Law Firm Milk Rounds 2011

BW1

TheGreaterFool wrote: »

So, having registered a new account (if anyone finds the password for my 6-post "OBSC" username, do shout), I'm wondering if there's a new 2012 thread?

Yes, it's that time of year again..

Feel free to make one, apps are opening in little over a week so there's no fear of it being unpopular

chops018

Hi guys,

I'm new to this thread, I'm a Law grad and have my masters, currently doing the FE1's (they are horrible).

But what are the law firm milk rounds etc? I see lot's of posts talking about how people are applying to top firms etc on here. I wouldn't have a clue about applying or what to say. Should I wait till all the FE1's are done or what. Any info would be greatful.

Strawberry Fields

chops018 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I'm new to this thread, I'm a Law grad and have my masters, currently doing the FE1's (they are horrible).

But what are the law firm milk rounds etc? I see lot's of posts talking about how people are applying to top firms etc on here. I wouldn't have a clue about applying or what to say. Should I wait till all the FE1's are done or what. Any info would be greatful.

I'd like to second that, 4 fe1s, no law degree should I be applying and if so where can I get a list of all the companies to apply for? Seriously wouldn't have a clue.

NoQuarter

Having all FE1s only matters for the small law firms who take on trainees when they need them so they need to be ready to go.

If you guys are applying for the top 5 and other high tier firms, they start recruiting around now for a 2013/2014 intake so really a lot of people apply during third year. Its advisable to have an internship in one of the firms under your belt first but they only open in january/february.

If you guys are doing FE1s then its time to apply now, the application forms are a nightmare and competition is fierce.

There isnt a list of companies per se, you need to get off your ass and go find them, make a list of their application opening dates and closing dates. Each application can take few hours to do so dont leave it until the last minute and they ask for all results, including leaving cert.

There is a list of law firms on the legal 500 website, probably the best place to start.

Good luck.

TheGreaterFool

Suggested a new one (and posted it here) as this thread has gotten quite long (happy out to continue on here though!) but if you look back there is a lot of info on the biggest 5-20 firms.

"Milkrounds" refers to the presentations made by the bigger corporate commercial law firms from Dublin in the bigger universities in September/October each year.

Those firms have an annual hiring process.

Those commonly referred to as the "Top/Big 5" are:

A&L Goodbody
Arthur Cox
McCann Fitzgerald
Matheson Ormbsy Prentice
William Fry

But if it is corporate commercial you are looking at training in, there are plenty more big firms that regularly hire a number of trainees.

E.g. LK Shields, Mason Hayes + Curran, Maples and Calder, Dillon Eustace, Eversheds...

Most hire trainees from as early as final year of their law degree, many hire those whose primary degree isn't law (although the majority of their hires would still be law grads, law of averages I guess) and some, but not all, do look for all FE-1s (e.g. LK Shields).

Lots more firms than that, unfortunately no real comprehensive list out there I don't think.

chops018

Cheers for the info NoQuarter and TheGreaterFool.

tommyslev

Guys I'm new to this thread but really need advice. I'm a final year Law student and currently applying for Traineeships. I know the career is what I hope to do as I have previously held an internship but I just don't know if I want to pursue it so soon after College as I would love to take the time to travel the world, I'm thinking 6 months or even longer. But I'm afraid if I don't apply now for a Traineeship it will be too late. Assuming I do get a contract this year, how does it work? Larger law firms commit to taking graduates who have not yet sit any FE1's? Do they allow time for travelling or do they want you to do the FE1's as quickly as possible so you can start working? or does it seem like a good idea to get through the FE1's and Blackhall and the Traineeship and then take the time to go travelling, which is essentially leaving a steady full time job.

McCrack

There's nothing steady about law anymore, I would suggest travelling, sowing your oats, working abroad etc and then come back and start the rat race.

If you did the above you will be that bit older and have that experience (living, working abroad) that can only benefit you as a person and your CV.

Blackrockcomet

The bigger firms recruit a bit further into the future so applying now for them might allow you some time to travel and complete FE-1s if you get a contract offer. So the big firms will definitely be recruiting for 2013 and 2014 now(maybe some for 2015?) so if you got an offer for 2014, you could do FE-1s in March and September and then you would have 5/6 months to travel before starting with them.
McCrack a point in that if you start the FE-1s, pass them and get a contract with a smaller firm, they will want you to start straight away. This would obviously delay your travel plans somewhat.
So, I think applying to some of the big firms now couldn't hurt you and could get you used to the application forms so might not be a bad idea but as McCrack says, travel can only strengthen your CV

shnapback

has anyone had an interview with maples and calder? any advise on interviewing for the summer internship programme would be great!!

Hunchback

shnapback wrote: »

has anyone had an interview with maples and calder? any advise on interviewing for the summer internship programme would be great!!

Are you referring to interviews people had in 2012?

I never used to get interviews

chops018

CKonetheonlyone wrote: »

Are you referring to interviews people had in 2012?

I never used to get interviews

But did you get an apprenticeship in the end?

Feel like pulling my hair out.... I'm not getting any interviews for the big firms and any interviews for small firms I could not take due to no salary while in Blackhall.

Hunchback

got one with a small firm and salary. keep going is all

AndonHandon

chops018 wrote: »

But did you get an apprenticeship in the end?

Feel like pulling my hair out.... I'm not getting any interviews for the big firms and any interviews for small firms I could not take due to no salary while in Blackhall.

I know people in BH who had to borrow the cash for the fees and ended up doing part time work to fund expenditure. But that is outrageous and I would pack it in if that was my only option. Have you am option of fees but no salary? If so, whilst not ideal, could be an option if you take out a loan. Banks are giving out unsecured loans up to ten grand these days; you don't have to touch the money but it would take the financial stress.

Are you working at the moment?

notabasicb

chops018 wrote: »

But did you get an apprenticeship in the end?

Feel like pulling my hair out.... I'm not getting any interviews for the big firms and any interviews for small firms I could not take due to no salary while in Blackhall.

Have you been applying since 2012? That is very tough going! Keep the chin up!

Have you looked into booking in with a HR advisor/specialist to review your application techniques with? Or even gotten feedback from the firms for not advancing?

chops018

notabasicb wrote: »

Have you been applying since 2012? That is very tough going! Keep the chin up!

Have you looked into booking in with a HR advisor/specialist to review your application techniques with? Or even gotten feedback from the firms for not advancing?

No. I only finished the FE1's outright in last March, so this is my first proper year applying.

I am considering seeing a career specialist for applications and interview help.

notabasicb

chops018 wrote: »

No. I only finished the FE1's outright in last March, so this is my first proper year applying.

I am considering seeing a career specialist for applications and interview help.

Oh right. Best of luck. You may be having trouble with the big firms as their preference is to hire students still in college. If you are a few years out they may question why you haven't applied before and therefore your dedication to the corporate career - which they seem to want to see from day 1 in college.

Alternatively they may query why you haven't been snapped up already (unfair I know). I'd highlight in your forms whatever you have been doing in the meantime and why you decided to start now.

Big firms get so many applications it's well known they just do mass arbitrary cuts on the basis of grades/internships - make sure you've got those requirements or you may just end up going around in circles without anyone viewing your app!