2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[lilli]

AC for Irwin Mitchell PLS If anyone who's done one has any advice would be so so appreciated x

 

[NikkiT]

I believe most require a Commendation, but there are a select few that just require a pass

Do you know where to find out about which firms require what? Or which firms require a commendation?

 

[FM302989]

Do you know where to find out about which firms require what? Or which firms require a commendation?

On each firm's individual website, Chambers page, lawcareers.net, Legal Cheek page, Lex 100 page

 

[Abbie4329]

Do you know where to find out about which firms require what? Or which firms require a commendation?

Just email the firms that you are interested in and they’ll tell you. There’s not really a definitive list anywhere.

I would also add that some firms won’t want to see resits on the LPC or GDL.

 

[karinny]

AC invite for Irwin Mitchell, Birmingham office PLS it's my first AC ever, any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[axd]

Hi all, I know this has been spoken about a lot before but I was wondering if anyone had advice on the best way to approach asking for an extension on a decision re a training contract offer so that you can complete another vac scheme to compare etc.? I obviously want to be respectful and tactful but not sure what the 'acceptable' approach normally is?

@Jessica Booker

 

[JayC]

Hi, I missed this a few days ago but I've linked a really detailed post I made touching on this below. Just going to re-iterate that if your VVS involves doing fixed assessments, there's a much higher chance that your TC interview will be more traditional (competencies, why this firm etc.). If the VVS does involve doing live work and actually interacting with people at the firm more tangibly outside of just talks and presentations, then it's more likely to be more reflective (although I wouldn't say that alone makes it any less rigorous)

2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

Thank you, that's great. The rather unusual, yet somewhat fortunate position I am in is that a firm I applied to for a VS has accelerated my application towards a direct TC interview. So, I've not actually done the VS, nor do I have any other prior work experience that is legally related. In...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

The firm I did a VS at last week had three interviews - two rigorous assessments and one more reflective interview for the work we did. Do most firms only have one TC interview?

 

[Dheepa]

The firm I did a VS at last week had three interviews - two rigorous assessments and one more reflective interview for the work we did. Do most firms only have one TC interview?

Oh wow, that is a lot! Most firms definitely only do one TC interview after the vac.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all, I know this has been spoken about a lot before but I was wondering if anyone had advice on the best way to approach asking for an extension on a decision re a training contract offer so that you can complete another vac scheme to compare etc.? I obviously want to be respectful and tactful but not sure what the 'acceptable' approach normally is?

@Jessica Booker

1) call them rather than email. Tone accounts for a lot here, which can't be read clearly in an email.

2) explain you want to make as thought through decision as possible and to do this you feel it is important to do the vacation scheme.

3) ask if there is any flexibility to the offer date deadline and if so, what could this be from their perspective to ensure all the necessary onboarding processes can be done. Or give them date you would like your offer to be extended until.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

The firm I did a VS at last week had three interviews - two rigorous assessments and one more reflective interview for the work we did. Do most firms only have one TC interview?

Doesn't surprise me, especially if it was done virtually. Although some firms only do one interview, they still tend to do “assessed” sessions during the vacation scheme itself. I would actually say one interview on it's own as the only assessments rare.

 

[axd]

1) call them rather than email. Tone accounts for a lot here, which can't be read clearly in an email.

2) explain you want to make as thought through decision as possible and to do this you feel it is important to do the vacation scheme.

3) ask if there is any flexibility to the offer date deadline and if so, what could this be from their perspective to ensure all the necessary onboarding processes can be done. Or give them date you would like your offer to be extended until.

Thanks, this is really helpful.

 

[jcatherine]

has anyone heard from goodwin post-interview?

 

[djqb]

Would anyone have access to "The City" or "The Lawyer Signal" sections of The Lawyer by any chance?

Would be of great help, as I'd like to read an article but don't have a subscription.

 

[Matt_96]

So I've just received an 'interview' invite from the 'Shortlister' platform for Dechert. Is this the VI? I'd pretty much given up on them at this point and the link looks a little dodgy. Pls advise!

 

[Celestie]

I will probably be absent when this *thread* closes, but, I must say we have all come so far!
I would have never thought I would be in the position I am now if you had asked me when I joined last year and I owe it to the incredible support I have gotten on here.

Congrats everyone!

 

[GK8997]

So I've just received an 'interview' invite from the 'Shortlister' platform for Dechert. Is this the VI? I'd pretty much given up on them at this point and the link looks a little dodgy. Pls advise!

Hiya, yes it is I thought the same thing but that's just the third party platform that Dechert use!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I will probably be absent when this forum closes, but, I must say we have all come so far!
I would have never thought I would be in the position I am now if you had asked me when I joined last year and I owe it to the incredible support I have gotten on here.

Congrats everyone!

The forum isn't closing - just the thread! I'd encourage everyone to use the general discussion thread going forward!

 

[djqb]

The forum isn't closing - just the thread! I'd encourage everyone to use the general discussion thread going forward!

I'm assuming we'll still be able to read prior messages upon closure of this forum? Or will they be deleted?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'm assuming we'll still be able to read prior messages upon closure of this forum? Or will they be deleted?

The thread will still exist and the posts will still be there for people to see.... It is just that you won't be able to add further posts to it.

We will start a new vacation scheme thread when applications open in the late summer/early autumn.

 

[SamTam99]

Just received a Dechert VI! Had completely given up with them, so a huge surprise