2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[GK8997]

Hey guys! Looking for some advice that's maybe slightly different from my usual qs about big firms 😂

So when I was at a law fair this year I met a firm that's smaller, more regional, but extremely highly ranked with a whole bunch of training awards. I really, really like them, but this year having had the opportunity to apply to a bunch of midsize UK firms something I get questioned a LOT on is whether I really want to work there as opposed to a big corporate. From what I can discern from what I typically get asked, this seems to be because I speak a lot of languages, and for some reason firms seem to think this automatically translates (pardon the pun) to me wanting to work internationally. While international work is cool and I'd probably do it given the opportunity, I'm not applying to firms solely for that specific possibility!

When I looked at this regional firm's app form it did ask me to disclose what languages I speak and I'm immediately feeling hesitant because I'm getting flashbacks to my last interview with a UK firm where I was asked almost 3 times 'are you SURE you wouldn't prefer an international firm rather than us, given you speak Xish and Yese?'. But at the same time, it would be incredibly questionable for me to leave at least 2 of them off the app form considering I took them for A Level. This firm's application form doesn't really have a place where I could explain 'I learned this before I wanted to become a solicitor/this is my home language' so I'm worried they'll immediately go 'we don't do international work so this gal's clearly not going to be interested'.
So now I'm in a total conundrum: if you guys were in this situation, what would you do? Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or do you think the firm will probably see it as a positive and not care at all?

Heya, I personally think languages are a positive: normally firms have a 'native' option for if the language is a home language and also I don't think that everyone who takes a language for A Level remains at all fluent in it so I don't think they would necessarily question you if you left it off! I personally would put all of them down because learning multiple languages takes skill and discipline and resilience which are all necessary qualities for a lawyer, I am sad that any firm has taken something as amazing as this ( I WISH I could be fluent in multiple languages) as something negative!

 

[summer207]

Hey guys! Looking for some advice that's maybe slightly different from my usual qs about big firms 😂

So when I was at a law fair this year I met a firm that's smaller, more regional, but extremely highly ranked with a whole bunch of training awards. I really, really like them, but this year having had the opportunity to apply to a bunch of midsize UK firms something I get questioned a LOT on is whether I really want to work there as opposed to a big corporate. From what I can discern from what I typically get asked, this seems to be because I speak a lot of languages, and for some reason firms seem to think this automatically translates (pardon the pun) to me wanting to work internationally. While international work is cool and I'd probably do it given the opportunity, I'm not applying to firms solely for that specific possibility!

When I looked at this regional firm's app form it did ask me to disclose what languages I speak and I'm immediately feeling hesitant because I'm getting flashbacks to my last interview with a UK firm where I was asked almost 3 times 'are you SURE you wouldn't prefer an international firm rather than us, given you speak Xish and Yese?'. But at the same time, it would be incredibly questionable for me to leave at least 2 of them off the app form considering I took them for A Level. This firm's application form doesn't really have a place where I could explain 'I learned this before I wanted to become a solicitor/this is my home language' so I'm worried they'll immediately go 'we don't do international work so this gal's clearly not going to be interested'.
So now I'm in a total conundrum: if you guys were in this situation, what would you do? Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or do you think the firm will probably see it as a positive and not care at all?

If I were in your situation, I would put all the languages I speak because I see it as a positive but completely up to you! I don’t think speaking more than one language should automatically translate to wanting to do international work but I guess everyone is different😅

 

[Celestie]

I know there’s been an increase in applications but I’m so tired of waiting this long

I genuinely feel so bad for GR - wish some law firms invested more money into HR this year so they weren't so overwhelmed.

 

[Celestie]

Me every 30 seconds in this application process ngl

 

[JackLLL]

Anyone get a Summer VS offer for Simmons and Simmons?

I did on Friday! 😊

 

[Elle W]

Oh, sometimes you do! 😅 It got so bad that I was literally cringing for myself on camera.

I had a VI a few weeks ago and the first question really threw me - I rambled for a minute and a half and then could just see the panic in my eyes in the video and ended up just stopping the recording. I am still waiting for my rejection for that and I'm cringing at the thought of someone having to watch it!!!!

 

[Mp4eng]

I trailed off in the middle of two answers, even ending one with “so, yeah ...” + 10 seconds of dead silence, and I got through.

If there’s one sure thing, it’s that this recruitment process makes no sense. It’s not a rejection until you get the email.

On my first ever VI - I had three questions. I never even answered the first because I did not understand it and actually said 'PASS'. Afterwards, on the feedback, the GR person was in stitches with me. They even considered progressing me because they could not believe someone had said it. They did not progress me though.

 

[cryingoverTCs]

So I chose one that I do know personally but not too well (involved 5ish years ago). That way if they bring it up at interview, I know the ins and out and won’t be too put off by questions but can also say that I’m no longer directly linked to them. Tbh I don’t think it matters as long as you describe why it’s innovative properly

I also had a question about this - what points did you include/ what structure did you use for this?
also when it says 'are there any lessons we can learn from them' does the 'we' mean WBD?

 

[jan28]

hi guys, would/could you be asked about negative press about the firm in an interview by any chance? have people experienced this? i wouldn't know how to approach it if i was asked such a question tbh

 

[jan28]

On my first ever VI - I had three questions. I never even answered the first because I did not understand it and actually said 'PASS'. Afterwards, on the feedback, the GR person was in stitches with me. They even considered progressing me because they could not believe someone had said it. They did not progress me though.

omg that's acc amazing you did that hahahah

 

[thirdtimelucky]

I had a VI a few weeks ago and the first question really threw me - I rambled for a minute and a half and then could just see the panic in my eyes in the video and ended up just stopping the recording. I am still waiting for my rejection for that and I'm cringing at the thought of someone having to watch it!!!!

It’s when you do the weak smile at the end for 10 seconds in an attempt to seem like a “normal” person who behaves “normally”

 

[summer207]

I genuinely feel so bad for GR - wish some law firms invested more money into HR this year so they weren't so overwhelmed.

Definitely agree, can’t imagine being 2/3 in a team reading through 1,500 applications

 

[Andrew M]

On my first ever VI - I had three questions. I never even answered the first because I did not understand it and actually said 'PASS'. Afterwards, on the feedback, the GR person was in stitches with me. They even considered progressing me because they could not believe someone had said it. They did not progress me though.

"Can I phone a friend? 50/50?"

 

[Andrew M]

It’s when you do the weak smile at the end for 10 seconds in an attempt to seem like a “normal” person who behaves “normally”

You mean this face?

 

[Kablahc]

Heya, I personally think languages are a positive: normally firms have a 'native' option for if the language is a home language and also I don't think that everyone who takes a language for A Level remains at all fluent in it so I don't think they would necessarily question you if you left it off! I personally would put all of them down because learning multiple languages takes skill and discipline and resilience which are all necessary qualities for a lawyer, I am sad that any firm has taken something as amazing as this ( I WISH I could be fluent in multiple languages) as something negative!

If I were in your situation, I would put all the languages I speak because I see it as a positive but completely up to you! I don’t think speaking more than one language should automatically translate to wanting to do international work but I guess everyone is different😅

Thanks so much guys!! I guess it would be best for me to put it down then!! Yeah it is really disappointing how some people seem to interpret it and be discounted for something I definitely can't control but hopefully I'll be able to convince 'em in the rest of the app ☺️

 

[Andrew M]

I had a VI a few weeks ago and the first question really threw me - I rambled for a minute and a half and then could just see the panic in my eyes in the video and ended up just stopping the recording. I am still waiting for my rejection for that and I'm cringing at the thought of someone having to watch it!!!!

I won't lie, I have considered sending grad rec an email saying "warning, this video contains material which some viewers may find disturbing"

 

[Lily721]

I foresee this being another day with no news.....and maybe another week as well 😭😭😭

 

[AAA_a]

Sorry to go back to the previous LinkedIn discussion, but this is the best I've ever seen.

 

[Andrew M]

Sorry to go back to the previous LinkedIn discussion, but this is the best I've ever seen. View attachment 2935

Surely that isn't real?!

 

[AAA_a]

Surely that isn't real?!

I was just searching a firm on LinkedIn and came across this profile. 100% real but I guess I should not name it publicly though?

(edit: that profile seems like a troll but actually exists)