2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[OB]

I also just completed the game for Gowling... I also felt like I didn't do well, for some reason the score was not mentioned in my feedback report, but at the end of the game, it said I got around 7400 which I think is quite low... My aptitude score was average.

I’ve read on the Arctic Shores FAQ that the score you get at the end of the game doesn’t count for anything and it’s more the behaviours they assess during the game that the firm will look at!

 

[NadineBusty]

I also just completed the game for Gowling... I also felt like I didn't do well, for some reason the score was not mentioned in my feedback report, but at the end of the game, it said I got around 7400 which I think is quite low... My aptitude score was average.

What is the aptitude/reasoning part like?
Is it a verbal/numerical or logical test?

 

[ZaraB]

I’ve read on the Arctic Shores FAQ that the score you get at the end of the game doesn’t count for anything and it’s more the behaviours they assess during the game that the firm will look at!

Thank you! That puts my mind at ease!

 

[ZaraB]

What is the aptitude/reasoning part like?
Is it a verbal/numerical or logical test?

The aptitude part is the 17 minute at the end, it isn't verbal or numberal, more logical I guess? I'm not sure how to describe it, I wouldn't say there is a way to prepare for it

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

For Gowling - The aptitude test is timed and it’s like series of diagrams and you need to guess the pattern and choose the appropriate diagram.

 

[jam1999]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen

For this Q: 'We are looking for ambitious and well-motivated individuals who have a real commitment to the law. What are your three key personal motivations to undertake a training contract at Irwin Mitchell?'
Do you think this is more a 'why law' question or a 'why this firm' question? To me, it seems like a mix of the two so I am not sure how to structure my answer!

 

[jam1999]

Anyone got any tips for how to handle this Q?
'You are collaborating on an urgent project which is due to be completed in five days. You haven’t worked with these colleagues before and everyone has different ideas on how the project should run. Conversations are getting quite heated. How would you move this forward whilst ensuring everyone remains engaged and feels valued?'
Any advice would be a huge help!
@Jessica Booker @Alice G @Jaysen

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Jaysen

For this Q: 'We are looking for ambitious and well-motivated individuals who have a real commitment to the law. What are your three key personal motivations to undertake a training contract at Irwin Mitchell?'
Do you think this is more a 'why law' question or a 'why this firm' question? To me, it seems like a mix of the two so I am not sure how to structure my answer!

to me this is a why the firm question

 

[Jessica Booker]

Anyone got any tips for how to handle this Q?
'You are collaborating on an urgent project which is due to be completed in five days. You haven’t worked with these colleagues before and everyone has different ideas on how the project should run. Conversations are getting quite heated. How would you move this forward whilst ensuring everyone remains engaged and feels valued?'
Any advice would be a huge help!
@Jessica Booker @Alice G @Jaysen

It’s not a trick question - it’s just trying to find out how you would deal with a situation like this. Just think about how you would normally work to bring people together that have opposing views to ensure success.

 

[jam1999]

It’s not a trick question - it’s just trying to find out how you would deal with a situation like this. Just think about how you would normally work to bring people together that have opposing views to ensure success.

do you think it’s a question worth bringing in my own examples from work etc ?

 

[Alice G]

do you think it’s a question worth bringing in my own examples from work etc ?

I personally wouldn't for this question as you will be tight on words as it is. Try to research situational judgement questions to get a better feel for this type of question. You will want to try and structure the response in a logical order as to what you would do and don't be afraid to say things like 'if this didn't diffuse the situation, then I would try X' - there isn't a right or wrong answer here they are just trying to see how you are as a person in certain situations.

 

[lawyermeup]

Has anyone heard from macfarlanes?

 

[Jessica Booker]

do you think it’s a question worth bringing in my own examples from work etc ?

As Alice has suggested, I don’t think you really have the word count to do this thoroughly. It could work but only with very light references to how you have taken the approach in the past. You’ll need to make sure you are definitely answering the question rather than providing past examples.

 

[M1999]

For Reed Smith's question of 'current issues', is it okay to talk about one issue or should we talk about at least 2? The word count is only 300 words and it's a 'research' question, I feel like I cannot delve into two with 150 words each, but also it specifically says 'issues' and not 'issue'

 

[Jessica Booker]

For Reed Smith's question of 'current issues', is it okay to talk about one issue or should we talk about at least 2? The word count is only 300 words and it's a 'research' question, I feel like I cannot delve into two with 150 words each, but also it specifically says 'issues' and not 'issue'

what’s the full question?

 

[M1999]

what’s the full question?

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? What is their impact and why?

 

[Jessica Booker]

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? What is their impact and why?

I think it depends on what the issue is. If it is multifaceted then it would be fine to focus on one issue and explain multiple impacts.

 

[Deleted member 2707]

I was wondering what the consensus is regarding using the same example for 2 application questions?

For example, I talked about my experience as President of my law society for the question 'what skills could you bring to the role of a trainee solicitor' but I am keen on using this example for the question of 'what roles of responsibilities have you held?'. I'm planning to use another aspect of what I did as President for the second question but just wanted to get some thoughts regarding reusing examples like this!

 

[Kablahc]

I was wondering what the consensus is regarding using the same example for 2 application questions?

For example, I talked about my experience as President of my law society for the question 'what skills could you bring to the role of a trainee solicitor' but I am keen on using this example for the question of 'what roles of responsibilities have you held?'. I'm planning to use another aspect of what I did as President for the second question but just wanted to get some thoughts regarding reusing examples like this!

I've done this before for app forms that have loads of different questions and got through ok but if I have to I just try to really distinguish the second example as you're already doing it also seems like youre focusing on multiple things for those questions and will be talking about things you didn't do as president too so it's not like you're repeating yourself. Also, in terms of the roles/responsibilities question the firm would be expecting you to put 'President of x law society' down as a position of responsibility if you've already mentioned it! I don't think youre really reusing that much

 

[Ricky]

For Reed Smith's question of 'current issues', is it okay to talk about one issue or should we talk about at least 2? The word count is only 300 words and it's a 'research' question, I feel like I cannot delve into two with 150 words each, but also it specifically says 'issues' and not 'issue'

I talked about two. One in more detail than the other. I did the same last year and got to AC.