General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Legal_rawn]

Does anyone know the application process for Sidley? After the application form are there any tests or video interviews?

 

[bel123456]

nope! straight to an interview, or straight to a rejection

Does anyone know the application process for Sidley? After the application form are there any tests or video interviews?

 

[DrowninginSQE]

S

nope! straight to an interview, or straight to a rejection

Still not got either from the last recruitment cycle...

 

[IntrepidL]

Hello, have just been invited to the next stage for Simmons & Simmons, including their video interview and written exercise (I think this is a new element)! Does anyone have any advice in relation to this?

 

[AH97]

Hello, have just been invited to the next stage for Simmons & Simmons, including their video interview and written exercise (I think this is a new element)! Does anyone have any advice in relation to this?

I did the VI 2 years ago so it may have changed, but feel free to PM me!

 

[Deleted member 4851]

S

Still not got either from the last recruitment cycle...

I got a direct TC rejection from them two weeks ago (applied in July I think) . So I guess it is good that you have not heard anything yet.

 

[Velikilawyer123]

@Jessica Booker Jessica, when writing a cover letter, should we include our and / or the firm's address at the top? What about if word count or page space are cramped, should we include addresses even if it's limiting the content we can write?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Jessica, when writing a cover letter, should we include our and / or the firm's address at the top? What about if word count or page space are cramped, should we include addresses even if it's limiting the content we can write?

If you can format it - for instance if it is an uploaded document

Or you can align it like you can on this forum​

General rule is to go with all the formalities, even if it cuts down your space.

You can write multiple lines of your address on the same line if you are really scrambling for an extra line or two - eg:

Flat 8, 24 Sun Road
London, W14 8BV

Also play around with your line spacing. That sometimes helps if you need a little extra space.

 

[keenaspiringlawyer]

Has anyone heard back from Weil? I submitted my app but nothing since

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

If you can format it - for instance if it is an uploaded document

Or you can align it like you can on this forum​

General rule is to go with all the formalities, even if it cuts down your space.

You can write multiple lines of your address on the same line if you are really scrambling for an extra line or two - eg:

Flat 8, 24 Sun Road
London, W14 8BV

Also play around with your line spacing. That sometimes helps if you need a little extra space.

For the Skadden application form, there is a box to put your 'cover letter' for Why Skadden and Why You, but it is limited to 300 words. Do you think in this instance it is okay to get rid of the formalities (Address, Dear XX, Yours Sincerely etc) and just have two paragraphs answering the questions?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For the Skadden application form, there is a box to put your 'cover letter' for Why Skadden and Why You, but it is limited to 300 words. Do you think in this instance it is okay to get rid of the formalities (Address, Dear XX, Yours Sincerely etc) and just have two paragraphs answering the questions?

Yes, if it’s only 300 words that is fine. Sounds like you wouldn’t be able to format it anyway.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

I got a direct TC rejection from them two weeks ago (applied in July I think) . So I guess it is good that you have not heard anything yet.

I submitted my Winter anyway because I don’t want to be disadvantaged if it’s rolling so I suppose they have two apps to go through. Does anyone know if they did ACs for either the TC last year or the winter for this year?

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Has anyone heard back from Weil? I submitted my app but nothing since

Nope nothing either! I went to an open day and they said they assess your application before giving you a WG

 

[Paul - Shearman & Sterling]

That's fair, but I would keep in mind that using a partner as an example in this sort of case should always be done with a heavy pinch of salt. He or she is probably a good 15-20 years out of the application process, which by all accounts has become far more competitive - and far less flexible - than it used to be. It's not dissimilar to the invariable example of commercial barristers with 2.2s, who happen to be of an age/entered the profession when that wasn't the hindrance it is now.

That said, other than S&M (and maybe Shearman & Sterling?), most firms don't place a massive emphasis on individual module grades - what matters is your overall degree award. The only point is of course if you are reading law/jurisprudence and do particularly badly on a particular module, especially if it's related to the firm's business, it might be something they might ask you to explain.

Anecdotally, most of the people I know with TCs have low to mid 2.1s, including at several MC/US firms, so going by that small sample size, I doubt it is that much of a barrier.

@Adam Gilchrist I don't believe we look at individual module grades differently than most law firms. A 2.2 in jurisprudence certainly wouldn't rule anyone out.

Just wanted to clear that up.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Adam Gilchrist]

@Adam Gilchrist I don't believe we look at individual module grades differently than most law firms. A 2.2 in jurisprudence certainly wouldn't rule anyone out.

Just wanted to clear that up.

Thanks,

Paul

Ah, my mistake - sorry! Have edited the post.

 

[KamTM]

Anyone else ever put "relish" on their application?

I was told by a few different grad recruiters that this is a "no go" so would not recommend.

 

[csyn]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I applied earlier for King & Spalding's March/Sept 2020 TC before their 31 July 2020 deadline, yet have heard nothing back from them. I have just seen they are now recruiting for their March/Sept 2020 TC's with another deadline of 31 December 2020. The questions for the new 31 Dec 2020 TC are the same as the 31 July 2020 TC application.

I have emailed recruitment asking when we can expect rejections, but heard nothing. Should I assume I've been flat-out rejected, or that they've paused recruiting? I ask as I don't know whether I should use my 31 Jul answers for the new 31 Dec TC application?

 

[Natalie Black]

Has anyone received an AC invite for A&O’s winter vacation scheme yet/know of anyone who has?

Nothing yet

 

[Natalie Black]

Has anyone heard back from Weil? I submitted my app but nothing since

Nothing yet

 

[Natalie Black]

Has anyone heard from Travers Smith after submitting a winter vacation scheme app?