2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[FM302989]

TCLA should get some merch made. I’d recommend sweatshirts with:

“it’s not a PFO until it’s a PFO” and
“wHeN dId YoU aPpLy?”

Had a DM asking when I applied... @Celestie need ya help!!!

 

[Matt_96]

TCLA should get some merch made. I’d recommend sweatshirts with:

“it’s not a PFO until it’s a PFO” and
“wHeN dId YoU aPpLy?”

Don't know about merch but could certainly do relatable memes

 

[Celestie]

Had a DM asking when I applied... @Celestie need ya help!!!

Got you, my friend

 

[FM302989]

View attachment 3111
Got you, my friend

oooo meme upgrade! EPIC

 

[Adrian_Healey]

Debevoise PFO 😢
Anyone know if this is a standard line?
“Whilst your application was certainly impressive, after careful consideration we regret...”

 

[M1999]

Debevoise PFO 😢
Anyone know if this is a standard line?
“Whilst your application was certainly impressive, after careful consideration we regret...”

I got that too

 

[Andrew M]

Four hour assessment centre for one firm this morning and final partner interview for another firm this afternoon. Is it too early for wine + pajamas?

 

[Hele25]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

 

[Legalmel_99]

Leeds 1st choice and Bristol 2nd

Good luck I applied to Leeds second choice Birmingham 🙌🏽

 

[Celestie]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

Ngl their whole firm name is a mouthful so don't beat yourself up 😭

 

[Jaysen]

Not sure I totally agree with this tbh. Being a candidate who is trying to sell themselves is hard enough without having to think about the potential views/opinions/experiences of the individual reading your application/listening to your answers in an interview so I have no issue with OP's example and am 99% sure that any interviewer would not have an issue with it either.

Personally, I think you have to do what is right for you and say/give the examples that you think will show you in the best light. Otherwise at what point do you draw the line? For instance, if someone worked really hard to represent their country in a sport and then the interviewer/reader previously had a very unfortunate injury which meant they couldn't reach the same heights in their sporting career, should the candidate not include the example out of risk of offending the reader and thus potentially harming the chances of their application/candidacy being progressed? Doesn't seem fair on the candidate at all in my view.

The reactions of other people are completely out of your control and I don't think it's particularly productive second-guessing your examples out of risk of potential offence. Ultimately, people will think what they think regardless of what you intend so I think candidates should give the examples they think are best for them and their circumstances. By focussing on controlling what you can control you will be a much better candidate for it.

Agree with this - as the question is about you, you should be fine to bring up a personal example without the risk that it will be taken the wrong way. If anything, I think these tough personal stories are often the most compelling at building a rapport because you are being vulnerable with the interviewer. Only anecdotal, but I recall after speaking to one candidate that the interviewer hugged them after hearing their story.

There are a few exceptions I can think of is if you've done something controversial - (e.g. making money in a dodgy way etc.), but aside from that I think you'll be okay.

I would just flag that I am only speaking in the context of an interview, I completely understand why other people might be wary of raising the topic in other contexts.

 

[Andrew M]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

Send them an email like

 

[OB]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

Ngl their whole firm name is a mouthful so don't beat yourself up 😭

ngl i just think of the wombles whenever i see their name (also shook the wombles seem to have gotten a glow up since my childhood)

 

[JoeyTr]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

hahahhhahaahahaha I'm laughing because... SAME!

 

[LegalNim]

Okay, I’d like to blame my slight dyslexia/general exhaustion but I’ve just realised that I’ve been calling WBD- Womble Bond Dickson and not DickINson for the entire application process.... I was already waiting for PFO but now I think I’ll just withdraw it hahahaha 🤦🏻‍♀️

They might not notice. I called Freshfields "Fieldfisher" in my application and got through to the WG. Also, their name is silly anyway - it's always one of my go-to ridiculous law firm names to bring up in general conversation (along with Foot Antsy, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher and Flom (full name only for comedic effect), and Fried Frank).

 

[Jaysen]

I don’t think it would cloud their judgement I think it may just change the tone of the interview. Again relating it back to how I’d personally feel I would be taken by surprise and not know how to respond as it would be an uncomfortable topic for me. This could lead the interview being cut short (not even intentionally) simply because they want to remove themselves from the situation. Interviewers are still human and have emotions. I have wanted to talk about s*xual a*sualt before in an application asking which laws I would change but haven’t because I thought it could potential be triggering for the person reading my application and that would be unfair to them. Again congratulations it is an amazing achievement for the OP, but I would think about the potential implications. Or just say you went on a health journey and not focus on the weight part? I understand quantifying your achievement but you could focus on how many hours you spent doing stuff rather than the weight loss. Again just my opinion but I’ve refrained from ever talking about my own experiences with weight because a) I find it uncomfortable b) I am scared of being judged c) I don’t want to trigger anyone else around me. But we should also move forward to allowing people to be more open about their experiences so there is that side as well. I have interviewed people in the past and just know I wouldnt be expecting that sort of topic and it would just scare me to be honest (wouldn’t judge them at all though)!
Apologies for the essay that’s all I’m gonna say on this as the weight discussion ain’t for me at all so best of luck!

Despite my comment above, I think this is completely understandable and a fair comment.

 

[OB]

was anyone else shook that fried frank is pronounced freed frank .. or was that just me

 

[Andrew M]

ngl i just think of the wombles whenever i see their name (also shook the wombles seem to have gotten a glow up since my childhood)

I always think Forest Gump when I see Akin Gump.

They might not notice. I called Freshfields "Fieldfisher" in my application and got through to the WG. Also, their name is silly anyway - it's always one of my go-to ridiculous law firm names to bring up in general conversation (along with Foot Antsy, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher and Flom (full name only for comedic effect), and Fried Frank).

Don't forget "Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft" and "Fried Frank".

 

[OEO]

Quick question - for people who have had telephone interviews with MB did they provide a link to a website thing or just call you? I've been told my interview will be over a platform even though it's a telephone interview?

 

[ibs97]

Debevoise PFO 😢
Anyone know if this is a standard line?
“Whilst your application was certainly impressive, after careful consideration we regret...”

also got a PFO from debevoise (expected tbh) but at the end, they said "however, we wanted to write to you personally to say that we were certainly impressed with your application and therefore would encourage you to reapply again next year" ?