The Official Vacation Scheme Thread 2016

This is a generalisation, but take 60% of their total vac scheme numbers and that will be roughly how many trainees they recruit from their vac schemes. If that figure is higher than their advertised trainee intake then it's likely they are going to recruit very few from an external recruitment campaign.

That 60% is factoring in people who will decline their offer for another firm though.

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Thanks for the tip! This sounds like a good guideline for the firms that just doesnt provide numbers in regards to VS/ straight TC intake

Reply 1781

Ethereal World

3

Original post by Lawcareer

What I meant was if anyone knows how to find this information for the firms you're interested in. Someone mentioned the stats for each firm was listed on the chambers guide but I couldnt find it for any SC firms! I know a select few firms mention it on their GR website but they are uncommon, making it difficult to be strategic about whether to apply for VS or TCs directly

I don't think there is an easy and simple way to find out this information from one website. The reason I asked what firms is because I could see if I could find any information and where to find it.

If in doubt, email grad recruitment for stats. For example I found out Simmons recruits 90% of their intake from the vac scheme through discussion with grad recruitment.

The reason I asked if you have done a VS before is because if you haven't applying for a direct TC is maybe a bit more risky. They will want to see your commitment to a career in commercial law. Also for your benefit, you want to get an insight into a career you're committing to. And if there are specific companies then it would always be good to do a VS so you can get a feel for the firm which allows you to make more informed decisions.

Reply 1782

mike1994

Original post by Lawcareer

Thanks for the tip! This sounds like a good guideline for the firms that just doesnt provide numbers in regards to VS/ straight TC intake

http://l2b.thelawyer.com/which-firms-take-most-and-fewest-trainees-from-vac-schemes/

Reply 1783

silkysmoothpro

5

Original post by MillieXYZ

I know people with similar results, and worse, who did VS' at MC/SC/US firms.

Really depends on what else you have to offer, and the university. If you have strong extra curricular, work experience, connections, then recruiters will look past the grades. If you're the 'average' applicant, then yes, it could be the 'nail in the coffin', so to speak.

It might also be your application answers, since plenty of top firms don't expect a 2.1 in every module. Which firms have you been applying for?

Top RG uni (although not Oxbridge), extra-curriculars relatable to law and positions of responsibility, the usual work experience shadowing solicitors, open days at law firms, and worked in the insurance industry for a summer to boost commercial awareness.

At the open days and careers fairs Grad Recruitment always stressed on relating skills back to the law, commercial awareness and client focus tailored to the firm's specialisms, proofreading etc. I've made sure to do that for each application after spending a fair bit of time researching each firm, its work, clients and specialisms.

I've applied to firms specialising in insurance, real estate and corporate M&A as those are the areas I'm looking to develop.

Reply 1784

lawstudent95

10

Currently on 7 PFOs.. Can't get past the application stage on any of them. I have good A Levels, currently on a 2:1 at RG, and really good commercial work experience so I can't work out where I'm going wrong.

I'm currently on a year abroad as part of my degree, does anyone have any idea whether this is putting firms off?

Reply 1785

TimmonaPortella

21

Original post by lawstudent95

Currently on 7 PFOs.. Can't get past the application stage on any of them. I have good A Levels, currently on a 2:1 at RG, and really good commercial work experience so I can't work out where I'm going wrong.

It's probably not right to look at it as where you're going wrong. It's whether or not you're standing out.

You need to show that you understand the firm and what they're looking for, and then use precisely relevant examples from things you've done to show that you're it. It's not enough just to have done the things.

Reply 1786

SirAlexFerguson

14

For those asking why their applications are being rejected, the answer is we don't know, the whole process involves persistence and luck so don't take a PFO personally and move on to other firms.

Reply 1787

TimmonaPortella

21

How long did it take for people to hear back from HSF after doing the VRT?

Reply 1788

StudentLawyer

Original post by TimmonaPortella

How long did it take for people to hear back from HSF after doing the VRT?

Took the test on 30th Dec - still waiting to hear back :frown:

Reply 1789

giobru

Hey guys, anybody have an interview with slaughter for the vacation scheme? I have mine this week and as i am from a non-law background its my first experience with this things. Any tips on how to prepare or any insights? (specially for the article interview) Thanks.

Reply 1790

midoristic

1

Original post by lawstudent95

Currently on 7 PFOs.. Can't get past the application stage on any of them. I have good A Levels, currently on a 2:1 at RG, and really good commercial work experience so I can't work out where I'm going wrong.

I'm currently on a year abroad as part of my degree, does anyone have any idea whether this is putting firms off?

In my experience, law firms really like year abroads. I've been on two vac schemes, and in both vac schemes a good portion (40-60%) have done year abroads, had some sort of international experience, or both.

I agree that perhaps you are not standing out. If you send me a PM we could perhaps discuss this a bit further. I'd be happy to quickly look through an app form for you if you like.

Reply 1791

Senecaa

8

Original post by lawstudent95

Currently on 7 PFOs.. Can't get past the application stage on any of them. I have good A Levels, currently on a 2:1 at RG, and really good commercial work experience so I can't work out where I'm going wrong.

I'm currently on a year abroad as part of my degree, does anyone have any idea whether this is putting firms off?

IMHO, applicants with similar qualifications to yours are a dime a dozen. Its what you write on your application that really matters once you fulfill the basic prerequisites.

Reply 1792

Nob5

1

No not yet - have you heard from them?

Reply 1793

Nob5

1

Original post by Iloveowls123

Anyone heard from Clyde & Co or got an offer for a VS?

No not yet - did you hear back?

Reply 1794

Nob5

1

Original post by steph555

I've applied for:
HSF - Rejected
Clyde and Co - Rejected post interview
Mcfarlanes - AC
Weil - No reply
Latham and Watkins - No reply
DLA Piper - No reply
Fieldfisher - No reply
Shearman and Sterling - No reply

Feel like I haven't applied for enough...all the above except HSF are VS as opposed to TC.
Does anyone know (apart from Reed Smith which I am doing now) which firms recruit on a non-rolling basis? Going to start TC apps later, but worried about my lack of VS apps.
Applying for the GDL too to be on safe side.

When did you hear back from C&C if you don't mind me asking?

All the best with the AC.

Reply 1795

Hejmeddig

1

Original post by TimmonaPortella

How long did it take for people to hear back from HSF after doing the VRT?

I took the test on the 16th of December and I'm still waiting to hear back!! :frown:

Reply 1796

123s.jay.123

Does anyone have advice on the Simmons & Simmons video interview? Sorry I know people posted about this a while ago but can't seem to find it in the thread!

Reply 1797

ylmzzy

1

Original post by Hejmeddig

I took the test on the 16th of December and I'm still waiting to hear back!! :frown:

Did you applied to the summer VS?

Reply 1798

dinolove

2

Original post by lawstudent95

Currently on 7 PFOs.. Can't get past the application stage on any of them. I have good A Levels, currently on a 2:1 at RG, and really good commercial work experience so I can't work out where I'm going wrong.

I'm currently on a year abroad as part of my degree, does anyone have any idea whether this is putting firms off?

I recently did an application skills session with KWM and one of the biggest things they see apparently is perfectly good applicants with little/no research into the firm. So it may not be anything wrong with your experience at all, it might just not be clear enough why you want to do a vac scheme with them over other firms.

I'd really recommend getting someone knowledgeable to have a look at your applications (as I've yet to hear back from anyone, I can't quite put myself in this category but I'm happy to have a look too). But don't be disheartened, firms get so many applications that they almost look for reasons to reject people. It only takes one to say yes! :biggrin: