Law Firm Milkrounds 20/21

Corplawtrainee

IgoPAP wrote: »

By number of practicing certs:

https://www.irishlegal.com/article/arthur-cox-tops-chart-for-most-practising-solicitors-in-ireland

The idea of 'Big 10' will be less and less relevant with the entrance of international firms like DLA, Dechert, Dentons, etc., when they pay better.

Hopefully it'll push up salaries for the rest of us. The only reason the MCs offer 6 figure 1PQE salaries in London is because of the US firms.

Any idea what Dentons/DLA are offering Salary-wise. Are they the same rate as in London? Heard that they were offering big pay packets to poach partners, but nothing beyond that.

Similarly waiting for the U.S-effect over here, but probably won’t be for a while. Took Freshfields more than 10 years of money law salaries to finally budge. They might try increasing benefits, but not even sure what that might include.

biglawhead420

Corplawtrainee wrote: »

Any idea what Dentons/DLA are offering Salary-wise. Are they the same rate as in London? Heard that they were offering big pay packets to poach partners, but nothing beyond that.

Similarly waiting for the U.S-effect over here, but probably won’t be for a while. Took Freshfields more than 10 years of money law salaries to finally budge. They might try increasing benefits, but not even sure what that might include.

From what I hear they are all matching the 45-50k for trainee then 70-80k for NQ.

It is only Dechert, as far as I know, who is paying over the 100K mark.

I have heard from one source that Walkers pay 85K NQ but I have never met anyone who works there.

FE1Hopefully1

I never trust what people say they’re getting paid haha from my experience most of them lie and inflate it haha

Would be good if firms would just say it on the grad website

One guy bragged to my friend he was going to be getting 50k in his first year in one of the big firms and another friend who had a contract for the same year with the same firm said no it’s 35k

caius97

Ive been offered a TC with a medium-sized firm and the starting salary is 23k (which rises through every 'milestone' of the traineeship). Blackhall fees also paid. Very happy as corporate isn't for me and will be mostly working on family/medical negligence stuff

IgoPAP

caius97 wrote: »

Ive been offered a TC with a medium-sized firm and the starting salary is 23k (which rises through every 'milestone' of the traineeship). Blackhall fees also paid. Very happy as corporate isn't for me and will be mostly working on family/medical negligence stuff

Congrats!

caius97

Thank you!

AlexTG356

Has anyone done the DACB first stage video interview yet? Would be interested in the layout. Presume it's the same questions as any other these interviews.

FE1Hopefully1

caius97 wrote: »

Ive been offered a TC with a medium-sized firm and the starting salary is 23k (which rises through every 'milestone' of the traineeship). Blackhall fees also paid. Very happy as corporate isn't for me and will be mostly working on family/medical negligence stuff

Oh congrats!!! I’ve always found family law and medical negligence very interesting it’s a great area !!

caius97

FE1Hopefully1 wrote: »

Oh congrats!!! I’ve always found family law and medical negligence very interesting it’s a great area !!

Yeh same! Excited to start

FE1Hopefully1

caius97 wrote: »

Yeh same! Excited to start

When do you start ?? Do you get to work with them before going to blackhall

awsah

caius97 wrote: »

Yeh same! Excited to start

Congratulations! When do you start!

I am the same, I would prefer a smaller firm. the place I am interning in told me on Friday they will offer me a training contract, to say I am relieved is an understatement, 1 less thing to worry about!

caius97

awsah wrote: »

Congratulations! When do you start!

I am the same, I would prefer a smaller firm. the place I am interning in told me on Friday they will offer me a training contract, to say I am relieved is an understatement, 1 less thing to worry about!

Omg congrats!

I haven’t got the start date yet because of COVID, but I’ll deffo be working before going to blackhall - it’s part of the contract. Also, I haven’t done any FE1s yet so won’t be going to Blackhall until Dec21 or sep 22!

awsah

caius97 wrote: »

Omg congrats!

I haven’t got the start date yet because of COVID, but I’ll deffo be working before going to blackhall - it’s part of the contract. Also, I haven’t done any FE1s yet so won’t be going to Blackhall until Dec21 or sep 22!

I am hoping I will be ready to start Blackhall in September, if not il be looking at Hybrid Dec/Jan also!

FE1Hopefully1

awsah wrote: »

I am hoping I will be ready to start Blackhall in September, if not il be looking at Hybrid Dec/Jan also!

I was hoping for September but the firm said that have someone going in so I’ll be sep 22

I had thought about the hybrid but don’t think I’d like it

awsah

FE1Hopefully1 wrote: »

I was hoping for September but the firm said that have someone going in so I’ll be sep 22

I had thought about the hybrid but don’t think I’d like it

Ya I don't really like the idea either but I am impatient and just want to get the time started on my training!

FE1Hopefully1

awsah wrote: »

Ya I don't really like the idea either but I am impatient and just want to get the time started on my training!

I just don’t like the sound of it tbh

FE1Rookie

Where are people finding trainee solicitor job postings? There is never really any posts for TCs on legalvacancies.ie and I see a lot of people finding and discussing applications being open for places. Where are you finding this info? Is it directly on each firms website and you're just keeping track of it? LinkedIn?

Lallers96

MJ Staines won't be taking on any interns because of covid. Not sure if anyone else noticed this update so posting here.

I'm certain they didn't have that on their careers section on their site, and that it said applications open Feb 1st (tomorrow)

FE1Hopefully1

FE1Rookie wrote: »

Where are people finding trainee solicitor job postings? There is never really any posts for TCs on legalvacancies.ie and I see a lot of people finding and discussing applications being open for places. Where are you finding this info? Is it directly on each firms website and you're just keeping track of it? LinkedIn?

I found a good few on the law society vacancies website but then the rest is just researching the firms and going onto their graduate website

Jeremiah25

Has anyone completed the DACB recorded interview or know what questions to expect? TIA

Fe1user5555

Hi guys hope everyone’s getting on well! Does anyone know what the usual increase in salary is between trainee and NQ?

FE1Hopefully1

Fe1user5555 wrote: »

Hi guys hope everyone’s getting on well! Does anyone know what the usual increase in salary is between trainee and NQ?

Every firm is different tbh but some go from 50-60/65k and some go even higher

channing90

FE1Hopefully1 wrote: »

Every firm is different tbh but some go from 50-60/65k and some go even higher

Any idea what the average nqt earns in a smaller practice?

FE1Hopefully1

channing90 wrote: »

Any idea what the average nqt earns in a smaller practice?

I only have knowledge from where I worked but I’m not sure what you mean by small

When you look it
Up it says average trainee is 26500

The new qualified in my firm that I used to work in was on around 35000 but it was a very small firm

T.Chunter164

IgoPAP wrote: »

Seconded. Always ask for feedback. You'll never go wrong.

I interviewed with a top 5 firm last year and when I asked for feedback I got a very cold email saying feedback isn't provided but that I should apply next round... I have never once gotten feedback after a failed interview so maybe im unlucky with my emails!

Corplawtrainee

Is anybody here considering sitting/already sat the NY Bar? Wouldn’t mind giving it a shot, but think I’m a bit short on law credits since I did a dual degree.

Do you have any idea if the modules completed on PPC would count towards the credit requirement?

Thanks

Corplawtrainee

I got through a couple of group AC’s with a top 5 and U.K. firm.

It will likely be a commercial topic, but tbh it could be on almost anything. The thing they want to see is that you’re a normal person and are comfortable working with people you just met. It’s more a test of your interpersonal skills than intelligence.

From my experience, you don’t have to show of how smart you are and make stand out points, that’s for the final interview. Focus on making a few solid points, then make sure you’re getting everyone else involved.

People who take up all the speaking time and those who barely say anything are immediately out, so focus on not being one of them.

Practical Tips:

Say people’s names as much as you can.

Try and bounce off people’s idea I.e “I think x made a really good point, what if we did this as well”.

If you see that someone is struggling and hasn’t got a word in, ask them for their opinion or include them in some way. They’re likely not getting through but it casts you in a good light.

lawgrad15

Re: DAC Beachcroft Interview - Hi there, I did it last week. There is honestly nothing to worry about. You can rerecord your answers. I think there were about 3 questions from memory? Nothing out of the blue at all. I had it fully finished in a number of minutes. Plus there is an opportunity for you to record and listen back to yourself at the start so no need to worry about mic/camera issues. That's all I can remember. Definitely wasn't difficult - so no need to worry! Hope that helps.

AlexTG356

When you submit the A & L summer internship application do you have to do the aptitude tests straight away or do they give you a few days? Don't feel like looking at a bunch of shapes and the patterns between them at 9pm at night.

Fedone

AlexTG356 wrote: »

When you submit the A & L summer internship application do you have to do the aptitude tests straight away or do they give you a few days? Don't feel like looking at a bunch of shapes and the patterns between them at 9pm at night.

They give you maximum 5 days after you submit your application to complete the tests. They send reminder emails too which are handy

jus_me

Has anyone heard or themselves got thru to the interview stage with Staines or just POFs so far ?

Lallers96

Group interviews should be fired into the sun.

Lallers96

Does anyone who was an Access Student know of the support available for securing a TC? I just got the good news that I have been accepted into the program and I'm really struggling at this stage in becoming a solicitor.

I can see the seminars and such that they offer but does anyone with prior experience know if it was of much help?

FE1Nov20

jus_me wrote: »

Has anyone heard or themselves got thru to the interview stage with Staines or just POFs so far ?

Still nothing from them .. i think I give up at this stage

LeGal97

Lallers96 wrote: »

Does anyone who was an Access Student know of the support available for securing a TC? I just got the good news that I have been accepted into the program and I'm really struggling at this stage in becoming a solicitor.

I can see the seminars and such that they offer but does anyone with prior experience know if it was of much help?

TBH I don't think so.

I was accepted awhile ago, and I still haven't secured anything.

I emailed wondering about resources available to help me when applying for jobs but I didn't receive anything back, so I am under the impression its more useful once you get a TC and go to Blackhall.

FE1Nov20

Re DAC Beachcroft - does anyone reckon that they are recruiting a number of trainees and not just 1 trainee ?

Diamond_Hands

LeGal97 wrote: »

TBH I don't think so.

I was accepted awhile ago, and I still haven't secured anything.

I emailed wondering about resources available to help me when applying for jobs but I didn't receive anything back, so I am under the impression its more useful once you get a TC and go to Blackhall.

Is it worth applying for the Access Programme if you already have a Training Contract? My firm is going to cover all of costs and fees.

FE1Rookie

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

Is it worth applying for the Access Programme if you already have a Training Contract? My firm is going to cover all of costs and fees.

If your firm is covering all fees you don't need a grant

Diamond_Hands

FE1Rookie wrote: »

If your firm is covering all fees you don't need a grant

I was just wondering if there any additional benefits that the Access Programme might provide as I am eligible for it anyways.

LeGal97

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

I was just wondering if there any additional benefits that the Access Programme might provide as I am eligible for it anyways.

Not everyone who is eligible gets a place, you must do submit an application and do an interview. I'm not sure how many spots there are on each round. I think this round is full so you'd have to wait until the summer and see does it open for new applicants.

The main benefits are Blackhall and FE1 fees covered.

NewFe1

FE1Nov20 wrote: »

Re DAC Beachcroft - does anyone reckon that they are recruiting a number of trainees and not just 1 trainee ?

I would say more than 1

Diamond_Hands

For those training with big firms: does anybody have any advice of how one should go about with picking rotations?

Hamerzan Sickles

If the Matheson deadline is the third, does that mean we need to submit our application by midnight tonight or midnight tomorrow?

AA247

Hamerzan Sickles wrote: »

If the Matheson deadline is the third, does that mean we need to submit our application by midnight tonight or midnight tomorrow?

I always struggle with that 😅 it’s 23.59 tomorrow though, I got an email reminder to finish it.

Spent hours on it today and then got to the ‘tell me about something you know...’ question and honestly feel like just giving up now....

lawgrad49

Has anyone secured or at least know of someone who secured a TC with one of the Top 10/Top 15 firms without first being an intern?

Curious to know as I have 4/5 friends who are a bit older than me who are training/qualified into the Big 5 and all were either an intern or working as a legal exec/sec in the firm before they got their interview for the TC.

NewFe1

lawgrad49 wrote: »

Has anyone secured or at least know of someone who secured a TC with one of the Top 10/Top 15 firms without first being an intern?

Curious to know as I have 4/5 friends who are a bit older than me who are training/qualified into the Big 5 and all were either an intern or working as a legal exec/sec in the firm before they got their interview for the TC.

I did and I've never done an internship.

FE1Hopefully1

lawgrad49 wrote: »

Has anyone secured or at least know of someone who secured a TC with one of the Top 10/Top 15 firms without first being an intern?

Curious to know as I have 4/5 friends who are a bit older than me who are training/qualified into the Big 5 and all were either an intern or working as a legal exec/sec in the firm before they got their interview for the TC.

I personally don’t know anyone - a lot hire from the intern group the only firm I know that doesn’t is Fieldfisher !

Diamond_Hands

lawgrad49 wrote: »

Has anyone secured or at least know of someone who secured a TC with one of the Top 10/Top 15 firms without first being an intern?

Curious to know as I have 4/5 friends who are a bit older than me who are training/qualified into the Big 5 and all were either an intern or working as a legal exec/sec in the firm before they got their interview for the TC.

I have a training contract with A&L and I haven't worked with them before. But I have interned at most of the other big 5. But you make a good point that most TCs at big firms are now being handed out to previous summer interns.

Corplawtrainee

Yeah same, got offered a direct TC at A&L but interned at some of the other big 5 firms. I don’t think you need to get on a formal summer programme, but definitely would help to have some legal experience at a firm of a similar caliber.

lawgrad49

Diamond_Hands wrote: »

I have a training contract with A&L and I haven't worked with them before. But I have interned at most of the other big 5. But you make a good point that most TCs at big firms are now being handed out to previous summer interns.

Yeah it's just a trend I've noticed and wondered was it unique to my friend group because we were all Law students so naturally many interned during college or straight after we graduated. I just never bothered my ass interning because I was working in retail etc and since Uni I've been in a non-legal role but still within professional services.

Good to see a poster above didn't intern anyway, because I don't see myself being fit to do that.