My training contract journey - just keep swimming

[justkeepswimming]

Hi @justkeepswimming - I reviewed lots of applications yesterday, including some of those that have come in over the last week. The application process takes place in four stages, and no part of the process is automated. You have to be successful at each stage to reach the next. Here are the details:

Our application process takes place in four stages. Please note only those successful at each stage go forward to the subsequent stage:

• Online application form;
• Video interview;
• Written analytical exercise: to ensure fairness, the written exercise is marked by at least two different people (associates/partners) from Willkie’s London office. Neither ‘marker’ would have seen, and will not see, any applications or video interviews and each exercise is marked on a name-blind basis; and
• CV-blind interview with partners and/or senior associates: our interviews are conducted on a CV-blind basis.

That's really good to know! Thank you.

 

[justkeepswimming]

16 Dec Update:

I have made progress in a few applications this past week:

Latham test/VI submitted
Linklaters submitted
Baker Mck test submitted
Willkie VI submitted
Reed Smith sent for review

The previous week was super hectic, but I feel lucky to have progressed in the application stage in two more firms.

Skadden rejection post-app - moving on.

Plan for the rest of the week:
Finish Reed Smith - I got the review back
White & Case application drafted

Check over application deadlines to see if I need to include any other firm.

Firms I intend to submit applications for:
Freshfields
Paul Weiss
Ropes & Gray

The number of firms left to apply this cycle is dwindling...

 

[justkeepswimming]

Friday 20 December Update:

Bakers rejection post-test - ah I really thought I could make it to the next stage.

I have been struggling to find the motivation to write another application. I have been fighting this unwillingness to write for the past week. The application seems demanding, and the rejections are piling up.

I don't want this to be another unsuccessful cycle. I feel like I make progress at a snail's speed.

I have been forcing myself to keep the Word document and just write anything to answer the question. I am not trying to make it sound good on the first draft. I am just straight-up writing whatever comes in my mind. I think once there is something on the page, it will be easier to edit.

 

[justkeepswimming]

3 Jan Update:

Submitted Macfarlanes and completed the test.

I'm cleaning up Reed Smith; I just need to meet the word count.

I was invited to the Willkie written exercise! I am so happy to have passed the video interview stage! I am going to research written exercise prep over the weekend to prepare. A little nervous too.

I want to make three more applications this month: Freshfields, Paul Weiss and Ropes & Gray

 

[yasmars]

3 Jan Update:

Submitted Macfarlanes and completed the test.

I'm cleaning up Reed Smith; I just need to meet the word count.

I was invited to the Willkie written exercise! I am so happy to have passed the video interview stage! I am going to research written exercise prep over the weekend to prepare. A little nervous too.

I want to make three more applications this month: Freshfields, Paul Weiss and Ropes & Gray

So happy for you! Congrats!!

 

[justkeepswimming]

So happy for you! Congrats!!

Thank you!!

 

[justkeepswimming]

15 January Update:

It has been a while since I gave an update. The last two weeks have been hectic (starting a new job, and taking driving lessons).

I am prepping for the written assessment for Willkie and drafting the Freshfields application. I received a review from TCLA and a lot to improve on.

I also have a Reed Smith VI and assessment to complete. The assessment last year was a little difficult so I am nervous about it. I feel a bit more confident about my interview skills. I hope I can do well.

It is what it is. Just gotta keep swimming.