FE1 Exam Thread (Read 1st post!) NOTE: YOU MAY SWAP EXAM GRIDS

shaunadennyham · 08-10-2020 03:51PM

FE1student560 wrote: »

Hey guys. In have accepted two TC offers as one of the firms requires me to have all my exams done by December and I'm a bit nervous I won't have them done. Does anyone know how strictly firms apply that rule? Also what's the latest you should inform a firm you don't intend to take an offer after you've accepted it?

Well look on the bright side - we may not get another sitting by December!!

channing90 · 08-10-2020 03:54PM

FE1student560 wrote: »

Hey guys. In have accepted two TC offers as one of the firms requires me to have all my exams done by December and I'm a bit nervous I won't have them done. Does anyone know how strictly firms apply that rule? Also what's the latest you should inform a firm you don't intend to take an offer after you've accepted it?

Do you mind me asking when you got offered the Tc, interested to know if anyone has been successful on getting one during the last 6 months and where they are based?

Hazel774 · 08-10-2020 03:55PM

LawExams 2020 wrote: »

Well said, Hazel. No shame at all. No one ever said there was.

ehh...

LawExams 2020 wrote: »

Emma, I never said people couldn’t complain? I said people are losing the run of themselves a bit.

I agree entirely that it’s stressful, and sure vent away, but when I read that people are crying in the toilets and needing therapy, well it’s alarming to read that people are coming so undone. People will be making themselves sick from stress, and I don’t think anyone wants to see that happen.

Look I'm not going to say any more on this as it's going off topic, and perhaps you didn't mean any offence by your comments, but they can be interpreted as shaming people telling them that they're 'losing the run of themselves'.

Hazel774 · 08-10-2020 03:59PM

FE1student560 wrote: »

Hey guys. In have accepted two TC offers as one of the firms requires me to have all my exams done by December and I'm a bit nervous I won't have them done. Does anyone know how strictly firms apply that rule? Also what's the latest you should inform a firm you don't intend to take an offer after you've accepted it?

I'm in the same boat, I'm required to have them done by December too... I only have one left, so the only way I won't have them done is if the next sitting isn't organised promptly. I'm not sure whether to contact my firm or not... has anyone contacted their firms about the delays in rescheduling the sitting?

mayolaw · 08-10-2020 04:00PM

channing90 wrote: »

Do you mind me asking when you got offered the Tc, interested to know if anyone has been successful on getting one during the last 6 months and where they are based?

I recently (yesterday) got offered a pre-training contract while i do my fe-1s and its in my contract they'll put me on the December 2021 hybrid ppc. Over the last six months i've applied to any and every legal graduate job (not all necessarily traineeships) had about 5-6 interviews since then and was rejected until now. I've been told in most my interviews that they are getting more CV's than ever before.

LawExams 2020 · 08-10-2020 04:05PM

Hazel774 wrote: »

ehh...

Look I'm not going to say any more on this as it's going off topic, and perhaps you didn't mean any offence by your comments, but they can be interpreted as shaming people telling them that they're 'losing the run of themselves'.

I never mentioned the word shame though, other people felt the need to misrepresent what I said.

My comment on people losing the run of themselves was wholly unrelated to my comment about it being alarming that people were crying in work and needing therapy due to the stress.

The first comment - yeah, some people were losing the run of themselves a bit.

The second comment - it was genuine alarm and concern that people are being so stressed by this whole mess. The process should be straightforward enough that it doesn’t result in the current situation.

FE1student560 · 08-10-2020 04:10PM

channing90 wrote: »

Do you mind me asking when you got offered the Tc, interested to know if anyone has been successful on getting one during the last 6 months and where they are based?

I got offered them in October 2018 so quite a while ago! I have four left to do because I spent a year working abroad

shaunadennyham · 08-10-2020 04:14PM

Hazel774 wrote: »

I'm in the same boat, I'm required to have them done by December too... I only have one left, so the only way I won't have them done is if the next sitting isn't organised promptly. I'm not sure whether to contact my firm or not... has anyone contacted their firms about the delays in rescheduling the sitting?

I have kept my firm in the loop and advise you to do the same. Law society haven’t been keeping firms updated and they may not look kindly on you telling them after the fact without warning that exams were delayed or cancelled

Hazel774 · 08-10-2020 04:35PM

shaunadennyham wrote: »

I have kept my firm in the loop and advise you to do the same. Law society haven’t been keeping firms updated and they may not look kindly on you telling them after the fact without warning that exams were delayed or cancelled

Thanks for that

maggie95 · 08-10-2020 05:44PM

Got a reply from my local TD:

"Many thanks for your email. I can totally understand your sense of deep frustration and anger. From my discussions with the Law Society, I understand that their position has changed from a few weeks ago and that they are now considering online assessments where they had ruled this out previously. I do not yet know the detail of what they are planning, but I will write to them and ask that they make their position clear for FE1 students as soon as possible.

All the best in your preparation. I remember this stage of the process very well. It will all be fully worth it in the end."

So it seems they are only considering the online assessment. Will update if I hear more.

IgoPAP · 08-10-2020 05:52PM

maggie95 wrote: »

Got a reply from my local TD:

"Many thanks for your email. I can totally understand your sense of deep frustration and anger. From my discussions with the Law Society, I understand that their position has changed from a few weeks ago and that they are now considering online assessments where they had ruled this out previously. I do not yet know the detail of what they are planning, but I will write to them and ask that they make their position clear for FE1 students as soon as possible.

All the best in your preparation. I remember this stage of the process very well. It will all be fully worth it in the end."

So it seems they are only considering the online assessment. Will update if I hear more.

What it means is they haven't yet found anyone to host remote exams.

3 weeks out from the exam itself. First a tragedy. Then just a farce.

sarahlawless · 08-10-2020 05:58PM

maggie95 wrote: »

Got a reply from my local TD:

"Many thanks for your email. I can totally understand your sense of deep frustration and anger. From my discussions with the Law Society, I understand that their position has changed from a few weeks ago and that they are now considering online assessments where they had ruled this out previously. I do not yet know the detail of what they are planning, but I will write to them and ask that they make their position clear for FE1 students as soon as possible.

All the best in your preparation. I remember this stage of the process very well. It will all be fully worth it in the end."

So it seems they are only considering the online assessment. Will update if I hear more.

That is actually such a sound response.

Aoibhin511 · 08-10-2020 06:30PM

Does anyone have a note on Shatter v Guerin (2019) SC? My manual doesn't actually explain what was held in relation to privilege and justiciability.
TIA

orlaghs · 08-10-2020 06:33PM

maggie95 wrote: »

Got a reply from my local TD:

"Many thanks for your email. I can totally understand your sense of deep frustration and anger. From my discussions with the Law Society, I understand that their position has changed from a few weeks ago and that they are now considering online assessments where they had ruled this out previously. I do not yet know the detail of what they are planning, but I will write to them and ask that they make their position clear for FE1 students as soon as possible.

All the best in your preparation. I remember this stage of the process very well. It will all be fully worth it in the end."

So it seems they are only considering the online assessment. Will update if I hear more.

The reason they can only 'consider' online is mostly because of the exam companies. I actually work for one of the main online exam providers and they need at least 2 months' notice to prepare for online exams. Difficult to see how LS will navigate around this if I'm honest but who knows!

Sound reply from your TD - nice to have someone actually give a useful response. We can only continue to prepare as though the exams will go ahead in November but it's proving to be v difficult to find the motivation!!

carldelaney95 · 08-10-2020 07:30PM

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had a copy of the Criminal Law Exam Paper for March 2020?

Thanks,

Carl Delaney

dobby896 · 08-10-2020 08:34PM

orlaghs wrote: »

but it's proving to be v difficult to find the motivation!!

I honestly might get this tattooed on me I say it that much these days lol

Debarramike137 · 08-10-2020 08:59PM

hi guys,

can anybody tell me please, the min to cover in criminal!? thanks a lot

shaunadennyham · 08-10-2020 09:20PM

Debarramike137 wrote: »

hi guys,

can anybody tell me please, the min to cover in criminal!? thanks a lot

Cover as much as you can - he tends to mix topics. Omissions came up in March so probably won’t come up again. Sexual offences always appears in some form, public order offences, property offences, murder and manslaughter very frequent too.

Debarramike137 · 08-10-2020 09:28PM

shaunadennyham wrote: »

Cover as much as you can - he tends to mix topics. Omissions came up in March so probably won’t come up again. Sexual offences always appears in some form, public order offences, property offences, murder and manslaughter very frequent too.

Thank you so much!!

shaunadennyham · 08-10-2020 09:33PM

Debarramike137 wrote: »

Thank you so much!!

Indica of a crime also possible as a q given the pandemic and confusion about regulatory and criminal offences !

IgoPAP · 08-10-2020 09:41PM

What are the chances that if they can't find a suitable company to facilitate remote sittings (and they still haven't yet) , and that Dublin doesn't go down to Level 2 anytime soon (which is most likely), that they end up cancelling the exams altogether until the Spring sittings?

08-10-2020 09:45PM

IgoPAP wrote: »

What are the chances that if they can't find a suitable company to facilitate remote sittings (and they still haven't yet) , and that Dublin doesn't go down to Level 2 anytime soon (which is most likely), that they end up cancelling the exams altogether until the Spring sittings?

Oh god..nightmare scenario
Who even knows what will be going on in March - not much has improved since last March!

I would hope they did staggered online sittings before they cancel altogether.. but who knows with the LS!

dobby896 · 08-10-2020 10:01PM

IgoPAP wrote: »

What are the chances that if they can't find a suitable company to facilitate remote sittings (and they still haven't yet) , and that Dublin doesn't go down to Level 2 anytime soon (which is most likely), that they end up cancelling the exams altogether until the Spring sittings?

There would be complete uproar if they cancelled especially when people have 2021 contracts and are aiming to get them done in 2 sittings.

The only way they could offset it is by running 3 sittings in 2021. However, I can't see them cancelling this sitting altogether because, as Abba once said "money, money, money".

shaunadennyham · 08-10-2020 10:03PM

IgoPAP wrote: »

What are the chances that if they can't find a suitable company to facilitate remote sittings (and they still haven't yet) , and that Dublin doesn't go down to Level 2 anytime soon (which is most likely), that they end up cancelling the exams altogether until the Spring sittings?

The way I see it they’ll probably do a sitting online in early December or cancel it completely and possibly run 3 sittings in 2021.

Bear in mind the Law society control the whole training process. They could well push out the commencement of blackhall 2021 to facilitate extra sittings of the fe1s. Makes no difference to the firms really as long as they have concrete dates they can plan rotations etc accordingly

dobby896 · 08-10-2020 10:11PM

shaunadennyham wrote: »

Bear in mind the Law society control the whole training process. They could well push out the commencement of blackhall 2021 to facilitate extra sittings of the fe1s. Makes no difference to the firms really as long as they have concrete dates they can plan rotations etc accordingly

The joys of a monopoly!

Vegetarian2017 · 09-10-2020 09:11AM

I would say they might wait till the country is level 2, hopefully the end of November or perhaps January and still hold the March sitting.

This is of course if they dont go ahead with online sitting. I highly doubt that would be in place by November.

For those applying to hybrid I really wouldnt worry they will accomodate candidates in this circumstance and as a poster mentioned above they have the ability to push out blackhall 2021 if needs be.

I am sure it will all work out, yes it is stressful not knowing but I am confident whatever option they choose it will not hold those back for hybrid etc.

Candidates waiting to start training contracts just need to contact their firm to let them know, this is circumstances outside of your control I am sure (I would hope) the firm will understand and also be accomodating.

I am putting the books down till there is a confirmed date but that is my own choice to destress and what suits me. There is little chance it will go ahead the first week with all of the disruption this has caused. So all try not stress too much we will all get there in the end.

fe1student2803 · 09-10-2020 09:51AM

Does anyone who has a training contract lined up have any tips for applications? Finding them so daunting

WesternC123 · 09-10-2020 10:29AM

Do people think we will hear any kind of update from them by this evening? It's so difficult heading into another weekend of study not knowing if the exams will be in 3 weeks or 3 months...

Aoibhin511 · 09-10-2020 10:32AM

fe1student2803 wrote: »

Does anyone who has a training contract lined up have any tips for applications? Finding them so daunting

There are generally 2 types of applications - the CV and cover letter ones and the fill in the online form ones. I got an interview in every place that I applied with a CV and none of the online form ones, maybe a complete fluke or maybe I was completely missing the buzzwords the forms wanted. But I'll stick to advice on the CV type.
CV: Try to fit it all on one page, Include your linkedin and you can fill out more detail about your work experience there. Include your expected graduating grade if you haven't graduated already and any society or club roles you took on in college. If you have no work experience think about hobbies/sports/societies and the skills they have given you, list the skills you learned with the activities. If you've ever had a bizarre hobby or played a less well known sport, but it on your CV, it was a great conversation starter.
Cover Letter: the two questions that must be answered are 1. why you want them and 2. why they want you. So do your research on them and be willing to talk yourself up. Have everyone you know proofread it, mistakes will not look good.
Then just cross your fingers and hope for some interviews.
Honestly the interview that went best for me was the one I was most relaxed and most myself in because I never imagined I would get that firm so I was "just doing the interview for practice".
Group interviews are daunting, but keep smiling, interject occasionally with "mary makes a really good point be I think..." or "I completely agree with Sam because..." keep it positive but don't talk too much, let everyone have their turn.
Do your research again before your individual interview, make sure you have a question to ask them at the end when they give you the opportunity.

Best of luck!

fe1student2803 · 09-10-2020 10:44AM

Aoibhin511 wrote: »

There are generally 2 types of applications - the CV and cover letter ones and the fill in the online form ones. I got an interview in every place that I applied with a CV and none of the online form ones, maybe a complete fluke or maybe I was completely missing the buzzwords the forms wanted. But I'll stick to advice on the CV type.
CV: Try to fit it all on one page, Include your linkedin and you can fill out more detail about your work experience there. Include your expected graduating grade if you haven't graduated already and any society or club roles you took on in college. If you have no work experience think about hobbies/sports/societies and the skills they have given you, list the skills you learned with the activities. If you've ever had a bizarre hobby or played a less well known sport, but it on your CV, it was a great conversation starter.
Cover Letter: the two questions that must be answered are 1. why you want them and 2. why they want you. So do your research on them and be willing to talk yourself up. Have everyone you know proofread it, mistakes will not look good.
Then just cross your fingers and hope for some interviews.
Honestly the interview that went best for me was the one I was most relaxed and most myself in because I never imagined I would get that firm so I was "just doing the interview for practice".
Group interviews are daunting, but keep smiling, interject occasionally with "mary makes a really good point be I think..." or "I completely agree with Sam because..." keep it positive but don't talk too much, let everyone have their turn.
Do your research again before your individual interview, make sure you have a question to ask them at the end when they give you the opportunity.

Best of luck!

Thank you so much Aoibhin! I really appreciate it

FE1 Exam Thread (Read 1st post!) NOTE: YOU MAY SWAP EXAM GRIDS

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