Law Firm Milkrounds 2016

legalease2172

As the dreaded milkround for the law firms begins soon I took the initiative to set up this thread where we can share our experiences

LW91

When do the applications open? This will be my first time applying. I have a high 2.2 in pure law and am attempting three FE1s in October. Also did two weeks work experience with a local solicitor when I was in TY. I have decent extra-curriculars (eg. played for the local GAA club, read some current affairs, bit of charity work now and then) so there's enough on my CV overall to have a decent shot I think.

I'll have to wait until after the exams to do the applications, will probably apply to the biggest ten firms? Is that what people normally do? How many spaces are generally up for grabs does anyone know? Which firms are the most sought-after?

makemecrazy

LW91 wrote: »

When do the applications open? This will be my first time applying. I have a high 2.2 in pure law and am attempting three FE1s in October. Also did two weeks work experience with a local solicitor when I was in TY. I have decent extra-curriculars (eg. played for the local GAA club, read some current affairs, bit of charity work now and then) so there's enough on my CV overall to have a decent shot I think.

I'll have to wait until after the exams to do the applications, will probably apply to the biggest ten firms? Is that what people normally do? How many spaces are generally up for grabs does anyone know? Which firms are the most sought-after?

Applications open from now until the November, depending on the type of law firm you want to work in. Two-weeks work experience in TY means little for your decision to become a solicitor in my opinion, it may be a partial decision to study law at best. What work experience have you obtained throughout your law degree? What internships have you done? What are your current extra-curriculars? and since graduating what have you done with your life? For example, working in a shop shows you have a professional manner dealing with customers.

The best advice is to apply for firms you have an interest in working for, not "the biggest ten firms". You have plenty of time to do your research on firms you may want to work in Best of luck to you!:)

candles_

Hi
I havent sat any of the FE1's yet - planning on sitting some in March.
I have a masters (1.1) and have been working in a head office of a large retailer in a commercial role since then (3 years and have worked my way up into management).
Should I apply to firms now or do I need to wait until I have passed my FE1's?
Thanks!

LW91

Would there be many people with more than undergraduate degrees going for the positions? I mean like Masters etc ? Would there be many with more than a few weeks of work experience?

My father also played GAA in his youth with partners at two big firms (cant remember which but he said they're well-known) so hopefully that will be enough to get me a good contract.

Jaysis the FE1 study is quare heavy enough going, better be rolling in cash soon to make it all worth it

Dokers

Just to give you a brief idea of the competition for a training contract: I have an undergraduate degree, numerous different work experience, sporting achievements and extra curricular activities; I am halfway through an MSc which I have deferred for the time being and I've also been working full time as a legal executive for the last 9 months.

I'm sitting the FE1s in October 2016 and March 2017 and I'd be skeptical about getting a TC with one of the larger firms. At the end of the day it's about the area of law you want to practice and the lifestyle you want. Some people aren't cut out for working until midnight and coming in on weekends to close a deal and some people simply won't.

There are many firms outside the big 5-6 with great reputations and it would be foolish not to consider these options.

My advice is to take your time, consider all these aspects and speak to people in the profession (those who don't tell you to run a mile!). Many people are afraid of being pidgeon-holed into a particular area of law but on the flip side of that if you're passionate about what you're doing you'll enjoy it.

legallywrecked

When are people going to start applying? I know some firms have applications open up until the end of October and later but I see some have September closing dates, bit of a nightmare when trying to study for the exams too but has to be done!

Can anyone shed any light on the actual process of securing a TC? How many interviews is usually to be expected etc and when you might officially hear? I know the competition is very tough, fingers crossed will get one this year but we will wait and see.

legallywrecked

LW91 wrote: »

Would there be many people with more than undergraduate degrees going for the positions? I mean like Masters etc ? Would there be many with more than a few weeks of work experience?

My father also played GAA in his youth with partners at two big firms (cant remember which but he said they're well-known) so hopefully that will be enough to get me a good contract.

Jaysis the FE1 study is quare heavy enough going, better be rolling in cash soon to make it all worth it

Knowing someone in a powerful position is always a help from what i hear so that might swing it for you.

Regarding having more than the degree, i've certainly heard of many people doing Masters in order to improve their chances of getting a position. Personally I don't know anyone going for TC's for 2017 who don't have a few months or in many cases years of law firm full time employee experience but again, none of us know anyone to help us out, wish I did! That will be a big plus for you in whatever those firms are.

legallywrecked

candles_ wrote: »

Hi
I havent sat any of the FE1's yet - planning on sitting some in March.
I have a masters (1.1) and have been working in a head office of a large retailer in a commercial role since then (3 years and have worked my way up into management).
Should I apply to firms now or do I need to wait until I have passed my FE1's?
Thanks!

Congrats on that result in your Masters!

If you aren't planning on having all the FE1s passed by March 2017 there isn't too much pressure on you to be applying now. It sounds like you are aiming to start PPC1 in Sept 2018? If so in general I'd say next year is the time to apply but I have heard some of the bigger firms offer TC's for the following years etc so maybe do some research on firms you are considering and see what they mention on their websites about time limits etc.

saor19

legallywrecked wrote: »

Knowing someone in a powerful position is always a help from what i hear so that might swing it for you.

Regarding having more than the degree, i've certainly heard of many people doing Masters in order to improve their chances of getting a position. Personally I don't know anyone going for TC's for 2017 who don't have a few months or in many cases years of law firm full time employee experience but again, none of us know anyone to help us out, wish I did! That will be a big plus for you in whatever those firms are.

I didn't know anyone in the field when I applied, neither did the vast majority in my intake so there's hope for everyone! I didn't have any experience in a law firm either!

Redo91

saor19 wrote: »

I didn't know anyone in the field when I applied, neither did the vast majority in my intake so there's hope for everyone! I didn't have any experience in a law firm either!

That's great to hear! I've just a few months experience going back about two years now. My dad knows one or two solicitors from dealing with them for work but not well enough that they'd do me any favours I think. I've three FE-1's left. Just doing one this sitting and I'll be doing my remaining two all going well in March. I'll send out a few applications when I've this exam out of the way in October.

legallywrecked

saor19 wrote: »

I didn't know anyone in the field when I applied, neither did the vast majority in my intake so there's hope for everyone! I didn't have any experience in a law firm either!

That's fantastic to hear! Would you mind sharing a bit about your experience for those of us setting off on the rounds for the first time? No specifics but just how many applications you sent out and how long it took to get one confirmed etc?

Thanks!

saor19

I applied to the top 6 I think and got three interviews. I got an offer from my favourite firm before I had 2nd round interviews with the others so I withdrew from the process. I think it was mid November. I don't mind answering any questions if people have them! It's a nerve wracking time!

Redo91

saor19 wrote: »

I applied to the top 6 I think and got three interviews. I got an offer from my favourite firm before I had 2nd round interviews with the others so I withdrew from the process. I think it was mid November. I don't mind answering any questions if people have them! It's a nerve wracking time!

Thanks! That's great to hear. I'm just wondering if you don't mind telling me about your backround in law? As in had you much experience working in a solicitors office before applying? Also did you have many of the FE-1's passed at the time? Thanks in advance!

saor19

I had a degree and masters in law. No experience in a firm but I did have research experience for a few lecturers and a barrister. I didn't have any fe1s and hadn't even applied for any before I got an offer.

Redo91

saor19 wrote: »

I had a degree and masters in law. No experience in a firm but I did have research experience for a few lecturers and a barrister. I didn't have any fe1s and hadn't even applied for any before I got an offer.

Thanks! I've a few weeks experience in a solicitors office from a few years ago but that's about it. Currently have 5 of the FE-1's done. Aiming to get my traineeship in Galway if possibly so it might not be as competitive as Dublin. In any case from what I've heard traineeships are much more plentiful than they were 2-3 years ago. Thanks so much for your reply. Much appreciated!

claiomh solais

I'm nervous as all hell about it. I wonder if anyone can let me know:

I've a 1.1 LLB from DIT, I was ranked 1st in class. I have over a years managers experience with a big tourist firm, currently working in broadcasting. I also won a law competition in my final year. I'm doing 4 fe-1s in Oct and 4 in March.

Should I expect any interviews from the bigger firms? Just a general answer I get that I'm not supplying a lot of details. When I applied in my final year I got no interviews so I'm paranoid.

Sorry if this is a dumb post.

saor19

Redo91 wrote: »

Thanks! I've a few weeks experience in a solicitors office from a few years ago but that's about it. Currently have 5 of the FE-1's done. Aiming to get my traineeship in Galway if possibly so it might not be as competitive as Dublin. In any case from what I've heard traineeships are much more plentiful than they were 2-3 years ago. Thanks so much for your reply. Much appreciated!

Best of luck! I have two friends from Blackhall training in Galway and they love it!

saor19

claiomh solais wrote: »

I'm nervous as all hell about it. I wonder if anyone can let me know:

I've a 1.1 LLB from DIT, I was ranked 1st in class. I have over a years managers experience with a big tourist firm, currently working in broadcasting. I also won a law competition in my final year. I'm doing 4 fe-1s in Oct and 4 in March.

Should I expect any interviews from the bigger firms? Just a general answer I get that I'm not supplying a lot of details. When I applied in my final year I got no interviews so I'm paranoid.

Sorry if this is a dumb post.

In my opinion, its how you answer the questions on the application form rather than your results that will get you an interview (although great results help!). For example, if asked about work experience, I would set it out in three points - what I did, the skills I learned/utilised and how these skills would benefit me as a solicitor in a commercial setting.

I suppose my main bit of advice would be to tailor your application to the job you are applying for and in particular, the firm you are applying to. Firms receive between 800-1000 applications a year, the ones that stand out don't just say what skills they have but how they would be good for the firm.

20029422

anyone have any pointers please to what you would be doing during work experience when its only for a week or two or any tips of what you should do before regards research for that firm or is it just doing nothing in there really?

geanoc

Hi there, I'm sorry if this sounds fantastically stupid, but what do people consider "commercial" experience? Are we talking actual transaction / execution experience, or any experience working in a corporate legal setting? Also, what kind of resources do people use to research the firms, other than their own websites? any suggestions? Thanks!

Redo91

It's possibly due to my brain being fried from the FE-1's but I'm really struggling with the layout of my CV. Is there websites which provide templates for legal CV's?

geanoc

Redo91 wrote: »

It's possibly due to my brain being fried from the FE-1's but I'm really struggling with the layout of my CV. Is there websites which provide templates for legal CV's?

I just stick to the typical layout - personal details, education, work experience, personal interests. I also keep it to two pages. In my old job I saw CVs submitted for a solicitor role, and that's what everyone did.

geanoc

Has anyone heard anything from Eversheds? The website says 1st round interviews in week commencing 17 October.

Redo91

geanoc wrote: »

I just stick to the typical layout - personal details, education, work experience, personal interests. I also keep it to two pages. In my old job I saw CVs submitted for a solicitor role, and that's what everyone did.

Thanks! For FE-1's that you are waiting on the results of do you mention them or just put down the ones you've passed? Is 2-3 references enough? Thanks again.

geanoc

Redo91 wrote: »

geanoc wrote: »

I just stick to the typical layout - personal details, education, work experience, personal interests. I also keep it to two pages. In my old job I saw CVs submitted for a solicitor role, and that's what everyone did.

Thanks! For FE-1's that you are waiting on the results of do you mention them or just put down the ones you've passed? Is 2-3 references enough? Thanks again.

I'm not waiting on results, but I'd probably indicate I'd sat them and say when I intend to sit the others. 2 references is standard. One academic and one work if possible

LucBetton

Eversheds invitation to interview came out this afternoon in an email..

Redo91

geanoc wrote: »

I'm not waiting on results, but I'd probably indicate I'd sat them and say when I intend to sit the others. 2 references is standard. One academic and one work if possible

For some reason the sample CV's I found on the law society website don't include referees and it says to leave them out. Surely I need to include them? Also I know this is probably a stupid question but is a cover letter expected? Thanks again and sorry for all the questions!

yournerd

Philip Lee
Byrne Wallace
Arthur Cox
McCann Fitzgerald

all closing this week!!

yournerd

Did anyone hear back from Eversheds?

LucBetton

yournerd wrote: »

Did anyone hear back from Eversheds?

Yep, their interviews are tomorrow, Thursday and Friday

LucBetton

yournerd wrote: »

Philip Lee
Byrne Wallace
Arthur Cox
McCann Fitzgerald

all closing this week!!

So are William fry, closing this Thursday
Are maples and walkers this Friday too?

claiomh solais

I did an interview with [A Firm*], then I never heard back from them? Is that normal when the firm is still accepting applications?

Just wondering would it be too forward to send them an email asking what my status is..

*I decided not to name names in case it was against some rule.

LucBetton

claiomh solais wrote: »

I did an interview with [A Firm*], then I never heard back from them? Is that normal when the firm is still accepting applications?

Just wondering would it be too forward to send them an email asking what my status is..

*I decided not to name names in case it was against some rule.

You can name names alright.. What do you mean that you got an interview with applications still open? Do they accept applications on a rolling basis, or do you have a connection that got you an interview unrelated to the milkrounds?

claiomh solais

The firm was Philip Lee. Yeah they have had applications open since at least July I think.

I sent in a application and I interviewed with them about a week later. This was all like a month ago, and never heard back from them.

No I have 0 connections whatsoever :P

LucBetton

claiomh solais wrote: »

The firm was Philip Lee. Yeah they have had applications open since at least July I think.

I sent in a application and I interviewed with them about a week later. This was all like a month ago, and never heard back from them.

No I have 0 connections whatsoever :P

Ah yeah, Phillip lee <<Mod deletion>>, but I have a friend who was interviewed and he said they were quick enough in telling him that he hadn't gotten it, so no news is probably good news. I'd imagine you're on some kind of shortlist
I also wouldn't email, HR departments feel much more comfortable talking in person so giving them a call would be a better idea.. I'd probably give it until November, because this is the week when most of the applications go in, then ring and ask when you'll find out.. But again, no news is probably good news in that you're obviously still in with a shout

claiomh solais

Thanks for the info! Yeah here's hoping I'm still in with a shot, I found them to be really nice people when I was doing the interview.

Gunslinger92

Do McDowell Purcell take trainees?

legalease2172

claiomh solais wrote: »

The firm was Philip Lee. Yeah they have had applications open since at least July I think.

I sent in a application and I interviewed with them about a week later. This was all like a month ago, and never heard back from them.

No I have 0 connections whatsoever :P

Unfortunately this happens a lot and in fact happened with me when I interviewed for Philip Lee. I heard nothing back for over a month. It was quite frustrating.

I applied again this year and didn't even get confirmation that they had received my application. It's dog eat dog out there!

claiomh solais

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

Do McDowell Purcell take trainees?

As far as I see on their website, McDowell Purcell do take trainees but primarily from their Paralegal Programme.

Which is still taking CVs!

yournerd

LucBetton wrote: »

So are William fry, closing this Thursday
Are maples and walkers this Friday too?

Yeap
and MHC and A&L

legalease2172

yournerd wrote: »

Yeap
and MHC and A&L

MHC is Monday.

legalease2172

How is everyone getting on?!

Redo91

Just wondering what is the general deadline for applications? I'm only applying to firms in Galway. RDJ is online and ends on the 31st of October but no idea about all the other firms. Would most be still taking applications in November?

Gunslinger92

legalease2172 wrote: »

How is everyone getting on?!

Sick to back bloody teeth of them and I've only done four :pac:

Alfred Borden

A little off topic but if one were to do a trainee-ship in a firm that doesn't do Crime or Family Law, could they then go on and work in a firm in those areas when qualified? Realistically, could a perspective employer turn you down for lack of experience?

amtc

I know a firm looking for a paralegal urgently with some secondment to William fry. Pm me if you want details

yournerd

When will all the deadlines just end, so sick of them at this stage!
Does anyone know of a website that will give me an overview of the company as a whole?

LucBetton

yournerd wrote: »

When will all the deadlines just end, so sick of them at this stage!
Does anyone know of a website that will give me an overview of the company as a whole?

What do you mean overview of the company as a whole?

dashdoll

Anyone willing to disclose what each of the top 5/10 firms are paying trainees at the moment?

All I ever hear are rumours so it's a pity no current trainees are willing to put the actual figure out there.

Gunslinger92

I know Philip lee pays trainees 35k and McCann is 40-something.