Response times and firms that accept CV and cover letter

[W]

I was just wondering which firms on average tend to respond back quite quickly when applying for direct TCs and vacation schemes?

Also which firms accept CV and cover letter and no online tests so just assessment centres or interviews?

Any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just because a firm responds quickly one cycle or for one vacancy, does not mean it might be quick again (and vice versa with those who take their time). If you’ve got deadlines to adhere to, I’d look much more at when ACs run rather than how quickly you will hear back.

 

[W]

Just because a firm responds quickly one cycle or for one vacancy, does not mean it might be quick again (and vice versa with those who take their time). If you’ve got deadlines to adhere to, I’d look much more at when ACs run rather than how quickly you will hear back.

Thanks Jessica with re to ACs, will it usually say on the website when they run or something you’ll have to contact grad recruitment about?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks Jessica with re to ACs, will it usually say on the website when they run or something you’ll have to contact grad recruitment about?

You’d probably need to contact the firm in question to find out what their estimated time frames are. However, if they are still accepting applications, this could be another 8-12 weeks!

do you have other offers/commitments you need to make that affects how quickly you need to know an outcome?

 

[D95]

Many US law firms tend to use the old-fashioned standard application form / resume + cover letter route without any online tests, e.g. Shearman & Sterling, Faegre Baker Daniels, Fried Frank, King & Spalding, etc. That's of course not a universal rule, but from my experience they are the ones that do not bother with psychometric testing so I would suggesting looking here, especially if you are interested in working for US law firms.

As for the speed of response, this largely depends on whether the firm recruits on a rolling basis or not - if the latter, it is unlikely they will respond to you before the deadline. Anecdotally, I once made an application to such a firm shortly after the application window was opened in October and only heard back from them again in June - when I got the invite for an interview I already totally forgot that I made such an application

If it is a rolling basis, the average time of response varies between a few days to one month (with a caveat that if you are waiting more than 3 weeks it is most likely a rejection - but again, not a universal rule!)

Hope that helps a bit