General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[M1999]

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.

Wow that is amazing. I only got 65th percentile so guess I should just cross out hope haha

 

[DrowninginSQE]

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

can I ask when you applied to w&c?

Thanks! I sent my app on the 1st October

 

[Sammy Watkins]

For those that have TCLA premium, are the application answers from apps submitted in 2019/2020? Just wanted to make sure before signing-up as wanted to see recent examples. Thanks

 

[33c]

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

Mine took about 7/8 days

 

[syw]

For anyone that has applied to Slaughters directly for a TC this cycle, how long has it taken you to hear back?

 

[Law_Grad1]

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

Congratulations!! Have you received any further info from Grad Rec after confirming? I confirmed my AC on Thursday but haven't heard anything yet apart from an automated email from CV-mail confirming I'd booked an AC.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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!!!!

Amazing news! That’s why I am here to try and reduce the anxiety where I can - thank you for your kind words, it really helps me to know that some of my responses and advice on here helps

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Congratulations!! Have you received any further info from Grad Rec after confirming? I confirmed my AC on Thursday but haven't heard anything yet apart from an automated email from CV-mail confirming I'd booked an AC.

Nope nothing yet

 

[M1999]

Has anyone bought a subscription to job test prep for the WGT? Do you think it’s worth the £50 if I struggle with it?

 

[Velikilawyer123]

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

Got it, thanks!

 

[anon32323232]

Has anyone bought a subscription to job test prep for the WGT? Do you think it’s worth the £50 if I struggle with it?

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

 

[M1999]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

Interesting! What uni was this? I might try and see if my uni has it

 

[Sam55]

For anyone that has applied to Slaughters directly for a TC this cycle, how long has it taken you to hear back?

Applied 2nd October and haven't heard back

 

[anon32323232]

Interesting! What uni was this? I might try and see if my uni has it

Oxford, you had to request an access code via their careers service. Definitely worth a look!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

Agree with this. Check your uni has any practice tests first (many do). It may not be JobTestPrep, it might be other providers or access to other practice tests. I think I have some free links too - let me check..

Edit...

The links I have (sorry if they are now out of date):

Watson Glaser:

• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson-glaser-critical-thinking.htm
• http://www.linklatersgraduates.co.uk/application-process/critical-thinking-test
• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson-glaser-critical-thinking.htm
• https://www.assessmentcentrehq.com/watson-glaser-practice-test/

Verbal reasoning:

• https://www.verbalreasoningtest.org/
• https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/verbal-reasoning-tests/
• https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/free-verbal-reasoning-test
• https://www.wikijob.co.uk/content/aptitude-tests/test-types/verbal-reasoning-test
• https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/aptitudetests_verbal.htm

 

[Alice G]

Hi @Alice G, or anyone else that knows, does Freshfields consider open days as work experience? I know that some firms encourage you to put your open days in the work experience section and others don't, I am not sure which category Freshfields falls into.

I am so sorry for this late reply to you but I opted to have a work experience sections for open days and events in my Freshfields application. I actually did this for every firm and I don't think it hinders an application - it is valid work experience to bring in I think.

 

[XARA]

sorry to pester everyone again? was just wondering how long it normally takes to hear back from NRF following WG?

 

[Florawilliams]

I had free access to JobTestPrep through Uni, and I thought it was really, really useful - lots of practice tests and v thorough explanations and guides. That said, I got it for free, so can't really make a call on whether it's worth £50.

do you get answers for the practice tests? thanks

 

[Tess72]

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

Hi - as well the traditional vac scheme route I gained some valuable work experience at two city law firms. I had part time jobs in hospitality and through chatting to customers, networking and following up the contacts I made I secured work experience. Right place, right time and making the most of opportunities. You have to be positive, pro-active and confident. Remember, you never know when you might meet someone who may be able to offer you something. Prior to this I also emailed local high street firms and secured work experience that way too.

 

[Jessica Booker]

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

Normally my advice is track down alumni from your uni or school and pester them albeit politely for a day’s work shadowing. But work experience is going to be tricky for sometime - any work environment won’t be thinking of bringing anyone new in anytime soon.

So look out for virtual programmes, whether they are just online learning/simulations or more structured work programmes.

Also when things get back to normal think more broadly than a law firm. In house legal teams can be good, as can start up companies working in the legal sector.