Clifford gave me a Chance (A now SQE Journey)

[LillyandSilver]

Did the Withers assessment, think I deffo messed it up.

 

[charlotte1704]

Did the Withers assessment, think I deffo messed it up.

oh no, I'm sure you did great - its always hard to tell on SJT's <3

 

[LillyandSilver]

Update.

Heard nothing from Withers yet even though I submitted the test about a week ago and people have already been invited to their AC's, so I'm not holding out hope. I got a PFO from Wedlake Bell, but that was unsurprising; I couldn't even convince myself I wanted to work there, let alone them.

I have finished the other vac scheme, no surprise the dream firm was indeed the dream. But there were so many of us for such a small cohort so at the same time if I don't make it, it is understandable and I'm fine with that. I'm upset that because of the schemes I missed a few deadlines, I really wanted to apply to Collyer Bristow but didn't manage it because I was exhausted. I'm taking this week off from apps to recover before I need to get in a load for July.

 

[Deleted member 31343]

How was your vac scheme experience?

 

[LillyandSilver]

Hi, sorry I didn't reply sooner. I held off on talking about the scheme until I got a response because I loved it so much I didn't want to relieve it and then get rejected. That being said I GOT A TRAINING CONTRACT OFFER from the dream firm. So I'm more than happy to yapp about it now.

 

[LillyandSilver]

Right, so the Scheme.

We rotated through every department, which was nice because I really got a feel for each one and I never thought that contentious probate would be for me but apparently, I live for drama Having every piece of work we did submitted for review was quite gruelling but the tasks were hands-on and actually quite fun if you let go of the idea that we were being assessed.

The thing I did note was just how insane the people on the scheme were with me. So bright, so amazing. It was very intimidating being around them, and I'm a bit ashamed that it did get to me. I went last out of all the presentations on the last day and after watching everyone else the nerves kind of took me out which made me really upset since speaking had always been the thing I was best at. It couldn't have gone that badly but it really got me down. The trainees were wonderful, so chill and so lovely, they really treated us like we already worked there which at the time didn't help my feelings because I was so determined not to get attached in case I got rejected. Now I can't wait to see them again.

The final interview was also perfect. I think someone upstairs was smiling down on me because a lot of the questions they asked about how I would approach legal situations were things I had already been asked in previous interviews or prepped for. It was very much a conversation where they wanted to know how we thought rather than what we knew but having some knowledge did help in making me more relaxed. If anyone wants to know anymore please feel free to reach out but otherwise, I think I might actually get round to sharing some interview tips now I know that they work.

xoxo

Lilly

 

[LillyandSilver]

Part 1 in the Interview Series.

(Please note these are just ways I've broken down hard questions. It shouldn't be taken as Gospel, but I do hope they might help someone. The examples I have used are very robotic and shouldn't actually be used but I just wanted to put them in to show sort of what I mean.)

Introduction.

You want to act the part. Communication is essential for all law-based jobs. You need to come off as someone they want to work with. Everyone says be yourself but that is hard, especially since you often feel the need to be the best version of yourself.

1. Taking a deep breath helps. Before you go in sit down with your back straight and try box breathing. (Exhale to a count of four. Hold your lungs empty for a four-count. Inhale to a count of four. Hold the air in your lungs for a count of four. Exhale and begin the pattern anew.)
2. You almost have to convince yourself you don’t actually want the job, so you don’t lump all this pressure on yourself and then crumble.
3. Don’t be someone you aren’t but know what they are looking for. I play up the perky and personable side of myself because most of the roles I go for are very client-facing. It is ok to be nervous, but they want to see how act when you are nervous. Try to show that you can be nervous without being crippled by it.

Why the firm?

• Break it down. I normally pick three parts.
• I’ve always started by saying "These X things drew me to your firm." Then go through them in greater detail just like you would in an essay. It shows that you think logically and in a structured way.
• Side note: This structure works for any questions that sound like "What things do you think you need to have to be a Lawyer?" Overview of the main points and then expand on them afterwards. It also means you don't forget anything.

1. Work: First because it feeds into training nicely.
2. Training: Second because it feeds into Culture.
3. Culture: Last because I can talk about all of the wonderful things I know about them outside of the work that they do.

Work:

• The "work" part of why you want to work there is where you get to show them that you've done your research.
• What do they specialise in, have they done anything big in your area of law? Every firm likes to hear they are at the cutting edge, but if you can evidence it from their news and insight page, they will love you.
• LinkedIn à What are they promoting? Are they proud of partnering with X foundation or charity to help solve X legal issue? Do you like that legal issue can you provide some experience to show this?
• Are there any cases you know about that they have been involved in?
• Way to search this if you are a law student/have access to Westlaw.
  
  • Go to "case search".
  • If you go to the bottom "advance search" will show up. Click on it.
  • Scroll down to "Search by representation".
  • Click on the drop-down box and select solicitor.
  • Type in the name of the law firm.
  • A list of cases will show up.
  • Filter by date, court level and legal area.

Training - what about their programme is good.

• For example, on-the-job work, getting stuck in and client facing which other firms don't let trainees do.
• Have you talked to any people to tell you what the training is like?
• Example: I know you pride yourself on partner-led work in small teams. This appeals to me because I like the support it gives and the opportunity to learn and build connections from the start of my career. It allows trainees to learn without compromising on client care….
• Seats: are there seats you like the look of, or any unique opportunities to sit on committees: feed this into the culture section.

Culture:

• Outside of work what do the trainees do, are there parties, networking events, clubs, and committees that you can join?
• Are you interested in taking part in that charity event they do every year where you have to walk around the coast of England!? Really get creative here.
• How have the trainees and everyone at the firm made you feel?
• What can you tell about the firm from its hiring process that makes the culture so much better than other places?
• Law firms say they have a good culture can you show them where you have noticed it?
• Example: Just looking at how people interact with each it is clear to see you have worked really hard to create a supportive community which allows you to grow. This is something I am looking for.

 

[tinypear]

Congratulations on the TC offer!! Your interview advice is so helpful!

 

[LillyandSilver]

Part 2: Why Law?

This is a horrible question I wish I was never asked.

• It is a personal one and the answers will vary.
• The way I found my answer was I thought back to the first time I thought yes, I can do this as a career and the reasons why. For me it wasn’t until the end of my first year when I had a particularly gruelling seminar on EU Constitutional law, and I realised that I was still excited at the prospect of studying it. So, how could I even think about doing anything else?
• Again be honest about it, everyone has been in your position so even if you think it is a shallow answer the honesty might be refreshing for them. But I always try to keep a personal story in there to make it less artificial and less rehearsed.
• Other things you can do to pad out the answer:
• Pick elements of the job that you think align with you: complex problem-solving, creative thinking, client interactions etc…
• Show, if you can, how this fits your personality, that you enjoy it and a bit of evidence on how you worked out you liked these things. (I realised I liked negotiations when I negotiated with my parents to let me go to law school in the first-place kind of deal. – true story rip)
• This approach allows you to not only demonstrate that you are good for the role but also that you understand the role.

 

[LillyandSilver]

PFO from Withers. Nothing from Boodle Hatfield.

 

[charlotte1704]

PFO from Withers. Nothing from Boodle Hatfield.

do you mind me asking when you got the rejection?

 

[LillyandSilver]

do you mind me asking when you got the rejection?

about a week ago now

 

[LillyandSilver]

Irwin Mitchell TC offer this morning!! Nice surprise

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Irwin Mitchell TC offer this morning!! Nice surprise

Multiple offers! Congratulations!!

 

[LillyandSilver]

I thought my stress would end after getting a training contract but it has only just started. I need to finish an article by the end of September and I am nowhere near done, but because I will have to work while doing the SQE I need to work out if I am going to be able to pass it and if I need to start it in August rather than September to give me more time. StResS

 

[LillyandSilver]

Update.

I've decided that I am going to keep this thread alive and document my journey over the SQE, maybe even into starting my TC i dont know yet. I think it will help me keep on track because I am not the best at studying.

 

[LillyandSilver]

boodle hatfield PFO finally so I dont think i'm waiting on anything else.

 

[LillyandSilver]

Just paid for my Barbri SQE1 prep; it pained me to do it but it had to be done. I am going to try and avoid looking at my bank account for a while otherwise I will cry.

 

[LillyandSilver]

Update: I'm sure no one will be surprised, but the SQE is hard. I feel like I'm cramming my brain with information, and no one has any idea what is useful and what isn't. On the plus side, I have spent a lot of money on stationary and glittery pens. I'm really channelling my 16-year-old self in that GCSE Era. My Quizlet game is unreal.

 

[O]

How are you finding Barbri's course?