[ty56xzy]

(Original post by HumanRightsPupilWa)
Tooks interview here too. Any idea what to expect?

In a ridiculous demonstration of how tense I am following this thread, I'd followed anxiously the updates on when Tooks would be sending out interviews/rejections - updated from Friday to Monday... then I saw these messages about interview invitations and though this was another rejection by silence then....

I went on to PP to check for any updates... I haven't even applied to Tooks this year! I did last year and the year before and I must have thought about it this year.

I've been anxious for days about an application I never submitted!

[nearmiss]

anyone have any idea about what the selection evening format at St Philips is? I interviewed there a couple of years ago, but there was no selection evening back then...

[Wigging Out]

Hello.

I contacted 11 KBW this morning re timetable for invitations; they've now emailed applicants to this effect:

Notification re invitation to interview (or not) to take place in the w/c 16 July; interviews taking place during w/c 23 July.

This would tend to suggest that silence does not necessarily mean rejection quite yet for this year's round. I hope this lifts some of the flagging spirits.

This is such a curious and challenging process...

[TakeTwo]

(Original post by Barrister ?)
Hey folks,

I know that the purpose of this thread is exclusively to discuss pupillage applications, but since things are winding down I have a question relating to cross qualifying as a solicitor and applying for a waiver of pupillage. I know its a controversial route and some are of the firm view that if you can't obtain a pupillage in the conventional sense maybe you should just own up that you aint good enough.. However some feel that after the emotional and financial investment into being a member of the Bar surely you should try all avenues.

To round off the question is: would you have to apply for the waiver of pupillage within five years of completion of the BVC/BPTC (so to recap ensure you've cross qualified and compiled relevant work experience as a solicitor advocate.) I understand you can apply to extend the five year limit has anybody experience of this.

Thanks in advance.

A few observations:

1) The SRA removed the ability to cross qualify for anyone who has studied the BPTC. So, you could only 'cross qual' if you undertook the full-time BVC in or before the year 2009/2010, or the part time BVC 2009/2011 (or before).

2) The only option available to those who have done the BPTC, would be to go back to law school and do the LPC (I think you get to dispense with a couple of the modules if you have done the BPTC, but still a full year), get a training contract (2yrs) and qualify as a sol - so an extra three years. You still wouldn't be a sol-adv as this requires additional exams. So a further considerable period.

3) The BSB rules on who can obtain a 'waiver' pupillage are complicated and not all together transparent. Even solicitors with twenty years of experience coming to the bar have to undertake a pupillage of a reduced period of 6 months or so, and it is difficult to find Chambers who will go with this. I have met a couple of sols this pupillage season who applied via OLPAS, and although they have waiver, they know most chambers will still ask them to do a whole year.

4) Regarding the 5 year limit - someone posted a few pages back that they are beyond the five year limit, however they have 'special' permission from the BSB to still apply as they have been working within the 'public sector'.

So, in my (perhaps useless) opinion, probably not the best route.

[Lawrasawrus]

I'd agree with TakeTwo's advice and just add the link below which details what traning is required to cross qualify now they have closed the original loophole. As far as I'm aware there is no time limit to when you can apply for the LPC with APL exemption. However, it does state that the course provider has discretion, so this may mean that if you tried to apply say 5 years after your BVC, the course provider could make you do the whole LPC.

Although you may, like the earlier candidate, have special circumstances which they will consider.

http://www.sra.org.uk/students/lpc/a...-learning.page

[TakeTwo]

Just received a one liner email from an interview panel after requesting feedback post first round, "The panel felt you lack intellectual depth". Wow. Ouch.

[HumanRightsPupilWa]

(Original post by ty56xzy)
In a ridiculous demonstration of how tense I am following this thread, I'd followed anxiously the updates on when Tooks would be sending out interviews/rejections - updated from Friday to Monday... then I saw these messages about interview invitations and though this was another rejection by silence then....

I went on to PP to check for any updates... I haven't even applied to Tooks this year! I did last year and the year before and I must have thought about it this year.

I've been anxious for days about an application I never submitted!

You sir, are my hero.

[HumanRightsPupilWa]

(Original post by TakeTwo)
Just received a one liner email from an interview panel after requesting feedback post first round, "The panel felt you lack intellectual depth". Wow. Ouch.

Yeeouch! Well at least they are replying with substance...I guess.

[olpasdisliker]

(Original post by Lawrasawrus)
I'd agree with TakeTwo's advice and just add the link below which details what traning is required to cross qualify now they have closed the original loophole. As far as I'm aware there is no time limit to when you can apply for the LPC with APL exemption. However, it does state that the course provider has discretion, so this may mean that if you tried to apply say 5 years after your BVC, the course provider could make you do the whole LPC.

Although you may, like the earlier candidate, have special circumstances which they will consider.

http://www.sra.org.uk/students/lpc/a...-learning.page

I'm not actually aware of any LPC provider that is offering APL exemption at present, so if you do decide to do the LPC you'll have to do the whole thing.

[BarHopeful]

Oh God, the mid-season slump, the mid-season slump!!

Would be most grateful to hear of any news from:

Renaissance Chambers
1 Pump Court
4 Kings Bench Walk
1 Gray's Inn Square
36 Bedford Row

[olpasdisliker]

(Original post by TakeTwo)
Just received a one liner email from an interview panel after requesting feedback post first round, "The panel felt you lack intellectual depth". Wow. Ouch.

Oh. My. They could have at least said "the panel felt you failed to show intellectual depth in the interview" rather than "you lack intellectual depth".

[WantOne]

(Original post by olpasdisliker)
Oh. My. They could have at least said "the panel felt you failed to show intellectual depth in the interview" rather than "you lack intellectual depth".

Ouch indeed. Poor you.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my HTC Wildfire S

[Shearn]

That's so harsh!

[Pupillage123]

(Original post by IllegallyBlonde20)
thanks, and well done for getting an interview!

Thanks hope your other applications are going well.

[inhouse87]

(Original post by TakeTwo)
Just received a one liner email from an interview panel after requesting feedback post first round, "The panel felt you lack intellectual depth". Wow. Ouch.

please name and shame the chambers. that's a ridiculously rude reply - they seriously need to catch themselves on.

[TakeTwo]

Nothing would be achieved by naming and shaming so I'll refrain. Has made me think though - I've had a fair few first round interviews, never second rounds. I clearly don't live up to the first class degree on my CV...!!

[Ewok]

(Original post by TakeTwo)
Nothing would be achieved by naming and shaming so I'll refrain. Has made me think though - I've had a fair few first round interviews, never second rounds. I clearly don't live up to the first class degree on my CV...!!

It may well be worth you getting in touch with your Inn and asking them to give you mock-interview practice. You get very detailed feedback and it can easily iron out any obvious mistakes you're making all the time without realising it, as well as being really good practice within itself. Seriously useful.

[TakeTwo]

(Original post by Ewok)
It may well be worth you getting in touch with your Inn and asking them to give you mock-interview practice. You get very detailed feedback and it can easily iron out any obvious mistakes you're making all the time without realising it, as well as being really good practice within itself. Seriously useful.

Thank you. Sadly, I've already done this. Twice. A QC from 3RB told me I was 'more than worthy of a pupillage' and the Head of Pupillage at aforementioned blunt Chambers said I should have no difficulty. Something doesn't add up.

[GreenMatt]

That's astonishingly rude. I have been pretty surprised at the behaviour of some chambers, I must admit. Just no need for it. Have a little kindness! Grrr.

[Jessica88]

Hey,

Has anyone heard from Dyers or 15 New Bridge Street yet?

Anxiously waiting.

Also, when are we expected to hear back from 2 Pump Court re pupillage for 2012, I read that interviews were to be held on the 2nd July?

Thanks