Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

[IneedaTCASAP]

Hi @andrecsaa We have approx 20 vac schemers across the year and approx 6 to 7 training contracts. We don't have any assessments once the vac scheme position has been accepted, our reviews are via feedback from the scheme itself.

many thanks
Gemma

This is an interest way of assessing compared to other US firms. Could I ask why you’ve opted for no assessments throughout the vacation scheme does this include no interview at the end. I know Willkie is known for the people so is this approach taken at an early stage to find those who suit the culture.

In addition to my question above after completing the written exercise the next stage is an interview is this in person with fee earners and how many are invited to these interviews from the written exercise.

 

[WillkieGemma]

This is an interest way of assessing compared to other US firms. Could I ask why you’ve opted for no assessments throughout the vacation scheme does this include no interview at the end. I know Willkie is known for the people so is this approach taken at an early stage to find those who suit the culture.

In addition to my question above after completing the written exercise the next stage is an interview is this in person with fee earners and how many are invited to these interviews from the written exercise.

Hi @IneedaTCASAP - we front load all of our assessments (application form, video interview, written exercise and partner interview) prior to the vac scheme. There is no need for any further assessment.

The partner interview can be in person or over Zoom, this is up to the candidate. The number invited changes every year.

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Hi @IneedaTCASAP - we front load all of our assessments (application form, video interview, written exercise and partner interview) prior to the vac scheme. There is no need for any further assessment.

The partner interview can be in person or over Zoom, this is up to the candidate. The number invited changes every year.

Many thanks for responding. This is a great way of assessing candidates ensuring they have motivation for the firm before embarking on the scheme itself.

 

[andrecsaa]

Hi @andrecsaa We have approx 20 vac schemers across the year and approx 6 to 7 training contracts. We don't have any assessments once the vac scheme position has been accepted, our reviews are via feedback from the scheme itself.

many thanks
Gemma

Thank you, Gemma!

 

[Sim96]

Hi @WillkieGemma

I would be grateful for your advice, if possible (slightly time sensitive). I am seriously applying for TCs.

I was wrongly guided by someone at A&O that I should take the QLTS to enhance chances for a training contract (TC). I passed with flying colours in 2022.

Since I am English qualified most firms say Iam not eligible as the TC is for non-qualified lawyers or their candidates need to be “signed off with SRA”. I am NQ on paper but since litigation is jurisdiction specific I’ve been told a TC is better (my main route to London). My qualification as an English lawyer is a big hurdle. So, I am stuck with the present situation.

Your advice:
1. Should I (i) check my eligibility first before applying or (ii) just apply and mention my English qualification in the application saying I would like for it to be viewed not as a disqualification but as an enhancement? Each application takes considerable time.

2. If I should check first, how to best present myself to HR to avoid them saying no? Some ideas I had for your views:

"I am a dual-qualified solicitor in India and England. As opposed to an Associate role, I wish to apply for a training contract at your firm for a few reasons.

• I did not undertake a training contract in England through qualifying via the QLTS. I am now seeking that experience
• I am new to English law and wish to gain exposure to this through a training contract. My work experience has been offshore and in India.
• I am keen on the training under Partners like Rebecca Williams and Gary Walsh and receive training on responding to client queries, drafting, while balancing commercial interests with practical advice
• I want exposure to different seats to decide which department I wish to qualify into
• The SRA has informed me that from their end, I am eligible for a training contract and there is no issue
• I believe I will be able to contribute more to the firm as my solicitor qualification has enabled me me to understand the workings of a law firm, client needs, better assist the team"

My background

• 19- Graduated & India qualified
• 19-22- CAM
• 22- English qualified
• 22-23 - Jersey (Ogier)
• 24- Debenhams Ottaway, St Albans
• Now - LLM, Queen Mary

 

[WillkieGemma]

Hi @WillkieGemma

I would be grateful for your advice, if possible (slightly time sensitive). I am seriously applying for TCs.

I was wrongly guided by someone at A&O that I should take the QLTS to enhance chances for a training contract (TC). I passed with flying colours in 2022.

Since I am English qualified most firms say Iam not eligible as the TC is for non-qualified lawyers or their candidates need to be “signed off with SRA”. I am NQ on paper but since litigation is jurisdiction specific I’ve been told a TC is better (my main route to London). My qualification as an English lawyer is a big hurdle. So, I am stuck with the present situation.

Your advice:
1. Should I (i) check my eligibility first before applying or (ii) just apply and mention my English qualification in the application saying I would like for it to be viewed not as a disqualification but as an enhancement? Each application takes considerable time.

2. If I should check first, how to best present myself to HR to avoid them saying no? Some ideas I had for your views:

"I am a dual-qualified solicitor in India and England. As opposed to an Associate role, I wish to apply for a training contract at your firm for a few reasons.

• I did not undertake a training contract in England through qualifying via the QLTS. I am now seeking that experience
• I am new to English law and wish to gain exposure to this through a training contract. My work experience has been offshore and in India.
• I am keen on the training under Partners like Rebecca Williams and Gary Walsh and receive training on responding to client queries, drafting, while balancing commercial interests with practical advice
• I want exposure to different seats to decide which department I wish to qualify into
• The SRA has informed me that from their end, I am eligible for a training contract and there is no issue
• I believe I will be able to contribute more to the firm as my solicitor qualification has enabled me me to understand the workings of a law firm, client needs, better assist the team"

My background

• 19- Graduated & India qualified
• 19-22- CAM
• 22- English qualified
• 22-23 - Jersey (Ogier)
• 24- Debenhams Ottaway, St Albans
• Now - LLM, Queen Mary

Hi @Sim96

As you are a qualified solicitor of England and Wales, you would not therefore be eligible for a training contract. I think the vast majority of firms will have the same response, so I cannot advise on next steps.

Best of luck in your search,
Gemma

Hi @WillkieGemma

I would be grateful for your advice, if possible (slightly time sensitive). I am seriously applying for TCs.

I was wrongly guided by someone at A&O that I should take the QLTS to enhance chances for a training contract (TC). I passed with flying colours in 2022.

Since I am English qualified most firms say Iam not eligible as the TC is for non-qualified lawyers or their candidates need to be “signed off with SRA”. I am NQ on paper but since litigation is jurisdiction specific I’ve been told a TC is better (my main route to London). My qualification as an English lawyer is a big hurdle. So, I am stuck with the present situation.

Your advice:
1. Should I (i) check my eligibility first before applying or (ii) just apply and mention my English qualification in the application saying I would like for it to be viewed not as a disqualification but as an enhancement? Each application takes considerable time.

2. If I should check first, how to best present myself to HR to avoid them saying no? Some ideas I had for your views:

"I am a dual-qualified solicitor in India and England. As opposed to an Associate role, I wish to apply for a training contract at your firm for a few reasons.

• I did not undertake a training contract in England through qualifying via the QLTS. I am now seeking that experience
• I am new to English law and wish to gain exposure to this through a training contract. My work experience has been offshore and in India.
• I am keen on the training under Partners like Rebecca Williams and Gary Walsh and receive training on responding to client queries, drafting, while balancing commercial interests with practical advice
• I want exposure to different seats to decide which department I wish to qualify into
• The SRA has informed me that from their end, I am eligible for a training contract and there is no issue
• I believe I will be able to contribute more to the firm as my solicitor qualification has enabled me me to understand the workings of a law firm, client needs, better assist the team"

My background

• 19- Graduated & India qualified
• 19-22- CAM
• 22- English qualified
• 22-23 - Jersey (Ogier)
• 24- Debenhams Ottaway, St Albans
• Now - LLM, Queen Mary

HI @Sim96

Thanks for your message. I'm afraid that our TC route is open to those who are not yet qualified in England Wales, and I think most firms would be the same. My advice to you would be to apply for qualified roles, or paralegal roles.

Many thanks
Gemma

 

[Sim96]

Hi @Sim96

As you are a qualified solicitor of England and Wales, you would not therefore be eligible for a training contract. I think the vast majority of firms will have the same response, so I cannot advise on next steps.

Best of luck in your search,
Gemma

HI @Sim96

Thanks for your message. I'm afraid that our TC route is open to those who are not yet qualified in England Wales, and I think most firms would be the same. My advice to you would be to apply for qualified roles, or paralegal roles.

Many thanks
Gemma

Thank you so much!