The best bits from yesterday’s #TCapps Q&A, featuring Norton Rose Fulbright, Mayer Brown, Aspiring Solicitors, Kaplan Law School and David Allen Green — amongst a host of other experts and wannabe lawyers.
1. Be pro-active to combat poor A-levels
@katie_r_fry #TCapps I recommend contacting recruiters before applying to flag your grades/any relevant info or mitigating circumstances
— AspiringSolicitors (@access2law) July 16, 2014
2. Where you went to uni is becoming less of a big deal
@lewisdaveyllb We don't look at one university over another. Instead we look to see if you meet our minimum requirements. #TCapps
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_GradUK) July 16, 2014
3. But academics remain important
@moabbas07 @NLegal_GradUK We screen applications against a number of different criteria. We do expect 320 UCAS points as a minimum.
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 16, 2014
4. You can get over bad school results — as top media lawyer and journalist David Allen Green proves
@legalcheek Yep, 5 Cs, 2 Ds and an E at O-Level (though that was very good for my school) My A-levels and degree compensated! #TCapps
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) July 16, 2014
5. Rubbish first year results? Consider delaying your application
@Simonwilson36 @legalcheek @access2law #TCapps It could hinder your chances if applying before 2ndyr results – advice to apply in third yr
— Kaplan Law School (@KaplanLawSchool) July 16, 2014
6. What is a ‘strong 2:1’?
@IkraaArif 65% plus, plus a 2.1 average in every year. #TCapps
— Kaplan Law School (@KaplanLawSchool) July 16, 2014
*A short interlude for some trolling*
@KristinaKillick @legalcheek I'll give you some work experience. How are you at sifting through thousands of documents all day long?
— niteowl attorney (@niteowlattorney) July 16, 2014
7. Vac schemes are not always essential
@pucy_lether #tcapps Vac schemes are not a pre-requisite but make sure you research which firms recruit solely from them before you apply!
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 16, 2014
8. More firms read every application than students often realise: research their graduate recruitment criteria to find out which
@moabbas07 @legalcheek #TCapps most firms screen applications but there are a significant number who read every one…
— AspiringSolicitors (@access2law) July 16, 2014
9. It’s not about the extra-curricular activities, it’s how you do them
@judgejohnhack @katie_r_fry It is more about your involvement. Taking a leadership role says a lot about you. #TCapps
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_GradUK) July 16, 2014
10. The interesting are remembered
@AndrewDon8 Saying exactly the same bland meaningless things as all the other applicants. #TCapps
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) July 16, 2014
11. Showing ‘commercial insight’ isn’t rocket science
@moabbas07 Take an interest in a commercial issue and express that through your application form to demonstrate your commerciality #TCapps.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_GradUK) July 16, 2014
12. International applicants shouldn’t be put off from applying
@KetoacidBRosis #tcapps You just need to list all of your academics and the relevant graduate recruitment team can benchmark them.
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 16, 2014
13. Be careful about dwelling on the negative
@LewisDaveyLLB It depends on the explanation; unless it is compelling, it can seem defensive. #TCapps
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) July 16, 2014
14. Applying a week or so before the deadline may boost your chances
@HerrityAlex @legalcheek #TCapps yes, early apps better. Leaving to last min isn't a good 1st impression. ONLY submit apps if 100% perfect
— Kaplan Law School (@KaplanLawSchool) July 16, 2014
Thanks to everyone who took part — the full thread is here, with the spill-over debate in the Legal Cheek comments section here.