2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Chance]

It seems like not hearing back post-app by now is a rejection.

Kind of hoping this is not true everywhere!

 

[AJLegacy]

Kind of hoping this is not true everywhere!

Same, there's always a shred of hope until an outcome is notified.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Has anyone still to hear from: Freshfields (TC); Dechert; Taylor Wessing (post-Arctic Shores); Clyde & Co; Mayer Brown; Stephenson Harwood; Travers Smith and Osborne Clarke?

PFO from Clyde&co 2 weeks ago but I know someone who has an AC with them

 

[ofm]

Wondering if anyone else is in the same position as me?

I'm a non-law grad & trying to secure a training contract for 2023. I can't afford to pay for the GDL/LPC so hoping to get one this year so I can be sponsored by a firm. Terrified that if I don't get one this year I'll have to take the SQE (which I really don't want to do) because I won't be able to start the GDL before 31 Dec 2021.

Can anyone give me advice on loans for the GDL or anything else? Thank you!!

 

[TiredPG]

I promise I will stop after this one because again I don't mean to get into a brawl. I am just passionate about age discrimination as something we seem to care less about than other issues.

A. If you think discrimination is wrong,
B. If you think age is a protected characteristic,
C. A policy like CC's that disadvantages older applicants (as I have shown before) is wrong.

I am claiming the morality is simple because I am sure most people would agree with A and B. So if C is true (as I've argued before) the morality is clear. And on that, we can quibble about the legality of C but the morality...I don't think so...

But again, this is getting a bit off track. I just wanted to point out discrimination not get into a fight here so apologies if I offended anyone and I hope some of you will have a think about this issue.

Whilst I don't agree with their policy, I do not think that it's age discrimination.

Anyone can start a degree at any age; they are not filtering based on age, they're filtering based on when one started their degree. It is no different to other firms or companies having schemes for first years only, etc.

 

[TiredPG]

Wondering if anyone else is in the same position as me?

I'm a non-law grad & trying to secure a training contract for 2023. I can't afford to pay for the GDL/LPC so hoping to get one this year so I can be sponsored by a firm. Terrified that if I don't get one this year I'll have to take the SQE (which I really don't want to do) because I won't be able to start the GDL before 31 Dec 2021.

Can anyone give me advice on loans for the GDL or anything else? Thank you!!

You can do a GDL bundled with an LLM or just marketed as an LLM (or a two-year MA) - they are eligible for the PG loan which should cover a year's fees and keep you on the GDL/LPC path as far as I'm aware.

 

[Jacob Miller]

I'm not personally going to weigh in on the whole CC thing, I don't think there's much constructive stuff that I can add!

I've seem a few people asking about Travers Smith - there was some discussion of this maybe last week and one forum user kindly mentioned that GR had informed them they were running approx 3 weeks behind schedule due to WFH etc, and that communications should start coming mid-end February. Hope this helps!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’m curious, how does the type of firm one hopes to train with have an impact on the choice between old route and SQE? Do you mean regional vs high street vs City etc?

Sorry when I said "type of firm" it was used quite loosely.

I think you have to be aware that different firms are taking different approaches to the SQE training model. For instance, Reed Smith are taking an approach that you work and study part time while completing SQE 1 and 2 (in a combined masters qualification) and then do a typical "TC" model to gain your 2 years QWE. Kennedys are doing a 30 month job programme where you start working as a trainee from day one and are on study leave the equivalent of one day a week during that period to complete SQE 1 and 2. A consortium of city firms have basically just converted their LPC to a SQE course and their future trainees have to pass this before they can do a day's work.

Depending on which firms float your boat, you'll potentially have a different route than if you were focused on other firms.

 

[Mxkry]

anyone else waiting to hear back post vi with Simmons and Simmons? I did mine beginning of December so wondering if I should email them or something

I’m still waiting

 

[Lian Lian]

Do you mind me asking when you completed your WG for Freshfields? I completed mine on the 7th of February, and my percentile was 93% and have not heard back yet, but have heard of people being invited to an AC who have scored lower than that!

Hi, can I know how you found out what your percentile was? Is it possible to email the grad rec and ask for your WG results? I was not invited to an AC but I'd still love to know how I did in the WG.

 

[Ellis Finch]

Anyone still not heard back from Mishcon after VI?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Anyone still not heard back from Mishcon after VI?

I emailed them and they said they are still reviewing applications so I guess it’s a matter of waiting

 

[Samantha]

I emailed them and they said they are still reviewing applications so I guess it’s a matter of waiting

Feel like that’s defo a rejected for me LOL. Did that app in December

 

[Jessica Booker]

Given this has been our busiest thread and also the one where its most likely to have happened, I would be grateful if people can respond this the following thread in the General Discussion forum:

(1) Should we have a debate thread? | The Corporate Law Academy Forum

 

[KS94]

I have kept this to myself but now I am losing my mind.

I applied to DWF's Ethnic Minority Access Scheme via Aspiring Solicitors. I did not hear back and contacted them, turns out they did not receive my application. I responded and showed them the email confirmation that confirms the submission. Now the easy solution is to admit the mistake but no - AS are not responding to me.

Luckily, I applied directly to DWF and have received a VI invite from them.

The issue I now have is that the AS scheme's next stage in the process is DWF's application form question - which means I theoretically had a very good chance of making the final stage. If I go ahead with the VI and receive a rejection, I may not be accepted into the process by AS.

I am running out of options now that AS have not responded. Does anyone have any advice for me here?

 

[Andrew M]

Skype interview invite for Hill Dickinson (Liverpool)!

 

[missw01]

I have kept this to myself but now I am losing my mind.

I applied to DWF's Ethnic Minority Access Scheme via Aspiring Solicitors. I did not hear back and contacted them, turns out they did not receive my application. I responded and showed them the email confirmation that confirms the submission. Now the easy solution is to admit the mistake but no - AS are not responding to me.

Luckily, I applied directly to DWF and have received a VI invite from them.

The issue I now have is that the AS scheme's next stage in the process is DWF's application form question - which means I theoretically had a very good chance of making the final stage. If I go ahead with the VI and receive a rejection, I may not be accepted into the process by AS.

I am running out of options now that AS have not responded. Does anyone have any advice for me here?

AS are at the interview stage now

 

[Legalmel_99]

I have kept this to myself but now I am losing my mind.

I applied to DWF's Ethnic Minority Access Scheme via Aspiring Solicitors. I did not hear back and contacted them, turns out they did not receive my application. I responded and showed them the email confirmation that confirms the submission. Now the easy solution is to admit the mistake but no - AS are not responding to me.

Luckily, I applied directly to DWF and have received a VI invite from them.

The issue I now have is that the AS scheme's next stage in the process is DWF's application form question - which means I theoretically had a very good chance of making the final stage. If I go ahead with the VI and receive a rejection, I may not be accepted into the process by AS.

I am running out of options now that AS have not responded. Does anyone have any advice for me here?

I’m slightly confused is your VI for the Vac scheme at dwf? And if so, I’d focus on that i think AS are at the interview stage now

 

[2020Applicant]

AS are at the interview stage now

Hi, do you know if interview invites have already been sent out? I'm still waiting for a response after completing the stage 2 form

 

[Jacob Miller]

AS are at the interview stage now

Who is it at AS you've tried to reach and can't?

In the past, I've known people to have issues getting contact in similar situations from certain AS staff who have reached out to Chris White directly and had much better luck, he is generally very proactive.