Law Firm Milkrounds 2019

LawBoy2018 · 24-09-2020 8:47pm

IgoPAP wrote: »

I was speaking specifically about the types of students that manage to pick up TC's. Obviously the further you are out college, the less that grades might matter, and the more that experiences and jobs you've had since will be essential.

Yes 100%. Re Channing90, once you get some experience in a good firm, you won't believe the opportunities that'll come knocking. You will need to move to Dublin though (if you're not from there) which can be tough as your salary won't be great starting off.

channing90 · 24-09-2020 9:09pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

Yes 100%. Re Channing90, once you get some experience in a good firm, you won't believe the opportunities that'll come knocking. You will need to move to Dublin though (if you're not from there) which can be tough as your salary won't be great starting off.

Thanks for that. The issue now prob will be to obtain any sort of legal/paralegal role now with covid.

LawBoy2018 · 24-09-2020 9:34pm

channing90 wrote: »

Thanks for that. The issue now prob will be to obtain any sort of legal/paralegal role now with covid.

I'm pretty sure that most of the big firms have halted hiring until after Christmas, but you should aim to land something from January onwards and really put the effort into your applications/CV (patronising, I know! I'm sorry but it's crucial) Also, keep an eye out for the likes of Dentons, Kennedys, Pinsent Masons, Simmons & Simmons and the likes! They're going to grow rapidly in the coming years.

Best of luck!

amusicalfrog · 25-09-2020 9:50am

channing90 wrote: »

Thanks for that. The issue now prob will be to obtain any sort of legal/paralegal role now with covid.

When applying for TCs have a look at some of the less obvious places. I've a TC with two of the big 5 and subsequently got one with DLA Piper - who I'd never even heard of before doing the internship - and the TC salary for DLA ended up being better than the big 5. Also, the people in DLA seemed to be more diverse than the stereotypical corporate law intern in the other firms. They didn't really seem to place much stock in college/academics, and were much more interested in commercial acumen (in a way that I thought went beyond the others' somewhat superficial interest in same). Same goes, I imagine, for the likes of Freshfields and Dentons.

hullaballoo · 25-09-2020 11:12am

The market for high end Commercial/Corporate law firms has moved on substantially from the traditional "Big 5".

I know it's difficult as a student to get across the market for legal jobs here and little assistance provided in that regard. So take this post as assistance in that regard.

The Big 5 are still the "biggest" firms in Ireland but they are part players in comparison to some of the international firms who are now active in the market here.

Looking beyond those 5 we now have (off the top of my head and in no particular order):

Walkers
Pinsent Masons
Dechert
DLA Piper
Simmons & Simmons
Maples
Dentons (biggest firm in the world)
Eversheds Sutherland
DAC Beachcroft
Fieldfisher (ex McDowell Purcell)
DWF

Then some home grown non-big 5 firms that are not to be sniffed at:

MHC
ByrneWallace
RDJ
Beauchamps
Dillon Eustace
Eugene F. Collins
HOMs

There are plenty of "small" boutique commercial firms knocking around Dublin too if you have a bit of time and access to Google.

This idea that the traditional "Big 5" are somehow more prestigious than the alternatives in the market will literally only serve to hold you back in this day and age, in particular where the market is expanding and some other big (truly big, global firms) players on the cusp of entering it.

Hopefully there is some food for thought here and as always, the very best of luck to anyone looking to start on the road in this profession.

biglawhead420 · 25-09-2020 3:25pm

Hi there, any chance you could let us know what the DLA salary is? it is very interesting that they have come to Dublin!

28-09-2020 4:22pm

In terms of firms wanting ‘commercial awareness’ - what proves this/what level of detail are they expecting and in what areas?

Was hoping to get a traineeship starting 2021 but so many firms are hiring for 2022/23 I’m very stressed ;(

hullaballoo · 28-09-2020 5:50pm

Yeah, it's a bit woolly. I have been told I have good commercial awareness but I don't really know how or why.

Say if you're going for a job in a firm that does a lot of M&A stuff, have an idea what transactions they've been involved in recently and talk about that. Know how deals were structured and what kinds of issues might have cropped up.

Aside from that, general awareness of the business world is a good idea. Read the FT.

I suppose a good part of it is recognising that as lawyers, we have a very unique view of the world. Commercial interests don't always align with even very expensive legal advice so looking at things from your clients' perspective is a part of it.

neon123 · 28-09-2020 7:25pm

Hi Folks,

I'm going to being applying for a couple of grad schemes in the larger firms and was just wondering what my chances of success are? I'm 28 and finished my degree in 2015 and LLM in 2016. I worked in a litigation team for one of pillar Banks for almost 2 years and I'm currently in a new business department of a life assurance co, and just finished my QFA qualification. I applied for a handful of firms last year but only DE came back to me and I didn't make it past the first round. I completed my first 4 FE1s in March 2020 and I'm due to sit 2 more this November. I'm wondering if not working in an actual law firm will go against me. I was thinking of looking for a legal exec job at start of this year but due to what happened in the world I didn't want to leave a relatively stable Job and I wanted to stay permanent as I'm just finishing the process of purchasing a home. Any advice would be much appreciated!

LawBoy2018 · 28-09-2020 8:27pm

neon123 wrote: »

Hi Folks,

I'm going to being applying for a couple of grad schemes in the larger firms and was just wondering what my chances of success are? I'm 28 and finished my degree in 2015 and LLM in 2016. I worked in a litigation team for one of pillar Banks for almost 2 years and I'm currently in a new business department of a life assurance co, and just finished my QFA qualification. I applied for a handful of firms last year but only DE came back to me and I didn't make it past the first round. I completed my first 4 FE1s in March 2020 and I'm due to sit 2 more this November. I'm wondering if not working in an actual law firm will go against me. I was thinking of looking for a legal exec job at start of this year but due to what happened in the world I didn't want to leave a relatively stable Job and I wanted to stay permanent as I'm just finishing the process of purchasing a home. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Hi there! You sound like you have some solid experience imo. Sell your background in banking and litigation and express in your application that you want the opportunity to merge your experience in both industries, ideally in the banking department of a large corporate firm. Passing half of the FE1s will stand to you as it shows that you're ready to begin your legal career. I think your age will actually be more attractive to the corporate firms as it would make it seem as though you're more settled and less likely to go galavanting after a year or two.

Having said that, a legal exec/paralegal role would definitely be beneficial. Don't feel obliged to jump ship straight away, however I would certainly keep an eye out for any opportunities that might arise in the new year. Best of luck!

LawBoy2018 · 28-09-2020 8:32pm

Deleted User wrote: »

In terms of firms wanting ‘commercial awareness’ - what proves this/what level of detail are they expecting and in what areas?

Was hoping to get a traineeship starting 2021 but so many firms are hiring for 2022/23 I’m very stressed ;(

Be aware of any big cases that are topical in the news around the time of your interview, be aware of the firm's clients, be aware of any new EU Regulations + the changes made to Irish legislation due to Covid, any big deals your selected firm may be working on, any awards they've won recently, etc. The more, the better!

Although, they're not going to expect a 21 year old to know the ins and outs of the legal world so maybe just prepare a few bullet points on each of the above. Hope that helps!

neon123 · 28-09-2020 9:00pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

Hi there! You sound like you have some solid experience imo. Sell your background in banking and litigation and express in your application that you want the opportunity to merge your experience in both industries, ideally in the banking department of a large corporate firm. Passing half of the FE1s will stand to you as it shows that you're ready to begin your legal career. I think your age will actually be more attractive to the corporate firms as it would make it seem as though you're more settled and less likely to go galavanting after a year or two.

Having said that, a legal exec/paralegal role would definitely be beneficial. Don't feel obliged to jump ship straight away, however I would certainly keep an eye out for any opportunities that might arise in the new year. Best of luck!

Thanks for the feedback LawBoy, it’s nice to hear I might a have somewhat of a chance! I’ll be digging into applications over the coming weeks so we’ll see how it goes

vikings2012 · 28-09-2020 9:45pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

Hi there! You sound like you have some solid experience imo. Sell your background in banking and litigation and express in your application that you want the opportunity to merge your experience in both industries, ideally in the banking department of a large corporate firm. Passing half of the FE1s will stand to you as it shows that you're ready to begin your legal career. I think your age will actually be more attractive to the corporate firms as it would make it seem as though you're more settled and less likely to go galavanting after a year or two.

Having said that, a legal exec/paralegal role would definitely be beneficial. Don't feel obliged to jump ship straight away, however I would certainly keep an eye out for any opportunities that might arise in the new year. Best of luck!

What would be the average age of Big 5 trainees starting their contracts?

IgoPAP · 28-09-2020 9:48pm

vikings2012 wrote: »

What would be the average age of Big 5 trainees starting their contracts?

Around 24/25.

neon123 · 30-09-2020 11:50pm

Hi folks, when you get to the point of an application where it asks for employment history is it ok to use bullet points when it asks for a description a particular role?

rightytighty · 01-10-2020 12:16am

neon123 wrote: »

Hi folks, when you get to the point of an application where it asks for employment history is it ok to use bullet points when it asks for a description a particular role?

I’d say you’re better off just giving a concise breakdown of your duties etc rather than bullet points.

IgoPAP · 01-10-2020 12:52pm

Anybody applying to London city firms?

channing90 · 01-10-2020 12:56pm

IgoPAP wrote: »

Anybody applying to London city firms?

Are London city firms much harder to get into from Ireland ? Presume the fe1s are meaningless if applying to London ?

IgoPAP · 01-10-2020 1:00pm

channing90 wrote: »

Are London city firms much harder to get into from Ireland ? Presume the fe1s are meaningless if applying to London ?

Well there's more people applying but there's lots more firms available - not just big 5 big 10 you get in Ireland.

And yeah FE1s mean nothing. But they're qualification process is a lot easier.

IgoPAP · 01-10-2020 7:44pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

Hi there! You sound like you have some solid experience imo. Sell your background in banking and litigation and express in your application that you want the opportunity to merge your experience in both industries, ideally in the banking department of a large corporate firm. Passing half of the FE1s will stand to you as it shows that you're ready to begin your legal career. I think your age will actually be more attractive to the corporate firms as it would make it seem as though you're more settled and less likely to go galavanting after a year or two.

Having said that, a legal exec/paralegal role would definitely be beneficial. Don't feel obliged to jump ship straight away, however I would certainly keep an eye out for any opportunities that might arise in the new year. Best of luck!

I won't mention which one, but I remember getting rejected for a TC with one of the big 5 after an interview. I asked for some feedback, and I was told that the Partners apparently thought I had insufficient level of non-legal experience? (All the work experience I talked about related to legal).

I can laugh about it now but it really annoyed me at the time!

neon123 · 01-10-2020 10:20pm

IgoPAP wrote: »

I won't mention which one, but I remember getting rejected for a TC with one of the big 5 after an interview. I asked for some feedback, and I was told that the Partners apparently thought I had insufficient level of non-legal experience? (All the work experience I talked about related to legal).

I can laugh about it now but it really annoyed me at the time!

There's still hope so!:D

02-10-2020 5:21pm

Has anyone looked at the application for Dechert? It’s all based on the U.K. education system - is the junior very the GSCE equivalent? Do they reeeally want my junior cert results from 11 years ago??

awsah · 02-10-2020 5:57pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Has anyone looked at the application for Dechert? It’s all based on the U.K. education system - is the junior very the GSCE equivalent? Do they reeeally want my junior cert results from 11 years ago??

No so the GCSE (and someone correct me if I am wrong) is more akin to leaving cert, you can then go on and take A levels in certain subject areas. If they are asking for GCSE it is your leaving cert.

IgoPAP · 02-10-2020 6:21pm

awsah wrote: »

No so the GCSE (and someone correct me if I am wrong) is more akin to leaving cert, you can then go on and take A levels in certain subject areas. If they are asking for GCSE it is your leaving cert.

No the GCSE is equivalent to the JC. A level is equivalent to the Leaving Cert.

That's why Leaving Cert is used for A Level results if you apply for college in the UK, like JC for the GCSE

awsah · 02-10-2020 7:18pm

IgoPAP wrote: »

No the GCSE is equivalent to the JC. A level is equivalent to the Leaving Cert.

That's why Leaving Cert is used for A Level results if you apply for college in the UK, like JC for the GCSE

I don't think it's as simple as that though, I believe students spend longer on GCSE that junior cert so it would be higher than JC but lower that LC. A levels are higher than LC, not technically equivalent in terms of substance, not in terms of college applications. Usually people take more GCSE subjects. I would be surprised if the company was looking for JC results over LC, but I would be interested to know if that is the case!

rightytighty · 02-10-2020 7:30pm

Probably safe enough to assume we enter our JC results for that section all the same

IgoPAP · 02-10-2020 7:54pm

awsah wrote: »

I don't think it's as simple as that though, I believe students spend longer on GCSE that junior cert so it would be higher than JC but lower that LC. A levels are higher than LC, not technically equivalent in terms of substance, not in terms of college applications. Usually people take more GCSE subjects. I would be surprised if the company was looking for JC results over LC, but I would be interested to know if that is the case!

They're not looking for JC over LC, they're looking for both. If they're asking for your GCSE or equivalent, don't put in LC. It's your JC.

Hillary_2314 · 03-10-2020 7:26am

Does anyone know why MHC would require a photo in the applications?

IgoPAP · 03-10-2020 10:59am

Hillary_2314 wrote: »

Does anyone know why MHC would require a photo in the applications?

They're going to chuck out the applications of the ugly people.

Just kidding, I think it's for identification purposes for the interview.

s.molly · 03-10-2020 7:02pm

Hey guys, I've been reading this thread and I'm wondering if I could get a bit of perspective on my situation as I haven't come across anyone in the same boat.

I graduated from an arts degree in 2015 with a 2:2 after 4 long years of battling with mental health issues. I was surprised I finished the degree at all. After taking a year out to get better and sort myself out. I wanted to go back to college and give it a proper shot so I repeated my leaving cert when I was 23 and got into law in UCD.

Now that I'm finishing up I'm wondering how to go about presenting my application. Do I disregard my first degree? There would be no gaps in my CV if I did and I'm wondering how relevant they are. Then again firms do ask for educational history which I assume would include my first degree. I'm also worried that they'll see my first degree and send me an automatic PFO. Even though I've been on a strong 2:1 for all my years in UCD. I also have 4 FE-1s under my belt

I have experience working in small law firms doing internships but I'm not sure how to present my education when applying for firms. Does anyone have any advice?

IgoPAP · 03-10-2020 7:15pm

s.molly wrote: »

Hey guys, I've been reading this thread and I'm wondering if I could get a bit of perspective on my situation as I haven't come across anyone in the same boat.

I graduated from an arts degree in 2015 with a 2:2 after 4 long years of battling with mental health issues. I was surprised I finished the degree at all. After taking a year out to get better and sort myself out. I wanted to go back to college and give it a proper shot so I repeated my leaving cert when I was 23 and got into law in UCD.

Now that I'm finishing up I'm wondering how to go about presenting my application. Do I disregard my first degree? There would be no gaps in my CV if I did and I'm wondering how relevant they are. Then again firms do ask for educational history which I assume would include my first degree. I'm also worried that they'll see my first degree and send me an automatic PFO. Even though I've been on a strong 2:1 for all my years in UCD. I also have 4 FE-1s under my belt

I have experience working in small law firms doing internships but I'm not sure how to present my education when applying for firms. Does anyone have any advice?

The firms will definitely understand if you explain the health issues that causes the results of your first degree. They always have a place to explain mitigating circumstances. If they're careless you might get an automatic PFO because they get so many applicants to go through but I think any reasonable person could see an understandable reason for your results.

Not to mention, the first degree was not law related, and you've done well in your law degree anyways. I don't think you should be worried about that. Just do your best, and if you get a chance, ask for some feedback to see where you could have improved. Best of luck.

LawBoy2018 · 03-10-2020 8:46pm

s.molly wrote: »

Hey guys, I've been reading this thread and I'm wondering if I could get a bit of perspective on my situation as I haven't come across anyone in the same boat.

I graduated from an arts degree in 2015 with a 2:2 after 4 long years of battling with mental health issues. I was surprised I finished the degree at all. After taking a year out to get better and sort myself out. I wanted to go back to college and give it a proper shot so I repeated my leaving cert when I was 23 and got into law in UCD.

Now that I'm finishing up I'm wondering how to go about presenting my application. Do I disregard my first degree? There would be no gaps in my CV if I did and I'm wondering how relevant they are. Then again firms do ask for educational history which I assume would include my first degree. I'm also worried that they'll see my first degree and send me an automatic PFO. Even though I've been on a strong 2:1 for all my years in UCD. I also have 4 FE-1s under my belt

I have experience working in small law firms doing internships but I'm not sure how to present my education when applying for firms. Does anyone have any advice?

Your story is quite compelling and it shows real grit and ambition, two extremely sought after qualities by law firms. If there's only space in your application for one undergraduate degree, I would give your UCD results and then at the bottom in the box provided, explain how you previously completed your first degree. I'm not sure if you need to mention your mental health problems, though? That seems a bit personal imo. Mental health issues are probably cited regularly by applicants trying to explain their less than perfect grades (harsh, but true).

There's nothing wrong with getting a 2.2 degree and many a solicitor found themselves in the same boat as you + went on to have a fantastic career. I would instead paint a picture whereby you graduated from your first degree, but knew you had the potential/passion to give third level education another shot. Did you study law in your arts degree? If not, you should explain to them why you decided to pursue a career in law and express how you would stop at nothing to achieve your goals.

holliek · 08-10-2020 10:35pm

Hey, bit of a random one, I'm looking for advice re references on a CV. Should I put them in or put a statement e.g. references available on request instead?

NovemberWren · 08-10-2020 10:50pm

Does anyone here know why there are so few Judges in this country? Per 100,000 of the population, Ireland has 3.2 Judges; Germany has 24.4; Italy has 11.0; France has 10.7; Greece, 18.0; Finland, 18.0 and U.K. has 3.5 (and also has lay Justices).
Is there any limit on the numbers of Solicitors and Barristers here?

lawgrad15 · 08-10-2020 11:13pm

holliek wrote: »

Hey, bit of a random one, I'm looking for advice re references on a CV. Should I put them in or put a statement e.g. references available on request instead?

I generally just say references available on request. I know others who include them. My CV is quite long as I had a few part time jobs so that's the main reason why for me.

starfishxxo · 08-10-2020 11:19pm

holliek wrote: »

Hey, bit of a random one, I'm looking for advice re references on a CV. Should I put them in or put a statement e.g. references available on request instead?

I would generally say available on request. Allows you more space to emphasise and elaborate on relevant parts of your cv but also means you can notify your referees, out of courtesy, when they can expect to be contacted by your prospective employers.

Bayb12 · 09-10-2020 10:51am

holliek wrote: »

Hey, bit of a random one, I'm looking for advice re references on a CV. Should I put them in or put a statement e.g. references available on request instead?

Unless you need to fill out your CV there is no need to say it, its a given they will be asking for referees

s.molly · 09-10-2020 12:28pm

LawBoy2018 wrote: »

Your story is quite compelling and it shows real grit and ambition, two extremely sought after qualities by law firms. If there's only space in your application for one undergraduate degree, I would give your UCD results and then at the bottom in the box provided, explain how you previously completed your first degree. I'm not sure if you need to mention your mental health problems, though? That seems a bit personal imo. Mental health issues are probably cited regularly by applicants trying to explain their less than perfect grades (harsh, but true).

There's nothing wrong with getting a 2.2 degree and many a solicitor found themselves in the same boat as you + went on to have a fantastic career. I would instead paint a picture whereby you graduated from your first degree, but knew you had the potential/passion to give third level education another shot. Did you study law in your arts degree? If not, you should explain to them why you decided to pursue a career in law and express how you would stop at nothing to achieve your goals.

Thanks so much for this. I really needed to hear that as I was thinking of throwing in the training contract towel!

s.molly · 09-10-2020 12:28pm

IgoPAP wrote: »

The firms will definitely understand if you explain the health issues that causes the results of your first degree. They always have a place to explain mitigating circumstances. If they're careless you might get an automatic PFO because they get so many applicants to go through but I think any reasonable person could see an understandable reason for your results.

Not to mention, the first degree was not law related, and you've done well in your law degree anyways. I don't think you should be worried about that. Just do your best, and if you get a chance, ask for some feedback to see where you could have improved. Best of luck.

Thanks for the feedback!

neon123 · 09-10-2020 12:50pm

Does anyone have any advice for approaching smaller firms in the Dublin area? The competition for the large firms seems extremely stiff so these might be my best bet. Would it be generally difficult to get into the smaller firms due to their size or would they be open to given people a chance? Hoping to join a firm that would be more commercial orientated.

starfishxxo · 09-10-2020 1:31pm

neon123 wrote: »

Does anyone have any advice for approaching smaller firms in the Dublin area? The competition for the large firms seems extremely stiff so these might be my best bet. Would it be generally difficult to get into the smaller firms due to their size or would they be open to given people a chance? Hoping to join a firm that would be more commercial orientated.

I certainly wouldnt be deterred from applying to the large firms just based on the level of competition, particularly if commercial law is your interest. Obviously just take the time to make the most of your skills and experience and tailor your application to the firm.

In my experience, I found the medium size firms quite unpredictable - like I was getting interviews in the big firms but often nothing back from smaller places i'd applied to. A bit hit or miss! But I guess each may be looking for different qualities and place different emphasis on education/working experience/extra curriculars. So I'd recommend applying widely - where the info wasnt available on a firm's website, I made phone inquiries as to their trainee recruitment process, relevant dates, and HR contacts etc.
Hope that's of some help

law987 · 19-10-2020 8:22pm

Anyone know what to expect in an interview with Eversheds?

Coffeelover13 · 28-10-2020 8:59pm

Hi guys,

I have a TC for September 2022 and I graduated in 2020. At the time, I thought an extra year would be good (plus they didn’t offer me 2021, just 2022) but I’ve decided that 2021 would suit me much better. Does anybody know if firms are ever open to pushing TCs forward? I’ve heard of people pushing their contracts back but never forward...especially during Covid, it may be even more unlikely.

It’s a big 5 firm if that makes a difference (bigger intakes so maybe more flexibility!??)

Thanks!

amusicalfrog · 28-10-2020 9:16pm

Coffeelover13 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I have a TC for September 2022 and I graduated in 2020. At the time, I thought an extra year would be good (plus they didn’t offer me 2021, just 2022) but I’ve decided that 2021 would suit me much better. Does anybody know if firms are ever open to pushing TCs forward? I’ve heard of people pushing their contracts back but never forward...especially during Covid, it may be even more unlikely.

It’s a big 5 firm if that makes a difference (bigger intakes so maybe more flexibility!??)

Thanks!

anything i've heard is to the effect that it's near-impossible to move your contract forward, and doubly so during the pandemic. Would maybe be worth asking regardless, but i would imagine it'd be a no.

T.Chunter164 · 28-10-2020 11:41pm

Hi,

Wanted some advice from more ‘experienced’ people. I’m about to sit my FE1’s in 2 weeks time - and I don’t see myself being able to sustain this level of ‘motivation’ for the set in March, knowing that I have no training contract at the end of it.

Do people know if firms generally look at if a candidate has completed their FE1’s, or does having all 8 completed not make much of a difference? Have people completed say 4 FE1s and then not sat the rest until a training contract was secured?

Thanks!

T.Chunter164 · 28-10-2020 11:47pm

law987 wrote: »

Anyone know what to expect in an interview with Eversheds?

I never interviewed with Eversheds, but I attended their ‘insight’ day a while back.

The main things to avoid, is being nervous and not answering questions. They’ve said they prefer a candidate to take a minute or so to think before answering and give clear and concise answers.

They also made references to the fact that unlike other firms (AC) they don’t look for candidates to be ‘ruthless’. Basically they want to make sure you will fit well in whatever department you work in as a trainee.

Have answers prepared, but they advised against regurgitation (pretty much a given at any interview).

Oh and commercial awareness is a big aspect for them in the interview!

Good luck!

rightytighty · 29-10-2020 2:46am

T.Chunter164 wrote: »

Hi,

Wanted some advice from more ‘experienced’ people. I’m about to sit my FE1’s in 2 weeks time - and I don’t see myself being able to sustain this level of ‘motivation’ for the set in March, knowing that I have no training contract at the end of it.

Do people know if firms generally look at if a candidate has completed their FE1’s, or does having all 8 completed not make much of a difference? Have people completed say 4 FE1s and then not sat the rest until a training contract was secured?

Thanks!

Not to be callous but I’d honestly suggest that you try to overcome that lack of motivation. Training contracts are not easy secured and if you’re set on the career then the sooner you get them the better really, unless you have other obligations or plans.

As regards the firms, I got interviews with 4 of the top 6 without ever having sat any and was successful. I think they’re more focused on the candidate themselves than where they’re at with the exams. I’m pretty sure they see the FE1s as a nuisance if anything.

starfishxxo · 29-10-2020 11:14am

T.Chunter164 wrote: »

Hi,

Wanted some advice from more ‘experienced’ people. I’m about to sit my FE1’s in 2 weeks time - and I don’t see myself being able to sustain this level of ‘motivation’ for the set in March, knowing that I have no training contract at the end of it.

Do people know if firms generally look at if a candidate has completed their FE1’s, or does having all 8 completed not make much of a difference? Have people completed say 4 FE1s and then not sat the rest until a training contract was secured?

Thanks!

I get the impression that, as long as they can be confident that you will complete them by your start date, firms are not really concerned with FE1s. Having said that, some medium sized firms specify that you must have already passed all before you are eligible to apply.
Bear in mind that most of the large firms are recruiting for 2022/3 onwards, whereas if you passed all by March you would be ready to start your training asap with a small/medium sized firm.

amusicalfrog · 29-10-2020 12:54pm

T.Chunter164 wrote: »

They also made references to the fact that unlike other firms (AC) they don’t look for candidates to be ‘ruthless’.

Good luck!

I understand that that's sort of the AC perception but I had a really really lovely interview in which I don't think I showcased any ruthlessness or cut-throatedness - I think they sorta get a bit of a bad rap lol

29-10-2020 3:14pm

Application for BW asks you to speak about who you admire (not in your fam!)
Does anyone have any suggestions of who would be a good fit here? obviously wouldn’t want anyone too famous/cliche but also don’t want to get caught out on a question about something if I don’t know enough about the person!

Law Firm Milkrounds 2019

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