General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[LS12]

In what context? How you would approach it could be very different based on how you have been asked to do so (e.g. work experience sections vs cover letter vs competency question).

Sorry for the lack of clarity, I mean when firms ask you to list your past experience and provide an explanation

 

[Jessica Booker]

anyone have any advice on the Kirkland app?
struggling to think of 400 words on:

Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm?

Think about the following:

- processes and responsibilities a transactional trainee/lawyer may have compared to an advisory, contentious, or litigation team

- think about why the subject matter of transactional work appeals to you more

- think about the ways in which you will work with clients and with other lawyers

This is about you though - you have to link anything you say back to why this will suit you more - whether that’s your motivation, your skill set, your area of knowledge.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Sorry for the lack of clarity, I mean when firms ask you to list your past experience and provide an explanation

This is too broad for me to advise on unfortunately. I need more specifics on what the firm are asking you to provide or how they want you you provide it in the context of the rest of the application.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Hi guys, I have an AC at Jones Day and was wondering if anyone has done one before and has any advice? It's on Friday so I don't have much time either! Thanks!

 

[003]

I posted here a few weeks ago about feeling that I had the worst interview I had ever had, at the end of a vac scheme. Was very shocked to have been offered a TC from it, goes to show that one can never really know how an interview has gone and don't give up hope!!

As a side note, from getting the call to receiving the contract; I know it will be different for all firms, but how long does it usually take? A bit nervous that it has been a few days and I have not heard, and I am very keen to get it signed!

 

[Samar]

I posted here a few weeks ago about feeling that I had the worst interview I had ever had, at the end of a vac scheme. Was very shocked to have been offered a TC from it, goes to show that one can never really know how an interview has gone and don't give up hope!!

As a side note, from getting the call to receiving the contract; I know it will be different for all firms, but how long does it usually take? A bit nervous that it has been a few days and I have not heard, and I am very keen to get it signed!

Firstly, amazing!! Congrats on the offer!

It took 7 days from me getting the call to then getting a contract to sign

 

[Jessica Booker]

I posted here a few weeks ago about feeling that I had the worst interview I had ever had, at the end of a vac scheme. Was very shocked to have been offered a TC from it, goes to show that one can never really know how an interview has gone and don't give up hope!!

As a side note, from getting the call to receiving the contract; I know it will be different for all firms, but how long does it usually take? A bit nervous that it has been a few days and I have not heard, and I am very keen to get it signed!

Give it a good couple of weeks before worrying.

 

[Jen E C]

Hi guys, I have an AC at Jones Day and was wondering if anyone has done one before and has any advice? It's on Friday so I don't have much time either! Thanks!

I did my interview two years ago so perhaps it's changed since then but it was one of the most straightforward ones I've experienced. They went through my cover letter and application form and queried some grades and module choices. I don't recall being asked too many competency questions but I remember being asked for a commercial story, why they should choose me, what three words my friends would use to describe me, and what a weakness of mine was.

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

For an application I'm doing, there is a question on interests and hobbies, and one on prizes, positions of responsibility etc.
I know you are not meant to repeat anything anywhere, but if my positions of responsibility are linked to my hobbies, would it be okay to mention them in both answers (while trying not to say the same thing!)?

 

[DrowninginSQE]

I did my interview two years ago so perhaps it's changed since then but it was one of the most straightforward ones I've experienced. They went through my cover letter and application form and queried some grades and module choices. I don't recall being asked too many competency questions but I remember being asked for a commercial story, why they should choose me, what three words my friends would use to describe me, and what a weakness of mine was.

Ooooh, sounds quite relaxed compared to a lot of ACs! Thank you!

 

[Tintin06]

Hi guys, I have an AC at Jones Day and was wondering if anyone has done one before and has any advice? It's on Friday so I don't have much time either! Thanks!

They get over 1800 apps so firstly well done.

I'd say don't overdo the non-rotational Training Contract as a plus point as everyone does it.

Focus on practice areas in greater depth and think about their kinds of clients and London capabilities.

Try and be enthusiastic as they seem to interview nearly 200 people.

 

[Nat000]

Hey!

Has anyone heard back regarding the Slaughter and May 2021 summer vac scheme? I applied a month ago, but still nothing. In this thread there were people who already received a response for direct TCs, so I was wondering if VS will come after they sent out some TC interview invites. Thanks!

Don't worry, they take ages. Last year I applied in October and didn't hear a word till January.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

They get over 1800 apps so firstly well done.

I'd say don't overdo the non-rotational Training Contract as a plus point as everyone does it.

Focus on practice areas in greater depth and think about their kinds of clients and London capabilities.

Try and be enthusiastic as they seem to interview nearly 200 people.

Oh wow! That is a lot of people! I will ramp up the enthusiasm and take your advice on board! Thanks!

 

[Lumree]

Has anyone heard back from Bird & Bird about the virtual open day? I applied on the 25th September and nothing yet!

 

[Roch1234]

Has anyone heard back from Bird & Bird about the virtual open day? I applied on the 25th August and nothing yet!

Nope still waiting! Applied mid September

 

[Jaysen]

I posted here a few weeks ago about feeling that I had the worst interview I had ever had, at the end of a vac scheme. Was very shocked to have been offered a TC from it, goes to show that one can never really know how an interview has gone and don't give up hope!!

As a side note, from getting the call to receiving the contract; I know it will be different for all firms, but how long does it usually take? A bit nervous that it has been a few days and I have not heard, and I am very keen to get it signed!

Ah that's such good news. Really well done!

If I recall correctly, mine took a few weeks.

 

[LegalNim]

Rejection from TLT. Not surprised because it was for a TC and I haven’t done any work experience yet. Do you think it’s still a good idea to apply for their vac scheme in this new cycle?

Which office was this for? I still haven't heard back.

 

[Mxkry]

Hi guys,

I'm a final year student just weighing up my options in terms of applications for vacation schemes/TCs. I'm wondering whether its better to apply directly for a TC or a vacation scheme (most likely a summer one at this point), given that I was unsuccessful last cycle.

Thank you!

 

[LegalNim]

Hi guys,

I'm a final year student just weighing up my options in terms of applications for vacation schemes/TCs. I'm wondering whether its better to apply directly for a TC or a vacation scheme (most likely a summer one at this point), given that I was unsuccessful last cycle.

Thank you!

My personal (non-expert) advice would always be to go for a vacation scheme.

 

[M1999]

Which office was this for? I still haven't heard back.

London