2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Jennifer85]

Unless the firm is sponsoring you, I don’t think law firms really care where you do your LPC. I would suggest going for what is easiest for you!

Thank you, I just don't want it to be held against me for selecting the wrong one.

 

[Jennifer85]

I cant speak for Cardiff and ULaw, but I'm currently doing my GDL at BPP and its going well so far! The careers service is really good at helping with applications and giving feedback, and they host a lot of fairs/firm events which have been useful

Thanks. I am doing my GDL at Cardiff, but really like all three for different reasons so have changed my mind so many times.

 

[corplaw0702]

I attended an event with them yesterday and they said the new closing date was an error and they have been experiencing IT issues. They said they will not be reviewing applications made after the original closing date and will get back to applicants in two weeks.

Does this mean two weeks from now? Thank you!

 

[JayC]

Willkie written exercise invite!

So far I have to say this has been a pretty smooth application process (I am touching a lot of wood here)! Gemma's been on the ball, marketed the scheme extremely well and there's a slot for me to do this written exercise after work.

Now I just need a desk...

Congrats! May I ask when you completed the VI?

 

[JayC]

Btw is anyone applying to Latham Dubai? Perhaps I should start a thread

I am interested in it, but I can't work out what it's for? They don't do TCs there so is the vacation scheme just for fun lol?

 

[Jennifer85]

Does this mean two weeks from now? Thank you!

That's ok. We have all been wondering so I asked. I would say two weeks from now to save disappointment.

 

[KS94]

Has anyone got a direct email address for any of the people mentioned at Aspiring Solicitors?

I have tried to go with the standard <first name>.<last name> format but it doesn't appear to work!

 

[corplaw0702]

nothing yet from Ropes

Assessment centres are held in March (stated on their website) but they haven't responded to any applicants...

 

[Dheepa]

I am interested in it, but I can't work out what it's for? They don't do TCs there so is the vacation scheme just for fun lol?

Last cycle, because the VS was virtual the Dubai VS students actually sat in on a lot of the presentations and talks the London office had organised. The work they did was different, think they did live work for the Dubai office. It’d probably be beneficial for applying to the London VS in the next cycle because I’d imagine your application would be a lot stronger from all the information you get on the London office.

 

[Maculay]

Don’t think the firm would view a VS at another firm badly. Really just displays that you’re a great candidate and well worth their time considering for the TC.

With regards to your second question, you can always accept a TC and renege at a later date if you get a TC offer from a firm you prefer better. Not recommending you do this but it happens and there’s no real consequence unless you have accepted financial aid from the firm that you’d need to repay if you renege.

Thanks for your insight.

My concern is not so much on the reneging on the hypothetical TC offer as I am sure this happens all the times. But I wonder what happens when your VS firm asks that you not have accepted a TC offer whilst on their VS. A bridge to cross when it happens but curious what would happen given you never know what you might get a TC offer especially considering the often tight timelines for making a firm decision.

 

[FM302989]

Congrats! May I ask when you completed the VI?

Lol 😅

I was invited to do the VI 15.01 and completed it 20.01

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone received test invite from Cooley or a rejection post-application.

 

[Dheepa]

Thanks for your insight.

My concern is not so much on the reneging on the hypothetical TC offer as I am sure this happens all the times. But I wonder what happens when your VS firm asks that you not have accepted a TC offer whilst on their VS. A bridge to cross when it happens but curious what would happen given you never know what you might get a TC offer especially considering the often tight timelines for making a firm decision.

Sorry for misunderstanding your original question! In my experience, firms are usually very understanding about extending offers while you wait to do a VS or hear from other firms. But I actually think the “accepted a TC offer but still doing a VS” scenario also happens incredibly often (despite what it says on the offer letter). I think @Jessica Booker will be able to give a more concrete answer though.

 

[Legalmel_99]

If you do a VI the day of the deadline does that look bad?

 

[p9b]

Incredible!! Well done! Which office was this for? I've still got a while to wait before I even have my AC!

It's for the london office!

 

[bel123456]

If you do a VI the day of the deadline does that look bad?

for sure not!

 

[Lawyer101]

Anybody heard from Bird & Bird post-AC yet?

 

[CalibreX1]

Just received a video interview invite from Hill Dickinson (post WG, London).
Confused as I thought that after the test stage came the assessment centre.
They've also made me book a slot for my video interview which is unusual. Is it a real person-to-person interview as opposed to an automated one? Does anyone have more information about this?
Thanks!

 

[AY]

Just received a video interview invite from Hill Dickinson (post WG, London).
Confused as I thought that after the test stage came the assessment centre.
They've also made me book a slot for my video interview which is unusual. Does anyone have more information about this?
Thanks!

Is it a video interview, or an actual live interview? Quite confused as well...

 

[VivianeS]

Last cycle, because the VS was virtual the Dubai VS students actually sat in on a lot of the presentations and talks the London office had organised. The work they did was different, think they did live work for the Dubai office. It’d probably be beneficial for applying to the London VS in the next cycle because I’d imagine your application would be a lot stronger from all the information you get on the London office.

Can you apply if you've already applied for the London VS but was rejected?