2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[C]

Does Shoosmiths recruit mainly from the vac scheme? Not going to be able to complete the rest of my Vac scheme apps so thinking of applying for direct TC instead 😅

a stat I read about Shoosmiths was they recruit 33% from vac schemes. hopefully thats still the same rn as I'm thinking to do the same as you haha

 

[JayC]

Has anyone heard from Winston & Strawn - like anything at all, positive or negative news?

I think they take very few people in general so is it perhaps conceivable that if they're forced to cut down numbers this year they may not be recruiting anyone in the end?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker out of interest - when applying should we be putting all of our work experiences or is it better to be selective? For example I’ve worked in a number of hospitality roles, where I’ve developed similar skills, should I only be putting the most recent?

It’s completely up to you. The most recent may not be the most interesting/important though. If you balanced one that was longer hours with studies or you had a greater level of responsibilities in an older one, then that might be the one you selected if you were to cut some out

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know if FF allow you to switch schemes post offer??

You can ask them. They might not have space, but nothing wrong with asking.

 

[Veep9]

How does everyone cope with waiting for the results of an AC. Its uber stressful.

I’m coping badly. I woke up to check my email repeatedly overnight even though, logically, I know they will not respond out of office hours on the weekend. 😬😬

 

[p9b]

I attended this last year (before my VS was cancelled) and it wasn’t particularly helpful.

Ooh dear, why was it not helpful? What sort of things did they discuss?

 

[S87]

@Jessica Booker could I pm you on Monday for an opinion?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker could I pm you on Monday for an opinion?

I’d probably do it over the weekend rather than waiting for Monday - people can PM me at any time.

 

[21wajsz]

how long did it take for NRF to reply after the WG? thank you in advance

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

how long did it take for NRF to reply after the WG? thank you in advance

they usually take 5-8 days I think. hope that helps!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

anyone knows where I can find secondment opportunities for a firm (NRF specifically)? Also, are international secondments set for a specific seat or do you get to chose the seat as well as the office?

@Jessica Booker

 

[0603]

Hi guys s

Hiya!

I always think it’s best to choose seats that you are genuinely interested in (e.g. because of the industry focus, type of clients, activity type etc, previous use of transferable skills or just plain curiosity I would never advise choosing a seat simply because it’s the main one or you feel you have to choose it simply because I think it’s important to be authentic and true to yourself and your interests throughout the vs process.

At the same time, I think it’s quite good to be open minded regarding the category of the seat e.g. contentious vs transactional vs advisory. I think it’s always good to pick at least one seat from each category as this will give you a wider insight into trainee tasks and commercial law more generally.

Also remember, you can always learn more and engage with other practice areas during your vac scheme by arranging virtual coffees and chats so don’t feel limited!

Hope this helps & best of luck ☺️

Hi, Thank you so much for this!!

This may be a silly question but could you please elaborate which seats/ practise areas are typically advisory vs contentious vs transactional?

 

[Jessica Booker]

anyone knows where I can find secondment opportunities for a firm (NRF specifically)? Also, are international secondments set for a specific seat or do you get to chose the seat as well as the office?

@Jessica Booker

I’d read the Chambers Student Guide profiles for the firms secondment opportunities. Obviously that could change though by the time you are hired and go through a TC though, so I’d only take any list/details as an indication rather than actual likelihood.

Secondment opportunities are usually by department too. Sometimes they will be “generalist” seats though - you could be working across departments just where the office may not be that big of because that’s how it works on that secondment.

The likelihood if it is department specific, it will be a in a core department relevant to that office.

 

[Nathan Hayes]

I’ve got an assessment centre with Osborne Clarke coming up and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a care package from them today with a good luck note, high protein snacks and teas and coffees! I thought it was a really nice gesture and haven’t had this sort of experience with other firms.

 

[RSta]

Hi, does anyone know how long it takes for Dechert to get back after the AC for vac schemes? The Grad Rec said they would not drag for more than one week, but I haven't heard anything tho...

 

[Holly]

I’ve got an assessment centre with Osborne Clarke coming up and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a care package from them today with a good luck note, high protein snacks and teas and coffees! I thought it was a really nice gesture and haven’t had this sort of experience with other firms.

I hope this is a new trend 😂That is so lovely! 😍 Good luck for the interview

 

[Nathan Hayes]

I hope this is a new trend 😂That is so lovely! 😍 Good luck for the interview

Yeah I hope so 😂 thank you!

 

[ZaraB]

Didn't apply there but always intrigued why people ask stuff like this? What does it change lol

When I have asked in the past it is because it helps to manage my expectations, if some firms have sent out invites and I get a rejection in the end, I don't get my hopes up as much

 

[NikkiT]

In the same boat here, really struggling to prepare. Does anyone have any insights at all they could share? It would be massively appreciated!

Have you managed to get any responses? Struggling to prepare too! 😅

 

[S87]

Has anyone received a reply from reed smith after the research questions?