2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Matt_96]

Anyone not heard from Reed Smith, post-research questions for Summer VS?

I haven't even been sent the research questions for the Summer VS......

 

[Deleted member 9747]

Firms that are hardline on sending PFOs if you don't have AAB, rather ABB for instance, despite candidates having got a 2:1, passed the LPC and worked for a couple years baffle me

I actually prefer when they're upfront about grades they want so I know not to apply. Rather that than firms that say they have no minimum but in actual fact is a strong consideration for them

 

[ofm]

Thank you! Was just wondering if there is a time limit to how long your answers should be?

I think it is one minute - I clicked through the portal until the practice question and that is how long it showed to answer that, so I assume its the same.

 

[Carys Holland]

Thank you! I feel ok about competency Qs but also feel my structure for 'why X' Qs are not that great! All the best for your AC!

Good luck!!

 

[Veep9]

I know some people were told by TW not to do the Arctic Shores game for disability / reasonable adjustments-related reasons. Has anyone in that situation heard, either with an AC or PFO?

 

[Selggib16]

Hi everyone,

Does anybody have any insight/tips for the Jones Day VI? Extremely nervous, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[summer207]

Someone talking over you constantly would only reflect badly on them, not you! My advice:

• The assessors know the limitations of being virtual (i.e. the lag may mean there's some talking over, etc.) so I don't think they'll be too harsh about that if you apologise and don't do it constantly
• The loudest person isn't necessarily performing the best - ensure everything that you say is correct, important and relevant
• Don't overdo the classic 'group negotiation exercise advice' of "I'll put a timer on!!!" "Shall we move on and come back to this!!!" etc., as it can come across as pretty forced and unnatural in some instances - obviously these can be helpful in moderation (and sometimes necessary) though
• They're really assessing teamwork so be polite and considerate!

This is very helpful, thank you😊

 

[Andrew M]

Weird question, but I'm intrigued to know if anyone has been put off applying to a firm after what they have experienced with the firm this cycle?

I almost didn't apply to one firm this year because of my experience last year. I got to a Skype interview stage and found the grad rec quite standoffish (and came across bored) in the interview. It was the first time I'd gotten to that stage, so I was already really feeling the nerves. And then to top it off, they didn't give feedback. Which I think is just poor when you've gotten to that stage.

Ultimately I did still apply because I love the firm and the work it does. Plus, everybody else I've met who works for the firm has been lovely!

 

[Florawilliams]

I only have 2 apps left to hear back from so not feeling hopeful. Cannot believe I got a lot further in my first cycle when I barely even knew what commercial law was and my apps are so much better this time around. Feel like all my hard work has gone to waste this year

feel the same! don't feel disheartened

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

Do you think with some firms there is an element of not wanting it to be public knowledge that they're not taking on trainees, maybe due to business not being as great as they are portraying? So they mess around candidates rather than be clear about the situation?

I have to say I would be pretty incandescent if I got to a vac scheme and found they hadn't intended to hire, and had known it for a while. And even more so if they tried to save face by advertising again the next year like nothing had happened.

It says a lot of good things about a firm when they act with integrity and treat their candidates like that too. Especially as there is such a strong power imbalance at play in the hiring system.

 

[Crastle]

This is exactly how I would describe it! Very fun and very Mishcon!

Would you suggest having current commercial topics to discuss? Or do they not really test any outside knowledge?

 

[MizM]

Just did the Ashurst test. In the tests that were comparable to a wider group, my results were higher than 55% of others who took the test. I hear that you should really be hitting 70%+ to be considered for interview... Therefore, I am now definitely not too hopeful for an interview invitation!!

 

[cmaj]

Some probably even graduated with a 2:2

If this is the firm I think, a partner proudly spoke at an event I attended about graduating with a 2:2 lolol

I am also in the Reed Smith PFO gang

 

[Celestie]

I know some people were told by TW not to do the Arctic Shores game for disability / reasonable adjustments-related reasons. Has anyone in that situation heard, either with an AC or PFO?

Interesting they told you not to do it when I was the one who had to tell them in November. They seemed pretty sure I would be fine but I was like... no.

And no, haven't heard from them.

 

[Kablahc]

I know some people were told by TW not to do the Arctic Shores game for disability / reasonable adjustments-related reasons. Has anyone in that situation heard, either with an AC or PFO?

omg, wait, so people actually got to skip Arctic Shores for their disability?? I have a disability relating to my hands and the only thing they gave me when I told them about it was 20% extra time (when the whole game is untimed)!!!!!!!!

 

[conniekatherine]

Anyone still waiting on Taylor Wessing post games based assessment?

Yep!

 

[Andrew M]

Do you think with some firms there is an element of not wanting it to be public knowledge that they're not taking on trainees, maybe due to business not being as great as they are portraying? So they mess around candidates rather than be clear about the situation?

I have to say I would be pretty incandescent if I got to a vac scheme and found they hadn't intended to hire, and had known it for a while. And even more so if they tried to save face by advertising again the next year like nothing had happened.

It says a lot of good things about a firm when they act with integrity and treat their candidates like that too. Especially as there is such a strong power imbalance at play in the hiring system.

Yes, I agree. I really feel that there should be way more transparency when it comes to how many TCs are offered via the different routes in each particular year. Although a vacation scheme might be great experience, it is incidental for the majority of candidates. We just want a training contract. It's not at all fair to allow us to put in this time and effort if there is nothing at the end of it for us...

 

[Celestie]

omg, wait, so people actually got to skip Arctic Shores for their disability?? I have a disability relating to my hands and the only thing they gave me when I told them about it was 20% extra time (when the whole game is untimed)!!!!!!!!

I think it depends: I had a really bad experience with PwC's test. My disability meant the test didn't reflect me at all and triggered some of the issues I have (migraines etc).

I really put my foot down and they were pretty accommodating about it.

 

[leolegal]

omg, wait, so people actually got to skip Arctic Shores for their disability?? I have a disability relating to my hands and the only thing they gave me when I told them about it was 20% extra time (when the whole game is untimed)!!!!!!!!

Wow that sucks! I'm sorry to hear. Seems like they have no idea what they're doing

 

[LJ96]

Do you think with some firms there is an element of not wanting it to be public knowledge that they're not taking on trainees, maybe due to business not being as great as they are portraying? So they mess around candidates rather than be clear about the situation?

I have to say I would be pretty incandescent if I got to a vac scheme and found they hadn't intended to hire, and had known it for a while. And even more so if they tried to save face by advertising again the next year like nothing had happened.

It says a lot of good things about a firm when they act with integrity and treat their candidates like that too. Especially as there is such a strong power imbalance at play in the hiring system.

From personal experience, I think so. Last year I had an AC with a firm which they began by telling us they had reduced the number of TCs available for the particular stream I applied for (its a firm that divides into personal/ business TC (hint)). When someone asked how many seats were available they said they were not allowed to say (?!). I didn't see anyone get a TC at the firm for the particular stream I applied for (in that office). Incredibly frustrating.