Hearing Back from Law Firms, Assessment Centres & Interview Tips - 2019 - 2020

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ComplianceChange

Legendary Member
May 16, 2019
169
421
Just read over my Shearman application and realised that I selected that one of my non-legal work experiences was "law related". I know that grad rec is pretty strict, but is that a definite rejection do you reckon ?
In an otherwise strong application I doubt this would cause an issue- don't e-mail or anything and ask them if they can change it, that will just draw attention to it lol.
 
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Anjeri

Distinguished Member
Jun 18, 2019
52
186
Just read over my Shearman application and realised that I selected that one of my non-legal work experiences was "law related". I know that grad rec is pretty strict, but is that a definite rejection do you reckon ?

I don’t think they’d be too strict on that respect. But going forward just be more careful. + I always try not to go over my application after sending it in cause you then become so much more critical of it. Just leave it be and hope for the best
 

DavidJC

Distinguished Member
Dec 29, 2019
72
176
How would people differentiate Macfarlanes from Travers or Slaughters?
Iirc Macfarlanes has a really strong private client practice and calls their network "very good friends" (need someone to confirm this).
Travers might be the most generic of the three.
Slaughters has a multi-specialist approach to training and a flexible seat structure, most FTSE 100 clients of any firm, and they're a traditional partnership (not-LLP).

Hope that helps!
 

Ravenclaw

Standard Member
Jan 21, 2020
7
27
How would people differentiate Macfarlanes from Travers or Slaughters?

  • Macfarlanes- Is arguably better at corporate than Travers, works on higher value deals. It's banking and finance team is also much more higher capability than Travers. I would argue overall Macfarlanes deals with more high end work on the transactional front than Travers. Its private client entity is also unique.
  • Travers- Highly regarded litigation team, is disputes team is much more sophisticated than Macfarlanes. The firm is notorious for its more relaxed culture compared to the other two (this is subjective however). PE department has a great reputation for mid market work.
  • Slaughters- Biggest difference is virtually ALL their corporate work is high end and Band 1 ranked. Finance and capital markets offering also much stronger. As well as their tax and competition seats. Arguably Slaughters is a more full service firm. It is also larger, this may impact culture and work allocation.
 
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Flk10

Star Member
Jan 18, 2020
29
57
Just read over my Shearman application and realised that I selected that one of my non-legal work experiences was "law related". I know that grad rec is pretty strict, but is that a definite rejection do you reckon ?
I know they’re strict on spelling and grammar, but I’d be surprised if grad rec noticed a mistake like that.

Tbh I think most work experience sections will only be skim- read.
 

Long Dinh

Active Member
Dec 27, 2019
19
19
Mostly applied close to the deadlines but I'm still waiting to hear from Linklaters, Reed Smith, Debevoise, Kirkland, Ashurst, Freshfields, Davis Polk, NRF, and TW.

Most of these have been just over two weeks ago now, wondering if I should email them to find out what's going on. I only got CMS's WG test last Friday too.

Anyone know if any of these firms have already sent all invites etc out?

I'm waiting for Linklaters and Ashurst too. I'm also waiting for Latham, Weil and Squire.

I might just email them at the end of this week if I still hear nothing back.
 
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