2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[sam970]

I’m guessing Simmons and Simmons recruit on a rolling basis? I applied on the deadline then did the situational judgement test but haven’t heard anything since😭PFO I guess

 

[futuretraineecity]

Has anyone still not been sent the Reed smith research Qs for summer VS?

 

[Nathan Hayes]

Has anyone still not heard back from Macfarlanes VS with spring as first choice? I applied mid December and still have heard nothing.

 

[JayC]

Guys I am really struggling to remain positive after an application cycle where I slaved over my applications and didn't make progress on a single one of the applications (beyond the test stage which was mostly automatic)- so basically the first hurdle.

I spent so much time on the applications and I feel like I don't know how to improve or get better, due to total lack of feedback. lt feels hard to trust I'll ever get there because I tried my hardest and it wasn't enough, so why will next cycle be any different?

Looking for advice or hopeful stories

How many firms did you apply to? To give you an idea, if I had only applied to the first 20 firms I applied to this cycle, I would have had 0 interviews! Just apply to more next cycle and work out which type of firms you’ve had the small successes with

 

[Mxkry]

Guys I am really struggling to remain positive after an application cycle where I slaved over my applications and didn't make progress on a single one of the applications (beyond the test stage which was mostly automatic)- so basically the first hurdle.

I spent so much time on the applications and I feel like I don't know how to improve or get better, due to total lack of feedback. lt feels hard to trust I'll ever get there because I tried my hardest and it wasn't enough, so why will next cycle be any different?

Looking for advice or hopeful stories

I’m also in the same position. After 3 cycles I have only passed the app stage once. Only thing you can do is try to get feedback from a third party. I know mine weren’t good enough last year, but this year I’m getting rejected regardless. It’s annoying because I actually have access to people’s successful apps and I’m really not doing anything that different. It may just be a numbers game and remember you only need 1 firm to change your fortunes!

 

[JayC]

Has anyone been rejected from White & Case post-VI?

 

[hopefullawyer101]

I’m also in the same position. After 3 cycles I have only passed the app stage once. Only thing you can do is try to get feedback from a third party. I know mine weren’t good enough last year, but this year I’m getting rejected regardless. It’s annoying because I actually have access to people’s successful apps and I’m really not doing anything that different. It may just be a numbers game and remember you only need 1 firm to change your fortunes!

This is the same issue I've had. I have taken people's previously successful apps and used it as a structure and I've reached out to people on LinkedIn etc etc. I feel like I am doing everything possible and even when my apps are similar to previously successful ones- I still get rejected.

For reference, I also have an academic record of 11a* at gcse 3a* at A level and one of the highest 1st in my year at UG (non-law), yet I've still never passed the first stage.

 

[tps209]

Blimey, Fairplay! I will presume rejection after VI then...

I definitely wouldn't do that, it's impossible to work out exactly how firms process candidates! Hope it goes well

 

[hopefullawyer101]

How many firms did you apply to? To give you an idea, if I had only applied to the first 20 firms I applied to this cycle, I would have had 0 interviews! Just apply to more next cycle and work out which type of firms you’ve had the small successes with

Only 10 this cycle- trying to 'tailor my applications' but I guess that failed

 

[Sfernan21]

Has anyone been rejected from White & Case post-VI?

No not yet, I completed VI Sunday. Have you? Surely they're not only having 1 AC for summer (yesterday)

 

[Jaysen]

Only 10 this cycle- trying to 'tailor my applications' but I guess that failed

Have you had anyone review your applications?

 

[Elle W]

Interviews just don't get any easier, do they? Have a Skype interview in an hour and I just feel so queasy with nerves!

Good luck!!!! Channel Ru's confidence (but not rudeness!)

 

[Bugsy Malone]

Interviews just don't get any easier, do they? Have a Skype interview in an hour and I just feel so queasy with nerves!

I thought the exact same on Tuesday!! I think a bit of nerves is good though because it means you care! I always try to tell myself I’m not nervous I’m excited which helps to make me feel slightly more confident before 😂

Good luck and go smash it!!

 

[hopefullawyer101]

Have you had anyone review your applications?

I have had people informally review them but not on the TCLA- I wanted to sign up for the membership but I just cannot afford it at the moment. I am saving to become a member so I can use the services for direct TC apps this summer.

 

[S87]

Has anyone still not been sent the Reed smith research Qs for summer VS?

They said that they were inundated with apps. They sent me an email one month after my test and it took them another month to send me the questions.

 

[Celestie]

BCLP said outstanding applications are being reviewed until the end of March. Very confused as someone said their last AC is next Tuesday....

 

[Elle W]

I’m guessing Simmons and Simmons recruit on a rolling basis? I applied on the deadline then did the situational judgement test but haven’t heard anything since😭PFO I guess

I thought they were rolling but then they seem to still be handing out VIs and they haven't responded to many people post-VI (I did mine on the 23rd December for reference) so don't lose hope!!!!!

 

[Victoria R]

Only 10 this cycle- trying to 'tailor my applications' but I guess that failed

There's no science to it, but purely anecdotally (please don't take this as gospel!!) my friends with legal experience have had more success progressing their applications. I don't think it's the legal experience alone, but probably the mileage it gives you in answering 'why law' and competency questions - I'm not talking about vac schemes either, just the odd week here and there at more boutique or specialist firms Sorry if that's not helpful, but it maybe could be useful to ask any fellow law hopefuls where they've previously had informal work experiences and see if you could apply to the same places. Volunteering in client-facing roles like the Citizens Advice is also great for applications!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone have any advice on how to explain why you have chosen to apply to a firm's office without undermining the importance/value of their other offices in the UK??? Any help would be appreciated!

Sometimes people’s decision on this purely comes down to “I want to live in this area”. The vast majority of graduates are not geographically mobile

 

[hopefullawyer101]

There's no science to it, but purely anecdotally (please don't take this as gospel!!) my friends with legal experience have had more success progressing their applications. I don't think it's the legal experience alone, but probably the mileage it gives you in answering 'why law' and competency questions - I'm not talking about vac schemes either, just the odd week here and there at more boutique or specialist firms Sorry if that's not helpful, but it maybe could be useful to ask any fellow law hopefuls where they've previously had informal work experiences and see if you could apply to the same places. Volunteering in client-facing roles like the Citizens Advice is also great for applications!

That is super helpful and definitely true. I am actually already volunteering on 3 pro bono projects while completing my GDL, as well as having completed 2 previous legal work experience roles. Sorry- I probably sound negative right now but I am just feeling soooo demoralised. I think this is still a good approach to keep trying in the future.