Law Firm Milkrounds 20/21

LawBoy2018 · 23-03-2021 9:35am

Lallers96 wrote: »

Anybody else find the recent Law Society "seminar" on how to find a TC absolutely useless?

I mean, I've sat here the night before the FE1s start up again watching the 4 videos of people advising you on how they got their TC and how you can do the same and I've had to laugh at the whole thing.

Fair play to them all they've built stellar CVs and have got great positions and earned them, and they also did a great job recording a video in their homes which can't have been easy. So please don't take this the wrong way when I say I had to laugh, because I wasn't laughing at them - rather how the Law Society thought it was in any ways helpful to have 4 cookie cutter candidates who all had:

- Prior legal experience (1 internship was apparently not enough) with a top 10 Irish firm.
- International legal experience.
- Stellar grades with a masters at minimum, one woman had a doctorate.
- A vast amount of extra curricular activities that would make Ghandi blush.

I mean come on. Is that really the bar to getting ANY TC. Fair enough I completely and utterly understand that the Dublin firms and other "top 10 firms" would want the absolute best candidates but there are more than just those firms and they are not for everyone?

The legal sector has to be the only job sector where you are left utterly alone in this post graduate job hunting experience. I never had the chance to get any placement as part of my degree as all my friends did in other sectors, and the only help your university will give you is advise you to do a masters with them.

I would have thought this comprehensive seminar on how to get a TC would have at least attempted to cater to the rest of us who do not want to work in these larger firms, or will not due to below average grades, or lack of legal experience etc. It turned out to just be 4 absolutely perfect candidates telling me things I already know. No offence intended towards them but not much of it was useful as these people really did have the perfect CVs for top firms and would have sleepwalked into any medium to small firm should they have wished. The whole thing just seemed a bit degrading and condescending when it was the top 1% advising the rest how to succeed...rant over and I apologise if I've come across annoying.

I started off by taking an unpaid internship in a small solicitor's office back in 2017. I called every single solicitor's office within a 30 mile radius from my house and heard back from maybe 2/40. I applied for the milkrounds/summer internships every year, but never got even a whiff of an interview.

Persistence is key. You need to keep going until eventually you strike gold.

My grades/LC points were well below average but I did a master's and specialised and now I have a traineeship in a top 5 firm.

Diamond_Hands · 23-03-2021 2:54pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

I started off by taking an unpaid internship in a small solicitor's office back in 2017. I called every single solicitor's office within a 30 mile radius from my house and heard back from maybe 2/40. I applied for the milkrounds/summer internships every year, but never got even a whiff of an interview.

Persistence is key. You need to keep going until eventually you strike gold.

My grades/LC points were well below average but I did a master's and specialised and now I have a traineeship in a top 5 firm.

What masters programme did you do, out of curiosity?

LawBoy2018 · 23-03-2021 3:26pm

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

What masters programme did you do, out of curiosity?

I did the LLM in Trinity (International and European Business Law)! Would highly recommend.

Law1234 · 23-03-2021 8:44pm

Has anyone heard from Dechert regarding the Summer Internship?

biglawhead420 · 23-03-2021 9:11pm

Law1234 wrote: »

Has anyone heard from Dechert regarding the Summer Internship?

They are notoriously slow, but I would imagine at this stage its not looking too good.

25-03-2021 12:47am

Does anyone have any advice for internship interviews with mid-size mainly commercial firms? (Saying this as I don’t think there’s a group element a la bigger firms) - will it likely be all about selling myself and my experience or is it likely that I will need some legal commercial/knowledge too?

rightytighty · 25-03-2021 1:03pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Does anyone have any advice for internship interviews with mid-size mainly commercial firms? (Saying this as I don’t think there’s a group element a la bigger firms) - will it likely be all about selling myself and my experience or is it likely that I will need some legal commercial/knowledge too?

I’ve interviewed with several before and they’ve been entirely personal in my experience. A good chance to bring in legal/commercial knowledge though is to identify an area the firm/your interviewer practices in. Identify something ongoing in it and come up with a question.

jus_me · 25-03-2021 2:08pm

Anything at all from Lavelle partners ?

SKLaw · 25-03-2021 3:54pm

jus_me wrote: »

Anything at all from Lavelle partners ?

Haven’t heard. I’ve emailed them as well last week just following up and nothing from them

Lallers96 · 25-03-2021 4:35pm

Jesus it feels like well over 3 weeks ago I applied to them, and Maxwell Mullany

SKLaw · 25-03-2021 4:37pm

Lallers96 wrote: »

Jesus it feels like well over 3 weeks ago I applied to them, and Maxwell Mullany

It’s definitely been that long. The ad I think was up 22 February because I remember tidying up my cover letter when I saw that ad up on the LS website. Nothing heard from both firms

Lawstudent345 · 25-03-2021 8:13pm

Anyone hear from Leman or Hayes Solicitors?

FE1_2020_ · 25-03-2021 9:57pm

Has anyone heard from DAC Beachcroft ? Looking at my application and the expiry date has now been amended on their system from 30th April 2021 to the 30th August 2021 and still says "in review". I have checked with another person and his says the same too, curious to know if its the same for anyone on here ?

lawgrad15 · 25-03-2021 9:59pm

FE1_2020_ wrote: »

Has anyone heard from DAC Beachcroft ? Looking at my application and the expiry date has now been amended on their system from 30th April 2021 to the 30th August 2021 and still says "in review". I have checked with another person and his says the same too, curious to know if its the same for anyone on here ?

Mine is the same actually.

FE1_2020_ · 25-03-2021 10:10pm

lawgrad15 wrote: »

Mine is the same actually.

I see, thanks for confirming. I suspect its just a system update then, find it hard to believe were still in the mix since haven't heard anything from them since last November.

lnmbk · 26-03-2021 10:35am

Rejections from Reddy Charlton LLP out - appears that they are only taking on two interns this time.

LawStudent125 · 26-03-2021 11:40am

Are Walkers interviews out?

Fe1forthefun · 26-03-2021 11:44am

LawStudent125 wrote: »

Are Walkers interviews out?

Yep!

LawStudent125 · 26-03-2021 12:09pm

Ah, that's my chances with them gone then I assume. How long have they been out to your knowledge?

Lallers96 · 26-03-2021 6:38pm

Has anybody heard from:

Lavelle Partners
Mullany Walsh Maxwell LLP

I just had a look back at my emails and I applied for both on the 24th of February so it's been over a month and not one person has heard word at all here which I find so odd.

jus_me · 26-03-2021 10:27pm

Lallers96 wrote: »

Has anybody heard from:

Lavelle Partners
Mullany Walsh Maxwell LLP

I just had a look back at my emails and I applied for both on the 24th of February so it's been over a month and not one person has heard word at all here which I find so odd.

Nothing from either so odd I agree!

Fe1forthefun · 27-03-2021 11:37am

For competency based questions, what would people talk about when asked about a time they were analytical? I always struggle with examples for this question.

curiouscat55 · 27-03-2021 1:15pm

hey guys, wondering if anyone can give me some info. I am a second year and doing a summer internship this summer in the law firm I want to work in after college. They are only doing one intern intake this summer as far as I am aware. What is the likelihood that I would be offered a TC? Like would they offer it to most people who have an aptitude?

Diamond_Hands · 27-03-2021 1:16pm

curiouscat55 wrote: »

hey guys, wondering if anyone can give me some info. I am a second year and doing a summer internship this summer in the law firm I want to work in after college. They are only doing one intern intake this summer as far as I am aware. What is the likelihood that I would be offered a TC? Like would they offer it to most people who have an aptitude?

Depends on the firm. Some places like MHC and Cox give most if not all their interns a TC offer.

curiouscat55 · 27-03-2021 1:18pm

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

Depends on the firm. Some places like MHC and Cox give most if not all their interns a TC offer.

Do cox give you the chance to interview or just an outright offer?

Diamond_Hands · 27-03-2021 1:21pm

curiouscat55 wrote: »

Do cox give you the chance to interview or just an outright offer?

There's usually an interview at the end. From my understanding, last year they cancelled the internships and straight gave people TC offers. But there's usually an interview.

LegalEagle21 · 28-03-2021 9:44am

Has anyone here contacted DAC Beachcroft and received a response about the traineeship?

Wonderboy2010 · 29-03-2021 4:34pm

Hi guys, although I didn't dive into summer internships or training contract applications, I had my own mini "Milkrounds" for a university student placement year. To my surprise, I got 3 interviews from 3 of the Top 5 firms and walked away with 2 offers- A&L Goodbody and Matheson. It was a tough decision, but I ultimately went with Matheson because of its culture and keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion. However, I know the game is not over it. I still have to try and impress the firm in order to gain a training contract or summer internship with them in the future. I was wondering if anyone can offer tips on how to impress firms while on a summer internship or placement? How did you get over the fear of "imposter syndrome" or messing things up? I'm well aware that the chances of obtaining a training contract or summer internship from this placement are quite slim, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Worst thing that can happen is just me walking away with nearly a years worth of experience in the biggest commercial law firm in Ireland. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Shylawgirl · 29-03-2021 4:43pm

First of all, well done on getting the offer. If I were you I’d try very hard to impress during the placement by being proactive. Although it’s good to have a year of work experience, getting a university placement is far easier than a summer internship. Eg 1000 applications for summer internship vs 100 for a university placement, so it may be the case that you may not get an offer when you apply the traditional way. To my knowledge, many placement students get training contract offers. Just be proactive and ask questions

Wonderboy2010 wrote: »

Hi guys, although I didn't dive into summer internships or training contract applications, I had my own mini "Milkrounds" for a university student placement year. To my surprise, I got 3 interviews from 3 of the Top 5 firms and walked away with 2 offers- A&L Goodbody and Matheson. It was a tough decision, but I ultimately went with Matheson because of its culture and keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion. However, I know the game is not over it. I still have to try and impress the firm in order to gain a training contract or summer internship with them in the future. I was wondering if anyone can offer tips on how to impress firms while on a summer internship or placement? How did you get over the fear of "imposter syndrome" or messing things up? I'm well aware that the chances of obtaining a training contract or summer internship from this placement are quite slim, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Worst thing that can happen is just me walking away with nearly a years worth of experience in the biggest commercial law firm in Ireland. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

lawgrad15 · 29-03-2021 5:49pm

Wonderboy2010 wrote: »

Hi guys, although I didn't dive into summer internships or training contract applications, I had my own mini "Milkrounds" for a university student placement year. To my surprise, I got 3 interviews from 3 of the Top 5 firms and walked away with 2 offers- A&L Goodbody and Matheson. It was a tough decision, but I ultimately went with Matheson because of its culture and keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion. However, I know the game is not over it. I still have to try and impress the firm in order to gain a training contract or summer internship with them in the future. I was wondering if anyone can offer tips on how to impress firms while on a summer internship or placement? How did you get over the fear of "imposter syndrome" or messing things up? I'm well aware that the chances of obtaining a training contract or summer internship from this placement are quite slim, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Worst thing that can happen is just me walking away with nearly a years worth of experience in the biggest commercial law firm in Ireland. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

1. Get involved
2. Be enthusiastic
3. Take ownership of mistakes
4. Ask questions and show an interest

good luck!

SJ108 · 29-03-2021 5:51pm

First and foremost, congratulations on the offers; it's no mean feat. I would like to echo the above without discrediting the achievement; it is a fact that the SIP/TC applications are far more competitive. Take solace in the fact that not everyone has the same opportunity as yourself to have an integrated placement. Remember that you are not expected to be an expert in the field or have vast experience working in corporate forms - that is what the placement is designed to cater for. All students in your intake will be in the same boat. Typically, all of the Co-Op placement students will have the opportunity to interview for a TC after the placement ends. Keep a very open mind when going in, engage with your 'buddy', team, and partner, as their feedback is relayed to graduate recruitment and, in turn, your university. Ask questions, gain experience, and if nothing comes of it, a year in a top-tier firm is indisputable. Draw on the experience in future milk round applications. If you find yourself with a lot of free time during your placement (unlikely, but it happens), maybe consider sitting an FE-1 or two, or if you have to do a dissertation/thesis in your final-year, liaise with your law school, you may be able to get a head start on that. Congratulations again, and the very best of luck.

Wonderboy2010 wrote: »

Hi guys, although I didn't dive into summer internships or training contract applications, I had my own mini "Milkrounds" for a university student placement year. To my surprise, I got 3 interviews from 3 of the Top 5 firms and walked away with 2 offers- A&L Goodbody and Matheson. It was a tough decision, but I ultimately went with Matheson because of its culture and keen interest in Diversity and Inclusion. However, I know the game is not over it. I still have to try and impress the firm in order to gain a training contract or summer internship with them in the future. I was wondering if anyone can offer tips on how to impress firms while on a summer internship or placement? How did you get over the fear of "imposter syndrome" or messing things up? I'm well aware that the chances of obtaining a training contract or summer internship from this placement are quite slim, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Worst thing that can happen is just me walking away with nearly a years worth of experience in the biggest commercial law firm in Ireland. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

UCCME · 30-03-2021 10:00am

I have a few FE1s under my belt and I am out of college, and I got an internship with a top 5 firm. I'd be hoping that at this stage they'd have taken me on as a potential trainee and I said in my interview I was applying for the internship rather than the traineeship to demonstrate my compatibility? Really hoping so because I feel like this is my best shot.

Did anyone complete virtual internships last year and get a TC out of it? Or know anyone who did, I'd love some reassurance :-)

roofus22 · 30-03-2021 11:22am

Anybody heard from Fieldfisher interview

Lawstudent2020 · 30-03-2021 1:04pm

Does anybody know generally when applications for Judicial Assistant roles open? What's the general application process like?

Wonderstruck · 30-03-2021 4:11pm

Lawstudent2020 wrote: »

Does anybody know generally when applications for Judicial Assistant roles open? What's the general application process like?

It was around October last year you'll have a bit of a wait!

Pre-covid time:
Application Form
Multi hour long law exams
Additional application form + interview

Covid time:
Application form (the longer one from pre-covid time)
Timed online research q and email drafting
Interview

You'd be hoping the vaccine schedule will be way behind when you can see the difference

If you're interested in Civil Service legal jobs I'd keep an eye out on the CCPC's website I saw they were looking for people a few months back they could be looking again. Look back through my old posts I've talked about it a bit.

Lallers96 · 30-03-2021 4:12pm

How exactly would one phrase the awkward question of how much a trainee role pays in an interview?

Fe1forthefun · 30-03-2021 6:22pm

Lallers96 wrote: »

How exactly would one phrase the awkward question of how much a trainee role pays in an interview?

I wouldn't ask unless I had the offer. You can always turn it down if you think its too little.

Lallers96 · 30-03-2021 8:06pm

From what I've seen the going rate at smaller rural firms is €12.30 p/h especially when they're applying for the small firm trainee grant.

lawgrad15 · 30-03-2021 11:17pm

Lawstudent2020 wrote: »

Does anybody know generally when applications for Judicial Assistant roles open? What's the general application process like?

My advice would be don't apply unless you are going to do it for the 3 year duration.

I had some fe1's under my belt and they asked more that once will you complete the full 3 year contract? The interview was quite awkward tbh - not challenging but awkward.

Having said that I saw many people's profiles in LI who only partially completed the contract.

Diamond_Hands · 30-03-2021 11:34pm

lawgrad15 wrote: »

My advice would be don't apply unless you are going to do it for the 3 year duration.

I had some fe1's under my belt and they asked more that once will you complete the full 3 year contract? The interview was quite awkward tbh - not challenging but awkward.

Having said that I saw many people's profiles in LI who only partially completed the contract.

I'm going to apply for JA role with the intention of completing one year only as my TC will start soon

Diamond_Hands · 30-03-2021 11:35pm

Lallers96 wrote: »

From what I've seen the going rate at smaller rural firms is €12.30 p/h especially when they're applying for the small firm trainee grant.

This is very good considering that you'll be working fewer hours in a rural place. I would also factor in whether they would be willing to cover Blackhall fees.

Diamond_Hands · 30-03-2021 11:35pm

Do most firms cover Fe1 fees when you've completed them?

FE1new · 31-03-2021 8:42am

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

Do most firms cover Fe1 fees when you've completed them?

I'm not sure to be honest. I checked my offer letter and there is nothing there about FE1s only Law Society exams and PPC fees. I had heard from a few people most don't. Haha personally I have written the fees off and if they say they will pay them back its a bonus.

neon123 · 31-03-2021 9:45am

Hi folks, have many people been applying to small/medium firms in Dublin lately?
Just sat my last 2 FE-1s so going to get cracking soon but just wanted to get a feel for what's its like out there and do I have my work cut out for me! Looking at trying to get something commercial orientated.

SJ108 · 31-03-2021 12:35pm

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

Do most firms cover Fe1 fees when you've completed them?

Not necessarily most firms, but some of the larger ones do it as an incentive. For example, I know that Arthur Cox, McCann and William Fry offer FE1 fee reimbursement (to a maximum of €840). Matheson and MHC make no reference to it on their websites/contracts, and A&L Goodbody does not offer a rebate but offer an incremental salary over your three years that will more than cover it!

Shylawgirl · 01-04-2021 8:09am

How manageable is working a full time summer internship all summer, alongside a part time weekend job while studying for an FE1 in October? Do you think it’s possible to balance all three and still pass the exam?

FE1new · 01-04-2021 8:37am

Shylawgirl wrote: »

How manageable is working a full time summer internship all summer, alongside a part time weekend job while studying for an FE1 in October? Do you think it’s possible to balance all three and still pass the exam?

Yes I work full time in a busy law firm and have passed 4 FE1s the first go and am doing a masters. You just have to structure. You have 6 months until the exam. Start your study and notes so you don't get overwelmed. You can do it but only do what you can. I only took 2 this March sitting as it was all I could take. Plan your time and chip away at the study and you will be grand.

biglawhead420 · 01-04-2021 12:39pm

Walkers second round.

Mint195 · 01-04-2021 3:20pm

Does anyone know what to expect for walkers second round interview?

FE1_2020_ · 01-04-2021 4:59pm

Lallers96 wrote: »

From what I've seen the going rate at smaller rural firms is €12.30 p/h especially when they're applying for the small firm trainee grant.

is that grant part of the law access programme ? I was under impression that it would be possible to negotiate better terms of pay considering they're receiving a grant of €17,000 could be mistaken on the figure there.

Where have you come across €12.30 per hour ?

Law Firm Milkrounds 20/21

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