General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Staples]

has anyone heard back from w&c, linklaters, ashurst for winter vac schemes?

No - still waiting to hear from all three...

 

[202023r]

has anyone heard back from w&c, linklaters, ashurst for winter vac schemes?

Not heard anything from Links or Ashurst

 

[0603]

Wondering if anyone has heard back from BCLP? I submitted my application end September and haven't heard anything ever since. Anyone in a similar situation?

 

[OB]

Wondering if anyone has heard back from BCLP? I submitted my application end September and haven't heard anything ever since. Anyone in a similar situation?

I’m in the same position! From a virtual open day I went to for them in August they said they’d start reviewing applications at the start of November so hopefully we’ll hear soon!

 

[sp28]

has anyone heard back from w&c, linklaters, ashurst for winter vac schemes?

Still waiting to hear from w&c too...

 

[M1999]

Hi guys has anyone got any suggestions of how to get legal work experience aside from vac schemes? I’m lacking in that area & feel like it’ll really help my application

 

[Velikilawyer123]

Bullet points for a CV - you need your CV to be easily skim read and paragraphs won’t allow you to do that.

That makes sense, thank you. Would you also suggest using elliptical language as opposed to full sentences? E.g. "Sat on X Committee. Conducted Y and Z" instead of "I sat on the Committee of X, which gave me the chance to conduct Y and Z".

Also, unrelated matter, but I've been trying (to no success) to reach my academic references whom I usually list on my applications. They agreed to be my references for applications back in 2018/19, but I haven't been in touch with them since, and now I'm worried they wouldn't respond if a firm asked them for a reference since they're not answering my emails or calls.

When do firms typically check an applicant's references (if at all)? What if a referee doesn't respond? Do you reckon firms might be more forgiving with that now that it's hard to get in touch with our referees since we can't exactly just walk into their office and ask them in person?

 

[Wajahat Jilani]

Hi guys,

For those who applied to Simmons & Simmons, how long did it take for them to get back back to you after submitting the application + SJT

 

[Jessica Booker]

That makes sense, thank you. Would you also suggest using elliptical language as opposed to full sentences? E.g. "Sat on X Committee. Conducted Y and Z" instead of "I sat on the Committee of X, which gave me the chance to conduct Y and Z".

Also, unrelated matter, but I've been trying (to no success) to reach my academic references whom I usually list on my applications. They agreed to be my references for applications back in 2018/19, but I haven't been in touch with them since, and now I'm worried they wouldn't respond if a firm asked them for a reference since they're not answering my emails or calls.

When do firms typically check an applicant's references (if at all)? What if a referee doesn't respond? Do you reckon firms might be more forgiving with that now that it's hard to get in touch with our referees since we can't exactly just walk into their office and ask them in person?

“which gave me a chance” would be verbose/unnecessary even in full sentences. I sat on the Committee of X and conducted Y and Z" would be much better.

But in a CV with bullet points your sentences don’t have to be in full prose.

References vary between firms. Some ask pre invitation to interview, while they are still considering your application. Some request it once you are invited to interview, others will only ask once they know they will make you an offer.

If they cannot get a response from your referee they will either make a decision without it, or will contact you to let you know and see if you can provide alternative contact details. Often it’s just a case of verifying your module grades, so putting them in contact with your faculties office who can provide an official transcript can be sufficient. I don’t think firms will be more lenient though.

 

[bethbristol]

I was also in the 59th percentile in the WG, digger started going off outside my window as soon as I pressed start! (still not that good at them though) Do you know if you can still proceed with a mark like that if they like your application?

I got 59th percentile in my WG with them last year and was invited to interview so they definitely look at your whole application holistically

 

[DrowninginSQE]

has anyone heard back from w&c, linklaters, ashurst for winter vac schemes?

I got a video interview for W&C and an AC for Ashurst

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Hi guys,

For those who applied to Simmons & Simmons, how long did it take for them to get back back to you after submitting the application + SJT

Around a week-ish...

 

[Velikilawyer123]

“which gave me a chance” would be verbose/unnecessary even in full sentences. I sat on the Committee of X and conducted Y and Z" would be much better.

But in a CV with bullet points your sentences don’t have to be in full prose.

References vary between firms. Some ask pre invitation to interview, while they are still considering your application. Some request it once you are invited to interview, others will only ask once they know they will make you an offer.

If they cannot get a response from your referee they will either make a decision without it, or will contact you to let you know and see if you can provide alternative contact details. Often it’s just a case of verifying your module grades, so putting them in contact with your faculties office who can provide an official transcript can be sufficient. I don’t think firms will be more lenient though.

I see, so in case I'm having trouble reaching my referees, would you suggest listing anyone from my faculties office as a referee who can provide details of my grades (basically anybody working in the admissions department or similar)? Or would it be better to only provide those contacts IF a firm contacts me about not being able to reach my initial referee?

Also, thanks for the points re the CV, I'll keep them in mind!

 

[XARA]

I got a video interview for W&C and an AC for Ashurst

wow well done! can I ask when you applied and when you received notifications for VI and AC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I see, so in case I'm having trouble reaching my referees, would you suggest listing anyone from my faculties office as a referee who can provide details of my grades (basically anybody working in the admissions department or similar)? Or would it be better to only provide those contacts IF a firm contacts me about not being able to reach my initial referee?

Also, thanks for the points re the CV, I'll keep them in mind!

I’d wait until you being asked for this information.

 

[M1999]

I got a video interview for W&C and an AC for Ashurst

You’re winning! Can I ask what your mark was for ashurst?

 

[orange32]

After numerous applications & 6 ACs, I received a phone call today from a firm telling me I've been offered a TC!!! There have been numerous moments of self doubt where I was rejected in the first round based on my paper application. There have been times when I was incredibly anxious about my future, my career, whether it was worth spending all the time and effort in making these applications when they weren't really paying off. There were times when I thought it was certain things about me - not being from the UK, having already graduated from law school, etc - that meant I just couldn't succeed. But I'm grateful for the support & community here that helped me power through these worries - especially @Jessica Booker who has answered many, many of my anxiety-ridden questions in this thread and the Grad Rec thread - and I wish everyone the best of luck in their journey going ahead!!!!

 

[DrowninginSQE]

You’re winning! Can I ask what your mark was for ashurst?

Thanks! I was in the 97th percentile for emotional intelligence and 80th for the other games but I have a disability so I told them about it, which they took into account.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

wow well done! can I ask when you applied and when you received notifications for VI and AC?

I found out of Friday for the AC and today for the VI

 

[Imababysolicitor]

I got a video interview for W&C and an AC for Ashurst

Well done! So much good news in a day, you must be well chuffed.

can I ask when you applied to w&c?