My training contract journey - just keep swimming

[justkeepswimming]

Another year, another application cycle.

I probably should not be writing this with a negative outlook. This year is different.

Last year I sent one application in September. I sent three this September, and I am starting my fourth.

*DEEP SIGH* lets get it.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Amazing! 3 applications in September is fantastic. Keep going—when I was on my Nth application cycle, I remember telling myself that movement is better than perfection. It's not an easy process at all, but the community assistants are here to help with any questions you might have. You've got this! 🫶

 

[justkeepswimming]

Application update:

1 - Sidley Austin vac scheme - rejected post app
2 - Herbert Smith Freehills vac scheme - rejected post-test
3 - A&O Shearman - AC (awaiting response, sick to my stomach with nerves)
4 - Ashurst - awaiting response post app and test.
5 - Hogan Lovells - awaiting WG test, sent app

Preparing apps:
6 - Baker McKenzie (has been reviewed by TCLA)
7 - Skadden (to be completed and sent to TCLA for review)
9 - Clifford Chance (basic idea of what I am going to write)

The AC was tough, and because of the anxiety, I am checking my emails every 5 minutes. They said they would get back to us this week. Is the fact that I haven't heard back a bad sign?

Last year, I didn't hear back for 3 weeks and on the next Monday I got a rejection. With each passing day, I lose more hope (not that it went well enough for me to have hope anyway).

 

[Dylan Anton]

Application update:

1 - Sidley Austin vac scheme - rejected post app
2 - Herbert Smith Freehills vac scheme - rejected post-test
3 - A&O Shearman - AC (awaiting response, sick to my stomach with nerves)
4 - Ashurst - awaiting response post app and test.
5 - Hogan Lovells - awaiting WG test, sent app

Preparing apps:
6 - Baker McKenzie (has been reviewed by TCLA)
7 - Skadden (to be completed and sent to TCLA for review)
9 - Clifford Chance (basic idea of what I am going to write)

The AC was tough, and because of the anxiety, I am checking my emails every 5 minutes. They said they would get back to us this week. Is the fact that I haven't heard back a bad sign?

Last year, I didn't hear back for 3 weeks and on the next Monday I got a rejection. With each passing day, I lose more hope (not that it went well enough for me to have hope anyway).

I'm also waiting for A&O post-AC, let's hope tomorrow is the day. Good luck to you

 

[justkeepswimming]

I'm also waiting for A&O post-AC, let's hope tomorrow is the day. Good luck to you

Good luck to you too!

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

How did you get on?

 

[Dylan Anton]

How did you get on?

Rejection for me. Wish they did the rejections first

 

[justkeepswimming]

@OrangeCherry1800 @Dylan Anton Yep, same. Not surprised at the outcome but devastated nonetheless.

 

[justkeepswimming]

Regardless of the result, the plan for the weekend remains the same:

1) Finish + submit Baker McKenzie.
2) Clean up Skadden
3) Accept the role of paralegal at the Government Legal Department
4) Prep for the Hogan Lovells Watson Glaser, whenever they decide to roll out the tests.

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Congratulations on your paralegal role. That is a great achievement!

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

I haven’t heard back from A&O yet post AC, should I expect a rejection?

 

[justkeepswimming]

I haven’t heard back from A&O yet post AC, should I expect a rejection?

I would take it as a good sign. If they've sent out the rejections and you didn't get one, it might mean you're in the successful batch! 🤞

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

thank you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. All the best!

 

[Dylan Anton]

thank you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. All the best!

Tbh it's a bit strange you haven't heard back, I'd email. Thought they wrapped everything up last week Friday.

 

[justkeepswimming]

Monday 11 Nov Update:

Baker McKenzie submitted it last week.
Ashurst rejection came last week - not surprised, that test was awfully hard.
Skadden has been reviewed and will be finalised this week.
Clifford Chance drafted, yet to be cleaned up.
Latham research is on the to-do list for this week.

I drafted the CC app response pretty quickly, to the point that I am suspicious of it. It usually takes me a week, whereas this time it was maybe two days of dedicated writing.

 

[justkeepswimming]

17 November Update:

Skadden submitted.

Clifford Chance submitted -> waiting on the Watson Glaser link.

Latham research started.

 

[justkeepswimming]

26 November Update:

Clifford Chance Watson Glaser passed
Latham drafted and sent for review
Willkie in progress
Reed Smith questions identified