General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[jan28]

I wonder if anyone could help me with this:

I've finished drafting a cover letter for a firm that only requires a CV and CL. In my letter, the 'why me' is shorter than 'why commercial law' and 'why them' parts. As I've given as much detail and highlighted all my achievements in my CV, would this be ok or does the letter still need to be balanced out? I'm a non-law grad so thought it would be best to explain the latter two more..

Maybe I'm overthinking it but any suggestions would be very helpful : ) thank you

 

[Jessica Booker]

I wonder if anyone could help me with this:

I've finished drafting a cover letter for a firm that only requires a CV and CL. In my letter, the 'why me' is shorter than 'why commercial law' and 'why them' parts. As I've given as much detail and highlighted all my achievements in my CV, would this be ok or does the letter still need to be balanced out? I'm a non-law grad so thought it would be best to explain the latter two more..

Maybe I'm overthinking it but any suggestions would be very helpful : ) thank you

Cover letters have to work for the individual candidate - don’t try and fit too much of an expected norm if it doesn’t work for you. The only thing I will say is that a CV rarely shows evidence of your character - and that is why a “why you” part is important. It’s not about repeating information on your CV, it’s about showing your strengths in character that have helped you get to those achievements. Make sure your “why you” gets that across.

 

[Alice G]

Thoughts on re-applying to a firm after being rejected after an interview for a vac scheme? Will this be starting an application on a negative??

It usually depends on the firm and their own policy with this but be sure to alter the application to show your growth and if you were given feedback then try to show how you’ve sought to improve

 

[S87]

Rejection from Latham & Watkins

Only Travers Smith and White and Case left to go! In all honesty I have mentally tapped out of this application season.

Best of luck to everyone still waiting!

Same..we can be rejection mates!

 

[jan28]

Cover letters have to work for the individual candidate - don’t try and fit too much of an expected norm if it doesn’t work for you. The only thing I will say is that a CV rarely shows evidence of your character - and that is why a “why you” part is important. It’s not about repeating information on your CV, it’s about showing your strengths in character that have helped you get to those achievements. Make sure your “why you” gets that across.

You're right and I've made the necessary changes, thank youu

 

[Kablahc]

Still waiting for Latham, anyone else? although ive got to admit id mostly given up on them ahahah so hopefully won't be too disappointed if the rejection comes....

 

[Deleted member 5185]

Same..we can be rejection mates!

Honestly your comments have gotten me through this season of rejection, I hope one day we meet as solicitors!

 

[S87]

Honestly your comments have gotten me through this season of rejection, I hope one day we meet as solicitors!

You bring the beers and I bring the food!

 

[XARA]

It usually depends on the firm and their own policy with this but be sure to alter the application to show your growth and if you were given feedback then try to show how you’ve sought to improve

Ok great, thanks a lot!

 

[STWO]

Anyone heard from K&L Gates ??

 

[jan28]

Found the above on BCLP's grad site. Talk about recruiting in advance

 

[M1999]

Hi would it be a good idea in the cover letter to answer the ‘why commercial law’ with details of experience of virtual internships at investment banks. Specifically about M&A transactions and calculating EV etc. I want to say this gave me an understanding of how an M&A deal works and allowed me to see how solicitors fit into this. Is this a good idea to include this? I don’t want it to seem like I’m not interested in law but interested in investment banking.

 

[Cer96]

View attachment 2127
Found the above on BCLP's grad site. Talk about recruiting in advance

Maybe they're just hoping in 18,000 years the SQE will be sorted out and BPP might be sending out physical PGDL materials again

 

[Jessica Booker]

View attachment 2127
Found the above on BCLP's grad site. Talk about recruiting in advance

I get the funny part of the typo, but 2024! How come they are recruiting 4 years in advance? 3 I understand but 4 I don’t.....

Wait... maybe it is two typos and meant March 2023, September 2023 and March 2024 (if so that then makes sense).

 

[S87]

Has anyone secured a VS or a TC with Mishcon De Reya?

 

[J123]

Has anyone got any tips for the Latham & Watkins video interview specifically (i.e. what kinds of questions did you get)? Thanks!

 

[Bakers Junior Lawyer]

For anyone waiting for a response from Slaughter and May, I received a rejection today.

Not the result I wanted, but we move on, wishing those that got through every success.

 

[jan28]

For anyone waiting for a response from Slaughter and May, I received a rejection today.

Not the result I wanted, but we move on, wishing those that got through every success.

I’m so sorry to hear but indeed, we move!!

Could I ask if this is for direct or VS?

 

[Crastle]

Not sure if this has been asked but is there a list anywhere of the dates that each firm opens for applications?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Not sure if this has been asked but is there a list anywhere of the dates that each firm opens for applications?

We are requesting this from firms and will update when we’ve got enough responses.