interview (I interviewed at JD). Is this standard practice? @Jessica Booker

you can do, although it’s not necessary and not “standard” practice. Majority of people don’t do it but enough people do it to make it not unusual.

If you are going to do it, keep it short and sweet.
 
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jam1999

Star Member
Feb 24, 2020
29
6
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