Vac Schemes 2011: Because when you're a lawyer it's never too early!
OK so most first year results have come out at most if not all universities and those of us who want/can apply for vac schemes now know and need to start thinking application! We have heard stories that firms will give offers on a rolling basis so the earlier we apply the better! SO:
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so
!
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so
!Scroll to see replies
QBC123
OK so most first year results have come out at most if not all universities and those of us who want/can apply for vac schemes now know and need to start thinking application! We have heard stories that firms will give offers on a rolling basis so the earlier we apply the better! SO:
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so!
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so
!Hey,
Im just being extra nosey - what did you get in your first year?
QBC123
OK so most first year results have come out at most if not all universities and those of us who want/can apply for vac schemes now know and need to start thinking application! We have heard stories that firms will give offers on a rolling basis so the earlier we apply the better! SO:
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so!
1) Where are you thinking of applying?
2) How are you going about preparing for the process?
3) How are you getting the coveted 'commercial awareness'?
ALSO people who have gone through the process who want to share their wisdom (whether in general or firm specific) are more than welcome to do so
!At the moment Hogan Lovells, Simmons & Simmons and Freshfields are in the 'almost definitely will apply' pile. I'm still researching other firms though.
I haven't really done anything to prepare yet, I'm still researching and trying to work out what I want to do. I've been to talks etc (Herbert Smith took a few of us out for dinner, which was nice but not particularly helpful in finding out about Herbert Smith) which have given me a general idea of the application process at various places.
Commercial awareness is a bit of a pain. I'm trying to read the FT when I remember to and the business section of the Independent. I'm hoping something will sink in. I'm not really sure how to get the fabled 'commercial awareness', it doesn't seem the sort of thing that you can force. Any tips?
1) For me, it's the following:
Definite's:
Herbert Smith,
Hogan Lovells,
Norton Rose,
Allen & Overy,
Slaughter & May,
Dewey LeBoeuf
Ashurst
Freshfields
Maybe's:
Cleary
Macfarlanes
Olswang
DLA Piper
White & Case
Shearman & Sterling
Withers
Jones Day
and I am also considering few others as well....
2) I went to open days at Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose and DLA Piper thus far, so had an opportunity for a rather good insight into what City firms are like. Last year I looked at some application forms and I am already preparing my answers for Herbert Smith and Hogan Lovells. I am also working on my answers to usual interview questions, such as 'why commercial law', 'why solicitor', 'why this firm' and etc.
3) In terms of commercial awareness, I have been reading the Times Business News online and have dipped into the the Economist and the FT once in a while. I also read Christopher Stoakes' book called 'All you need to know about the City' (he gave us a presentation at Hogan Lovells too: I liked him as much as I liked his book!
)
By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got 66% overall, so am quite pleased
Definite's:
Herbert Smith,
Hogan Lovells,
Norton Rose,
Allen & Overy,
Slaughter & May,
Dewey LeBoeuf
Ashurst
Freshfields
Maybe's:
Cleary
Macfarlanes
Olswang
DLA Piper
White & Case
Shearman & Sterling
Withers
Jones Day
and I am also considering few others as well....
2) I went to open days at Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose and DLA Piper thus far, so had an opportunity for a rather good insight into what City firms are like. Last year I looked at some application forms and I am already preparing my answers for Herbert Smith and Hogan Lovells. I am also working on my answers to usual interview questions, such as 'why commercial law', 'why solicitor', 'why this firm' and etc.
3) In terms of commercial awareness, I have been reading the Times Business News online and have dipped into the the Economist and the FT once in a while. I also read Christopher Stoakes' book called 'All you need to know about the City' (he gave us a presentation at Hogan Lovells too: I liked him as much as I liked his book!
)By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got 66% overall, so am quite pleased
eve_22
1) For me, it's the following:
Hogan Lovells,
Norton Rose,
Allen & Overy,
Slaughter & May,
Herbert Smith,
Macfarlanes,
maybe Withers, Ashurst and DLA Piper too.
I am also currently looking into some American firms, but I am quite unsure about applying to them. I might, however, give Cleary, Skadden and Jones Day a go.
The top four are my top choices, probably even in that order
2) I went to Open days at Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose and DLA Piper thus far, so had an opportunity for a rather good insight into what City firms are like. Last year I looked at some application forms and I am already preparing my answers for Herbert Smith and Hogan Lovells. I am also working on my answers to usual interview questions, such as 'why commercial law', 'why solicitor', 'what this firm' and etc.
3) In terms of commercial awareness, I have been reading the BBC News online, the Economist and have dipped into the FT once in a while. I also read Christopher Stoakes book called 'All you need to know about the City' (he also gave us a presentation at Hogan Lovells: I liked him as much as I liked his book! )
By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got a 66% in Criminal, a 68% in Roman and a 63% in Constitutional, so I am quite pleased
Hogan Lovells,
Norton Rose,
Allen & Overy,
Slaughter & May,
Herbert Smith,
Macfarlanes,
maybe Withers, Ashurst and DLA Piper too.
I am also currently looking into some American firms, but I am quite unsure about applying to them. I might, however, give Cleary, Skadden and Jones Day a go.
The top four are my top choices, probably even in that order
2) I went to Open days at Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose and DLA Piper thus far, so had an opportunity for a rather good insight into what City firms are like. Last year I looked at some application forms and I am already preparing my answers for Herbert Smith and Hogan Lovells. I am also working on my answers to usual interview questions, such as 'why commercial law', 'why solicitor', 'what this firm' and etc.
3) In terms of commercial awareness, I have been reading the BBC News online, the Economist and have dipped into the FT once in a while. I also read Christopher Stoakes book called 'All you need to know about the City' (he also gave us a presentation at Hogan Lovells: I liked him as much as I liked his book!
)By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got a 66% in Criminal, a 68% in Roman and a 63% in Constitutional, so I am quite pleased
I did alright as well 65% overall average so I'm pleased. I'm also planning to apply to Herbert Smith and Hogan Lovells so if you could PM me the questions so I can start preparing that would be amazing! I've ordered All you need to know about the City and All you need to know about Commercial Awareness and I'm planning to read those and hope that it helps because I'm one of those people who doesn't really understand why the credit crunch happened!
I'm a little on the edge about Slaughter and May... I have heard really bad things and I met their graduate recruitment woman and she was HORRIBLE!!
eve_22
By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got a 66% in Criminal, a 68% in Roman and a 63% in Constitutional, so I am quite pleased
By the way, how did everyone do in their first year exams? To start this off, I got a 66% in Criminal, a 68% in Roman and a 63% in Constitutional, so I am quite pleased
I got 66 in Criminal, 66 in Constitutional and 67 in Roman. How exactly my highest mark was Roman I'll never know, I don't think I ever really understood any of it.
icysquall
I got 66 in Criminal, 66 in Constitutional and 67 in Roman. How exactly my highest mark was Roman I'll never know, I don't think I ever really understood any of it.
Same here! Roman was my worst, while I scored firsts in both of my collections in constitutional (my tutor was Bamforth, so he was quite tough too). How I got a 68% in Roman, while ending up with a 63% in constitutional I will never know.
eve_22
Same here! Roman was my worst, while I scored firsts in both of my collections in constitutional (my tutor was Bamforth, so he was quite tough too). How I got a 68% in Roman, while ending up with a 63% in constitutional I will never know.
A few people got weird results. Like people who I would've expected to get a first in say Constit did worse than me. Very odd. Personally I was so happy with my results, my collections for Constit and Roman were terrible.
angelmxxx
Does anyone know of any websites which list/compare vac schemes? I'm a non-law student, just finished fresher year so I've been going through websites but it takes up so much time finding all the details just to see if (as a non-law 2nd yr) I will even be able to apply!
Check this site out:
http://www.lex100.com/content/view/52450/1
It a really useful resource when decisions on this matter have to be made!
Hope it helps!
angelmxxx
Does anyone know of any websites which list/compare vac schemes? I'm a non-law student, just finished fresher year so I've been going through websites but it takes up so much time finding all the details just to see if (as a non-law 2nd yr) I will even be able to apply!
http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/Content.aspx?SectionType=8&SectionID=35
Read this and there is also a Table of vacation schemes on the right handside. You can also get this in hard copy: Chambers Student 2010: The student's guide to becoming a lawyer (just have a search on amazon for a second-hand copy or see your Careers Service about it, as they should also have copies of it available).
eve_22
http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/Content.aspx?SectionType=8&SectionID=35
Read this and there is also a Table of vacation schemes on the right handside. You can also get this in hard copy: Chambers Student 2010: The student's guide to becoming a lawyer (just have a search on amazon for a second-hand copy or see your Careers Service about it, as they should also have copies of it available).
Read this and there is also a Table of vacation schemes on the right handside. You can also get this in hard copy: Chambers Student 2010: The student's guide to becoming a lawyer (just have a search on amazon for a second-hand copy or see your Careers Service about it, as they should also have copies of it available).
This website is amazing- eve was kind enough to give it to me a couple of days ago and it's been amazingly helpful so make sure you check it out!
Eve: Any idea when they will publish the updated 'true story' for each of the firms? It seems they ones on the site currently are from Summer 2009?
eve_22
http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/Content.aspx?SectionType=8&SectionID=35
Read this and there is also a Table of vacation schemes on the right handside. You can also get this in hard copy: Chambers Student 2010: The student's guide to becoming a lawyer (just have a search on amazon for a second-hand copy or see your Careers Service about it, as they should also have copies of it available).
Read this and there is also a Table of vacation schemes on the right handside. You can also get this in hard copy: Chambers Student 2010: The student's guide to becoming a lawyer (just have a search on amazon for a second-hand copy or see your Careers Service about it, as they should also have copies of it available).
thankyou so much!
QBC123
This website is amazing- eve was kind enough to give it to me a couple of days ago and it's been amazingly helpful so make sure you check it out!
Eve: Any idea when they will publish the updated 'true story' for each of the firms? It seems they ones on the site currently are from Summer 2009?
Eve: Any idea when they will publish the updated 'true story' for each of the firms? It seems they ones on the site currently are from Summer 2009?
I'm glad I could help
I have no idea when they will put the updated info on the site, but I'd say it might be worth getting a hard copy - I have both for 2009 and 2010, and found them quite helpful.
Also, check out www.rollonfriday.com for more descriptions of the firms by trainees or associates and etc.
Another great site is Legal Week - here you will also find enough information about the firms you are interested in http://www.legalweek.com/law-firms
Happy reading!
Lovelifelivelaw
Hi guys!
So far I am thinking of applying to;
Allen and Overy
Herbert Smith
Slaughter and May
Norton Rose
Freshfields
White and Case
Mayer Brown
BLG
and few others.
I think I am being over optimistic with that list but who knows I might get lucky.
As for 'commercial awareness', I am just trying to keep up with current trends in the economy. I dont suppose firms are looking for city experts, are they?
My first year results were 60% 68% 71% ( Criminal ) 71% (Contract) - so average 67.5 % which is quite good I guess.
So far I am thinking of applying to;
Allen and Overy
Herbert Smith
Slaughter and May
Norton Rose
Freshfields
White and Case
Mayer Brown
BLG
and few others.
I think I am being over optimistic with that list but who knows I might get lucky.
As for 'commercial awareness', I am just trying to keep up with current trends in the economy. I dont suppose firms are looking for city experts, are they?
My first year results were 60% 68% 71% ( Criminal ) 71% (Contract) - so average 67.5 % which is quite good I guess.
Which university are you at, if you don't mind me asking?
Great set of results, by the way! I don't see why that list would be over optimistic - many people have gained VS's with the above listed firms, so I do not see why you could not do the same
You are quite right, firms are not looking for City experts, but it might actually help to know what an IPO stands for and how it comes about and etc(not in too much detail, of course!)... Knowing how the credit crunch happened and being able to tell the difference between securities and derivatives might also be helpful. This is, of course, presuming that you want to work for a City firm, where corporate practice is usually a major player... Anyway, that's only my take on the issue
Others might have a different opinion!eve_22
Which university are you at, if you don't mind me asking?
Great set of results, by the way! I don't see why that list would be over optimistic - many people have gained VS's with the above listed firms, so I do not see why you could not do the same
You are quite right, firms are not looking for City experts, but it might actually help to know what an IPO stands for and how it comes about and etc(not in too much detail, of course!)... Knowing how the credit crunch happened and being able to tell the difference between securities and derivatives might also be helpful. This is, of course, presuming that you want to work for a City firm, where corporate practice is usually a major player... Anyway, that's only my take on the issue Others might have a different opinion!
Great set of results, by the way! I don't see why that list would be over optimistic - many people have gained VS's with the above listed firms, so I do not see why you could not do the same
You are quite right, firms are not looking for City experts, but it might actually help to know what an IPO stands for and how it comes about and etc(not in too much detail, of course!)... Knowing how the credit crunch happened and being able to tell the difference between securities and derivatives might also be helpful. This is, of course, presuming that you want to work for a City firm, where corporate practice is usually a major player... Anyway, that's only my take on the issue
Others might have a different opinion!I completely agree and like Eve said in a previous post Christopher Stoakes' books are excellent- although having just bought the 'All you need to know about Commercial Awareness' and 'All you need to know about the City' the titles are deceiving and in fact the latter is a lot more useful
! I also did a bit of digging and the Chamber Student Guide 2011 will come out in October just in time for Vac Scheme application openings so it should give us enough time to read it before filling out the dreaded forms. I'm ashamed to say the 'Economist' is kinda growing on me...
I really have no idea where I should apply to for VS this year. I'm not sure if my background and grades are something that MC firms would really be interested in, being a non-traditional student. I live in London though, and work in the City, so City firms would be convenient for me, as well as the sector I see myself working in in the future - ideally with a firm with a successful Tax department as I'm studying that as an optional module this year and from the reading I've done its definitely a sector I'm interested in. I really don't even know where to start figuring out which firms to tackle!!!
mickeyfit
I really have no idea where I should apply to for VS this year. I'm not sure if my background and grades are something that MC firms would really be interested in, being a non-traditional student. I live in London though, and work in the City, so City firms would be convenient for me, as well as the sector I see myself working in in the future - ideally with a firm with a successful Tax department as I'm studying that as an optional module this year and from the reading I've done its definitely a sector I'm interested in. I really don't even know where to start figuring out which firms to tackle!!!
Maybe you could tell us more about your background, your current situation, where you study at the moment and why you are a non traditional student - this way we might be able to answer any questions you might have a bit more extensively
Lovelifelivelaw
I am at SOAS. I think I have sound understanding of the financial crisis, causes and effects. But my knowledge of the city is quite pathetic at the moment; so as you rightly implied I need to get to grips with it.
I am also finding extremely difficult to differentiate firms. They all claim to be different but in actual fact, they are saying the same thing. Any tips on this will be much appreciated.
I am also finding extremely difficult to differentiate firms. They all claim to be different but in actual fact, they are saying the same thing. Any tips on this will be much appreciated.
In terms of differentiating between firms, you need to look into them in a bit more detail - the stuff you will find in brochures and etc. is just the beginning of the research process. Of course, attending the open days would help too, as you get to see what the firm is actually like. I went to three open days so far and in one of the firms I actually felt sure it wasn't for me the minute I stepped inside - the vibe just wasn't right.
Yes, firms do tend to say pretty much the same thing, but you can actually find something to help you differentiate between them. To begin with, do you want a large international city firm, or woud you prefer a regional one? Are you interested in firms that deal exclusively with businesses or is private client work of interest to you too? If it is the latter, have a look at Manches, Withers, Macfarlanes and etc. If it's the former, you should then look at the firms' training programmes (four or six seats), compulsory seats (some make you do both corporate and finance, some just one of the latter two, some give you almost complete freedom in choosing your seats), firms' individual specialisms and rankings, any niche areas you might be interested in (Islamic finance, renewable energy etc.), overseas seats - guaranteed or not, client secondments and etc. You might also want to read up on the firm's culture, pro bono work, what the current and past trainees have said about the firm (Chambers Student Guide and RollonFriday are quite good for that purpose), what the pay & bonuses are like and etc.
You can get quite a good picture of the firm just by reading up on it in as many different sources as you can get your hands on.
eve_22
Maybe you could tell us more about your background, your current situation, where you study at the moment and why you are a non traditional student - this way we might be able to answer any questions you might have a bit more extensively
Well I'm 25 (27 when I graduate). I'm Irish, and I study part time at Birkbeck (my academics are all in my signature).
This isn't my first attempt at Uni either, though I left my last uni in Ireland because I couldn't afford to stay because there aren't student loans in Ireland the way there is here, and I had not parental support so I was working a 35 hour week while studying full time just so I could pay my rent and paying of bank loans at the same time that covered my fees. I'm not sure if firms will care about that or if they'll just see it as me dropping out!!!
I came to England in the summer of 2007 and started working in the City, and currently have an admin job supporting the in house legal team of a telecoms company.
Because I work full time and study part time I really don't have any spare time for EC's - I am going to try to take part in mooting this year, but with lectures 3 nights a week and all weekend spent making sure I'm staying up to date with all the reading that's involved in this course!!!!! So I'm just not sure if it would be a waste of my efforts applying to MC firms
mickeyfit
Well I'm 25 (27 when I graduate). I'm Irish, and I study part time at Birkbeck (my academics are all in my signature).
This isn't my first attempt at Uni either, though I left my last uni in Ireland because I couldn't afford to stay because there aren't student loans in Ireland the way there is here, and I had not parental support so I was working a 35 hour week while studying full time just so I could pay my rent and paying of bank loans at the same time that covered my fees. I'm not sure if firms will care about that or if they'll just see it as me dropping out!!!
I came to England in the summer of 2007 and started working in the City, and currently have an admin job supporting the in house legal team of a telecoms company.
Because I work full time and study part time I really don't have any spare time for EC's - I am going to try to take part in mooting this year, but with lectures 3 nights a week and all weekend spent making sure I'm staying up to date with all the reading that's involved in this course!!!!! So I'm just not sure if it would be a waste of my efforts applying to MC firms
This isn't my first attempt at Uni either, though I left my last uni in Ireland because I couldn't afford to stay because there aren't student loans in Ireland the way there is here, and I had not parental support so I was working a 35 hour week while studying full time just so I could pay my rent and paying of bank loans at the same time that covered my fees. I'm not sure if firms will care about that or if they'll just see it as me dropping out!!!
I came to England in the summer of 2007 and started working in the City, and currently have an admin job supporting the in house legal team of a telecoms company.
Because I work full time and study part time I really don't have any spare time for EC's - I am going to try to take part in mooting this year, but with lectures 3 nights a week and all weekend spent making sure I'm staying up to date with all the reading that's involved in this course!!!!! So I'm just not sure if it would be a waste of my efforts applying to MC firms
I honestly doubt that this is right - I do not see how submitting an application to a MC firm could be a waste of time! You seem to have good academics and there is a reason as to why you do not have extra curriculars too.
By the way, have you read this publication http://www.bbk.ac.uk/law/downloads/incorporate/incorporate2008.pdf ? It has a section on Birkbeck and MC firms. I studied at Birkbeck myself, so I am quite fond of the place
Hogan Lovells organize special open days for Birkbeck students - perhaps you could look into that? It is a great firm and they value mature students too. It does not have to be only MC that you could actually have a great career at!
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