2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Matt_96]

Yes this is correct. Those who have completed and passed the LPC have an exemption for SQE1 but have to complete SQE2.

This could be part of the reason why Reed Smith are not able to consider LPC candidates though, because the way they have designed their programme means you might not fit into the training structure they have designed due to these exemptions (that is a major assumption by me though).

View attachment 3167

Interesting. I'm on the LPC right now and have managed to get through at least one of their stages after the automatic situational judgment test and it hasn't so far seemed to be an issue - although I'm not confident that I'll reach the AC itself.

 

[anon32323232]

Just email and ask

good point lol - thanks!

 

[OB]

good point lol - thanks!

they can only say no so nothing to lose! offer to have a call to explain if needs be

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker I recently received a VS offer and contacted the firm for feedback regarding my case study and interview. However, the firm contacted me saying they don't give feedback to successful candidates. Is there a particular reason why this might be the case?

Probably because it’s really difficult to give feedback when people did well. Could also be a time management thing too - I know the feedback from your perspective could be useful but it isn’t as important in many ways as giving the feedback to unsuccessful candidates (which they may have to prioritise).

If you are doing the vac scheme, then you could reach out to those who interviewed you while you are on the scheme to see if they have any feedback they could give you more informally.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just email and ask

I’d actually call rather than rely on email.

You will get across your enthusiasm for the firm much better in a call than in an email and you are likely to get a quicker answer too.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Interesting. I'm on the LPC right now and have managed to get through at least one of their stages after the automatic situational judgment test and it hasn't so far seemed to be an issue - although I'm not confident that I'll reach the AC itself.

It is an assumption (which could be horrendously wrong) but given the wording on their email saying that for VS programmes their aim is to recruit undergrads, maybe this is something they have had to change their approach to given the volume of applications.

Reed Smith could be a very popular option this year given their innovative approach to qualifying. For anyone who can’t really afford the GDL/LPC (even if it is sponsored, many people can’t afford to live of the maintenance grant alone), Reed Smith is going to be a very attractive option where you can earn money while learning.

 

[Lawgirl123]

It is an assumption (which could be horrendously wrong) but given the wording on their email saying that for VS programmes their aim is to recruit undergrads, maybe this is something they have had to change their approach to given the volume of applications.

Reed Smith could be a very popular option this year given their innovative approach to qualifying. For anyone who can’t really afford the GDL/LPC (even if it is sponsored, many people can’t afford to live of the maintenance grant alone), Reed Smith is going to be a very attractive option where you can earn money while learning.

I’m slightly confused by this - I read that the first intake to go the SQE route at RS was autumn 2022 so giving the SQE a year to establish itself first ?

 

[GK8997]

It is an assumption (which could be horrendously wrong) but given the wording on their email saying that for VS programmes their aim is to recruit undergrads, maybe this is something they have had to change their approach to given the volume of applications.

Reed Smith could be a very popular option this year given their innovative approach to qualifying. For anyone who can’t really afford the GDL/LPC (even if it is sponsored, many people can’t afford to live of the maintenance grant alone), Reed Smith is going to be a very attractive option where you can earn money while learning.

I'm not absolutely sure either but I think this email is because their summer scheme is aimed at undergrads while their spring scheme is aimed at grads- I was offered the Reed Smith VS and have completed my LPC so I don't think the firm is completely opposed to recruiting LPC grads, they may be wary though because of course as you mentioned before there's a huge gap between now and start dates as candidates don't do the LPC either!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I’m slightly confused by this - I read that the first intake to go the SQE route at RS was autumn 2022 so giving the SQE a year to establish itself first ?

I am a little spaced out today, so apologies. What specifically are you confused about in this respect? I don’t think the fact they are starting the SQE in 2022 has an impact in that respect, if anything it means it will be even more established by the time 2023 intakes come around.

 

[AspiringSolicitor]

ORRICK WG INVITE!!!!!!!! They are literally my last hope this cycle. I applied on 16th October - exactly 5 months ago. Really hope this isn't just another thing to get my hopes up. Come on let's smash this!!!

Didn't think Orrick did WG... that's partly why I applied to them lol. Is that new this year?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Guys, I am sorry if this is already answered here. I am in the process of doing the RPC application and their question is a current commercial issue relevant to them and saw on their website about blockchain and was thinking that is relevant to their stakeholders. I wanted to ask can I talk about blockchain as a commercial issue as it is on the rise.

 

[Lawgirl123]

I am a little spaced out today, so apologies. What specifically are you confused about in this respect? I don’t think the fact they are starting the SQE in 2022 has an impact in that respect, if anything it means it will be even more established by the time 2023 intakes come around.

Does that not mean people can start the GDL if they are joining in 2023? As they would need to start in September 2021? Maybe I’ve understood it wrong. !

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does that not mean people can start the GDL if they are joining in 2023? As they would need to start in September 2021? Maybe I’ve understood it wrong. !

I don’t think they would support people through the GDL. They would just put them through the SQE prep course.

 

[E1998]

Is two weeks today having not back from an interview worth chasing?

 

[OB]

I’m slightly confused by this - I read that the first intake to go the SQE route at RS was autumn 2022 so giving the SQE a year to establish itself first ?

They'll already have hired 2021 and 2022 intakes following LPC routes, so next available in 2023 now the SQE will fully be in place!

 

[E1998]

no

Shall I just wait it out

 

[OB]

Is two weeks today having not back from an interview worth chasing?

how long did they say they would get back to you?

 

[E1998]

how long did they say they would get back to you?

I can't remember exactly like I thought they said two weeks

 

[OB]

I can't remember exactly like I thought they said two weeks

hmm i would probably give a week leeway to what they said so maybe if you still haven't heard in a weeks time, send an email and ask for an update

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is two weeks today having not back from an interview worth chasing?

Did they give you any indication of when they would come back to you?