Official Vacation Scheme Thread 2015!!!

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Nope, when was yours?

They had interview days all this week as I understand it...

Before Jones Day gave you an interview did they ask for a reference. If they did ask for a reference how long did it take them to get back to you after the reference was sent?

thanks

Reply 121

AAADDD90

Original post by Cooke

Before Jones Day gave you an interview did they ask for a reference. If they did ask for a reference how long did it take them to get back to you after the reference was sent?

thanks

About 10 days, but I know my referee replied on the day of the request.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 122

reiiko

Can somebody help me out?
I'm currently knee-deep in application questions, and one of them has me stumped. "What area of law are you interested in, and why?" - in responding to this, should I talk about the firm, or just talk about the reasons why I'm interested in a particular practice area?
Thanks in advance!

Reply 123

AAADDD90

Original post by reiiko

As with all questions it's a bit of both: obviously a big part of the question is about how interested you are generally and what kind of thing you particularly like. Certainly don't go to a City firm raving about family law... If you can talk compellingly about an area which the firm specialised in it definitely wouldn't hurt, and tying it to specific work the firm has done can also be good if it doesn't seem too much like you're shoe-horning it in. Doing some research on what the firm specialises in would be a good place to start.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 124

reiiko

Original post by AAADDD90

As with all questions it's a bit of both: obviously a big part of the question is about how interested you are generally and what kind of thing you particularly like. Certainly don't go to a City firm raving about family law... If you can talk compellingly about an area which the firm specialised that definitely wouldn't hurt, and tying it to specific work the firm has done can also be good if it doesn't seem too much like you're shoe-horning it in. Doing some research on what the firm specialises in would be a good place to start.

Thanks for your reply :smile:

I appreciate your point, and yes I'm applying to City firms (although my area of interest is dispute resolution and litigation - is this too rogue?), however the word limit is 150 words. So I'm unsure as to how I'm meant to articulate this interest, my own relevant work experience to prove it, as well as the firm's practice..

Reply 125

AAADDD90

Original post by reiiko

Thanks for your reply :smile:

Might be wise to be more specific than that (though what do I know). Maybe talk about a specific type of dispute relating to an area you've studied or experience you've done. If you lack experience or study you can always tie it to current affairs e.g. there was an article in the Economist last week about trade treaty dispute resolution (a very exciting area for some city firms)... That would be the point at which to look at the firm's specific work: trade disputes would be great for say A&O but not so much for a TMT firm (maybe there you could talk about IP litigation). As a general guide I'd look for an area of overlap between the firm's interests and your own.

Reply 126

Cooke

Original post by AAADDD90

About 10 days, but I know my referee replied on the day of the request.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks! How did you find the interview? What other firms are you applying to?

Reply 127

OEN16

Hi I'm currently writing my applications for summer vacation schemes and am a bit confused about this one for Mishcon de Reya:

If we were to invite you to interview, what is the subject that you would most like to talk about? And why? We are looking for you to choose a topic you are passionate about, that you believe will be of interest to us. (150 words max)*

It just seems very broad, are they looking for a personal topic relating to my background and experience or a current issue relating to their business?!

Also I unfortunately got a high 2.2 in my first year (no mitigating circumstances, just found first year hard), including 3rds in two modules. I managed to work really hard and raise my grades during second year to a high 2.1 overall with no modules below a 2.1, but I know my first year grades will still affect me... Do I still have a chance of a vac scheme?!

Reply 128

AAADDD90

Original post by Cooke

Thanks! How did you find the interview? What other firms are you applying to?

Interview was pretty standard - why law? why JD? etc, though they are definitely keen to hear about why you would fit with their training system.

I'm applying to City firms.

Reply 129

iwantatc

Anyone had/ got an AC at BLP?

Reply 130

lozasaurus99

Can someone please tell me if these tc schemes will accept general studies as part of the 3 A levels? ?

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Reply 131

pug08

Not sure if this has been asked before, i'm in the process of doing my Stephenson Harwood application and one question is 'Are there any particular matters which you wish to raise if invited to interview?'

I can't work out if they want me to suggest a commercial issue or if they just mean mitigating circumstances?

Reply 132

Chianti1

Original post by iwantatc

Anyone had/ got an AC at BLP?

I completed the verbal analysis test earlier this week but I haven't heard anything since. Do you mind if I ask when you submitted your application?

Reply 133

pp93

Original post by pug08

I wasn't sure either so I just went for commercial issue/discussion of one of their practice areas as I have no mitigating circumstances :smile:

Reply 134

lozasaurus99

Original post by J-SP

99% of the time, it will be not including general studies.

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So I will be considered as 2 A levels and not given a place?! :/ but a Russell group uni Liverpool let's you in for law as one of your A levels accepting it!!

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Reply 135

liarpoker

Are most firms mainly rolling?

Reply 136

iwantatc

Original post by Chianti1

I completed the verbal analysis test earlier this week but I haven't heard anything since. Do you mind if I ask when you submitted your application?

I heard back 3 days after doing the test

Reply 137

Kidioteque

Hey guys, stupid question but I'll regret not asking - on some of these applications at the beginning it asks whether you're applying for a Summer Vacation Scheme or a Training Contract. Obviously, if I get the vacation scheme I would also like to be considered for a TC at the end of it, but I'm not trying to apply directly for the TC. Would you just tick the box for vacation scheme?

This is what I mean:

Many thanks!

EDIT: Okay, on the application I'm doing at the moment I've just realised that if you want to apply for a vac scheme you *have* to tick "yes" for a TC as well. But on one I was doing before (Skadden I think) you were able to say "no" to a TC and "yes" to a VC. Hmmm.