Official Vacation Scheme Thread 2013 GET ON IT EARLY!!!

Do law firms not come to your campus? I swear we've had 1-2 firms every weekday for the past 3-4 weeks. For someone coming from a non-targeted uni, I can somewhat see this. But still all the HR BS is on the internet and researchable to anyone with half a brain. If you think that something like this "will get your name out there," you'd be much better off staying late at a campus presentation.

I mean think about what you just said--you are paying for what law firms already do--presentations, panel discussions and workshops. If you want a meal, go spend 1/3 of that on a 2 for 10 at Tesco and you got yourself two nights of meals + a bottle of wine.

Yes I do come from a non-targeted uni and have no law fairs here and no law firms attend the university so it is likely to be helpful for me. I spoke to a law firm I was hoping to apply to quite recently at a law fair at another university (not all universities actually allow external students) and I found the information that he told me was extremely helpful.

This wasn't 'to get my name out there' at all although it is helpful if someone recognises you, as unlikely as that may be!

But thanks for your opinion- what stage are u at in applying/VC'S/ TC's if you don't mind me asking.

Reply 381

inspired username

Original post by SemperParatus

Do law firms not come to your campus? I swear we've had 1-2 firms every weekday for the past 3-4 weeks. For someone coming from a non-targeted uni, I can somewhat see this. But still all the HR BS is on the internet and researchable to anyone with half a brain. If you think that something like this "will get your name out there," you'd be much better off staying late at a campus presentation.

I mean think about what you just said--you are paying for what law firms already do--presentations, panel discussions and workshops. If you want a meal, go spend 1/3 of that on a 2 for 10 at Tesco and you got yourself two nights of meals + a bottle of wine.

You can rest assured I've been to plenty of graduate recruitment events in my time.

Incidentally, after so many of these events you come to realise that the best way to cut through the "HR BS" — as you so eloquently describe it — is to talk to people face-to-face, in a friendly environment, where they want to talk to you, and you want to talk to them.

Browsing their websites doesn't give you that opportunity, nor does bombarding graduate recruitment with phone calls or emails, nor does collaring a busy partner after a campus presentation; they would rather be on their way home than answering smarmy questions from a potential applicant.

So what better than an organised event, with multiple law firms in attendance, which does provide such an opportunity?

Reply 382

mirin?

Rejected post verbal and inductive reasoning tests for Herbert Smith - expected it tbh.

Reply 383

midnightL

11

Rejected from A&O winter scheme. Pretty disappointed although I know how tough they are.

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Reply 384

Mr.IL

Original post by mirin?

Rejected post verbal and inductive reasoning tests for Herbert Smith - expected it tbh.

Sorry to hear about that. I also expect a rejection soon lol. When did you complete your verbal and inductive reasoning test? The inductive reasoning was ridiculous in my opinion.

Reply 385

hunter7337

rejection from Eversheds, seems to me like they want negligent trainees who cant be bothered to work late and wantonly offload their responsibilities to other people. What a stupid test.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 386

SemperParatus

Original post by hunter7337

rejection from Eversheds, seems to me like they want negligent trainees who cant be bothered to work late and wantonly offload their responsibilities to other people. What a stupid test.

This. I think they're really killing their applicant pool by disqualifying on the basis of that test.

Reply 387

hunter7337

Original post by SemperParatus

This. I think they're really killing their applicant pool by disqualifying on the basis of that test.

Could not agree more- would be fascinated to see what answers were correct!

Reply 388

SemperParatus

Original post by hunter7337

Could not agree more- would be fascinated to see what answers were correct!

I generally don't have a problem with verbal reasoning tests/critical reasoning tests. I do think its a bit odd to objectify an inherently subjective skill, but for the most part...someone who can get AAA-AAB can pass them. But some SJT that asks you whether you'd email X person instead of Y person? Just lol. Oh well, guess you won't be getting that secondment to their Baghdad office!

Reply 389

olivia879

I was also rejected from their SJ and thought my answers seemed highly appropriate!

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Reply 390

hunter7337

I dont have a problem with VR tests either- the Freshfields one was ok and i suppose it helps cut down their applicant pool. Havent heard back yet but i wait with bated breath on that one... Re SJT, I thought my answers were pretty reasonable! Clearly not. Its the most moronic test I have ever taken.

Reply 391

Balagan

4

HSF assesment day :smile:

Reply 392

cynthialf

2

Original post by Balagan

HSF assesment day :smile:

If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take for you to find out after taking verbal & logical reasoning? Thanks!

Reply 393

olivia879

Has anyone heard back from blp or travers smith for winter vacs?

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Reply 394

OldOyster

Original post by olivia879

Has anyone heard back from blp or travers smith for winter vacs?

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Nein! Sadly.

Reply 395

Balagan

4

Original post by cynthialf

If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take for you to find out after taking verbal & logical reasoning? Thanks!

took about a week!

Reply 396

olivia879

Original post by OldOyster

Nein! Sadly.

When did you apply if you don't mind me asking? I'm starting to get worried that no news is bad news..

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Reply 397

Balagan

4

Original post by olivia879

Has anyone heard back from blp or travers smith for winter vacs?

This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Im also still waiting from Travers Smith - applied about 2 weeks ago.

Reply 398

suffocation1992

15

Original post by SemperParatus

Do law firms not come to your campus? I swear we've had 1-2 firms every weekday for the past 3-4 weeks. For someone coming from a non-targeted uni, I can somewhat see this. But still all the HR BS is on the internet and researchable to anyone with half a brain. If you think that something like this "will get your name out there," you'd be much better off staying late at a campus presentation.

I mean think about what you just said--you are paying for what law firms already do--presentations, panel discussions and workshops. If you want a meal, go spend 1/3 of that on a 2 for 10 at Tesco and you got yourself two nights of meals + a bottle of wine.

Agreed. Spend it at tesco or M&S. Please don't waste your money on law firm panel discussions, all of that is readily available online and at Open Days.