2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Jacob Miller]

Friends, a question.

One of my applications is asking me to discuss "something many people don't know about me." I'm sort of unclear how to approach this. At first, I thought maybe I should talk about my struggles growing up as a RAGING HOMOSEXUAL in a largely conservative family. But I worry that might actually be too "personal." This leads me to ask: how personal can we get here? The whole "tell us something people don't about you" seems like it gives us space to do so. I'm just worried it'll seem unprofessional to speak about such a personal experience. @Jessica Booker do you know if this is something recruitment teams find off-putting?

I would personally consider this a perfectly acceptable answer as long as you're comfortable with being 'out' in that environment

I would personally link this to any LGBT+ efforts that the firm has made in D&I to add another dimension to why you want to be with them!

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Has anyone heard from Travers Smith for VS?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Has anyone heard from Travers Smith for VS?

Yes I had a dream about them last night lol.

Its a joke saying they will not get back until 2027.

 

[Celestie]

Friends, a question.

One of my applications is asking me to discuss "something many people don't know about me." I'm sort of unclear how to approach this. At first, I thought maybe I should talk about my struggles growing up as a RAGING HOMOSEXUAL in a largely conservative family. But I worry that might actually be too "personal." This leads me to ask: how personal can we get here? The whole "tell us something people don't about you" seems like it gives us space to do so. I'm just worried it'll seem unprofessional to speak about such a personal experience. @Jessica Booker do you know if this is something recruitment teams find off-putting?

Can I just say I love u

 

[Jacob Miller]

Has anyone heard from Travers Smith for VS?

I could be tripping but I think I saw a post in here the other night saying they were running a few weeks behind schedule and it would likely be end of this month. Hope this helps - please anyone do feel free to challenge me if I'm wrong here!

 

[Jaysen]

Sorry for being the bearer of bad news on this again!!

Not at all, thank you for flagging!

 

[Andrew M]

Friends, a question.

One of my applications is asking me to discuss "something many people don't know about me." I'm sort of unclear how to approach this. At first, I thought maybe I should talk about my struggles growing up as a RAGING HOMOSEXUAL in a largely conservative family. But I worry that might actually be too "personal." This leads me to ask: how personal can we get here? The whole "tell us something people don't about you" seems like it gives us space to do so. I'm just worried it'll seem unprofessional to speak about such a personal experience. @Jessica Booker do you know if this is something recruitment teams find off-putting?

I think that it really depends on how you frame it. It could be a good way of you showing that you have resilience and/or discussing why diversity is important/matters to you. And it could be a way of linking why you're applying to that particular firm, such as if they're rated highly by Stonewall, etc. As a topic itself, I wouldn't say that it is unprofessional. Although admittedly I may be biased there.

 

[Roomba]

I know this is the vac scheme thread and maybe I haven't paid close enough attention, but have people heard anything from direct TC apps to Freshfields? Like a Watson Glaser or AC

Just received the WG this evening. For direct TC applied on the deadline. Portal was updated 1st Feb.

 

[Jaysen]

sitting here crying bc I got a VI for BCLP - I keep looking at the email to double check that I didn't just dream it up out of sheer willpower
does ANYONE have any tips bc this is my first ever VI and BCLP are probably my favourite ever firm and I don't want to screw it up
also, just wanna say thanks to everyone on here - I 100% used tips and advice from here in my app so thank you all ♥️

for those wondering - I applied on 28/01 so like 3 days before the deadline

Hopefully this thread helps!

Video interviews - tips and tricks

Hi all, As promised, here are my top tips and tricks for video interviews. Please feel free to add any more below! If I think of any more myself I shall be sure to add them into this thread as well. - Schedule the interview in your diary as you would a face-to-face one and be ready 15 mins...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Adrian_S]

Can I just say I love u

Right back at you, boo!

 

[MJ90]

Ngl this absolutely made my night

I'm so pleased you guys have enjoyed them!

Where can we view these?

 

[lawgeek_301]

Still nothing from Morgan Lewis post phone interview and final interviews were supposed to start this week...does this mean rejection or did they delay things

 

[Jacob Miller]

Where can we view these?

Definitive Guide to Law Firm Interviews! *Monday Article Series*

In this week's (slightly delayed - sorry!) Article, we take a look at law firm interviews. Introduction Almost every law firm’s application process involves some form of interview. This style of interview is designed to find out about your motivations, experiences, skills and characteristics...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Foundations of Commercial Law: Practice Areas, Firm Groups and Applications *Monday Article Series*

Introduction Something we’re very proud of at TCLA is the vast breadth and depth of advice that candidates have contributed to the forum. That doesn’t necessarily suit everyone, though – indeed, it can even be somewhat intimidating to those who are new to the world of commercial law. Maybe...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Definitive Guide to Assessed Negotiations! *Monday Article Series*

Hi All! Please see below my Guide to Assessed Negotiation Exercises at Assessment Centres and during Vacation Schemes. This guide has been built from my own experiences of assessed and real-world negotiations as well as having consulted with Grad Rec specialists. This is also the first in a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies! *Monday Article Series*

Hi all, please see below the third of my Monday Article Series! This week is my definitive guide to case studies. It's a long one - you might want to go get a coffee and settle in! Introduction This week’s Monday Article will cover how to approach law firm case studies, one of the most...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[MzM]

Still nothing from Morgan Lewis post phone interview and final interviews were supposed to start this week...does this mean rejection or did they delay things

I don't know of anyone hearing back. I'm thinking they've delayed things. Would have assumed people would have heard by now for ACs at the end of this week.

 

[Elle W]

Hi everyone, hope you are all well! The status of one of my applications on cvmail is 'inbox' but I cannot find anything special in my inbox. I was wondering if I have to do anything with this 'inbox' status? Thanks in advance

Hiya is that Ashurst? I might be completely wrong but I think it just means that it is in their inbox as mine updated to that as soon as I did the tests

 

[LEL]

I know this is the vac scheme thread and maybe I haven't paid close enough attention, but have people heard anything from direct TC apps to Freshfields? Like a Watson Glaser or AC

Yes many have received WG tests in the past weeks, just waiting for responses now (this has been discussed in the direct TC thread so best keeping an eye there )

 

[Naomi U]

Guys, could I get a brutally honest opinion about the follow query:

I have an interview with Ashurst, and one of the reasons why I am applying to them is because of their strong Australian presence. My family is moving to Australia by the end of the year, and while I intend to stay in London for the next 3-10 years or so, having the option of eventually moving would be nice (which is why I find Ashurst so attractive as it would make the transition smoother). In a Vac Scheme interview, would it be appropriate to give this as a reason for applying? On one hand, it is probably one of the most personal and compelling reasons I can give. On the other hand, I don't want them to think of me as a 'temporary hire' who only sees them as a stepping stone to somewhere else.

What do you think?

Hiya,

Congrats on your interview! ☺️

I think I agree with the latter comments. I would probably focus on your general interests in their Australian presence from a work & international perspective. Whilst movement may be possible upon qualification, I think its best not to lead with personal plans to move abroad as each office ideally is looking to retain their trainees. Thus, if you lead with your plans to move, it may suggest you don't have long term interests at the firm.

 

[packhorse]

Has anyone been rejected from Kirkland????

Do you mean post-AC?

 

[thewaythecookiecrumbles]

I think the search bar is still broken? Anyone experiencing the same?

 

[Alison C]

Friends, a question.

One of my applications is asking me to discuss "something many people don't know about me." I'm sort of unclear how to approach this. At first, I thought maybe I should talk about my struggles growing up as a RAGING HOMOSEXUAL in a largely conservative family. But I worry that might actually be too "personal." This leads me to ask: how personal can we get here? The whole "tell us something people don't about you" seems like it gives us space to do so. I'm just worried it'll seem unprofessional to speak about such a personal experience. @Jessica Booker do you know if this is something recruitment teams find off-putting?

@Jessica Booker knows where the boundaries lie for sure and always gives sound insights.

I would (as a 'friend', so addressed) suggest that you pick something you are comfortable to talk about with a complete stranger in a daunting situation. Think through whether this topic will present you in your best light. For instance, imagine that you were sent to chat with one of the school governors, or with the headteacher of a sixth form you wanted to get into. 16 yo you has to talk without getting angry, in a really analytical way, about what this has taught you about human nature. And (obv) it's wiser to stay away from 'raging'. If you are complete with that, and you can write movingly and enticingly, without it being an actual drama, then great. If you love writing and feel you could present your 'case' clearly, so a compelling story well told, great. But I think it would take some doing.

Your sexuality is part of you and always will be, and as such isn't unprofessional. But I suspect it would be difficult to use that particular part of yourself to showcase your skills as a future trainee on an application, unless you can naturally link it to something you need as a lawyer - an understanding of cultural expectations, or human rights, or development of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, for example. These are in no way meant to be comprehensive thoughts; more ideas to help you with something that must have been very painful and from which you have taken some really deep learning.

I wonder if you could approach it from the point of view of how it's helped you not to judge others, or how it's motivated you to get involved with pro bono support for some related issue? You could always draft a version, see how it feels and move on if you can't make it work. It might be really therapeutic and you could always use it at an interview.

I have to say I have literally no idea what I would put for that question! But there must be something...