2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Naomi U]

Any tips on group exercises in the virtual environment? I’ve been told at an AC last year I could’ve pushed my ideas more

Hiya

Group exercises are always quite hard because its hard to find a balance between getting your points across without being too brash and being a team player without looking like you are sitting back and not participating.

I think my biggest tip is being confident whilst being considerate. If you feel like you have something to add, don't be afraid to say something like " that's a great point X, if I could just add......" or "just to follow up on the great points raised by X, I just wanted to also add that .....".

I don't think there is anything wrong with saying something like this, its more so how you say it.

Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Dheepa]

Hi guys, for a question asking you about a firm’s competitors - how would you expand on it, especially if you have to talk for a couple of minutes?

Just adding to some of the great advice you've already been given. Think about practice area strengths, industry strengths, geographical presence, structure of the firm (swiss verein or one firm), and clients. After identifying competitors based on those things, I would delve into why the firm you're applying to is still stronger than its competitors. Consider things like revenues, deal values, and even things like if they've been selected to be on panels for companies etc. The latter especially shows how trusted a firm is in that particular area.

 

[cmaj]

Hi!

I have a virtual interview with a US firm coming up as part of an AC and had a few Q's

1) How would a blurred background look? Would it be seen as unprofessional/weird

2) If a firm asks for a commercial topic, is it better to talk about something that I am genuinely interested in rather than tailor a news story to their key departments ?

Thanks

I used a blurred background for everything, including in the working world with client meetings! I think it's more professional than a non-blurred background as it's not as personal and is less distracting. Plus it makes you look like you're in a real life portrait headshot hehe

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Can anyone who has their Kirkland AC early this week share what the format of the day is, as mine is later this week and not heard anything! Thanks

 

[Dheepa]

How do people answer ‘why not investment banking’ in interviews?

Someone's already given you the "Can't do maths" answer and for what it's worth I always led with that and got a laugh out of every interviewer (bar one ).

I think investment bankers only focus on the financial side of things, and especially as a junior you're not seeing much else besides the pitch presentations and modelling you're being asked to do. I think with law you get a greater exposure to the full picture of a transaction and all the issues (outside of just the financial ones) that come up with it. That was just the conclusion I came to from a small stint at an IB.

 

[T_Law]

RPC VS OFFER!!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!!!

Congratulations!!! How did you find it, and if you have any tips on how to ace it, I would really appreciate it! I have mine coming up this week, so any help would be great!

 

[tractor12]

Anyone still waiting for Weil (applied on deadline)

 

[Celestie]

Anyone still waiting for Weil (applied on deadline)

You might... have to wait a... Weil

 

[layk]

I've received BCLP's online test and was wondering if anyone could confirm whether the critical thinking tests are WG style or verbal reasoning? Also, does anyone know BCLP's competencies? Seems so elusive, can't seem to find it anywhere!

 

[Victoria R]

I also got an RPC offer! Honestly can't believe it because I thought the case study went SO poorly, thank you to everyone who gave me advice on how to get better at them!

Also, just wanted to say that it is definitely worth doing last minute applications. This cycle has taught me that the whole process is really quite random and there's no telling which applications will go down well - every time I thought I really aced something I seemed to then get a rejection, then when I thought things went badly it was the opposite 🤣 My friend once said to me that firms can't know you're there if you don't apply and I think that's so true - just keep persevering on!

 

[Holly]

I also got an RPC offer! Honestly can't believe it because I thought the case study went SO poorly, thank you to everyone who gave me advice on how to get better at them!

Also, just wanted to say that it is definitely worth doing last minute applications. This cycle has taught me that the whole process is really quite random and there's no telling which applications will go down well - every time I thought I really aced something I seemed to then get a rejection, then when I thought things went badly it was the opposite 🤣 My friend once said to me that firms can't know you're there if you don't apply and I think that's so true - just keep persevering on!

This is brilliant! Congratulations 🥳😍

 

[Bugsy Malone]

I also got an RPC offer! Honestly can't believe it because I thought the case study went SO poorly, thank you to everyone who gave me advice on how to get better at them!

Also, just wanted to say that it is definitely worth doing last minute applications. This cycle has taught me that the whole process is really quite random and there's no telling which applications will go down well - every time I thought I really aced something I seemed to then get a rejection, then when I thought things went badly it was the opposite 🤣 My friend once said to me that firms can't know you're there if you don't apply and I think that's so true - just keep persevering on!

Congratulations!! Great way to start the new month!

 

[cryingoverTCs]

I'm no

I've received BCLP's online test and was wondering if anyone could confirm whether the critical thinking tests are WG style or verbal reasoning? Also, does anyone know BCLP's competencies? Seems so elusive, can't seem to find it anywhere!

it's very similar to the Links test - situational judgements with a little bit of WG style questioning at the end

What qualities do BCLP look for?
Well rounded individuals who can demonstrate commercial awareness, an interest in current affairs, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurialism and creativity. Strong intellectually capability, communication and interpersonal skills, drive and commitment, analytical ability, resilience and knowledge of the legal sector / market with an appreciation for client demands and needs.

 

[Holly]

Someone's already given you the "Can't do maths" answer and for what it's worth I always led with that and got a laugh out of every interviewer (bar one ).

I think investment bankers only focus on the financial side of things, and especially as a junior you're not seeing much else besides the pitch presentations and modelling you're being asked to do. I think with law you get a greater exposure to the full picture of a transaction and all the issues (outside of just the financial ones) that come up with it. That was just the conclusion I came to from a small stint at an IB.

Just out of curiosity, which firms have asked “why not investment banking?” I’ve never been asked this anywhere

 

[Soccerox73]

Anyone still waiting for Weil (applied on deadline)

Applied 31 Dec, received a notification to complete the WG on Saturday.

 

[layk]

I'm no

it's very similar to the Links test - situational judgements with a little bit of WG style questioning at the end

What qualities do BCLP look for?
Well rounded individuals who can demonstrate commercial awareness, an interest in current affairs, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurialism and creativity. Strong intellectually capability, communication and interpersonal skills, drive and commitment, analytical ability, resilience and knowledge of the legal sector / market with an appreciation for client demands and needs.

Thank you so much!!!

 

[Holly]

I'm no

it's very similar to the Links test - situational judgements with a little bit of WG style questioning at the end

What qualities do BCLP look for?
Well rounded individuals who can demonstrate commercial awareness, an interest in current affairs, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurialism and creativity. Strong intellectually capability, communication and interpersonal skills, drive and commitment, analytical ability, resilience and knowledge of the legal sector / market with an appreciation for client demands and needs.

@Danielle J I think you asked the same question earlier about BCLP. Some tips here

 

[DanielleM]

@Danielle J I think you asked the same question earlier about BCLP. Some tips here

Thank you so much @Holly and @cryingoverTCs

 

[Rashida]

Anyone heard from Taylor wessing post-test? Feel like it’s been 84 years

 

[Dheepa]

Just out of curiosity, which firms have asked “why not investment banking?” I’ve never been asked this anywhere

Almost every firm I've ever interviewed at actually. But it only comes up because I include the IB stint I had in my work experience section. I think the "Why law and not X" is a natural question for anyone that has had work experience in fields that coincide closely with commercial law. Partner interviews especially are very much based off the things you write in your app but I wouldn't worry about it otherwise though, no interviewer is going to throw something like that your way randomly. ☺️