2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

I wrote about the Big Four for a question like this and said it impacted the legal sector in terms of competition. I suppose you could use the scandals as a counter-argument to give a more well-rounded view/argument??

Thank you for your advice! I initially wanted to talk about the Big 4 as competition too, but the more I thought about it, I felt that if I were a client I wouldn’t want to choose them because of their reputation lol. However, because this is purely my own subjective judgement, I was a little unsure of whether I could build a legitimate argument from it

 

[JayB]

What I've been told by people at my current firm is that it's not easy to make the move within the MC firm and I should try to get into one of the larger US firms with secondments. If I don't manage to get a US TC, I'd probably just go for the MC and try again later rather than wait another year.

What I'm thinking is that in transactional seats they aren't hugely concerned about where you are qualified. A British-trained US-qualified lawyer might even be useful in some cases (though it's probably extremely competitive). On the flip side, there aren't many fast-growing UK firms in the US, and even so they may prefer hiring from established US firms.

More money is of course great as I absolutely think MC lawyers work almost the same hours as their US counterparts, but my endgame is nonetheless moving to the US.

Yes, I'm a law student. From what I've heard the larger transactional focused US firms have at least had some people qualify directly into US offices in the past. I'm under no illusion there will be any clear path whichever way I go, but I also think going on a US secondment could open some doors.

Hey! Congratulations on getting the MC offer that is amazing and a great achievement already. I am a bit baffled if your heart is set on getting a TC offer from a US firm why are you still applying to MC firms like Freshfields? That AC could of easily went to someone else who wants a MC firm offer. That’s my opinion anyway. I would recommend reaching out to the GR at US firms or speak to current or future trainees who can go over your app with you to see where you are falling down that should be your main priority.

I am happy to put you in contact with two of my friends who are current trainees at US firms

 

[AJLegacy]

Random question,

Why does Reed Smith want the answers in PDF file?

Personally, I think PDFs decrease the likelihood of tampering/accidental editing. Electronically, of course.

 

[GK8997]

Thank you for your advice! I initially wanted to talk about the Big 4 as competition too, but the more I thought about it, I felt that if I were a client I wouldn’t want to choose them because of their reputation lol. However, because this is purely my own subjective judgement, I was a little unsure of whether I could build a legitimate argument from it

I would also say that from attending open days at different law firms, they always say that while the Big 4 does provide legal services the level of complexity and specialisation needed for the largest cross-border transactions will means that clients do tend to prefer established law firms rather than Big 4, the threat of accountancy firms is more evident in relation to regional firms.

 

[LawGrad19]

Is it unheard of for a firm to allow an applicant to complete part of their vacation scheme? (e.g. one week instead of two because of other commitments)

 

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

I would also say that from attending open days at different law firms, they always say that while the Big 4 does provide legal services the level of complexity and specialisation needed for the largest cross-border transactions will means that clients do tend to prefer established law firms rather than Big 4, the threat of accountancy firms is more evident in relation to regional firms.

Ah that’s a good point, and I also never considered it being more of a threat to regional firms specifically. This is super helpful, thank you - I have a lot more to research and build my argument on now!

 

[Deleted member 8341]

Hey! Congratulations on getting the MC offer that is amazing and a great achievement already. I am a bit baffled if your heart is set on getting a TC offer from a US firm why are you still applying to MC firms like Freshfields? That AC could of easily went to someone else who wants a MC firm offer. That’s my opinion anyway. I would recommend reaching out to the GR at US firms or speak to current or future trainees who can go over your app with you to see where you are falling down that should be your main priority.

I am happy to put you in contact with two of my friends who are current trainees at US firms

I think the person said they would take a MC TC over nothing and with how competitive the application process for US firms is, it makes sense to apply to MC as back ups? Just a guess, but well done to this person and how kind of you to offer to put them in touch with your friends, what a great community this is!

If we all applied to only the law firms we had our hearts set on I think it would be a very different application season, I believe its good to have a few back ups and if you get them still have a tinge of disappointment that you missed out on your "dream firm"

 

[M1999]

Is it unheard of for a firm to allow an applicant to complete part of their vacation scheme? (e.g. one week instead of two because of other commitments)

If you are contracted to work two weeks, it seems very unlikely firms would allow you just to work one week. If you did, I doubt you’d be considered fairly for a TC.
I’ve heard of vac schemes allowing days off for graduations and obviously medical appointments but I don’t really know if missing half of the internship would fly...

 

[acceleratedlaw]

Hey guys, what are the best resources / agencies to use when applying to paralegal positions ? Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this

 

[acceleratedlaw]

Is it unheard of for a firm to allow an applicant to complete part of their vacation scheme? (e.g. one week instead of two because of other commitments)

I tried that with one vac scheme last year and they didn’t allow it unfortunately- esp because one week equals half of the vac scheme. If u really can’t do 2 weeks I’d ask if it’s possible to be considered for a training contract interview instead of doing the vac scheme tho not sure how that would look (I did that and the law firm was kind of petty about it all)

 

[LawGrad19]

If you are contracted to work two weeks, it seems very unlikely firms would allow you just to work one week. If you did, I doubt you’d be considered fairly for a TC.
I’ve heard of vac schemes allowing days off for graduations and obviously medical appointments but I don’t really know if missing half of the internship would fly...

I tried that with one vac scheme last year and they didn’t allow it unfortunately- esp because one week equals half of the vac scheme. If u really can’t do 2 weeks I’d ask if it’s possible to be considered for a training contract interview instead of doing the vac scheme tho not sure how that would look (I did that and the law firm was kind of petty about it all)

Thank you both for the insight!

 

[Mp4eng]

Mines the same, wouldn't worry, just their bizarre system of applying. If they need/want them I'm sure they'll be in touch

My education specifics were not loaded on the form either. They contacted me via email and asked me to submit by reply

 

[GK8997]

Thank you both for the insight!

Another option would be to ask to complete a summer scheme if this is for spring some firms may allow you to move to a different scheme, when I got offered my VS the firm asked me if I still wanted to do the spring scheme

 

[law89]

If you are contracted to work two weeks, it seems very unlikely firms would allow you just to work one week. If you did, I doubt you’d be considered fairly for a TC.
I’ve heard of vac schemes allowing days off for graduations and obviously medical appointments but I don’t really know if missing half of the internship would fly.

Do you happen to know how they are with taking a day or two off for LPC exam(s)?

 

[GK8997]

Do you happen to know how they are with taking a day or two off for LPC exam(s)?

I obviously cannot speak for the firm but I think they may make an exception for this as LPC exam dates can't really be moved

 

[partisdve]

I haven’t heard anything either

Anyone heard anything about allen & overy middle east vacation scheme yet?

 

[SecretSantaxx]

Hogan Lovells AC invite last Thursday!

 

[PhoebeL]

Shearman PFO post-app !!!

Sorry to hear. I'm waiting to hear back but I am less hopeful now

 

[sm2020]

Hey congrats! When did you complete your VI, if you don’t mind me asking?

Thank you! I completed my VI on 3rd February

 

[Dheepa]

Is it unheard of for a firm to allow an applicant to complete part of their vacation scheme? (e.g. one week instead of two because of other commitments)

Not unheard of. Know someone personally who did this and still got the TC offer. Wouldn't recommend it though.